Which luxo-barge up to £20k?

[nsa]

I test drove a Mercedes CLS 500 last weekend and thought it was the nuts. I'm struggling to think of my other options because it's not a segment of the market I'd considered before. I've got a shortlist of what I think are undervalued models that I can run for a few years at <5,000 miles per year. No FWD, and four doors are essentials.

Mercedes CLS
VW Phaeton
Audi A8
Lexus GS

Are there any horrors here or other cars I should consider? The Merc is the only one I REALLY like the look of, and I think it's a lot of car for the money. I've done a search here and the comments were generally positive.

[Witchfinder]

You've left the BMW 7-series off your list. You might also squeeze a Quattroporte at that price, but it wouldn't be cheap to run!

Personally, I'd be going for the Audi A8, probably with the 4.2 TDI.

[kambites]

5/7-series would be the standard PH response.

I guess an S-type R would be an interesting choice too, if you like the looks.

Edited by kambites on Wednesday 20th October 13:22

[unpc]

Predictable from me perhaps but XJR?

[nsa]

The S Type R is something I will investigate. Heard they are great cars, just not crazy about the interior.

Maybe I should revise the title to luxo-sportbarge, because the BMW 7 is just a bit too senior executive for me, and the A8 similar, although its appearance in Ronin is a big plus. The BMW 5 is an easy call, but I think I don't think they're undervalued.

[300bhp/ton]

unpc said:

Predictable from me perhaps but XJR?

XJR would be my pick too most likely. Although I do fancy one of these

I just love the look of them.





Aston Martin Lagonda LHD (1984)
74,000 miles £22,500
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1091662.htm


When you factor in depreciation it might also turn out to be one of the cheaper to run and own too.

[unpc]

300bhp/ton said:

unpc said:

Predictable from me perhaps but XJR?

XJR would be my pick too most likely. Although I do fancy one of these

I just love the look of them.




Aston Martin Lagonda LHD (1984)
74,000 miles £22,500
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1091662.htm


When you factor in depreciation it might also turn out to be one of the cheaper to run and own too.

As everyday transport? Are you nuts? I like them too but I also like cars that work most of the time.

[jdw1234]

I will be in similar position.

Have you not considered the Full Fat Range Rover Vogue (not sport)?

[kambites]

jdw1234 said:

I will be in similar position.

Have you not considered the Full Fat Range Rover Vogue (not sport)?

He wants a sporty barge and you suggest a Range Rover?

[300bhp/ton]

unpc said:

300bhp/ton said:

unpc said:

Predictable from me perhaps but XJR?

XJR would be my pick too most likely. Although I do fancy one of these

I just love the look of them.




Aston Martin Lagonda LHD (1984)
74,000 miles £22,500
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1091662.htm


When you factor in depreciation it might also turn out to be one of the cheaper to run and own too.

As everyday transport? Are you nuts? I like them too but I also like cars that work most of the time.

Nuts, me?? Certainly

The OP said 5000 or less miles a year. Not sure that truly counts as everyday transport for most? Also while I accept running costs might be high on these, I'd genuinely be surprised if it was totally unreliable. The 5.3 engine was extensively used and is not really stressed in this application. I think the transmission is a GM item and it doesn't have fancy ECU's controlling everything. In fact compared to a new Mondeo it's rather a simple car to maintain.

And this example seems to have been good enough to cover 74,000 miles so far and I'm sure there are others with higher mileages on.

[SlimRick]

Old school cool:


http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1996-Bentley-Turbo-R-Mint-ju...

[carl carlson]

When the time comes to sell the Elise I will be looking at similiar market segement. For about 20K there is plenty of choice. Masseratti 4200 Gran cambricosa (SP), M5 and I would seriously consider a Audi A5.


EDIT

Why do I always miss something vital. 4 Doors. Doh!

Edited by carl carlson on Wednesday 20th October 14:14

[Stitch]

Witchfinder said:

You've left the BMW 7-series off your list. You might also squeeze a Quattroporte at that price, but it wouldn't be cheap to run!

Personally, I'd be going for the Audi A8, probably with the 4.2 TDI.

Given your expected mileage, fuel economy may not be such an issue but 730d's in the mid to high teens seem conspicuous bargains to me

[inman999]

Merc S600 for half that budget.

[jdw1234]

kambites said:

jdw1234 said:

I will be in similar position.

Have you not considered the Full Fat Range Rover Vogue (not sport)?

He wants a sporty barge and you suggest a Range Rover?

Ah, missed his second post.

Luxo barge = yes.

Luxo sport barge = no.

[va1o]

I'd go for the CLS, £20k is more than enough to pick up a good 2008 example.

[Witchfinder]

Stitch said:

Given your expected mileage, fuel economy may not be such an issue but 730d's in the mid to high teens seem conspicuous bargains to me

I suggested the 4.2 TDI because with a chip, it's more than a match for the 4.2 petrol V8, without the thirst. Residuals are better too.

[frosted]

That gs450h is a seriously quick car , quiet and luxurious . It just looks wrong , did I mention its quick ?

[anonymous-user]

hunt round and you might just get an S8 with the 5.2 V10, job done then

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...

[yinujim]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...