Calling all agony aunts cupid stunt needs your help

[macp]

Dear Claire

Im wavering as I struggle to find a barge and swmbo is beginning to subtly apply pressure to get a 2nd car.We have a Fiesta 1.25 Zetec which is a brilliant little thing and is perfect to zip to work and back in but there is no way we could pack it up and drive down to Cornwall for a weeks holiday.So another small car is out of the question, I think ?

I like the idea of an E39 5 or an E38 7 or an XJ8 but then as some posters have said these are all superb cars if you can afford to run them.I have no problem with the fuel costs as I dont do a lot of miles but the maintenance thing is a complete unknown how do I know if I can afford to run them ?

Ridicule me but in short I dont know what I want!!

Perhaps I am thinking about this too deeply but quite frankly and yes it sounds ridiculous but I dont have a clue what to spend my (approx) 4k on ?

At the end of the day I know its my decision and I feel a bit of an eejit but I need some guidance here people.

[BluePurpleRed]

Seriously? I managed to do a 2 week cross Europe trip in a convertible E36. Myself and the Mrs and photography kit, laptops, bulky anniverssary presents... the works!

What exactly are you doing, and how many of you that means you cannot use a fiesta?

If you want something bigger for the comfort or for better handling then I would understand..

[papercup]

macp said:

there is no way we could pack it up and drive down to Cornwall for a weeks holiday

err.....why on earth not? Put the seats down in the back of a Fiesta and there's loads of room, more than in a lot of larger saloons. I used to get two mountain bikes and a week's stuff in the back of one. Seriously, its like owning a small van.

[Gizmo!]

E39 530i Sport. It won't murder you on running costs and even the 3.0 is quick enough to waft nicely, you don't need a v8. Anything more than that is overkill - nice overkill, but if you're worried about running costs you don't need to stretch.

[macp]

BluePurpleRed said:

Seriously? I managed to do a 2 week cross Europe trip in a convertible E36. Myself and the Mrs and photography kit, laptops, bulky anniverssary presents... the works!

What exactly are you doing, and how many of you that means you cannot use a fiesta?

If you want something bigger for the comfort or for better handling then I would understand..

In fairness the E36 is a much bigger car though even without a roof as such.There are only 3 of us in the family but I must point out that 2 cars are a must.

I think the need for the 2nd car is to be comfortable,spacious with longer legs for distance work.

[macp]

papercup said:

macp said:

there is no way we could pack it up and drive down to Cornwall for a weeks holiday

err.....why on earth not? Put the seats down in the back of a Fiesta and there's loads of room, more than in a lot of larger saloons. I used to get two mountain bikes and a week's stuff in the back of one. Seriously, its like owning a small van.

Good point but we need the back seat for our daughter and I think the little 1.25 thrashing away at around 3,000rpm for 3 or 4hrs on the motorway would get tiring.Plus its quite surprising how close together you are in a Fiesta especially when I try to put her right leg into first gear.

[macp]

Gizmo! said:

E39 530i Sport. It won't murder you on running costs and even the 3.0 is quick enough to waft nicely, you don't need a v8. Anything more than that is overkill - nice overkill, but if you're worried about running costs you don't need to stretch.

Thats the point I have no real idea about running costs to worry about them.We are certainly not loaded both of us earning a moderate salary.

This is helping so many thanks and keep it up please.

Edited by macp on Thursday 18th November 10:23

[andy-xr]

Piece of piss, this

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2241991.htm

Or if you want full on Protect My Kid mode...

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2030610.htm

[Gizmo!]

I'd expect 30-35mpg from a 530 on a run. I get less than that from my MX5

Servicing: take it to a local Indy, couple of hundred quid every 10k or so. Parts are more expensive than Fiesta ones but plentiful in scrappies as they sold bundles and bundles of E39s.

[SonicHedgeHog]

Why do you need a BMW? Why not buy another Ford? I was looking at the Mondeo last weekend and it is absolutely cavernous. Cheaper to buy, cheaper to run, cheaper to fix, NEWER and a damn good drive. RWD will make bugger all difference with the driving you're doing although that won't stop a lot of the posts after this one telling you you'll be less of a man without it.

[KenBlocksPants]

Gizmo! said:

you don't need a v8.

this is not true

[Some Gump]

papercup said:

err.....why on earth not? Put the seats down in the back of a Fiesta and it'll be so fast, you'll get there before you leave. Seriously, its like owning a small white van.

[saaby93]

Prius will have the legs and space, cheap to run
post 2004 ones are only a few k now

[macp]

SonicHedgeHog said:

Why do you need a BMW? Why not buy another Ford? I was looking at the Mondeo last weekend and it is absolutely cavernous. Cheaper to buy, cheaper to run, cheaper to fix, NEWER and a damn good drive. RWD will make bugger all difference with the driving you're doing although that won't stop a lot of the posts after this one telling you you'll be less of a man without it.

Im glad you posted this because it made me think I either have car snob tendencies or I appreciate a quality product.Looking back over my past cars they are mostly BMW,VAG & Volvo.Never had Mercedes but dont remember any of them being ruinous except perhaps the E46 3 series which needed upper and lower wishbone arms at £500 plus bushes & fitting.

I guess with a Ford Mondeo or a Vectra although good at what they do they are just imo mundane transport except for the sportier stuff.

[edo]

1998 BMW 7 SERIES 740i L V8 4dr Auto Saloon
Trade Seller: Chesham Carriage Co
59,000 miles, Silver Metallic with Unmarked Black Sports Leather. This car Has Only Done 59000 Miles, Supported by a Full Barons BMW History (7 Stamps) and 1 Non Franchise. Bodywork Is Immaculate, Inside is Totally Unmarked. Spec is Totally Standard, P/Steering, R/Locking, E/Mirrors, E/Windows, E/Roof, E/H/Memory Seats, E/Rear Seats with M/F/S/Wheel, E/Rear Blind, P/Aids, CD Autochanger. Toyally Original and Immaculate. Lady Owner for The Past 5 Years. It Must be 1 of The Finest Early 7 Series We Have Driven!! 3 Sets of Keys and Original Service Key. £3,195 P/X considered.



1997 BMW 735i V8
Trade Seller: Sovereign Cars
4 Doors, Automatic, Saloon, Petrol, 60,000 miles, Metallic Black. Insurance Group:18A, Finished in stunning Cosmos black metallic and luxury black leather upholstery with polished walnut trims. Only 2 former keepers, a very low 60,000 miles and comprehensive BMW main dealer service history. Last serviced by BMW Sytner, High Wycombe less than 2,000 miles ago. Electric, memory seats. Cruise control. Dual zone climate control. Multi function steering wheel. Electric sunroof. Electric windows front and rear. Electric, folding, colour coordinating door mirrors. In dash multi CD sound system. On-board computer. Auto dipping rear view mirror. Headlamp wash. 16 inch classic multi spoke BMW alloy wheels. Tinted glass. Front fog lights. Chrome window surrounds. Colour coordinating door handles. Soft close boot. Remote central locking with boot release. Power steering. Arm rests. Triple rear headrests. SRS airbag safety system. Rear ventilation. Never smoked in and fitted with over mats from new, this superbly maintained seven series has to be seen to be believed. Complete with both master keys, owner’s manuals, stamped service schedule, servicing receipts, V5C, current MOT, unused took kit and full sized spare wheel. Executive luxury for only, £3,495

[Gizmo!]

andy-xr said:

Piece of piss, this

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2241991.htm

Ruddy eck, that's cheap.

[macp]

saaby93 said:

Prius will have the legs and space, cheap to run
post 2004 ones are only a few k now

You are joking right
However cant knock the fact that its a suggestion.

By the way I reckon I cover around 8 to 10,000mls per year.

[KingRichard]

If you're put off by the odd £500+ bill, that really limits your options.

Any BMW, Merc or Jag has the ability to throw a big bill at you... It's why they are so cheap to buy - most people can't budget safe in the knowledge that running costs will be '£1000 a year', because these motors will occasionally land you with a hefty bill.

I would say that you need to be looking at the larger hatches from mainstream manufacturers that can be serviced by your local mechanic and were built for starship mileages.

You can still have a bit of luxury... Most manufacturers have the managers spec for fleet buyers - Ghia X, Laurin & Klement etc. Alternatively you can still have something fun.

I'd have a look at these...

Skoda Superb, V6 Tdi, Black Leather, 55 Plate.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2253138.htm

Mondeo ST220, 53 Plate.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2137744.htm

I bet this things shifts...

Vauxhall Vectra 3.2 GSi.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2252294.htm

[macp]

KingRichard said:

If you're put off by the odd £500+ bill, that really limits your options.

Any BMW, Merc or Jag has the ability to throw a big bill at you... It's why they are so cheap to buy - most people can't budget safe in the knowledge that running costs will be '£1000 a year', because these motors will occasionally land you with a hefty bill.

I would say that you need to be looking at the larger hatches from mainstream manufacturers that can be serviced by your local mechanic and were built for starship mileages.

You can still have a bit of luxury... Most manufacturers have the managers spec for fleet buyers - Ghia X, Laurin & Klement etc. Alternatively you can still have something fun.

I'd have a look at these...

Skoda Superb, V6 Tdi, Black Leather, 55 Plate.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2253138.htm

Mondeo ST220, 53 Plate.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2137744.htm

I bet this things shifts...

Vauxhall Vectra 3.2 GSi.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2252294.htm

Well to be honest a £500 bill can hurt anyone but happened to me at a time when I was only earning a low 2 figure salary.I like what you have suggested but dont like the idea of being mainstream.Keep it up as I say this is all helping and why PH is like the big brother I never had ..... sort of

[KingRichard]

If you're feeling bloody brave, the best two cars I've bought for under £5000 would be a V8 XJR and a TVR Chimaera

You pays yer money and takes yer choice!