** Advice/Opinions sought - Bargezilla **

[Shamrocker]

Good Afternoon Gents (and Ladies, ahem)

I am in the market for a used barge. I have the following perimeters which I must stick to, otherwise I'll buy a Caterham and have a very unhappy missus:

1) Comfort - My finer half suffers from severe back pain so a large saloon is required.
2) Mileage - I will cover 12-15k P.A. but I need to keep an eye on the running costs . fuel/service/reliabilty
3) Badge - I want something with a decent badge.
4) Budget - Up to 5k

I've had everything from a V5 Golf to a Phaeton. My short list is as follows:

1) S Class - 2000-2005 Petrol or diesel.
2) 7 Series - Same
3) Jag XJ - Same
4) Lexus 400/430 - Same


Opinions/Ideas would be greatly appreciated !

Shamrocker

[louiebaby]

Aren't the Merc a bit rusty from that era?

Head over to:

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

And join in the discussion...

[CAPP0]

If you don't have a personal preference, I would have thought that the answer there is to go for the best car, regardless of make/model, which you can find within budget from any of the list above.

[MissChief]

I like the assumption/prejudice that if you have a bad back only a huge car will do. Everyone knows the seats in anything less than 15 feet long are rubbish.

[RichTBiscuit]

Shamrocker said:

3) Badge - I want something with a decent badge.

I cant be bothered to write something constructive after reading shallow comments such as this.

[Shamrocker]

Thanks RichTBiscuit . Then don't.

[Frances The Mute]

If you need decent seats, buy the biggest Volvo you can get your paws on.

[Shamrocker]

MissChief.. Perhaps note. Drive 200 Miles in a TT and a S Class.

The S Class will be a more comfortable if not boaty drive.

Thank you for your opinion.

S

[PGN 500sl]

RichTBiscuit said:

Shamrocker said:

3) Badge - I want something with a decent badge.

I cant be bothered to write something constructive after reading shallow comments such as this.

Wow. Only deep thought allowed please..........


Being shallow is sometimes terrifically good for you. And more often than not, the badge signifies a better car. This coming from someone who bought a Phaeton rather than an equivalent S Class. Would I do the same again? No.

[youngsod]

Frances The Mute said:

If you need decent seats, buy the biggest Volvo you can get your paws on.

Seconded. Volvo seats are second to none. It still amazes me that I can get out of mine after hours of driving and I don't ache. Don't forget the heated option for the always amusing 'have I pee'd myself?' joke you can play on your passenger.

[Dr Interceptor]

Jag...

We have a 2002 E430 Merc (4.3 V8) and a 1998 XJ8 4.0 - I'd rather take the Jag every day.

Spec on the Jag is nowhere near as good, just something a bit more special about it.

[Shamrocker]

Thanks Frances/PGN/Youngsod

I'd never considered a Volvo to be honest. The S80 looks like a decent unit.

I would consider another Phaeton .. Diesels sadly don't come near my budget.

Thanks for your opinions.

S

[300bhp/ton]

Shamrocker said:

Good Afternoon Gents (and Ladies, ahem)

I am in the market for a used barge. I have the following perimeters which I must stick to, otherwise I'll buy a Caterham and have a very unhappy missus:

1) Comfort - My finer half suffers from severe back pain so a large saloon is required.
2) Mileage - I will cover 12-15k P.A. but I need to keep an eye on the running costs . fuel/service/reliabilty
3) Badge - I want something with a decent badge.
4) Budget - Up to 5k

I've had everything from a V5 Golf to a Phaeton. My short list is as follows:

1) S Class - 2000-2005 Petrol or diesel.
2) 7 Series - Same
3) Jag XJ - Same
4) Lexus 400/430 - Same


Opinions/Ideas would be greatly appreciated !

Shamrocker

I'm guessing that maybe petrol isn't such an issue if looking at some of these? What sort of mpg are you expecting?

[Shamrocker]

300Bhp .. I can live with 25Mpg ish combined.

[PGN 500sl]

5 series possibly?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3943228.htm

bit of haggling and you're in budget.

[Shamrocker]

Dr Interceptor said:

Jag...

We have a 2002 E430 Merc (4.3 V8) and a 1998 XJ8 4.0 - I'd rather take the Jag every day.

Spec on the Jag is nowhere near as good, just something a bit more special about it.

Great stuff Dr .. How reliable is the XJ ?

[Shamrocker]

PGN 500sl said:

5 series possibly?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3943228.htm

bit of haggling and you're in budget.

Looks like a nice one ..

[Shamrocker]

Look at this !

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3975360.htm

Robert Mugabe would be happy driving around in this ....

[davepoth]

Citroen C6 is supposed to have a lovely ride. You can pick them up for tuppence too.

[chris182]

If you have 5k to spend, are looking at Mercs and want the ultimate in comfort, I would suggest the older W126 S-class. Mine is the comfiest thing I've ever been in, fantastic seats and if you got a 300SE/SEL then it would manage 25mpg combined. The reliability is also reputedly better than later models and 5k would buy you a beautiful example.

Pretty picture: