Semi-Shed Need For Euro Road Trip - Suggestions Please
Discussion
Hi all, a bit of PH advice please,
I'm doing a Euro tour (Germany, Switzerland, Italy, France) next Easter and I'm looking to buy something a bit special to do it in for a budget of 3-4k, then sell again afterwards. I've looked at a few things so far including A4 convertibles and old SEC Mercs, but I'm running out of inspiration.
Must haves are 4 seats + boot (2+2 would be fine), reasonable fuel consumption, reasonable relaibility (yes, I know ive already mentioned a 20 year old Merc), decent comfort. Ability to oversteer a little also appreciated.
All suggestions welcome, except public transport.
I'm doing a Euro tour (Germany, Switzerland, Italy, France) next Easter and I'm looking to buy something a bit special to do it in for a budget of 3-4k, then sell again afterwards. I've looked at a few things so far including A4 convertibles and old SEC Mercs, but I'm running out of inspiration.
Must haves are 4 seats + boot (2+2 would be fine), reasonable fuel consumption, reasonable relaibility (yes, I know ive already mentioned a 20 year old Merc), decent comfort. Ability to oversteer a little also appreciated.
All suggestions welcome, except public transport.
My suggestion, and yes I am biased 'cause I've got one, is an old Merc. A 124 or 201 (190e/d) would be in your budget and fit the bill I reckon. Not the most sporty drive ever, but they make great tourers- comfy, ok on fuel (if you get a 4-cyl or diesel), easy to fix if needed and a decent reliable one is dead on your budget, and the auto boxes make traffic jams a lot more bearable. Plus they hold their value for re-sale... the SECs /126 models are generally harder to sell, but are a bit more barge-tastic if that's your thing.
Porsche 944 S2
Saab 9-5 Aero HOT Estate - these are fantastic touring cars
Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon
Scimitar SE5/SE6/GTE
All of these have curved ball elements but each has their very own character and are intentionally miles away from modern Euro-boxes. If you want a boring to look at but uber-comfortable Euro-box buy...
VW Passat 2.0 Tdi with auto + leather interior for comfort...plenty available and come in 140 or 170bhp versions. They're very good long distance cars.
Personal choice for this type of trip? Very hard to choose between the 944 S2 and Saab 9-5 Aero HOT.
Have a good trip.
Saab 9-5 Aero HOT Estate - these are fantastic touring cars
Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon
Scimitar SE5/SE6/GTE
All of these have curved ball elements but each has their very own character and are intentionally miles away from modern Euro-boxes. If you want a boring to look at but uber-comfortable Euro-box buy...
VW Passat 2.0 Tdi with auto + leather interior for comfort...plenty available and come in 140 or 170bhp versions. They're very good long distance cars.
Personal choice for this type of trip? Very hard to choose between the 944 S2 and Saab 9-5 Aero HOT.
Have a good trip.
Thanks, that quite a range, it's amazing what you can buy for this budget now.
BMW - I already have an e36 328 track car, so an e36 m3 isn't sufficiently different. Will seriously consider an e46 330i, would love to stretch to an e46 M3 but can't. Could even look at an 840ci.
Jag - It's the reliability that worries me, although an early S Type R is a real tempter (were the early ones crap?), as is the XJR with the LPG conversion I saw. But am I going to end up on an AA truck?
Merc - I just don't think a 190 would feel special enough, although it probably would be a very sensible choice. Have always lusted after an SEC, although take your point about difficult to sell
Porsche 944 S2 - Very interesting option, always fancied one but I really think the looks are really starting to date. Whilst I was looking I also saw a 928, which I'd love, but probably wouldn't make it to Dover.
Saab Aero HOT - Had never ever taken any notice of these, but a 250BHP Saab is certainly an interesting prospect.
Also seen a 350z and a Subaru Legacy Spec B, so starting to be spolit for choice.
Thanks again, and keep the suggestions coming.
BMW - I already have an e36 328 track car, so an e36 m3 isn't sufficiently different. Will seriously consider an e46 330i, would love to stretch to an e46 M3 but can't. Could even look at an 840ci.
Jag - It's the reliability that worries me, although an early S Type R is a real tempter (were the early ones crap?), as is the XJR with the LPG conversion I saw. But am I going to end up on an AA truck?
Merc - I just don't think a 190 would feel special enough, although it probably would be a very sensible choice. Have always lusted after an SEC, although take your point about difficult to sell
Porsche 944 S2 - Very interesting option, always fancied one but I really think the looks are really starting to date. Whilst I was looking I also saw a 928, which I'd love, but probably wouldn't make it to Dover.
Saab Aero HOT - Had never ever taken any notice of these, but a 250BHP Saab is certainly an interesting prospect.
Also seen a 350z and a Subaru Legacy Spec B, so starting to be spolit for choice.
Thanks again, and keep the suggestions coming.
The Merc SEC is a fabulous car and meets all your requirements apart from fuel consumption. I am planning on taking mine on my next euro road trip next summer and it should easily cope with four and their luggage in magnificent comfort and style. 20mpg is reasonable figure to hope for but any more than that requires some slow wafting.
AlexKing said:
Ooh yes, if not an SEC then I would be tempted by that. I didn't realise they were so cheap!Alfa Romeo 156 / 166 V6. OK, so the MPG will cost you a bit (30mpg at 70, with a heavy right foot... less...), but you can get a reasonable one of either for around a grand leaving plenty spare for petrol. No cupholders.
Volvo 850 T5. Ultra-comfy cruiser, nice enough to drive. Maybe not the most exciting option, but cheap, comfy, fast and will get you there.
Volvo 850 T5. Ultra-comfy cruiser, nice enough to drive. Maybe not the most exciting option, but cheap, comfy, fast and will get you there.
For all those countries, how about an Audi Mk 1 S3. Dealers everywhere, and reliable/quick, in the first instance. I did 3 x 3000 mile trips round Europe, in a Mk1 XR2, never missed a beat, other than the passes, where the Weber carb struggled for air, and although never needed, there was a Ford dealer in every major town. Same applies to VW abroad, dealer network very strong, some of your other suggestions might struggle, or be pricey, esp. Merc, should something gone wrong.
My word, just looked at the BRG Jag, nice, even with added rust spots, but who's gonna fix that in deepest Europe. You know, a leggy 330 BM diesel, might just do you too, they'll flatten out the biggest mountain pass.
My word, just looked at the BRG Jag, nice, even with added rust spots, but who's gonna fix that in deepest Europe. You know, a leggy 330 BM diesel, might just do you too, they'll flatten out the biggest mountain pass.
Edited by icepop on Saturday 17th November 02:48
Edited by icepop on Saturday 17th November 02:56
chris182 said:
AlexKing said:
Ooh yes, if not an SEC then I would be tempted by that. I didn't realise they were so cheap!Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff