£5k exec barge - alternatives to a BMW e39... Jag XJ?
Discussion
OK, running some man-maths prompted by the fact that my daily hack is boring. As much the Passat is a trusty work horse, it doesn't give me much of a feel-good factor - and these things are important!
So, here's the deal:
I'll spend about £5k
It'll do 25k a year
I want a petrol engine
I want a 2002-2005 car
It needs to be reliable between services - bills I'll handle up to a point, unplanned stoppages will mean an early bath
I need about 26mpg to make the spreadsheet work
My commute is long and on the motorway - this car will not go shopping, to the tip or to B&Q
I need to get in it at 6am, start it up and think; 'nice'
It needs to mop my furrowed brow with quietness; it needs to waft not handle
I have a toy for crazy days and the wife has an MPV for practical family stuff
So, I think back fondly to the e30 530i I ran for 60,000 miles and I'm finding it hard not to want another - it did everything I wanted and I liked it a lot.
Lexus is an obvious candidate, just that the LS of this era is just so hard to look at and like.
Mercs of this era don't hold much of a reputation.
A Range Rover would be lovely if I were not doing so many miles - the mpg is a pipe dream, plus i really have no need for 4x4 capabilities
Having owned an Audi, I'm not in a rush to go back, although an A8 could be interesting.
Volvo S60 has lovely seats and at this money buys a very fresh car.
VW Phaeton V6 3.2? Not sure, seems a very heavy beast and for some reason servicing scares me - not sure if that is valid or no though, maybe I'm just thinking of the bills the V10 TDi / W12 generate.
And then there is the Jaguar XJ x350. Love the shape and I like the individualty of the interior (although not sure I could live with a polished wood steering wheel). The XJ6 with the 3.0 V6 seems like a natural choice...
Decisions, decisions...
So, here's the deal:
I'll spend about £5k
It'll do 25k a year
I want a petrol engine
I want a 2002-2005 car
It needs to be reliable between services - bills I'll handle up to a point, unplanned stoppages will mean an early bath
I need about 26mpg to make the spreadsheet work
My commute is long and on the motorway - this car will not go shopping, to the tip or to B&Q
I need to get in it at 6am, start it up and think; 'nice'
It needs to mop my furrowed brow with quietness; it needs to waft not handle
I have a toy for crazy days and the wife has an MPV for practical family stuff
So, I think back fondly to the e30 530i I ran for 60,000 miles and I'm finding it hard not to want another - it did everything I wanted and I liked it a lot.
Lexus is an obvious candidate, just that the LS of this era is just so hard to look at and like.
Mercs of this era don't hold much of a reputation.
A Range Rover would be lovely if I were not doing so many miles - the mpg is a pipe dream, plus i really have no need for 4x4 capabilities
Having owned an Audi, I'm not in a rush to go back, although an A8 could be interesting.
Volvo S60 has lovely seats and at this money buys a very fresh car.
VW Phaeton V6 3.2? Not sure, seems a very heavy beast and for some reason servicing scares me - not sure if that is valid or no though, maybe I'm just thinking of the bills the V10 TDi / W12 generate.
And then there is the Jaguar XJ x350. Love the shape and I like the individualty of the interior (although not sure I could live with a polished wood steering wheel). The XJ6 with the 3.0 V6 seems like a natural choice...
Decisions, decisions...
Is LPG an option?
Have to say I'm a bit of a Jag man, so an XJ would do it for me. XJ6 x358 would be fine, not the quickest I admit, but do you really need loads of power all the time?
As a left field option I am rather a fan of these. Probably the most comfortable vehicle I've ever been in. Some have magnetic adjustable dampening and even active seats that adapt to you, to make it more comfy. Lovely engine and actually quite a good drive. A couple of UK mags rated them as more comfy and more stable than a same year Audi A6 or BMW 5 Series for high speed work.
Only real downer is I suspect 26mpg is a bit of a tall order, although not completely unattainable on a motorway.
UK spec ones are RHD and were sold through GM/Vauxhall dealers from 1998 thru 2004.
Have to say I'm a bit of a Jag man, so an XJ would do it for me. XJ6 x358 would be fine, not the quickest I admit, but do you really need loads of power all the time?
As a left field option I am rather a fan of these. Probably the most comfortable vehicle I've ever been in. Some have magnetic adjustable dampening and even active seats that adapt to you, to make it more comfy. Lovely engine and actually quite a good drive. A couple of UK mags rated them as more comfy and more stable than a same year Audi A6 or BMW 5 Series for high speed work.
Only real downer is I suspect 26mpg is a bit of a tall order, although not completely unattainable on a motorway.
UK spec ones are RHD and were sold through GM/Vauxhall dealers from 1998 thru 2004.
No 10 year old luxo-barge can gaurantee hassle free running or expensive reapirs. I would imagine that the Jag would provide the most bang for your buck, mileage and condition wise. No idea what the V6 engines are like. The previous straight 6s were very reliable. You have the option of an S-Type also.
The Volvo is an interesting left field choice.
As you say, it's really just the usual German suspects that you are left with.
Citroen C6 would be my brave choice for m-way luxury.
The Volvo is an interesting left field choice.
As you say, it's really just the usual German suspects that you are left with.
Citroen C6 would be my brave choice for m-way luxury.
300bhp/ton said:
Is LPG an option?
Have to say I'm a bit of a Jag man, so an XJ would do it for me. XJ6 x358 would be fine, not the quickest I admit, but do you really need loads of power all the time?
As a left field option I am rather a fan of these. Probably the most comfortable vehicle I've ever been in. Some have magnetic adjustable dampening and even active seats that adapt to you, to make it more comfy. Lovely engine and actually quite a good drive. A couple of UK mags rated them as more comfy and more stable than a same year Audi A6 or BMW 5 Series for high speed work.
Only real downer is I suspect 26mpg is a bit of a tall order, although not completely unattainable on a motorway.
UK spec ones are RHD and weresold offered through GM/Vauxhall dealers from 1998 thru 2004.
Have to say I'm a bit of a Jag man, so an XJ would do it for me. XJ6 x358 would be fine, not the quickest I admit, but do you really need loads of power all the time?
As a left field option I am rather a fan of these. Probably the most comfortable vehicle I've ever been in. Some have magnetic adjustable dampening and even active seats that adapt to you, to make it more comfy. Lovely engine and actually quite a good drive. A couple of UK mags rated them as more comfy and more stable than a same year Audi A6 or BMW 5 Series for high speed work.
Only real downer is I suspect 26mpg is a bit of a tall order, although not completely unattainable on a motorway.
UK spec ones are RHD and were
300bhp/ton said:
Is LPG an option?
Have to say I'm a bit of a Jag man, so an XJ would do it for me. XJ6 x358 would be fine, not the quickest I admit, but do you really need loads of power all the time?
As a left field option I am rather a fan of these. Probably the most comfortable vehicle I've ever been in. Some have magnetic adjustable dampening and even active seats that adapt to you, to make it more comfy. Lovely engine and actually quite a good drive. A couple of UK mags rated them as more comfy and more stable than a same year Audi A6 or BMW 5 Series for high speed work.
Only real downer is I suspect 26mpg is a bit of a tall order, although not completely unattainable on a motorway.
UK spec ones are RHD and were sold through GM/Vauxhall dealers from 1998 thru 2004.
Amazingly comfortable but FWD. I was amazed at how much the traction control light came on with my 75 year old aunt driving.Have to say I'm a bit of a Jag man, so an XJ would do it for me. XJ6 x358 would be fine, not the quickest I admit, but do you really need loads of power all the time?
As a left field option I am rather a fan of these. Probably the most comfortable vehicle I've ever been in. Some have magnetic adjustable dampening and even active seats that adapt to you, to make it more comfy. Lovely engine and actually quite a good drive. A couple of UK mags rated them as more comfy and more stable than a same year Audi A6 or BMW 5 Series for high speed work.
Only real downer is I suspect 26mpg is a bit of a tall order, although not completely unattainable on a motorway.
UK spec ones are RHD and were sold through GM/Vauxhall dealers from 1998 thru 2004.
Admittedly she would accelerate briskly to between 80-90 from a standing start at intersections but that's pretty normal for Texas.
seriously give the lexus a go it isnt much of a looker but its not that bad. just don get gold !
depends on the journey but it wont get an average of 26 i have averaged maybe 21 in mine but its cold and the traffic hasn't been great lately.
its just a really nice place to sit and certainly moves when you want
and you dont need to spend 5k on one either
depends on the journey but it wont get an average of 26 i have averaged maybe 21 in mine but its cold and the traffic hasn't been great lately.
its just a really nice place to sit and certainly moves when you want
and you dont need to spend 5k on one either
CDP said:
Amazingly comfortable but FWD. I was amazed at how much the traction control light came on with my 75 year old aunt driving.
Admittedly she would accelerate briskly to between 80-90 from a standing start at intersections but that's pretty normal for Texas.
Yep fwd, but op did say long motorway work, so wouldn't likely be a major issue. And despite the TCS kicking in, the still drive rather well (IMO).Admittedly she would accelerate briskly to between 80-90 from a standing start at intersections but that's pretty normal for Texas.
But certainly more of a left field option.
300bhp/ton said:
CDP said:
Amazingly comfortable but FWD. I was amazed at how much the traction control light came on with my 75 year old aunt driving.
Admittedly she would accelerate briskly to between 80-90 from a standing start at intersections but that's pretty normal for Texas.
Yep fwd, but op did say long motorway work, so wouldn't likely be a major issue. And despite the TCS kicking in, the still drive rather well (IMO).Admittedly she would accelerate briskly to between 80-90 from a standing start at intersections but that's pretty normal for Texas.
But certainly more of a left field option.
I shudder to think how fast she would drive with something like an AWD Audi V8...
300bhp/ton said:
Is LPG an option?
Have to say I'm a bit of a Jag man, so an XJ would do it for me. XJ6 x358 would be fine, not the quickest I admit, but do you really need loads of power all the time?
As a left field option I am rather a fan of these. Probably the most comfortable vehicle I've ever been in. Some have magnetic adjustable dampening and even active seats that adapt to you, to make it more comfy. Lovely engine and actually quite a good drive. A couple of UK mags rated them as more comfy and more stable than a same year Audi A6 or BMW 5 Series for high speed work.
Only real downer is I suspect 26mpg is a bit of a tall order, although not completely unattainable on a motorway.
UK spec ones are RHD and were sold through GM/Vauxhall dealers from 1998 thru 2004.
I never actually realised these were offered in the the UK in RHD. One that must've passed me by!Have to say I'm a bit of a Jag man, so an XJ would do it for me. XJ6 x358 would be fine, not the quickest I admit, but do you really need loads of power all the time?
As a left field option I am rather a fan of these. Probably the most comfortable vehicle I've ever been in. Some have magnetic adjustable dampening and even active seats that adapt to you, to make it more comfy. Lovely engine and actually quite a good drive. A couple of UK mags rated them as more comfy and more stable than a same year Audi A6 or BMW 5 Series for high speed work.
Only real downer is I suspect 26mpg is a bit of a tall order, although not completely unattainable on a motorway.
UK spec ones are RHD and were sold through GM/Vauxhall dealers from 1998 thru 2004.
_Neal_ said:
Jag and Volvo sound decent. How about a 728i? Could almost buy two for your £5k budget (ETA - 2001 cars).
That said, I have a last of the line E39 530i (03' - Champagne II), and it's really really good...
Posted this in the 1-5k thread, the trader offered this for £800: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012... mental!That said, I have a last of the line E39 530i (03' - Champagne II), and it's really really good...
Edited by _Neal_ on Friday 14th December 14:58
Rammy76 said:
I never actually realised these were offered in the the UK in RHD. One that must've passed me by!
Sadly I GM did pretty much nothing to promote them 
It's quite ironic, in the midish 1990's Jeremy Clarkson did an article driving the earlier version of the Caddy (looked similar but different chassis and not as good to drive). He raved about it and said it was brilliant and that they should sell them in the UK. When he tested the latter model (like the one above) which is a better car than the one he raved about, it totally tore it apart in the name of entertainment. Shame really.
Fwd I admit is a downer on them, but no more so than it is on say an Alfa 156GTA or Focus RS. But they really are lovely vehicles to be in. The Northstar V8 is a cracking motor too, think it has 100,000 major service intervals.
300bhp/ton said:
Sadly I GM did pretty much nothing to promote them
It's quite ironic, in the midish 1990's Jeremy Clarkson did an article driving the earlier version of the Caddy (looked similar but different chassis and not as good to drive). He raved about it and said it was brilliant and that they should sell them in the UK. When he tested the latter model (like the one above) which is a better car than the one he raved about, it totally tore it apart in the name of entertainment. Shame really.
Fwd I admit is a downer on them, but no more so than it is on say an Alfa 156GTA or Focus RS. But they really are lovely vehicles to be in. The Northstar V8 is a cracking motor too, think it has 100,000 major service intervals.
Unfortunately that's how Jeremy Clarkson works!It's quite ironic, in the midish 1990's Jeremy Clarkson did an article driving the earlier version of the Caddy (looked similar but different chassis and not as good to drive). He raved about it and said it was brilliant and that they should sell them in the UK. When he tested the latter model (like the one above) which is a better car than the one he raved about, it totally tore it apart in the name of entertainment. Shame really.
Fwd I admit is a downer on them, but no more so than it is on say an Alfa 156GTA or Focus RS. But they really are lovely vehicles to be in. The Northstar V8 is a cracking motor too, think it has 100,000 major service intervals.
What were the engine options available in UK RHD form?
For something a bit different I wouldn't mind a big cruiser like this for pounding up and down the motorways (I think I could cope with FWD).
My problem is, I've heard the Northstar V8 is a very impressive engine so that'd be the one I'd want
I'm guessing the 26mpg figure comes from covering business miles at 40p/mile fuel allowance?
Give an LS or GS a try- waft is what they are best at. Love my LS430 - bought for exactly that reason.
Get a realistic 23mpg in mixed motoring/town driving, 28-30 on a long run if you cruise around legal limit. Servicing is cheaper than you might think, parts prices are relatively ok but you dont need them often.
Volvo S60 is a great car, but its not going to make you say WOW when you get in it. Seriously comfy seats, easily a mile muncher, but parts are mega expensive and try one before you buy, steering lock/turning circle is ridiculous, they wear suspension bushes and tyres out very quickly. 5point turns are a reality. Getting a petrol one to return 26mpg average will be interesting, the 2.0 turbo was fairly hefty on fuel.
Jag S type - again you might struggle with MPG but the 3.0v6 is a nice engine. Should pick up plenty in that price bracket. Forget the looks, they drive well and the non-sport chassis is very comfortable.
Check insurance though- can be pricey.
What about a Subaru Legacy 3.0 for a leftfield choice?
Give an LS or GS a try- waft is what they are best at. Love my LS430 - bought for exactly that reason.
Get a realistic 23mpg in mixed motoring/town driving, 28-30 on a long run if you cruise around legal limit. Servicing is cheaper than you might think, parts prices are relatively ok but you dont need them often.
Volvo S60 is a great car, but its not going to make you say WOW when you get in it. Seriously comfy seats, easily a mile muncher, but parts are mega expensive and try one before you buy, steering lock/turning circle is ridiculous, they wear suspension bushes and tyres out very quickly. 5point turns are a reality. Getting a petrol one to return 26mpg average will be interesting, the 2.0 turbo was fairly hefty on fuel.
Jag S type - again you might struggle with MPG but the 3.0v6 is a nice engine. Should pick up plenty in that price bracket. Forget the looks, they drive well and the non-sport chassis is very comfortable.
Check insurance though- can be pricey.
What about a Subaru Legacy 3.0 for a leftfield choice?
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