Another what car thread - 15k and big engine

[vinnie83]

Having recently gone back to study, my mileage has reduced from ~25k to ~5k now - sometimes the car doesn't move for a couple of weeks.

So, my current 320d isn't as necessary as when it was purchased, so I am thinking that I could sell maybe for £10k, and put another £5k on top.

I have discounted powerful diesels (335d, 535d) as a) I have already had a 535d, and b) they hold value better than large petrols so I won't get as impressive a car.

So, I'm thinking :

SL55 AMG
CLS55 AMG


Now I'm a little stumped as to other suggestions. I already have a 911 turbo, so Porsche is no good. I can't think of any other BMW I like - I used to like the 6 series, but the new shape has made the older shape look really dated.

Audi don't have anything that I can think would be worth spending £15k on (when fuel consumption isn't a consideration).

I don't fancy something uncomfortable, so the likes of an Elise or Caterham don't appeal.

What suggestions do you have that have nice big engines, are reasonably comfy, and don't look really dated?

[LukeDM]

What about a VXR8?

[SturdyHSV]

Monaro too dated looking? Very comfy and 6 litre...

[PanzerCommander]

2005+ Ford Mustang, 4.6L V8, C5 Corvette 5.7L V8 (you might get a Z06 for that). I am sure there are a few other choices in that area that would fulfill your requirements, all are comfy in their stock guise, even lightly modded they they are comfy.

[lamboman100]

In order, black, darkblue or darksilver, and with some budget flexing:

1. Cayman S;
2. Boxster S;
3. SLK 55 AMG;
4. 135i;
5. TTS;
6. S2000.

[Drums]

Jag XK?

Otherwise I have no idea about comfort but what about a Tamora? They still look pretty good to me.

[A900ss]

You've got the pork for ultimate performance so why not get a Griffith.

5 litre, very grunty in the lightweight body and an appreciating car when you come to sell.

The complete opposite to what you have so it fits perfectly.

(PS - don't fall for any stereotypes of reliability, do some research in the TVR forum and you may be surprised).

[Impasse]

Range Rover Sport Supercharged.

[vinnie83]

OK some good responses.

Mustang - not a huge fan of how they look.

Corvette - interesting... what are the running costs like?

Monaro - yes, a little dated looking IMO

VXR8 - not a bad suggestion, however I'm tempted to think that I would rather the grunt of the 55k engine in something that I would imagine would drive in a more refined manner.

SLK55 - I would rather the SL55

Any Porsche - it would have to be better than my 911 turbo, and I don't have that large a budget!

135i, TTS, S2000 - all a little on the small side and, as much as I hate to admit it, the image does put me off.

Jag XK - I could only get a 4.2 NA XK for my budget, and being a GT car I think it would just be a far inferior competitor to my 911.

Griffith - looks a little too dated IMO. I did briefly consider a Tuscan, but I worry it would be too uncompromising, and I must admit the longterm running costs would put me off.

RRS - OK a wildcard, I hadn't thought about a 4x4. How reliable are these? Running costs? MPG (I know I said it's not a consideration, but I fear this may be more akin to a bus?).

OK so far:

SL55
Corvette
RRS?


Is there anything that's not been suggested/considered yet?

ETA : Considering that the car may often be left out for weeks without moving, would any of the suggested cars dislike this?

Edited by vinnie83 on Wednesday 12th March 23:56

[Chongwong]

BMW e60 m5? Audi S8 quatro?
there's a bunch of the m5's in the classifieds at the moment, along with two S8's. There is also a lovely looking e55AMG estate up at £12k

[vinnie83]

Chongwong said:

BMW e60 m5? Audi S8 quatro?
there's a bunch of the m5's in the classifieds at the moment, along with two S8's. There is also a lovely looking e55AMG estate up at £12k

I used to own an E55 AMG a few years ago, so would love something different this time. I also think they are starting to look rather dated - the facelift the E63 got looks far better, but the car is out of budget.

M5 - I considered this, a cousin has one. Gearbox issues concern me. He is on his second, and classifieds are full of cars that have had new boxes. Maybe worth doing some more research to see just how widespread the problem is.

S8 - didn't think of this. A friend had one a while back, it is huge. Not so sure that I would want something so big, but maybe worth another look. Any idea of running costs?

[yellowtang]

Maserati 4200

[speedster986]

Maserati 3200/4200/Quattroporte?

[yellowtang]

Maybe even a Bentley Arnage - generally £20k upwards but sometimes private sales are closer to £15k.

Certainly be different!

[Chongwong]

vinnie83 said:

I used to own an E55 AMG a few years ago, so would love something different this time. I also think they are starting to look rather dated - the facelift the E63 got looks far better, but the car is out of budget.

M5 - I considered this, a cousin has one. Gearbox issues concern me. He is on his second, and classifieds are full of cars that have had new boxes. Maybe worth doing some more research to see just how widespread the problem is.

S8 - didn't think of this. A friend had one a while back, it is huge. Not so sure that I would want something so big, but maybe worth another look. Any idea of running costs?

Sorry, not a clue, I drive a Volvo -.- I have driven them all small amounts though due to my work. Sadly i rarely go above 10mph and never accelerate fast as i work in a carpark :'(

[Basil Hume]

I was in a similar situation to you, with the added criteria of discretion.

I ended-up with a grey Mk5 Golf R32 (and change from the £15k budget). Happy days.

[aspirated]

R230 SL's can be ruinous, and although you'd be able to find a minter SL500 for 15k that's had all the necassary work carried out eg ABC pump and struts, boot seals replaced etc, I'm no so sure about an SL55 for 15k. It could throw 3/4k bills at you with little warning.

Personally, I'd be looking for a B7 RS4

[aspirated]

R230 SL's can be ruinous, and although you'd be able to find a minter SL500 for 15k that's had all the necassary work carried out eg ABC pump and struts, boot seals replaced etc, I'm no so sure about an SL55 for 15k. It could throw 3/4k bills at you with little warning.

Personally, I'd be looking for a B7 RS4

[McWigglebum4th]

15K budget and already have a semi sensible car in form of 911

I would be looking at something batst crazy, the full mental, 100% loony tunes.

Caterham 7, a unimog, a racing landrover, a model T ford, a hotrod, something bonkers

Use the 911 for the odd trip and if you need to go further hire a dull diesel

[Pommygranite]

VW Phaeton V...
Audi RS2
Merc SL73
Merc CLK55
Lexus ISF