Something with a V8 for a few thousand pounds

[funkyrobot]

Am I delusional or can I get something that has a great engine for a few grand?

I'm in the mood for something in a 'V' configuration. It would help if it sounds and drives nice.

Ideally, it'll fit a baby seat in the back. My fiancee's brother used to have a Defender with a lovely V8 in. It sounded really, really nice.

I won't use it for work; it'll be a second vehicle. However, I would like to try and learn spannering on it too. Is this a bad idea (should I get something cheap and simple to start with, then work my way up)?

Ta.

[Valgar]

You can pick up several Lexus V8s cheap, a few Jags too, don't crucify me but I like the look of the GS430 Sport, you can even sometimes find the later model 2005 for a few grand, a bargain, but don't expect to do much work on it, it's a lexus.

2001 GS430 Sport
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

The Jag V8s do sound awesome especially with an aftermarket exhaust.

Edited by Valgar on Wednesday 11th May 22:22

[Pdelamare]

Jag S Type, make sure it's a 4.2 facelift one. 52 reg or later.

Having had an R, they are actually fun to drive and are surprisingly capable. An R or 4.2 Sport will be better than you imagine.

Edited by Pdelamare on Wednesday 11th May 22:30

[300bhp/ton]

Most V8's are pretty silent in stock trim. Expect to mod them if you want to hear them.

V8's Disco's and Range Rover's might be in budget. Not sporty, but fun in their own right. Similar with some Jeeps.

Then there are big saloon cars. Jag, Lexus, Merc and BMW. All will drive like big saloon cars.

I did see a RHD Cadillac STS today for £2500. As a more left field option.

If you want more sporty then maybe a Triumph TR or Wedge TVR. Depends what you consider as a few thousand.

Most yank imports will probably be £4K these days. But you might find something oddball for a few grand with some searching.

[INWB]

300 should be along in a moment recommending a Fiesta 1.1 GL in beige however I will second the 430 - I don't like them but they pack a wallop (my sons likely to be father in law has one and I took a good look at the weekend).

[funkyrobot]

INWB said:

300 should be along in a moment recommending a Fiesta 1.1 GL in beige however I will second the 430 - I don't like them but they pack a wallop (my sons likely to be father in law has one and I took a good look at the weekend).

Erm.

[funkyrobot]

Thanks all. Jaguars seem like a good call.

Never even considered that model of Lexus. Will take a look.

[daveinhampshire]

Jaguar XJR, stupidly quick and very cheap to buy. Out of all my big cars the cheapest to keep on the road. It did have a serious thirst for fuel but strapping a supercharger to a V8 isn't likely to do much else.

[GOG440]

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...

Use it as an excuse to get out on your own, or even take the little one with you and leave the OH to have some alone time.

And wedges make the best noise of any TVR (IMO obviously)

[300bhp/ton]

funkyrobot said:

Thanks all. Jaguars seem like a good call.

Never even considered that model of Lexus. Will take a look.

Tbh you might find a tidy 4.0 XJ8 x300 easier than an XJR for your money. The 4.0 na is a nice motor. 290hp and plenty speedy really. But Jags are silent, so you will want to slap an exhaust on it to wake the V8 up. Obviously an XJR is a lot faster. But might be more ropey for the money.

[Dapster]

The problem with a cheap modern V8 apart from not being ideal self spannering material, is that you'll look like a shady drug dealer. Get something a bit older and far classier.... How about the one time best car in the world with the absolute top spec 5.6 engine? Only 6 bags as well.





A 25 year old barge from a second hand car dealer in Romford? What could possibly go wrong?

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C443325

[funkyrobot]

GOG440 said:

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...

Use it as an excuse to get out on your own, or even take the little one with you and leave the OH to have some alone time.

And wedges make the best noise of any TVR (IMO obviously)

Lovely, but way out of my price range.

[funkyrobot]

Dapster said:

The problem with a cheap modern V8 apart from not being ideal self spannering material, is that you'll look like a shady drug dealer. Get something a bit older and far classier.... How about the one time best car in the world with the absolute top spec 5.6 engine? Only 6 bags as well.





A 25 year old barge from a second hand car dealer in Romford? What could possibly go wrong?

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C443325

Too expensive. Very nice though.

[INWB]

Dapster said:

The problem with a cheap modern V8 apart from not being ideal self spannering material, is that you'll look like a shady drug dealer. Get something a bit older and far classier.... How about the one time best car in the world with the absolute top spec 5.6 engine? Only 6 bags as well.





A 25 year old barge from a second hand car dealer in Romford? What could possibly go wrong?

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C443325

That really is awesome although it is missing the flags of some tin pot african dictatorship on the front wings

[funkyrobot]

300bhp/ton said:

funkyrobot said:

Thanks all. Jaguars seem like a good call.

Never even considered that model of Lexus. Will take a look.

Tbh you might find a tidy 4.0 XJ8 x300 easier than an XJR for your money. The 4.0 na is a nice motor. 290hp and plenty speedy really. But Jags are silent, so you will want to slap an exhaust on it to wake the V8 up. Obviously an XJR is a lot faster. But might be more ropey for the money.

Will have a look. Ta.

[funkyrobot]

daveinhampshire said:

Jaguar XJR, stupidly quick and very cheap to buy. Out of all my big cars the cheapest to keep on the road. It did have a serious thirst for fuel but strapping a supercharger to a V8 isn't likely to do much else.

Nice choice.

[funkyrobot]

Valgar said:

You can pick up several Lexus V8s cheap, a few Jags too, don't crucify me but I like the look of the GS430 Sport, you can even sometimes find the later model 2005 for a few grand, a bargain, but don't expect to do much work on it, it's a lexus.

2001 GS430 Sport
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

The Jag V8s do sound awesome especially with an aftermarket exhaust.

Edited by Valgar on Wednesday 11th May 22:22

That Lexus looks bloody lovely.

My fiancée said 'what the hell is that?'

[300bhp/ton]

funkyrobot said:

GOG440 said:

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...

Use it as an excuse to get out on your own, or even take the little one with you and leave the OH to have some alone time.

And wedges make the best noise of any TVR (IMO obviously)

Lovely, but way out of my price range.

TR7 V8's range from £2500-4500. Similar wedge style to the TVR and arguably a richer motorsports heritage. But sound just as good. But only 2 seats, which might not be any good for you.

This is what my one sounds like
https://youtu.be/wZ_2iG7Idi8

[funkyrobot]

300bhp/ton said:

TR7 V8's range from £2500-4500. Similar wedge style to the TVR and arguably a richer motorsports heritage. But sound just as good. But only 2 seats, which might not be any good for you.

This is what my one sounds like
https://youtu.be/wZ_2iG7Idi8

That sounds good.

[soad]

Lexus Soarer? No cheap ones left?