Probably a what car - barge dilemma
Discussion
deltashad said:
Two are far better than one. Unless you have very large pockets, a cheap run-around is great when you are fed up stopping at petrol stations.
You can also have a bit of fun picking a snotter.
That didn't sound right.
The OH really, really wants a small van as a runaround. She does a lot of ferrying around of toys and things as she works for a family shelter charity. A small van as a second vehicle could tick the boxes, and divert the telling off that would ensue if a V8 appeared on the scene.You can also have a bit of fun picking a snotter.
That didn't sound right.
Actually, a large old bargish estate would probably tick loads of boxes. It could be used as my barge and when required, we could fold down the back seats and shift the toys and things around.
Hmmm.
funkyrobot said:
DJC, that is excellente!
Just think; you'll have a V8 powered very respectable barge that still looks the business. You’ll have over three large ones in the reserve fund for any breakage (being sensible, that should go quite a long way) and you’ll have a very appreciative other half after taking her out for a steak meal.
If only I could follow my own advice!
funkyrobot said:
Mr Roper said:
Only 13k on the clock? Blimey 
I scratched the V8 barge itch a couple of years ago with a BMW E39 540 touring. It was R reg (1998) and only on 50k miles, great I thought, look underneath though and it was covered in surface rust.
DJC said:
funkyrobot said:
DJC, that is excellente!
Just think; you'll have a V8 powered very respectable barge that still looks the business. You’ll have over three large ones in the reserve fund for any breakage (being sensible, that should go quite a long way) and you’ll have a very appreciative other half after taking her out for a steak meal.
If only I could follow my own advice!
funkyrobot said:
Actually, a large old bargish estate would probably tick loads of boxes. It could be used as my barge and when required, we could fold down the back seats and shift the toys and things around.
Hmmm.
E39 540 Touring could well be the answer.Hmmm.
or
Volvo V70 T5(see barge regular A lex's buy yesterday in Readers Cars)
Saab 9-5 Aero HOT
(quite silly value so has to be considered, eg http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3906327.htm)
Latter two FWD and not V8s put pokey turbo units (Volvo 5-pot sounds good too)
Edited by richardxjr on Thursday 17th May 14:17
Another vote here for an LS400
The chances of Mr Bork and his mates visiting are far less than with any other 'prestige' (I recall that the Honda Legend is fond of the odd gearbox or two); it is very practical and quite spacious for the driver; quiet, quick and surprisingly fuel efficient.
Over the years of ownership of a few of them (and now back into its bigger brother, the LS430), there has been an increasing level of appreciation for their value for money and decent ones move on pretty quickly.
My very first one, a white LS400 with the holographic display, is now pounding the roads of Costa Rica (!) with periodic updates being emailed to me from the owner.
Re-sale should be great too as the LS is becoming the barge of choice for many.
When people say "A rebadged Toyota!", throw the foam lined toolkit briefcase (yes) at them. It is in the boot, mounted vertically on the side in front of a wheel arch. A lovely detail.
The chances of Mr Bork and his mates visiting are far less than with any other 'prestige' (I recall that the Honda Legend is fond of the odd gearbox or two); it is very practical and quite spacious for the driver; quiet, quick and surprisingly fuel efficient.
Over the years of ownership of a few of them (and now back into its bigger brother, the LS430), there has been an increasing level of appreciation for their value for money and decent ones move on pretty quickly.
My very first one, a white LS400 with the holographic display, is now pounding the roads of Costa Rica (!) with periodic updates being emailed to me from the owner.
Re-sale should be great too as the LS is becoming the barge of choice for many.
When people say "A rebadged Toyota!", throw the foam lined toolkit briefcase (yes) at them. It is in the boot, mounted vertically on the side in front of a wheel arch. A lovely detail.
Matt UK said:
Lovely.Only problem is that I have to sell my current car first!
I don't think I'd pay that much on an M5 from a main dealer (assuming discs and pads all round). Alot of this stuff you can do yourself and you'd probably find alot of E39 parts on eBay. Chances are, your Mazda isn't that cheap to fix but because of its age it doesn't go wrong. The Mazda will depreciate faster than that LS and.probably any cheap barge you buy.
However, a 30 mile commute in a V8 means 15k a year. At 20mpg (cold starts in a petrol auto really take their toll) that's over £4000 a year in fuel. Add on other mileage and it's a big chunk of cash that could be going towards the house deposit. I might go for a compromise and get a 728i for cheap or a 528i maybe?
However, a 30 mile commute in a V8 means 15k a year. At 20mpg (cold starts in a petrol auto really take their toll) that's over £4000 a year in fuel. Add on other mileage and it's a big chunk of cash that could be going towards the house deposit. I might go for a compromise and get a 728i for cheap or a 528i maybe?
funkyrobot said:
Other than that amazing cars.
180 a corner for decent rubber, the standard barge 20mpg, and check the price on brake pads they have a peculiar front setup as I recall , 4 pads a side which made them a bit pricey. A8parts.co.uk were helpful.
Do it!
That or an XJ of some description which will be my next barge.
Slightly outside the box maybe, but I really like these:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3613606.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3613606.htm
Cemesis said:
.....I might go for a compromise and get a 728i for cheap or a 528i maybe?
I got something like 23mpg out of my E39 528 auto touring and around 18mpg out of the 540 equivalent. Not that much in it really. Didn't see much of the motorway though.Be under no ilusion - putting fuel in these things hurts, a lot, hence why they are cheap to buy.
I still think the LS linked to above it achingly cool though, I'd have one of those over a beemer/audi.
dave_s13 said:
I got something like 23mpg out of my E39 528 auto touring and around 18mpg out of the 540 equivalent. Not that much in it really. Didn't see much of the motorway though.
Be under no ilusion - putting fuel in these things hurts, a lot, hence why they are cheap to buy.
I still think the LS linked to above it achingly cool though, I'd have one of those over a beemer/audi.
Re fuel - unfortunately (for what it is) my Mazda isn't great on economy. The car trip sticks on 32 - 33mpg and I think I get around 160 miles on half a tank! That's over £30.Be under no ilusion - putting fuel in these things hurts, a lot, hence why they are cheap to buy.
I still think the LS linked to above it achingly cool though, I'd have one of those over a beemer/audi.
I understand that fuelling these beasts is big bucks, but thanks
. That's sort of why I mentioned a daily too (as well as the bork cover).Oh well. I'm in the luxurious position of not being in a rush. I want a barge but I'm not going to buy without thinking about what I'm spending my bucks on.
Thanks for the info.
cv01jw said:
Slightly outside the box maybe, but I really like these:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3613606.htm
They look nice. The S60's do too (saw one this morning).http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3613606.htm
Someone on another thread (think it's the barge one) has been praising these Volvos for a while now. He said that he thinks they will become the next desirable barge.
Sorry, but I can't remember his name!
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