Best smoker barges 1-5 large [Vol 12]
Discussion
All change! All change please........
After a discussion with the boss, keeper of coin and general "she who must be obeyed" I've been granted a licence to change the scope of my next purchase. My current scirocco lease comes to and end in May and with a couple of projects on the cards, my suggestion of a cheaper 12-18mth term car has been approved with a budget of around £5k.
I quite fancy a convertible barge of thread status, so have swerved from SLK/Z4/Z3/CLK to perhaps an SL of R129 vintage. I appreciate that 5k is fishing in the bottom of the pond budget wise, but my thinking its that if i can find a semi-decent one, it won't lose too much money after 18 mths.
Is there anything else in that sort of budget that would suit? can't find much in the GT/convertible cruiser type thing i would like - no Volvo C70's or BMW 3 series ideally.
There are a couple of later R230 SL350's that fall within budget - but are they likely to give more problems than the R129?
Found this 280 that looks fairly tidy - bumpers look a little matt, but could be just the finish on the plastic - anything particular i should be looking for apart from rust, wiring loom, electric issues, torn hoods, working hoods....?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1996-MERCEDES-BENZ-SL-2...
After a discussion with the boss, keeper of coin and general "she who must be obeyed" I've been granted a licence to change the scope of my next purchase. My current scirocco lease comes to and end in May and with a couple of projects on the cards, my suggestion of a cheaper 12-18mth term car has been approved with a budget of around £5k.
I quite fancy a convertible barge of thread status, so have swerved from SLK/Z4/Z3/CLK to perhaps an SL of R129 vintage. I appreciate that 5k is fishing in the bottom of the pond budget wise, but my thinking its that if i can find a semi-decent one, it won't lose too much money after 18 mths.
Is there anything else in that sort of budget that would suit? can't find much in the GT/convertible cruiser type thing i would like - no Volvo C70's or BMW 3 series ideally.
There are a couple of later R230 SL350's that fall within budget - but are they likely to give more problems than the R129?
Found this 280 that looks fairly tidy - bumpers look a little matt, but could be just the finish on the plastic - anything particular i should be looking for apart from rust, wiring loom, electric issues, torn hoods, working hoods....?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1996-MERCEDES-BENZ-SL-2...
Edited by mattman on Thursday 18th January 15:14
carinaman said:
SpeckledJim said:
0.033 bitcoins actually.
ETA: 0.00033 bitcoins actually.
ETA: 22 bitcoins actually.
ETA: 44 bitcoins actually.
ETA: 0.0000000442 bitcoins actually.
ETA: 3,451 bitcoins actually.
My bad. I may be in need of emergencyaccountantsETA: 0.00033 bitcoins actually.
ETA: 22 bitcoins actually.
ETA: 44 bitcoins actually.
ETA: 0.0000000442 bitcoins actually.
ETA: 3,451 bitcoins actually.
SpeckledJim said:
carinaman said:
That W126 vendor. I've seen their eBay listings before. I'd rather walk or use public transport. At least they've been helpful and public spirited by making it obvious. That's my 0.33 Bitcoins worth.
0.033 bitcoins actually.ETA: 0.00033 bitcoins actually.
ETA: 22 bitcoins actually.
ETA: 44 bitcoins actually.
ETA: 0.0000000442 bitcoins actually.
ETA: 3,451 bitcoins actually.
I'm riding that particular roller-coaster at the moment, great fun!Krikkit said:
J4CKO said:
Krikkit said:
Looks superficially OK, the ad tells you absolutely sod-all despite all the waffle!
MOT history suggests it was laid up from 2009-2017, careful poke underneath and that actually seems quite a good buy.
Ad says "cars of distinction",MOT history suggests it was laid up from 2009-2017, careful poke underneath and that actually seems quite a good buy.
Hmm, I say whiffy old Merc stuck together with Duck tape, if all he can justify is two grand with all that flannel, you just know that, despite on first look not looking too bad, is a horror.
What would happen with that old 126 is many tyre kickers offering £800 or spending lots of small sums to add up, it needs front wings and paint already, may well be alright apart from that but it is nearly 30 years old, so probably going to have a go at hammering your savings.
SpeckledJim said:
Krikkit said:
I'm riding that particular roller-coaster at the moment, great fun!I then dipped into a couple of hundred quid's worth of LTC after the recent boom - I've made a few quid, just about enough to cover some recent W211 titivation and still have £200 left.
If I had the time for spot trades over the last couple of months I'd have sunk a lot more in.
mattman said:
All change! All change please........
After a discussion with the boss, keeper of coin and general "she who must be obeyed" I've been granted a licence to change the scope of my next purchase. My current scirocco lease comes to and end in May and with a couple of projects on the cards, my suggestion of a cheaper 12-18mth term car has been approved with a budget of around £5k.
I quite fancy a convertible barge of thread status, so have swerved from SLK/Z4/Z3/CLK to perhaps an SL of R129 vintage. I appreciate that 5k is fishing in the bottom of the pond budget wise, but my thinking its that if i can find a semi-decent one, it won't lose too much money after 18 mths.
Is there anything else in that sort of budget that would suit? can't find much in the GT/convertible cruiser type thing i would like - no Volvo C70's or BMW 3 series ideally.
There are a couple of later R230 SL350's that fall within budget - but are they likely to give more problems than the R129?
Found this 280 that looks fairly tidy - bumpers look a little matt, but could be just the finish on the plastic - anything particular i should be looking for apart from rust, wiring loom, electric issues, torn hoods, working hoods....?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1996-MERCEDES-BENZ-SL-2...
Maybe worth considering?After a discussion with the boss, keeper of coin and general "she who must be obeyed" I've been granted a licence to change the scope of my next purchase. My current scirocco lease comes to and end in May and with a couple of projects on the cards, my suggestion of a cheaper 12-18mth term car has been approved with a budget of around £5k.
I quite fancy a convertible barge of thread status, so have swerved from SLK/Z4/Z3/CLK to perhaps an SL of R129 vintage. I appreciate that 5k is fishing in the bottom of the pond budget wise, but my thinking its that if i can find a semi-decent one, it won't lose too much money after 18 mths.
Is there anything else in that sort of budget that would suit? can't find much in the GT/convertible cruiser type thing i would like - no Volvo C70's or BMW 3 series ideally.
There are a couple of later R230 SL350's that fall within budget - but are they likely to give more problems than the R129?
Found this 280 that looks fairly tidy - bumpers look a little matt, but could be just the finish on the plastic - anything particular i should be looking for apart from rust, wiring loom, electric issues, torn hoods, working hoods....?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1996-MERCEDES-BENZ-SL-2...
A bit golf club of course, and certainly lacks the panache of a R129, but painstaking build quality and superb engine.
I've already done the '129 thing, so certainly fancy trying one to compare.
olly755 said:
Maybe worth considering?
A bit golf club of course, and certainly lacks the panache of a R129, but painstaking build quality and superb engine.
I've already done the '129 thing, so certainly fancy trying one to compare.
Only if you're an American having a mid-life crisis.A bit golf club of course, and certainly lacks the panache of a R129, but painstaking build quality and superb engine.
I've already done the '129 thing, so certainly fancy trying one to compare.
Which is the front by the way?
olly755 said:
Maybe worth considering?
A bit golf club of course, and certainly lacks the panache of a R129, but painstaking build quality and superb engine.
I've already done the '129 thing, so certainly fancy trying one to compare.
I really like that. Looks good in those colours. I move house next month but once settled can see myself buying one of these. I'm not really golf-club, but am slightly middle-aged-crisis, so I qualify. A bit golf club of course, and certainly lacks the panache of a R129, but painstaking build quality and superb engine.
I've already done the '129 thing, so certainly fancy trying one to compare.
Makes an interesting alternative I think.
Now those that know me understand that I like blue cars with cream/white interiors, and furthermore, I’m not averse to cars with challenging looks, owning a Bangle 6 & 7.
However, I’d rather walk than an SC430!
This is even after experiencing them new, an old boss was a serial (still is) Lexus man, bought an original LS when new, moved onto GS300’s with the 2nd version, and then the 450h when that arrived. Along the way he has had various RX models, etc. In fact the only one he’s never had is an IS (too low rent for him
). I’ve driven most of them at one time or another (never drove the LS600h), but he’s only had one SC - and it didn’t last long either, around 6mo. IIRC. It just struggles to justify itself, being relatively competent at being a car, but there’s absolutely no sparkle to it at all.
Both the LS & GS are better resolved as they were designed: barges, the SC is neither sufficiently sporty, nor wafty barge enough to appeal to either camp.
It’ll be sodding reliable though. From about 1997 to 2016 (last time we talked) he’s done around 300k miles in them, and sum total of non-servicing issues? 1x indicator bulb, 1x puncture, and 1x tape deck eating a memorex & refusing to give it back. That’s it.
However, I’d rather walk than an SC430!
This is even after experiencing them new, an old boss was a serial (still is) Lexus man, bought an original LS when new, moved onto GS300’s with the 2nd version, and then the 450h when that arrived. Along the way he has had various RX models, etc. In fact the only one he’s never had is an IS (too low rent for him
). I’ve driven most of them at one time or another (never drove the LS600h), but he’s only had one SC - and it didn’t last long either, around 6mo. IIRC. It just struggles to justify itself, being relatively competent at being a car, but there’s absolutely no sparkle to it at all.Both the LS & GS are better resolved as they were designed: barges, the SC is neither sufficiently sporty, nor wafty barge enough to appeal to either camp.
It’ll be sodding reliable though. From about 1997 to 2016 (last time we talked) he’s done around 300k miles in them, and sum total of non-servicing issues? 1x indicator bulb, 1x puncture, and 1x tape deck eating a memorex & refusing to give it back.
That’s it.I honestly think if I was going to go ‘full midlife’ then I’d have the Lotus Elise I’ve wanted since I was 17. In a colour that confirmed to any doubters that I might be pushing 50, but I’m not against having a 20 year old ‘companion’.
Not thread budget tho sadly. And that is sad.
Having just sold my lovely little w202, I can confirm that very few people are buying cars right now. So, if anyone’s in the market, haggle and haggle hard.
Not thread budget tho sadly. And that is sad.
Having just sold my lovely little w202, I can confirm that very few people are buying cars right now. So, if anyone’s in the market, haggle and haggle hard.
Light at the end of the tunnel for returning to the UK.
Need an entry level barge;
LEXUS LS430 AUTOMATIC https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2...
What do we think? As good as the 400?
Any recommendations to circa £3k?
Need an entry level barge;
LEXUS LS430 AUTOMATIC https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2...
What do we think? As good as the 400?
Any recommendations to circa £3k?
Lowtimer said:
SimonTheSailor said:
Just because the car WAS 100K doesn't mean the coil pack has to be a grand each !!
- shrug*
To put it in perspective I recently replaced the super trick (but none working) variable vane geometry turbo on my polo bluemotion. (The 911 turbo has a VVG turbo too, although that is where the similarities with my car end).
Cost? Part alone over £900 plus fitting..on a car worth max £2k.
mattman said:
All change! All change please........
After a discussion with the boss, keeper of coin and general "she who must be obeyed" I've been granted a licence to change the scope of my next purchase. My current scirocco lease comes to and end in May and with a couple of projects on the cards, my suggestion of a cheaper 12-18mth term car has been approved with a budget of around £5k.
I quite fancy a convertible barge of thread status, so have swerved from SLK/Z4/Z3/CLK to perhaps an SL of R129 vintage. I appreciate that 5k is fishing in the bottom of the pond budget wise, but my thinking its that if i can find a semi-decent one, it won't lose too much money after 18 mths.
Is there anything else in that sort of budget that would suit? can't find much in the GT/convertible cruiser type thing i would like - no Volvo C70's or BMW 3 series ideally.
There are a couple of later R230 SL350's that fall within budget - but are they likely to give more problems than the R129?
Found this 280 that looks fairly tidy - bumpers look a little matt, but could be just the finish on the plastic - anything particular i should be looking for apart from rust, wiring loom, electric issues, torn hoods, working hoods....?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1996-MERCEDES-BENZ-SL-2...
A CLK might also fit the bill. Quite under rated, and often the second car with consequently low miles.After a discussion with the boss, keeper of coin and general "she who must be obeyed" I've been granted a licence to change the scope of my next purchase. My current scirocco lease comes to and end in May and with a couple of projects on the cards, my suggestion of a cheaper 12-18mth term car has been approved with a budget of around £5k.
I quite fancy a convertible barge of thread status, so have swerved from SLK/Z4/Z3/CLK to perhaps an SL of R129 vintage. I appreciate that 5k is fishing in the bottom of the pond budget wise, but my thinking its that if i can find a semi-decent one, it won't lose too much money after 18 mths.
Is there anything else in that sort of budget that would suit? can't find much in the GT/convertible cruiser type thing i would like - no Volvo C70's or BMW 3 series ideally.
There are a couple of later R230 SL350's that fall within budget - but are they likely to give more problems than the R129?
Found this 280 that looks fairly tidy - bumpers look a little matt, but could be just the finish on the plastic - anything particular i should be looking for apart from rust, wiring loom, electric issues, torn hoods, working hoods....?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1996-MERCEDES-BENZ-SL-2...
Edited by mattman on Thursday 18th January 15:14
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
The description on this one is quite brilliant guys.
ALL SEEM FINE,WHEN YOU SWITCH ENGINE OFF YOU GET MESSAGE 'engine fail safe' AND WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING YOU SOMETIMES GET traction and ABS light come, BUT CAR DRIVES FINE.
ONLY ONE KEY, NO BOOKPACK previous owner does have history and spare key I've had no luck getting it off him.
No MOT
I BROUGHT THIS C........
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2...
ALL SEEM FINE,WHEN YOU SWITCH ENGINE OFF YOU GET MESSAGE 'engine fail safe' AND WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING YOU SOMETIMES GET traction and ABS light come, BUT CAR DRIVES FINE.
ONLY ONE KEY, NO BOOKPACK previous owner does have history and spare key I've had no luck getting it off him.
No MOT
I BROUGHT THIS C........
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2...
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