Best smoker barges 1-5 large [Vol 12]
Discussion
wjwren said:
I think the engine has only done 92k after reading the jaguar forum posts - correct me if im wrong.
I nearly bought one of these 53 plate, 3.0 litre petrol with about 70k on the clock for £3200 back in 2011. Prices seem to have climbed up slightly, but they do look dated now, especially the interiors and I wouldnt be paying £6k for one of these.
That is correct, just had new engine fitted.I nearly bought one of these 53 plate, 3.0 litre petrol with about 70k on the clock for £3200 back in 2011. Prices seem to have climbed up slightly, but they do look dated now, especially the interiors and I wouldnt be paying £6k for one of these.
A low mileage 2008 Supercharged XJR was advertised for £25k, now sold apparently.
Yes I am bias, as I have owned two of them, but I think they are fantastic cars and worth every penny they fetch. I would not sell my Super V8 for anywhere near 6k, unless I piled the miles on it.
Some interesting cars posted recently that has inspired me to up my budget to a max of £5k but ideally a more reasonable £3.5k to get into something more premium.
My criteria is that it should look like a premium car but not worried if a little dated.
The more luxury the better.
Ideally a V8 Petrol engine but could live with a V6
Should drive half decent with some enjoyment in the drive and not too wallowy.
Although it may need work doing due to age and wear and tear, it shouldn’t have too many known issues.
Given all that, the seem to be looking at cars around 1998 - 2005 which has put the following on my shortlist....
BMW 7 E38
These still look good to me and with the Alusil engine post 1998 should be a better buy. I am not aware of any known issues other than rust.
Lots of V6 728 Cars about but good 735 or 740/5 cars are fewer
BMW 7 E65
This look like cracking value and I don’t mind the shape although many hate it. Super loaded with gadgets but have heard they suffer with lots of problems due to the cutting edge Tech and loaded with sensors that can go wrong.
I have ruled this one out as it seems maintenance could be expensive.
Jaguar XJ X308
These seem to be pretty reliable and with the Alusil engines post 2000 are a good buy. Main issue again seems to be rust. V8 Cars are a little more plentiful.
Jaguar XJ X350
This seems to be the XJ to have with its Aluminium body and few issues. Pushing the budget for a V8 but V6 Cars seem to be doable within budget.
Is a V6 X350 a better proposition than a a V8 X308 ?
BMW 5 E39
V8 versions are harder to find although V6 525 and 530 cars are more common. Would have to be Sport spec. Worried it might be a tad too small in the rear seats compared to the other cars in the list.
Lexus LS430
Bullet proof reliability with all the interior luxury a crown prince could want but I am not sure I can get over its exterior styling compared to the others.
Audi A8
Some decent V8 Cars and still looks good but I believe it has the least enjoyable driving experience of all these. Am I wrong ?
Also, the CVT and Multitronic Auto gearboxes seems to have a habit of growing wrong so I am inclined to rule out the A8 as well.
Mercedes S W220
Some real bargains to be had in these and good V8 engines slightly more plentiful. Seem to suffer from rust though and like the BMW E65, loaded with Tech that seems to go wrong creating a maintenance headache. If it wasn’t for all these tech gremlins, it would be a serious contender but I have ruled it out
So, given my criteria at the top, which Cars should I be narrowing my search down to ?
I am keeping a broad eye on the ads but I don’t have the time to see and drive all of them so need to somehow narrow down and focus my search.
All sage advice welcome
My criteria is that it should look like a premium car but not worried if a little dated.
The more luxury the better.
Ideally a V8 Petrol engine but could live with a V6
Should drive half decent with some enjoyment in the drive and not too wallowy.
Although it may need work doing due to age and wear and tear, it shouldn’t have too many known issues.
Given all that, the seem to be looking at cars around 1998 - 2005 which has put the following on my shortlist....
BMW 7 E38
These still look good to me and with the Alusil engine post 1998 should be a better buy. I am not aware of any known issues other than rust.
Lots of V6 728 Cars about but good 735 or 740/5 cars are fewer
BMW 7 E65
This look like cracking value and I don’t mind the shape although many hate it. Super loaded with gadgets but have heard they suffer with lots of problems due to the cutting edge Tech and loaded with sensors that can go wrong.
I have ruled this one out as it seems maintenance could be expensive.
Jaguar XJ X308
These seem to be pretty reliable and with the Alusil engines post 2000 are a good buy. Main issue again seems to be rust. V8 Cars are a little more plentiful.
Jaguar XJ X350
This seems to be the XJ to have with its Aluminium body and few issues. Pushing the budget for a V8 but V6 Cars seem to be doable within budget.
Is a V6 X350 a better proposition than a a V8 X308 ?
BMW 5 E39
V8 versions are harder to find although V6 525 and 530 cars are more common. Would have to be Sport spec. Worried it might be a tad too small in the rear seats compared to the other cars in the list.
Lexus LS430
Bullet proof reliability with all the interior luxury a crown prince could want but I am not sure I can get over its exterior styling compared to the others.
Audi A8
Some decent V8 Cars and still looks good but I believe it has the least enjoyable driving experience of all these. Am I wrong ?
Also, the CVT and Multitronic Auto gearboxes seems to have a habit of growing wrong so I am inclined to rule out the A8 as well.
Mercedes S W220
Some real bargains to be had in these and good V8 engines slightly more plentiful. Seem to suffer from rust though and like the BMW E65, loaded with Tech that seems to go wrong creating a maintenance headache. If it wasn’t for all these tech gremlins, it would be a serious contender but I have ruled it out
So, given my criteria at the top, which Cars should I be narrowing my search down to ?
I am keeping a broad eye on the ads but I don’t have the time to see and drive all of them so need to somehow narrow down and focus my search.
All sage advice welcome
Edited by Spy on Sunday 19th November 07:32
Spy said:
Audi A8
Some decent V8 Cars and still looks good but I believe it has the least enjoyable driving experience of all these. Am I wrong ?
Also, the CVT and Multitronic Auto gearboxes seems to have a habit of growing wrong so I am inclined to rule out the A8 as well.
Why would you rule out an A8 because of a gearbox it doesn't have? The ZF is a robust unit, I changed the fluid in mine and at 80,000 it's faultless.Some decent V8 Cars and still looks good but I believe it has the least enjoyable driving experience of all these. Am I wrong ?
Also, the CVT and Multitronic Auto gearboxes seems to have a habit of growing wrong so I am inclined to rule out the A8 as well.
I can't comment about 'driving experience' as I haven't driven all the others but my A8 does all I ask of it.
Riley Blue said:
Spy said:
Audi A8
Some decent V8 Cars and still looks good but I believe it has the least enjoyable driving experience of all these. Am I wrong ?
Also, the CVT and Multitronic Auto gearboxes seems to have a habit of growing wrong so I am inclined to rule out the A8 as well.
Why would you rule out an A8 because of a gearbox it doesn't have? The ZF is a robust unit, I changed the fluid in mine and at 80,000 it's faultless.Some decent V8 Cars and still looks good but I believe it has the least enjoyable driving experience of all these. Am I wrong ?
Also, the CVT and Multitronic Auto gearboxes seems to have a habit of growing wrong so I am inclined to rule out the A8 as well.
I can't comment about 'driving experience' as I haven't driven all the others but my A8 does all I ask of it.
I may probably get another S8 at some point, but will budget for a full gearbox rebuild
Spy said:
BMW 7 E38
These still look good to me and with the Alusil engine post 1998 should be a better buy. I am not aware of any known issues other than rust.
Lots of V6 728 Cars about but good 735 or 740/5 cars are fewer
BMW 7 E65
This look like cracking value and I don’t mind the shape although many hate it. Super loaded with gadgets but have heard they suffer with lots of problems due to the cutting edge Tech and loaded with sensors that can go wrong.
I have ruled this one out as it seems maintenance could be expensive.
BMW 5 E39
V8 versions are harder to find although V6 525 and 530 cars are more common. Would have to be Sport spec. Worried it might be a tad too small in the rear seats compared to the other cars in the list.
E38. 728's and early 730's are straight sixes, not V6's. Still adequate to get the big car going; V8 735's sound good but only just quicker than the straight sixes; V8 740's will provide excellent go but the V12 750's will go better and still have an impressive standard toy list for 20 year cars. Always check for the BMW front end braking shimmy usually fixed by replacing control arm bushes, and all E38's have an achilles heel with the petrol tank. Fill it up before you buy and smell/look/check for any weeps and leaks.These still look good to me and with the Alusil engine post 1998 should be a better buy. I am not aware of any known issues other than rust.
Lots of V6 728 Cars about but good 735 or 740/5 cars are fewer
BMW 7 E65
This look like cracking value and I don’t mind the shape although many hate it. Super loaded with gadgets but have heard they suffer with lots of problems due to the cutting edge Tech and loaded with sensors that can go wrong.
I have ruled this one out as it seems maintenance could be expensive.
BMW 5 E39
V8 versions are harder to find although V6 525 and 530 cars are more common. Would have to be Sport spec. Worried it might be a tad too small in the rear seats compared to the other cars in the list.
Edited by Spy on Sunday 19th November 07:32
E65/66. As you said, cutting edge technology so simply check all the toys, bells and whistles work properly, V12 especially as there are a lot of toys all over the car.
E39. Again, no V6 in the range, straight six and V8 and that's your lot. Check toys, check cooling system maintenance, check for rust on sills, doors, bootlids and tailgates. It will be slightly smaller in the back than the larger cars but still adequate for adults on a long run, but very few toys in the back unlike the larger Seven Series cars and their contemporaries.
Thanks for all the replies.
General consensus across the Internet is that the A8 can suffer from expensive gearbox issues. May be better if oil has been changed in the past but I would guess an Audi FSH would mean it hasn’t. Shame as they are good cars.
Yes, forgot about the E38 fuel tank issue.
Got carried away with the Vs, BMW are I-6. Interesting point about the 3 litre V8 in the BMW. Sounds like the 4 litre is the step up.
Seem to be a lot of 728s around compared to anything else in that series.
Concern with the E65 and W220 is that although everything may work on the day you buy it, with all the electronics and sensors, something could easily go wrong the next day.
Heard great things about the X350 but only a high-ish mileage V6 seems to be in my price range compared to plentiful X308s.
Is the Jag XJ a better drive than the E38 7 series ?
As regards Nikasil engines, from 2000 the sulphur content in petrol was reduced so I wouldn’t rule out a Nikasil engine from late 1999 onwards actually but would be a little worried if there is existing damage pre 1999 that will manifest itself with age as these cars get on a bit.
Interested in other people’s views.
General consensus across the Internet is that the A8 can suffer from expensive gearbox issues. May be better if oil has been changed in the past but I would guess an Audi FSH would mean it hasn’t. Shame as they are good cars.
Yes, forgot about the E38 fuel tank issue.
Got carried away with the Vs, BMW are I-6. Interesting point about the 3 litre V8 in the BMW. Sounds like the 4 litre is the step up.
Seem to be a lot of 728s around compared to anything else in that series.
Concern with the E65 and W220 is that although everything may work on the day you buy it, with all the electronics and sensors, something could easily go wrong the next day.
Heard great things about the X350 but only a high-ish mileage V6 seems to be in my price range compared to plentiful X308s.
Is the Jag XJ a better drive than the E38 7 series ?
As regards Nikasil engines, from 2000 the sulphur content in petrol was reduced so I wouldn’t rule out a Nikasil engine from late 1999 onwards actually but would be a little worried if there is existing damage pre 1999 that will manifest itself with age as these cars get on a bit.
Interested in other people’s views.
Edited by Spy on Sunday 19th November 09:48
Spy said:
Mercedes S W220
Some real bargains to be had in these and good V8 engines slightly more plentiful. Seem to suffer from rust though and like the BMW E65, loaded with Tech that seems to go wrong creating a maintenance headache. If it wasn’t for all these tech gremlins, it would be a serious contender but I have ruled it out
So, given my criteria at the top, which Cars should I be narrowing my search down to ?
This one ;-)Some real bargains to be had in these and good V8 engines slightly more plentiful. Seem to suffer from rust though and like the BMW E65, loaded with Tech that seems to go wrong creating a maintenance headache. If it wasn’t for all these tech gremlins, it would be a serious contender but I have ruled it out
So, given my criteria at the top, which Cars should I be narrowing my search down to ?
Edited by Spy on Sunday 19th November 07:32
They do a Petrol V6 as well (S350), mines got no rust (2004) but I’ve seen a few crispy ones so worth checking a few out. Surprisingly easy to work on and lots of good tube vid’s to watch if you get stuck. I had the dreaded hot start issue...£100 cam sensor and 10 mins to fit it, I had the dreaded airmatic fail issue....£120 for a new pump and 45 mins to fit, so far the hardest job has been changing the spark plugs, there are 12 of the buggers!
Whilst it “can” pick up its skirt and get a move on when booted, it’s not really what it wants to do though, treat it as a wafter and you are suitably rewarded.
Jim
Spy said:
As regards Nikasil engines, from 2000 the sulphur content in petrol was reduced so I wouldn’t rule out a Nikasil engine from late 1999 onwards actually but would be a little worried if there is existing damage pre 1999 that will manifest itself with age as these cars get on a bit.
Interested in other people’s views.
I read into this quite a bit a while ago, and as I understand it, if the damage isn't done now, the Nikasil will no longer be degenerating as the Sulphur content is now near-as gone and below the threshold for it to deteriorate. An engine in trouble will be obvious by now, and many (certainly in the case of the X308) were actually replaced at the time.Interested in other people’s views.
ReaperCushions said:
idiotgap said:
I like the R230 with the red interior. I was going to have a good look at the pics, but it seems it's gone now. I was wondering what's up with the roll hoop being up.
.
Praying for a thread purchase .
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MERCEDES-SL-350-CONVERT...
Krikkit said:
I read into this quite a bit a while ago, and as I understand it, if the damage isn't done now, the Nikasil will no longer be degenerating as the Sulphur content is now near-as gone and below the threshold for it to deteriorate. An engine in trouble will be obvious by now, and many (certainly in the case of the X308) were actually replaced at the time.
What are the symptoms of a nikasil issue ?Happy Jim said:
This one ;-)
They do a Petrol V6 as well (S350), mines got no rust (2004) but I’ve seen a few crispy ones so worth checking a few out. Surprisingly easy to work on and lots of good tube vid’s to watch if you get stuck. I had the dreaded hot start issue...£100 cam sensor and 10 mins to fit it, I had the dreaded airmatic fail issue....£120 for a new pump and 45 mins to fit, so far the hardest job has been changing the spark plugs, there are 12 of the buggers!
Whilst it “can” pick up its skirt and get a move on when booted, it’s not really what it wants to do though, treat it as a wafter and you are suitably rewarded.
Jim
Any sensor issues causing the dash to light up ?They do a Petrol V6 as well (S350), mines got no rust (2004) but I’ve seen a few crispy ones so worth checking a few out. Surprisingly easy to work on and lots of good tube vid’s to watch if you get stuck. I had the dreaded hot start issue...£100 cam sensor and 10 mins to fit it, I had the dreaded airmatic fail issue....£120 for a new pump and 45 mins to fit, so far the hardest job has been changing the spark plugs, there are 12 of the buggers!
Whilst it “can” pick up its skirt and get a move on when booted, it’s not really what it wants to do though, treat it as a wafter and you are suitably rewarded.
Jim
Spy said:
Krikkit said:
I read into this quite a bit a while ago, and as I understand it, if the damage isn't done now, the Nikasil will no longer be degenerating as the Sulphur content is now near-as gone and below the threshold for it to deteriorate. An engine in trouble will be obvious by now, and many (certainly in the case of the X308) were actually replaced at the time.
What are the symptoms of a nikasil issue ?olly755 said:
I keep looking at this. A lot.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/bmw-750-V12-Sport/29233...
What's the likelihood of it staying in budget?
Who isn't? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/bmw-750-V12-Sport/29233...
What's the likelihood of it staying in budget?
What a fantastic looking thing, genuine sports are rare, very much so, dark headliner and everything. And dare I say it, but the style 32's suit the e38 better than any other wheels, even the M-parallells...
I'd be all over that if not for the slight issue that it's an RHD car... and resides in the U.K..
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff