Looking for a sub £2k barge
Discussion
I'm looking for something S Class/ 7 series size in the £1000 to £2000 region. I'd be doing 8k miles a year in it, so I'd be keen to stay above 25 MPG if possible. If I brought a thirstier car then I could balance it out by driving my diesel more often, but that would rather negate the point of it.
I'm aware that such a car could be a money pit, so I'm keeping the budget intentionally low, so that if I do end up selling it for £500 as a non-runner, I haven't lost too much.
I'm no good at DIY maintenance. If I buy for £2k, and it is beyond economical repair in 12 months time come a failed MOT, then I consider that a fair deal for me.
Parking sensors would be a nice to have, although I'm aware these can be fitted retrospectively. My short list so far (in order of preference)
BMW 7 Series E38
I've researched these extensively. I'm aware of: fuel tank corrosion (this seems to be the one you can't just live with till the MOT), suspension wear, shimmy at 55 mph, engine coolant leak (again can't live with that till the MOT). I really like these visually for their old school boxy look. 740 has the Vannos problems, but I'm leaning towards the 728
Merc S Class W220
Pre 2003 models weren't galvanised and can rust. Hardly any post 2003 models in budget. Air suspension can go, not sure if this is an MOT fail or a problem that one could live with. Seems less problems than the E38. Would avoid the diesel and go for the 280 or 320 petrol
After these two models, I haven't done much research. The Audi A8 from the late 90s must be worth a look and a Lexus LS of the same era is also appealing. Granted it doesn't have parking sensors. Have I missed anything else?
I'm aware that such a car could be a money pit, so I'm keeping the budget intentionally low, so that if I do end up selling it for £500 as a non-runner, I haven't lost too much.
I'm no good at DIY maintenance. If I buy for £2k, and it is beyond economical repair in 12 months time come a failed MOT, then I consider that a fair deal for me.
Parking sensors would be a nice to have, although I'm aware these can be fitted retrospectively. My short list so far (in order of preference)
BMW 7 Series E38
I've researched these extensively. I'm aware of: fuel tank corrosion (this seems to be the one you can't just live with till the MOT), suspension wear, shimmy at 55 mph, engine coolant leak (again can't live with that till the MOT). I really like these visually for their old school boxy look. 740 has the Vannos problems, but I'm leaning towards the 728
Merc S Class W220
Pre 2003 models weren't galvanised and can rust. Hardly any post 2003 models in budget. Air suspension can go, not sure if this is an MOT fail or a problem that one could live with. Seems less problems than the E38. Would avoid the diesel and go for the 280 or 320 petrol
After these two models, I haven't done much research. The Audi A8 from the late 90s must be worth a look and a Lexus LS of the same era is also appealing. Granted it doesn't have parking sensors. Have I missed anything else?
I say go for a Mercedes E Class:
Mercedes E240
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
)r a Lexus GS300 Sport
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
GS300 LE
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
Update:
I agreed to buy a 1999 BMW 728i (E38). One owner and yes high mileage, but looks like he's maintained her well and from his comments on my (moderately sedate) driving on the test drive, he has treated her like a baby. Well under the £2k budget
Looking forward to updating with pics when I take custody of her next week
I agreed to buy a 1999 BMW 728i (E38). One owner and yes high mileage, but looks like he's maintained her well and from his comments on my (moderately sedate) driving on the test drive, he has treated her like a baby. Well under the £2k budget
Looking forward to updating with pics when I take custody of her next week
Trabi601 said:
Nice choice. E38s are fabulous cars - and the 728i is massively underrated.
Thanks I was worried about their reliability compared to an equivalent Lexus, but I have always fancied an E38. I didn't pay much for it, so if it goes belly up in a year then I wouldn't consider myself hard done by.
That said I really want to run this car for years. It's a lovely car, well ahead of its time, the gentleman that owned it had it from new and I'd be doing both him and the car a disservice if I didn't treat it well.
Anyone recommend a forum that will guide me in the right direction with looking after her? Not having much luck on bimmerforums.co.uk !
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