Best smoker barges 1-5 large [Vol 21]
Discussion
I have just done a colossal European road trip, in a non-barge. My car is a 2016 Honda Civic Tourer, 1.8 petrol auto. 4 people on board (3 adult sized, one teenage), plus luggage. Route was through the Tunnel then through Belgium, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia to Belgrade, then to Bosnia and onwards from there to Montenegro. Back via Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, France. Hugely enjoyable. But I can't help thinking I'd have been far more comfortable in a proper barge, and, please don't shoot me, a diesel one at that. Whilst the Civic perfomed very well, it was just a bit too "hysterical" for want of a better word on long, fast motorway inclines. Needed to change down to third to maintain pace quite frequently, and this became quite tiring.
Thing is, the Civic isn't my main car, I use a Nissan Leaf for most of my motoring as long trips are few and far between. But as a second car for occasional town use, occasional large loads and for long(ish) trips within the UK, it's a brilliant all-rounder. Therefore it would be hard to let it go and replace with a barge, which would be less suitable for the town I live in (very tight 60s concrete car parks etc, Mrs B already thinks the Civic is a "bit too big").
But inevitably, thoughts gently turn to summer road tripping again next year, maybe...and perhaps I will take a year to seek out and procure myself a barge this time...although at about double thread budget here if it was a replacement for the Civic. I wonder if I can find anything Euro 6 within that sort of budget? Any suggestions or thoughts form the experts here?
Thing is, the Civic isn't my main car, I use a Nissan Leaf for most of my motoring as long trips are few and far between. But as a second car for occasional town use, occasional large loads and for long(ish) trips within the UK, it's a brilliant all-rounder. Therefore it would be hard to let it go and replace with a barge, which would be less suitable for the town I live in (very tight 60s concrete car parks etc, Mrs B already thinks the Civic is a "bit too big").
But inevitably, thoughts gently turn to summer road tripping again next year, maybe...and perhaps I will take a year to seek out and procure myself a barge this time...although at about double thread budget here if it was a replacement for the Civic. I wonder if I can find anything Euro 6 within that sort of budget? Any suggestions or thoughts form the experts here?
bolidemichael said:
At the risk of sucking all life from thread, Foeux should really be capturing these experiences in his own RC thread. Something to consider, perhaps?
If that were the case wouldn't the result just be a list of old cars for sale? (I.e. isn't that what the classifieds are for? I don't mind the occasional phwoar for something special, but reems and reems of links to adverts is surely a little tedious?I want to read about what people are doing with/did with their cars and the trials/tribulations of barge ownership. I want to hear about experiences of particular models.
And as a fan of contiental annexation myself (would far rather be blitzing accross interesting countries than sat on a beach), I really love hearing about tales of similar intercontinental travel.
Many of the PH old guard have left these hallowed pages (and the M/barge/rant thread) for private Facebook groups instead because of various reasons, not limited to overzealous moderation and the seemingly perpetual 2005 timeloop this website finds itself in. Let's not zap the life out of here altogether.
Edited by Autobantz on Friday 29th July 10:33
That’s an impressive trip, Bannock - well played indeed. I’m sure we’d all enjoy hearing more about it.
Granted, the Civic is not prime thread material but it’s about the experience as much as anything and as you’ve said it suits your needs for the other 99% of usage. Do seek out a barge for your next adventure though
Granted, the Civic is not prime thread material but it’s about the experience as much as anything and as you’ve said it suits your needs for the other 99% of usage. Do seek out a barge for your next adventure though
Bannock said:
I have just done a colossal European road trip, in a non-barge. My car is a 2016 Honda Civic Tourer, 1.8 petrol auto. 4 people on board (3 adult sized, one teenage), plus luggage. Route was through the Tunnel then through Belgium, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia to Belgrade, then to Bosnia and onwards from there to Montenegro. Back via Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, France. Hugely enjoyable. But I can't help thinking I'd have been far more comfortable in a proper barge, and, please don't shoot me, a diesel one at that. Whilst the Civic perfomed very well, it was just a bit too "hysterical" for want of a better word on long, fast motorway inclines. Needed to change down to third to maintain pace quite frequently, and this became quite tiring.
Thing is, the Civic isn't my main car, I use a Nissan Leaf for most of my motoring as long trips are few and far between. But as a second car for occasional town use, occasional large loads and for long(ish) trips within the UK, it's a brilliant all-rounder. Therefore it would be hard to let it go and replace with a barge, which would be less suitable for the town I live in (very tight 60s concrete car parks etc, Mrs B already thinks the Civic is a "bit too big").
But inevitably, thoughts gently turn to summer road tripping again next year, maybe...and perhaps I will take a year to seek out and procure myself a barge this time...although at about double thread budget here if it was a replacement for the Civic. I wonder if I can find anything Euro 6 within that sort of budget? Any suggestions or thoughts form the experts here?
Sounds like an awesome trip! Thing is, the Civic isn't my main car, I use a Nissan Leaf for most of my motoring as long trips are few and far between. But as a second car for occasional town use, occasional large loads and for long(ish) trips within the UK, it's a brilliant all-rounder. Therefore it would be hard to let it go and replace with a barge, which would be less suitable for the town I live in (very tight 60s concrete car parks etc, Mrs B already thinks the Civic is a "bit too big").
But inevitably, thoughts gently turn to summer road tripping again next year, maybe...and perhaps I will take a year to seek out and procure myself a barge this time...although at about double thread budget here if it was a replacement for the Civic. I wonder if I can find anything Euro 6 within that sort of budget? Any suggestions or thoughts form the experts here?
If girth is a concern (ooh err), what about a nice old E32/38 or W140 Merc? Their size pales next to their modern predecessors. Or is ULEZ a showstopper?
Slightly further down the £££ scale, a one-time frequent contributor to this thread has recently bought a Rover 75 for absolute buttons and has proclaimed it the best car to have ever worn number plates. It's a nice old bus with leather armchairs and 2.5 V6 avec slushomatic. I believe >2004 petrol cars are still ULEZ excempt.
I have done Munich to Amsterdam, 630 miles in 7 hours in an Alfasud back in 1982. Just sat on the autobahns at 90-95 the whole way.
Boring, but it saved a wasted overnight stop. We were in Amsterdam by 3.30 pm.
And of course the famoius epic drive was Norman Dewis, Jaguar test driver, who took a new E-Type in 1961 from Coverntry to the Geneva Motor Show through the night in 15 hours. 700 miles, and no motorways then.
Boring, but it saved a wasted overnight stop. We were in Amsterdam by 3.30 pm.
And of course the famoius epic drive was Norman Dewis, Jaguar test driver, who took a new E-Type in 1961 from Coverntry to the Geneva Motor Show through the night in 15 hours. 700 miles, and no motorways then.
Yeah ULEZ is a showstopper, as is age and probable reliability/maintenance frequency and costs, so if I go down Barge Avenue it's going to be something beyond this thread's budget.
Petrol is a possibility. But for very long journeys like the one I've just done, over the Alps and various other mountain ranges, the easy torque and concommitent tranquility of a large diesel engine appeals. I previously had a SAAB 9-5 2.2TiD estate, followed by an E320 CDi estate, which were both fairly elderly and rather costly on repairs and maintenance - hence me heaving a big sigh and splashing out on a nearly new Civic tourer a few years ago. But as with most of us car heads I expect, I'm starting to go round and round in circles over these arguments again. Of the two older barges I've had the SAAB was my favourite, if only there were more modern examples of those around, with a better more modern large diesel engine, I'd be there.
I am not a fan of BMWs for reasons and will likely never buy one. I don't like V/XC70s (too cramped, have experinece of them eating thier gearboxes and 4x4 systems, am therefore afraid of borky bills) I am not keen on VAGs becise DSG (I want automatic transmission). I realise a Merc E is probably my best bet but my previous one was so unreliable and expensive to maintin I am unkeen. As are my family who hated it because the leather interior stank and made people car sick. So my field of options is limited and choosing the path of least resistance would certainly see me keeping the Civic and putting up with its hysteria.
I might. MIGHT. Be tempted by a Passat/A6/Superb. MIGHT. If I can swallow hard enough and get over my DSG fear.
I guess a Mondeo, Insignia, Mazda 6 or Avensis might be worth a look. But not quite worthy of this thread I'd fear. And not really enough of a barge upgrade on the excellent Civic to make it worthwhile.
Petrol is a possibility. But for very long journeys like the one I've just done, over the Alps and various other mountain ranges, the easy torque and concommitent tranquility of a large diesel engine appeals. I previously had a SAAB 9-5 2.2TiD estate, followed by an E320 CDi estate, which were both fairly elderly and rather costly on repairs and maintenance - hence me heaving a big sigh and splashing out on a nearly new Civic tourer a few years ago. But as with most of us car heads I expect, I'm starting to go round and round in circles over these arguments again. Of the two older barges I've had the SAAB was my favourite, if only there were more modern examples of those around, with a better more modern large diesel engine, I'd be there.
I am not a fan of BMWs for reasons and will likely never buy one. I don't like V/XC70s (too cramped, have experinece of them eating thier gearboxes and 4x4 systems, am therefore afraid of borky bills) I am not keen on VAGs becise DSG (I want automatic transmission). I realise a Merc E is probably my best bet but my previous one was so unreliable and expensive to maintin I am unkeen. As are my family who hated it because the leather interior stank and made people car sick. So my field of options is limited and choosing the path of least resistance would certainly see me keeping the Civic and putting up with its hysteria.
I might. MIGHT. Be tempted by a Passat/A6/Superb. MIGHT. If I can swallow hard enough and get over my DSG fear.
I guess a Mondeo, Insignia, Mazda 6 or Avensis might be worth a look. But not quite worthy of this thread I'd fear. And not really enough of a barge upgrade on the excellent Civic to make it worthwhile.
I note that the 2011 onwards BMW X3 is very economical (over 50 mpg combined) and comes in a diesel auto, but I don't know what the maintenace is like. I would actually like to know please, as I am thinking of replacing my early X trail with one for foreign touring/towing. I want diesel, heated seats, cruise control, automatic, economical and with 4x4, so (my wife is) hard to please
I have had an XC90 2.9 T6 LPG (scrapped, vastly expensive electrical faults) and an Audi A8 3.0 diesel (scrapped, vastly expensive electrical faults), so agree with you on both of them.
I have had an XC90 2.9 T6 LPG (scrapped, vastly expensive electrical faults) and an Audi A8 3.0 diesel (scrapped, vastly expensive electrical faults), so agree with you on both of them.
Bannock said:
Yeah ULEZ is a showstopper, as is age and probable reliability/maintenance frequency and costs, so if I go down Barge Avenue it's going to be something beyond this thread's budget.
Petrol is a possibility. But for very long journeys like the one I've just done, over the Alps and various other mountain ranges, the easy torque and concommitent tranquility of a large diesel engine appeals. I previously had a SAAB 9-5 2.2TiD estate, followed by an E320 CDi estate, which were both fairly elderly and rather costly on repairs and maintenance - hence me heaving a big sigh and splashing out on a nearly new Civic tourer a few years ago. But as with most of us car heads I expect, I'm starting to go round and round in circles over these arguments again. Of the two older barges I've had the SAAB was my favourite, if only there were more modern examples of those around, with a better more modern large diesel engine, I'd be there..
If you get a big enough petrol then you have a quiet and relaxed experience while being able to blatt up steep hills in high gears. Petrol is a possibility. But for very long journeys like the one I've just done, over the Alps and various other mountain ranges, the easy torque and concommitent tranquility of a large diesel engine appeals. I previously had a SAAB 9-5 2.2TiD estate, followed by an E320 CDi estate, which were both fairly elderly and rather costly on repairs and maintenance - hence me heaving a big sigh and splashing out on a nearly new Civic tourer a few years ago. But as with most of us car heads I expect, I'm starting to go round and round in circles over these arguments again. Of the two older barges I've had the SAAB was my favourite, if only there were more modern examples of those around, with a better more modern large diesel engine, I'd be there..
My Bmw 645 was pretty much unaffected by things like hills or multi car overtakes. It was drawn to petrol stations though!
It would allow you to buy an older car for less money to get the ulez qualification.
The main problem may be that if you’re not keen on the German or available Swedish stuff then you’re looking at a very small amount of barges.
Obvious choice would be Lexus, mechanically reliable, proper levels of comfort and they tend to use hybrid rather than diesel so would he ulez compliant.
Thanks to the guys recommending Lexus. I've considered these and regretfully discounted - I don't want an SUV so no RX, an LS is too big (I know, heresy on this thread), and the GS boot is too small (I could live with a saloon if the boot's big enough, but it isn't on a GS, particularly hybrid ones). IS also boot too small.
I agree in principle that Lexus is my ideal brand, but there just isn't a model to suit me.
My shocking and unexpected conclusion is that, given my budget and other requirements and limitations, the best option out there is a 2.0 diesel Insignia estate of approximately the same vintage as my current Civic (2016). 36 cars I've owned, and never a Vauxhall.
I agree in principle that Lexus is my ideal brand, but there just isn't a model to suit me.
My shocking and unexpected conclusion is that, given my budget and other requirements and limitations, the best option out there is a 2.0 diesel Insignia estate of approximately the same vintage as my current Civic (2016). 36 cars I've owned, and never a Vauxhall.
QBee said:
I note that the 2011 onwards BMW X3 is very economical (over 50 mpg combined) and comes in a diesel auto, but I don't know what the maintenace is like. I would actually like to know please, as I am thinking of replacing my early X trail with one for foreign touring/towing. I want diesel, heated seats, cruise control, automatic, economical and with 4x4, so (my wife is) hard to please
I have had an XC90 2.9 T6 LPG (scrapped, vastly expensive electrical faults) and an Audi A8 3.0 diesel (scrapped, vastly expensive electrical faults), so agree with you on both of them.
I had this configuration in the X1 rather than the X3, details are in my garage section on here but the short version is that I drove the wheels off it everywhere and nothing went wrong at all. In 50k miles I needed one change of front discs and pads and one CV boot. That's it.I have had an XC90 2.9 T6 LPG (scrapped, vastly expensive electrical faults) and an Audi A8 3.0 diesel (scrapped, vastly expensive electrical faults), so agree with you on both of them.
TLDR: Would recommend with no reservations.
Bannock said:
Thanks to the guys recommending Lexus. I've considered these and regretfully discounted - I don't want an SUV so no RX, an LS is too big (I know, heresy on this thread), and the GS boot is too small (I could live with a saloon if the boot's big enough, but it isn't on a GS, particularly hybrid ones). IS also boot too small.
I agree in principle that Lexus is my ideal brand, but there just isn't a model to suit me.
My shocking and unexpected conclusion is that, given my budget and other requirements and limitations, the best option out there is a 2.0 diesel Insignia estate of approximately the same vintage as my current Civic (2016). 36 cars I've owned, and never a Vauxhall.
The Lexus IS 7.4cm longer and 1.2cm wider than an insignia estate according to carsized.comI agree in principle that Lexus is my ideal brand, but there just isn't a model to suit me.
My shocking and unexpected conclusion is that, given my budget and other requirements and limitations, the best option out there is a 2.0 diesel Insignia estate of approximately the same vintage as my current Civic (2016). 36 cars I've owned, and never a Vauxhall.
I know what I’d rather be in!
(I’ve never owned a Vauxhall either, but I’ve driven loads. I’ll never own a Vauxhall)
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