Which daily coupe? 840/645/996/3200/cerb
Discussion
I've narrowed down my choices for a 4 seat coupe or cab for a new year purchase. Although I can't quite decide which provides the best solution to my wants;
- 4 seats (rears for kids)
- must look good and be fun and a little different
- be a reliable daily (10k pa)
- budget 10-12k
- no more than 75,000 miles ideally
List comprises;
Bmw 840
Bmw 645/650 coupe or cab
Tvr Cerbera
Porsche 911 996
Maserati 3200 GT
My sensible head says the beemers will be more reliable and won't rape my wallet every time I go out, but do they really provide that excitement the same as a Tvr in a tunnel or the sexy rear boomerang lights of the maser, or ticking the box of owning a 911. I don't want to buy something then do the "what if" all the time
Others just outside the short list include the clk, Cls, e46 m3
Help me decide!!!!
- 4 seats (rears for kids)
- must look good and be fun and a little different
- be a reliable daily (10k pa)
- budget 10-12k
- no more than 75,000 miles ideally
List comprises;
Bmw 840
Bmw 645/650 coupe or cab
Tvr Cerbera
Porsche 911 996
Maserati 3200 GT
My sensible head says the beemers will be more reliable and won't rape my wallet every time I go out, but do they really provide that excitement the same as a Tvr in a tunnel or the sexy rear boomerang lights of the maser, or ticking the box of owning a 911. I don't want to buy something then do the "what if" all the time
Others just outside the short list include the clk, Cls, e46 m3
Help me decide!!!!
I had similar requirements this time last year and ended up with an Approved used BMW 645. I needed the 'security' of the warranty which has had to be used. I think you need to think about how often the rear seats will be used as the 911 is much smaller in the back. It also depends how big the kids are and how much they will put up with. I have to say my second choices were a Mercedes CL and the Maserati 4200. I still scour the classifieds for the Maserati, I think it is a more desirable car but the BMW the best 'tool ' for the job.
Hi Matt, I see you've previously owned a TVR so the Cerb option wouldn't be a completely uninformed choice 
I would however think a bit carefully about 10k miles a year in a 10-12k Cerb.. I haven't checked the classifieds recently but that's at the bottom end of the Cerb market.. Not suggesting don't do it but I'd ask the the lads on the Cerb forum (I'm a Chim owner) for their thoughts before taking the plunge... and buy very carefully (apologies if it sounds like I'm teaching you to suck eggs) I'd go as far as to say that if you get a good one and it doesn't spring any surprises it should be no less reliable than any of the other cars you mention
Just my two penneth...
Chilli
I would however think a bit carefully about 10k miles a year in a 10-12k Cerb.. I haven't checked the classifieds recently but that's at the bottom end of the Cerb market.. Not suggesting don't do it but I'd ask the the lads on the Cerb forum (I'm a Chim owner) for their thoughts before taking the plunge... and buy very carefully (apologies if it sounds like I'm teaching you to suck eggs) I'd go as far as to say that if you get a good one and it doesn't spring any surprises it should be no less reliable than any of the other cars you mention Just my two penneth...
Chilli
I think using a cerb as a daily is a brave decision especially at the purchase price, there will be days where you will hate it poor heater lacklustre wipers & the ventilation to clear the screen when it's wet/cold can be frustrating, plus in stop start traffic your left leg will get a decent workout.
Plenty use the cerb daily but I just think it works better as a second car to keep it feeling special, I think I would be tempted with a 650 coupe lovely engine decent performance & nice cabin & dependability, you have put some cracking motors on your list have fun choosing!
Plenty use the cerb daily but I just think it works better as a second car to keep it feeling special, I think I would be tempted with a 650 coupe lovely engine decent performance & nice cabin & dependability, you have put some cracking motors on your list have fun choosing!
mattman said:
Everytime I go round the loop I keep ending back at the 6 series....
Stratstone Derby has a 05 630 cab for 11500 - but 4 previous owners puts me off - I know it shouldn't, but I don't fancy being owner no 5 on a 7yr old car
That 630 cab looks lovely and decent value IMO , and you have the assurance of a decent warranty which is extendable. I wouldn't be too bothered about lots of owners on a car like that, suspect for some these sort of cars are a fashion accessory to be changed every season! If you are going to keep it for a while what does it matter if there was 4 owners before you?Stratstone Derby has a 05 630 cab for 11500 - but 4 previous owners puts me off - I know it shouldn't, but I don't fancy being owner no 5 on a 7yr old car
mattman said:
Something about this....
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-840-4-0-auto-Ci-/281...
Thats really strong money for a 4.0 ci.http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-840-4-0-auto-Ci-/281...
I have been looking for one of these for a while and bought a 730d as an interim car. For your money you should be able to get a good 4.4 sport. Just watch out for rust, not just rear arches, but door sills and brake and fuel pipes on the underside. These are really expensive to replace as the rear sub frame needs to be removed. Budget £1500-2000 for this to be done at a reputable independent specialist. Also make sure that the 8 series specific parts are in good condition as they too can be costly to find.
The cerb may be costly to run too with 6000 mile service intervals along with other possible niggly faults. With the 3200gt you would probably be wise to have a large bork fund sitting spare just in case. Again find a friendly specialist who can pass on fiat prices for parts, not the maserati ones! 6 series is soul less when compared to the others on your list. I'd like to own all of them
Edited by The Big G on Sunday 16th December 15:00
Is a near on 20 year old (complex) car a sensible proposition as a 10k per year daily driver? No doubt some of you will say it is, but I would have thought an 840/850 would be a collectors car or at least something to be cosseted and kept in the garage for occasional driving pleasure and not driven every day.
I use my 840 Sport daily and have not really suffered any huge issues. Check for the seal where the roof meets the screen as these are prone to hidden rust. You'll most likely find that pixels will be missing from the radio/MID but this can be rectified
Have a good look through www.clube31.com . Some incredibly knowledgeable enthusiasts who will be very willing to assist
For £7-8k you'll find a good late 98/99 840 Sport 4.4
Have had a couple of adults in the rear seats [ oooer ] but means your knees will be touching your chin
Have a good look through www.clube31.com . Some incredibly knowledgeable enthusiasts who will be very willing to assist
For £7-8k you'll find a good late 98/99 840 Sport 4.4
Have had a couple of adults in the rear seats [ oooer ] but means your knees will be touching your chin
Edited by E31Shrew on Sunday 16th December 15:17
AdeTuono said:
I bought a 645 cab earlier this year. Did 2000 miles and sold it on. The most boring, souless car I've ever driven. Mind you, I've had a Cerb as well, and wouldn't have another of those either.
I won't suggest what I'd buy, as I'd probably get shot down in flames...
Ahh go on - don't leave me hanging!!I won't suggest what I'd buy, as I'd probably get shot down in flames...
That's my only concern about the 6's - soulless and sensible - unless I can get a wrx style booming exhaust on the 645?
mattman said:
AdeTuono said:
I bought a 645 cab earlier this year. Did 2000 miles and sold it on. The most boring, souless car I've ever driven. Mind you, I've had a Cerb as well, and wouldn't have another of those either.
I won't suggest what I'd buy, as I'd probably get shot down in flames...
Ahh go on - don't leave me hanging!!I won't suggest what I'd buy, as I'd probably get shot down in flames...
That's my only concern about the 6's - soulless and sensible - unless I can get a wrx style booming exhaust on the 645?
AdeTuono said:
At the risk of sounding like 300bhp/tonne, I would look around for a 05 Mustang. I had one for 2-3 years (the longest I've ever kept a car). You might struggle to find a V8 in budget, but the prices are coming down all the time.
I have looked at those briefly - how did you finding living with a LHD on a day to day basis?Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff