5k Barge

[Hogg-mc580]

Hello all!

5k or less to spend on a motorway barge. (2 hour commute each way) main priority is comfort and cruise control. I don’t mind paying high for maintenance however I’d like something that isn’t going to leave me stranded on the roadside often (ruled out Range Rover).

I’ve looked at:
Audi A8, BMW 7 series, Mercedes S class( closer to 10k). E class. Or an older 5 series.
Or just a Ford Mondeo(safe option)

There is a Mercedes specialist near me and I don’t mind high running costs but I’m worried about electrical gremlins putting it off the road!
Any advice!

[AlexiusG55]

Volvo S80?

[Fermit and Sarah]

AlexiusG55 said:

Volvo S80?

That's a good call. You'll be hard pressed to find a comfier car than that for £5k.

[markirl]

I recently got a D3 Audi A8 and highly recommend one!

[0a]

If you want reliability, go Lexus!

[Jag_NE]

If you have 5k to spend on a car are you sure you can keep one of these on the road? You could spend 5k in one year on upkeep. I get the 1k barge and scrap it if it pops approach but 5k is an odd price point

[dave_s13]

E class Merc if you have a good indy nearby. Can't go wrong with a good one.

[Oldcars61]

Not being funny but what do you class as “high running costs”? Asking because £5k plus a decent running budget could get you something decent on lease.

[philipbrown123]

Lexus LS460 or LS 430.

I paid £6,000 last year for a 2007 LS460 with 150K miles. Drives like new. Looks as good as new inside and out. Now approaching 180K miles. Average 27mpg on my 45 mile commute to/from work.

[Shominy]

Honda Accord with the 2.2 litre diesel. Supposedly very robust and reliable.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say the E Class ticks the boxes a 280 but preferably a 320 & you'll have yourself a great motorway car:

E280

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

E320

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

The S80 is another option it has a good engine but the auto box is a bit of a weak spot, you do get a newer car but for me the E classes are the better package.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[Mr Tidy]

I bought a BMW E91 325i earlier this year, with some change from £3K.

Works well for me.

[Hogg-mc580]

With regards to the budget been odd and high running costs.
I mean I am happy to pay for servicing and preventative maintenance. I’m not going to run it on a shoestring but I’m just after something that won’t leave me stranded often on the side of the road. Leasing is something I’ve never really looked into but I would imagine I wouldn’t be able to get a car specced that highly for 250-300 a month.
The 5k budget just seems to have a lot of options in that range for 80,000-100,000 miles 7 series/e class Mercedes.
I work 24 hour shifts aswell so the commute after is something I want to be comfortable in also.
What I would class as high running costs is setting aside 2k for any repairs on a yearly basis.
Also looked at big Lexus LS430 which seem to be rated quite well

Edited by Hogg-mc580 on Sunday 16th September 09:31

[ZX10R NIN]

If you don't mind the fuel then the E500 is a great companion:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

The reason I'm not recommending the 7/S Class/A8 is due to their potential for a very high bill due to their air suspension:

Other options

S80

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

GS430

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[Hogg-mc580]

The GS430 looks lovely! I’m my opinion looks a lot nicer than the Mercedes at the same price! Might be one to go and see.

[dmsims]

Lexus GS450h ?

[MaxSo]

Hogg-mc580 said:

With regards to the budget been odd and high running costs.
I mean I am happy to pay for servicing and preventative maintenance. I’m not going to run it on a shoestring but I’m just after something that won’t leave me stranded often on the side of the road. Leasing is something I’ve never really looked into but I would imagine I wouldn’t be able to get a car specced that highly for 250-300 a month.
The 5k budget just seems to have a lot of options in that range for 80,000-100,000 miles 7 series/e class Mercedes.
I work 24 hour shifts aswell so the commute after is something I want to be comfortable in also.
What I would class as high running costs is setting aside 2k for any repairs on a yearly basis.
Also looked at big Lexus LS430 which seem to be rated quite well

Edited by Hogg-mc580 on Sunday 16th September 09:31

What's the total annual mileage - something like 60 or 70k?

[Hogg-mc580]

Probably around 30-40k I think

[ZX10R NIN]

In that case for me it would be the E320cdi.

[Chromegrill]

Jag XJ X350? Lots of those for under £5k and 100,000 miles and seem to be well regarded here. Lovely ride as long as the air suspension doesn't go pop.

But I'd spare your pennies and go for a rank outsider. The Rover 75 auto diesel in Connoisseur SE spec (includes cruise control). So smooth and comfy in a retro sort of way it's like driving a gentleman's country club to work. I just spent the last 3 hours on the motorway in mine (OK I'm biased but I have the petrol version which is much thirstier and not quite gremlin free) and got out at the end feeling like I could jump in and spend another three hours there. Tons of advice about keeping them going on numerous enthusiast websites and the diesel has a BMW chain engine. Don't go for manual though - lots of expensive clutch issues. Oh and if the fuel tank pump fails you'll stop if you go under the last quarter of the tank so perhaps worth putting in a new pump if you are going to do serious commuting.

You can pick up a good one for between £200 and £1000.