New job, money to burn!!!

[sshenton1975]

Hello All

Just got the fantastic news that I have got a new job!
No company car but instead car allowance paid into my salary.
I thought about private lease but instead want to buy something second hand
Already have the Cerbera which i will be keeping for weekends.
Car needs to be reasonably sensible, look OK outside company, something wife will like, and be child friendly )kids are on the agenda my wife tells me!!Have set myself a 10K budget and have narrowed down to following:
E46 M3 Coupe
E39 M5
E Class E55 AMG
XK8 or XKR
Audi A8 (post 2003)
E60 530d
CLK 55 AMG
Poss. Merc CL (2002 - 2005 shape)

Please give me your help, views and suggestions. Marks out of ten for each would be great!!!

Cheers

Simon

[Matt UK]

With a Cerb in the garage, I think a nice 530d would be just the tonic for the daily grind.

[jon-]

From that list, for day to day living, E39 M5 every time.

[sim16v]

Will the car ever be used when meeting customers/clients?

If yes, play it down to something that doesn't look/appear flash to the man in the street.

A lot of people think you are charging them too much if you have something nice.

[g3org3y]

[sshenton1975]

Must admit, of the more sporty cars, I am drawn to the E39 M5 - but is it getting too long in the tooth?? I believe I should go for a 2001 facelift to avoid Vanos issues right?

And the E46 M3? Newer design, great engine, handling? Is it a bit chav though?

I may have to take clients out occasionally but generally not. I am a young 35 yr old who has just managed to get the MD role for a smallish company of about 35 people back in the UK. I am aware of my age and so dont want to turn up in the office in a porsche, Tvr etc. Needs to be classy yet "special" for those of us in the know.......

Those CL 500 55amgs look cheap at 11K for a 2002.....though

Let me know your feedback on the BMW M3 vs M5 doubts I have

Cheers

[Fittster]

From that list can I assume you aren't that fussed about running costs?

[iAlex]

A well looked after M5 which is easily attainable for £10k I'd have thought will be brilliant!

Although taking into account the Cerb you already have, maybe a nice relaxing and comfortable E60 is what you need? Then again, for 10k I'm pretty sure any E39 M5 will be in a better condition.

Just look at commute, fuel consumption etc and take into account that if kids turn up in the near future then you may be welcoming the slightly increased fuel consumption and comfort of a diesel E60?

Pah, I dunno, head vs. heart decision isnt it.

I'd definitely take an E39 M5 over an E46 M3 though.

[stuthemong]

e46 too much crossover with the cerb IMO. I'd go for a M5 too.

Leave the standard age related plate on it & remove the M5 badge - put a 525D badge on it. Those who 'get' cars will respect the M5 and think you a lad for having it, and those that don't (most liable to get jealous IMO) will just think you have a 10yr old derv.

Win win

[soad]

M3 for me. But only you can decide yourself

[hairyben]

sim16v said:

Will the car ever be used when meeting customers/clients?

If yes, play it down to something that doesn't look/appear flash to the man in the street.

A lot of people think you are charging them too much if you have something nice.

Unfortunately the above is too true, I've evan had flak for driving a new merc funking panel van, but of course it really depends what you're selling and to whom.


The AMG has a good balence IMO- says classy and refined, a non petrolhead probably wouldn't guess it's the pokey version. rather you than me owning an early 00's merc though.

[RenesisEvo]

stuthemong said:

e46 too much crossover with the cerb IMO. I'd go for a M5 too.

Leave the standard age related plate on it & remove the M5 badge - put a 525D badge on it. Those who 'get' cars will respect the M5 and think you a lad for having it, and those that don't (most liable to get jealous IMO) will just think you have a 10yr old derv.

Win win

Better to just remove the badges altogether, as you run the risk of looking like the person who sticks an M badge next to the 525D in the hope other morons will think their's is an M-sport. Of course in this case you have the last laugh because it is, and to anyone sufficiently knowledge it will be obvious.

I'd probably take the E39 M5, but it depends on how much performance vs how much practicality you are after. If the Cerb fits all your needs for go, I'd go more practical for the daily driver, maybe even an estate..? But that's just my opinion. All I know for sure is, I'd love to be in your position with regards to car shopping.