SOTW: Bargain Barges

Shed comes home this week, with not one, not two, but three barges for your viewing pleasure

By Garlick / Friday, 19 March 2010 / Loading comments

Not this type of barge......

I make no secret of the fact that I enjoy a barge. In fact let me rephrase that. Here at PistonHeads we all love a barge, and while we enjoy a good sports car as much as the next person, not much comes close to a wafty old boat for serenely carving your way through the London traffic after work.

I'm not sure why the appeal is so strong. Is it the fact that you have spent less than the price of a decent TV on what was once the pinnacle of luxurious engineering? Is it the fact that older luxury cars are often smoother and quieter than those available today? Perhaps it's more sleazy than any of those, and really we just like the 'under the arches' image, or the fact that if it all goes horribly wrong we could do airport runs as a new career...

Me? I like them because I gain immense pleasure from having one arm on the armrest, and one finger on the steering wheel as I go about my business in no particular hurry. I like the way the bonnet lifts as I accelerate, I like the way the doors clunk shut when I close them and I like the fact that people who see me have no idea if I am loaded or penniless. More importantly, I like the fact that they are cheap, which only goes to highlight that I lean towards the penniless camp.

In a new record for SOTW we offer you three (yes three) choices for the customary 'bag o' sand' with one in particular standing out for all the wrong reasons.

Let's start with the obvious choices, with that SOTW favourite the W126 Mercedes Benz S Class with the rather lovely 3.0 six under the bonnet. These cars are still the prettiest S Class ever produced in my opinion and offer the traditional Benz recipe of minimal kit coupled with maximum quality. This example doesn't have the now obligatory hide seats but it doesn't suffer for that and seems presentable enough after being cared for by only 3 previous owners. Perfect barge loveliness in my opinion and one that I am desperately trying to resist buying myself.

Advert Says: 1988 (E) Mercedes Benz SE Class 300SE. 127,000 miles, 3 previous owners. Blaupunkt Sat Nav, CD Hifi, Electric windows and mirrors, optional cd stereo at small extra cost, excellent alloys with body in excellent condition in line with age, just needs a little touch up here and there, and a polish. There are signs of minor rust, but overall it’s in better condition then moist of its age. Drives very well, with smooth 6 cylinder engine,and 4 speed auto gear box. Cloth interior with car seat covers. Very cheap at this price!. £999.

Next up is the S class rival, the 7 Series, with this particular model being the 735iSE. Back in the day you were either a Merc man or a BMW man and while time has mellowed this fierce rivalry the older models still attract fans that will only buy one brand or the other. This particular era of 7 attracted a younger buyer than the equivalent S Class as it not only offered more equipment and crisper styling but crucially it also handled better. The car we have chosen has everything you need from leather upholstery to air conditioning along with one years MOT and a full service history too. Frankly I still can't believe that this much car can be bought for so little, and someone really needs to get this one bought.

Advert Says: 1990 BMW 735iSE, 80,000 miles, Metallic dark red. MOT-01-2011. Superb Condition, 1 Years MOT, Very Comprehensive Service History, Metallic Dark Red, contrasting Full Black Leather interior, air conditioning, cruise control, stereo, on board computer, power steering, ABS brakes, electric windows/mirrors/sunroof/seats, centre armrests, walnut trim, rear headrests, headlamp wash, front fogs, BMW alloys, Very Original Car, Same Owner for more than 7 years, 1 Years MOT £1,000

Finally, and with tongue firmly in cheek, we present this rather fabulous example of Korean class and style. Ladies and gentlemen, behold the beautifully named Hyundai XG30 3.0 V6 and what a stunner she is. Barely 8 years old and with only 122,000 miles on the clock this car has literally miles and miles of plastic-look leather-lined opulence left to enjoy. Relax as you set the cruise control and play with the trip computer. Have peace of mind as you enter the twisties and let the traction control take care of the excess of power available. Look down on Getz drivers and make sure they know that you have made it big. To finish the 'diplomatic' look, why not attach a flag pole to each front wing and imagine that you are heading to the embassy to sort out something important.......but be aware of drunken revellers trying to hail you down as they confuse you for an illegal minicab. All this could be yours for £1,000

Advert Says: 2002 Hyundai XG30 3.0 V6, 122,000 miles, Metallic Blue. MOT-05-2010. ABS, Alloy wheels, Central locking, Cruise control, Electric sunroof, Folding rear seats, Immobiliser, Passenger airbag, Rear armrest, Side airbags, Radio/CD Multichanger, Rear headrests, Traction control, Trip computer, Steering wheel reach adjustment, Steering wheel rake adjustment, Rear electric windows, PAS, Front electric windows, Electric door mirrors, Drivers airbag, Alarm, 3x3 point rear seat belts, Electrically adjustable drivers seat, Electrically adjustable passenger seat, Front fog lights, Heated front seat. Insurance Group:16D, £1,000

So there you have it - three limos for your selection, and all available for £1000. Don't say we never treat you to anything here on PistonHeads.