Best exec car for peanuts?? | Motoring discussion | Back Room Forum

Thu 1 Sep 2005 14:04

Best exec car for peanuts?? - Pigleted

I have always fancied an executive style car, but don't want to stump up the cash for it. I understand that older exec cars like Mercs may outlast some of the newer models.

What would forumites recommend for my £3000?

I want reliability of course, but also an excellent ride, image and reasonable insurance/bills for a year of motoring pleasure.

Any dogs that I should avoid?

Cheers

Piglet

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Thu 1 Sep 2005 14:10

Best exec car for peanuts?? - Truckosaurus

Saab 9-5.

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Thu 1 Sep 2005 14:12

Best exec car for peanuts?? - Colonel Panic

Plenty of Omegas around at that price- see recent thread with Omega in the subject line for more info.

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Thu 1 Sep 2005 14:16

Best exec car for peanuts?? - Nsar

If you want to avoid a dog then take Audi off your list.

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Thu 1 Sep 2005 14:27

Best exec car for peanuts?? - Xileno {P}

Volvo 850

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Thu 1 Sep 2005 14:35

Best exec car for peanuts?? - edisdead {P}

Toyota Camry, Nissan QX, Honda Legend.

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Thu 1 Sep 2005 14:50

Best exec car for peanuts?? - smokie

I think you should remember that often "older exec" cars do not fit well with motoring on a budget.

Two tyres for the Omega cost me £200 at the weekend (on a deal too!). Most servicing seems to be more costly than SWMBOs Focus, and unexpected problems can cost an arm and a leg (or so it feels).

So when deciding your budget remember to allow for more expensive maintenance costs.

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Thu 1 Sep 2005 14:56

Best exec car for peanuts?? - Sprice

Your budget covers larger Lexus's, the LS400 and GS300, but both will be costly if parts are needed!

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Thu 1 Sep 2005 15:33

Best exec car for peanuts?? - madf

A good W124 Merecedes: 260E or 300E. Power, prestige and lasts well. Lots of salvage spares. Simple to maintain..

Or a Citroen Xantia 3.0 - unloved and cheap.

And Vauxhall is NOT an exec car.

madf

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Thu 1 Sep 2005 15:40

Best exec car for peanuts?? - SjB {P}

Vauxhall is NOT an exec car.

Depends what the criteria for being an Exec car is.

If it is a car often driven by executives, then the Omega most certainly qualifies.

If it is based on image and prestige, then despite the fact that I find our 'designer name' society very false, any Citroën certainly doesn't enter the picture either.

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Thu 1 Sep 2005 15:44

Best exec car for peanuts?? - pd

You'll also be able to find early E39 5-Series in this price range now. I'd 2nd the Lexus suggestion - a 1996 model with 184k sold for £3600 yesterday on ebay.

Remember that NO large saloon is going to be cheap in the parts and consummables - that's why they're cheap. Whatever you buy check it very carefully, mileage is no where near as important as history and condition.

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Thu 1 Sep 2005 15:57

Best exec car for peanuts?? - Nsar

I'd echo that and other comments re repair costs - to expand on my comment before, I drive a 9 year old A6 estate. It's worth c.£3k perhaps, very good condition, leather interior and quiet, refined ride etc. goes like stink if I want and eats the miles. But....I'll pick it up from the garage at the weekend where it has been for the last 8 weeks and in picking it up I'll hand over a cheque for c.£1.5k for a nightmare transmission ECU problem. I'm now in the position of having to run it for a while to recoup some of this outlay whilst praying that nothing else goes wrong in the meantime.

If they go well it's peanuts, but if they don't it isn't! Do you like gambling?

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Thu 1 Sep 2005 16:04

Best exec car for peanuts?? - Aprilia

It will be interesting to see if that new ECU has cured the problem.

Any large Japanese car is a good buy - they are reliable. Nissan QX is pretty good bet because they have a lovely smooth engine, are quiet, and many spares are (surprisingly) available as aftermarket items.

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Thu 1 Sep 2005 16:44

Best exec car for peanuts?? - Nsar

I'll let you know Aprilia (I thought you might join the fray on this thread!)- Audi took some convincing to stand by their offer to take the ECU back if it didn't cure the problem, I should know later today.

Here's thought for this thread - Toyota Camry - quite rare, lots of toys and Toyota reliability, bit of a stealth car with a big engine.

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Tue 6 Sep 2005 10:27

Best exec car for peanuts?? - Nsar

Well, I've got the thing back now and all seems fine, indeed I noticed today that a niggling fault has been cured along the way - the airbag light would stay on for exactly 2 mins when I started up, now it doesn't - it's amazing how pathetically grateful I am for even a tiny bit of good news on this heap of junk!

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Thu 1 Sep 2005 16:14

Best exec car for peanuts?? - Pigleted

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I am drawn towards the older German marques, and Mercedes in particular.

I'm not sure that Japanese or "volume" producers (Vauxhall, Ford and the like) say "quality" in the same way that and older Merc or BMW do. I think the newer models are a bit more brash and aggressive in ride/styling and not my cup of tea.

Not to say that Japs/Fords don't say "reliable, comfortable, good value" but that is only part of what I am after.

Looking out of my office window on to a row of fairly new parked cars, and an old Merc estate (old W reg, not sure of year?) is flanked by a brand/nearly new cars but still looks solid in this company. For my money it has more of the quality factor I am looking for than most newer offerings.

What should I be looking for in old Mercs? Service history and gut feeling above mileage I would imagine?

What model of Merc would forumites recommend for £3000? Space and load carrying capacity not top of the list but would not rule out an estate either. Do they tend to be more in demand than the saloons?

Cheers

Piglet

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Thu 1 Sep 2005 16:52

Best exec car for peanuts?? - daveyjp

W124 E300 diesel. Just found one on autotrader M reg 90,000 miles £2,995 or an L reg estate 7 seats auto £2,495. Good for 300,000+ miles (went in loads in Madeira all of them very high milage).

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Thu 1 Sep 2005 16:10

Best exec car for peanuts?? - No FM2R

And Vauxhall is NOT an exec car.

But a Citroen is ? Surely both or neither.

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Thu 1 Sep 2005 16:44

Best exec car for peanuts?? - pd

If you mean the Lexus models, they certainly don't have the quality or engineering of the German marques. They're way ahead of both BMW & Mercedes. ;)

The one advantage BMW & Mercedes do have is that there is a network of independents out there and cheaper parts sources than main dealers so can be easier to keep going.

None of these cars are cheap to run though and you have to accept they are a gamble. On a £3k old large car a major component failure on any of them can write the car off. Things like Catalysts, ABS units, ECU failure etc. will rarely result in a bill under a grand and an engine or gearbox fault will usually send the car to the great car park in the sky.

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Thu 1 Sep 2005 17:00

Best exec car for peanuts?? - Pigleted

If you mean the Lexus models, they certainly don't have the

quality or engineering of the German marques. They're way ahead of

both BMW & Mercedes. ;)

I could certainly agree with you, but my thinking is that I could walk past a car park full of jap exec cars and not be moved in any way. I am sure I see many on my drive to work each day (in my Nissan BTW) and they do not register. They do what they do very well, but lack some soul IMHO, along with pleasant interiors.

I think the older German cars have a presence that the newer cars (of most makes) don't have.

This is purely for a year or so of floating around in something that I enjoy, before the rat race claims me for ever ;o)

No huge mileages, and the bike will be the transport of choice when the sun shines :o)

Cheers

Piglet

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Thu 1 Sep 2005 17:55

Best exec car for peanuts?? - Stuartli

>>I think the older German cars have a presence that the newer cars (of most makes) don't have.>>

That has always been my view as well.

Even a 20-year-old or more Mercedes offers the rock solid build quality image and sheer presence on the road that so many others lack.

Personal view is that the grille always played a big part in ensuring such large cars stood out so well.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
What\'s for you won\'t pass you by

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Thu 1 Sep 2005 16:47

Best exec car for peanuts?? - Mapmaker

I'd reduce my budget to £1000 - which makes it easier to write off the car when faced with a £1500 bill... the car's still worth £500 on eBay.

For my £1,000 I'd go for an early Audi A6 - you might just get an estate for that budget. Or a W123 Merc (but these are getting older and rustier... but your £1k should buy you something quite nice.

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Thu 1 Sep 2005 16:52

Best exec car for peanuts?? - BazzaBear {P}

Alfa 166 or, even cheaper, Alfa 164.
Get the v6, in black, and you'll look like a mafia don.

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Thu 1 Sep 2005 17:10

Best exec car for peanuts?? - Pugugly {P}

Guess what - an older 5 series (E39) should fit the bill, regardless of what people think of the current standards in the BMW range (both quality and looks) can't go far wrong with an older 5, found myself parked to an even older 5 the other day, )on an M plate) still cuts the mustard, this one was immaculate, simple enough to keep away from the dealer networks.

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Thu 1 Sep 2005 17:24

Best exec car for peanuts?? - Roger Jones

MB W124 or W126. I own one of each, having bought the latter recently at something like a 90% discount off its original list price. Both models have weaknesses (what car doesn't?), but they are very well known. I can give you much more info if you are interested; send me an e-mail via one of the mods, who are usually happy to forward such messages on a strictly occasional basis.

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Thu 1 Sep 2005 17:31

Best exec car for peanuts?? - Pigleted

MB W124 or W126.

What does this translate to in terms of models and years?

Thanks again

Piglet

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Thu 1 Sep 2005 17:59

Best exec car for peanuts?? - madf

"What does this translate to in terms of models and years?"

www.mercedes-benzownersclub.co.uk/model_list.htm

madf

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Thu 1 Sep 2005 18:02

Best exec car for peanuts?? - madf

1991 H Reg MERCEDES-BENZ 300 (W124 Series) Saloon Automatic Aria Motor Company Petrol, 96,000 miles, Metallic Blue with Grey Cloth. Full service history, Electric sunroof, Alloy wheels, ABS, Cruise control, Electric windows, Electric mirrors, Electric Aerial, Central locking, Power . . . . (trade)
£1499

madf

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Thu 1 Sep 2005 18:54

Best exec car for peanuts?? - nick

Just remember that at this price for an exec car, the purchase price is merely a down payment. If you're handy with a spanner and are on good terms with your local scrappy then good luck.

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Fri 2 Sep 2005 15:09

Best exec car for peanuts?? - Pigleted

Just remember that at this price for an exec car, the

purchase price is merely a down payment. If you're handy with

a spanner and are on good terms with your local scrappy

then good luck.

I think that there are some serious bargains to be had on the second hand market - especially older cars of all types. Cheap doesn't have to mean nasty. I am amazed how some cars drop their value with age. Just goes to show the sort of society we live in.

But surely there are good exec cars out there for small money? Not every old Merc/Beemer will be a money pit, and they are known for taking the miles and years well - n-thousand German taxi drivers can't be wrong :o). At the end of the day it is a car like any other, but built much better than most. Or am I being naive?

If it has a good service history and has no obvious defects then where is the risk? Perfect sellers for me would be an old couple who has had it for a good few years and taken good care of it - maybe bought his last company car when he retired, like a gent I know (he's not selling yet). Just a question of waiting for the right one to come along - no harm in looking at plenty in the meantime and getting to know what's what.

Cheers

Piglet

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Tue 6 Sep 2005 14:16

Best exec car for peanuts?? - MichaelR

Guess what - an older 5 series (E39) should fit the

bill, regardless of what people think of the current standards in

the BMW range (both quality and looks) can't go far wrong

with an older 5, found myself parked to an even older

5 the other day, )on an M plate) still cuts the

mustard, this one was immaculate, simple enough to keep away from

the dealer networks.

Listen to Pugugly. The E39 5 Series is perhaps one of the finest cars ever produced - so if you can get one for £3000, it will trounce all opposition.

Brilliant cars.

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Fri 2 Sep 2005 15:11

Best exec car for peanuts?? - Roly93

If you want to avoid a dog then take Audi off

your list.

>>
I don't know where you got that idea !

However if you only spend £3000 on an Audi it may well need some expensive work, however my money would definately be on an Omega for the price, and I drive an Audi !

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Fri 2 Sep 2005 09:00

Best exec car for peanuts?? - Collos25

A fully loaded Alfa Romeo 166

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Fri 2 Sep 2005 11:42

Best exec car for peanuts?? - madf

I would steer clear of anything known to have substandard electrics. So (despite my mentioning Xantias) that rules out all French and Italian cars for a start. Of course if annual and recurring grief is your thing buy one:-)

An old XJ6 - pre V8 - would be nice..

JAGUAR XJ6 3.2 Auto, L reg. genuine 49000 miles, full Rybrook Jaguar service history, 20 stamps, leather trim, MOT May 06, 1 previous owner, excellent . . . . (private)
£2,450
30 miles

madf

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Fri 2 Sep 2005 13:20

Best exec car for peanuts?? - Sprice

>>An old XJ6 - pre V8 - would be nice..

Doesn't this qualify as having poor electrics?

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Fri 2 Sep 2005 13:40

Best exec car for peanuts?? - $till $kint

Ah, but they are BRITISH poor electrics, which makes them ok. Not like those nasty foreign poor electrics.

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Fri 2 Sep 2005 14:17

Best exec car for peanuts?? - Mapmaker

Have you asked Charlie Brown what he suggests?

I'll get my coat.

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Fri 2 Sep 2005 14:28

Best exec car for peanuts?? - madf

Faulty Jag electrics?
Sorted by Ford. see HJ car by car breakdown...
madf

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Fri 2 Sep 2005 14:30

Best exec car for peanuts?? - Nsar

Ford era Jag for £3k - where do I sign?

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Fri 2 Sep 2005 14:53

Best exec car for peanuts?? - LHM

X300 XJ6s can be yours for <£3000. Much, much better than previous model. Even the first M/N platers look the part!

You may need a few more peanuts to run it, however.....

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Fri 2 Sep 2005 16:13

Best exec car for peanuts?? - madf

"Ford era Jag for £3k - where do I sign?"

I will take 10% commission..

1992 J Reg JAGUAR XJ6 4.0 AUTO Rufford Garage 4 Doors, Automatic, Saloon, Petrol, 95,000 miles, kingfisher blue metallic. Adjustable Seat Height, Adjustable Seat Lumbar Support, Air-Conditioning, Central Door Locking, Electric Seats, Leather Steering . . . . (trade)
£2,290
40 miles

JAGUAR XJ6 3.2 Auto, L reg. genuine 49000 miles, full Rybrook Jaguar service history, 20 stamps, leather trim, MOT May 06, 1 previous owner, excellent . . . . (private)
£2,450
30 miles

1994 JAGUAR XJ6 Gold 3.2 Auto, M reg. Green metallic, SH, MOT November 05, beige leather seats, PAS, EW, EM, E/Seats, 4 new tyres, new battery, superb condition. . . . . . (private)
£2,500
29 miles

1994 M Reg JAGUAR XJ Series XJ6 4.0 Sport Riverdale Motor Company Automatic, Saloon, 89,000 miles, Full Jaguar Service History Metallic Blue With Oatmeal Leather Upholstery. Alloy wheels, Central locking, Electric mirrors, Electric windows, Electric sunroof, Full . . . . (trade)
£2,950
32 miles

1993 JAGUAR XJ40 3.2S, L reg. 70000 miles, Auto, full MOT, taxed, P.Plate, met red, oatmeal leather, Rimtech alloys, excellent in & out. . ono No . . . . (private)
£2,995
27 miles

JAGUAR XJ6 3.2 Sport Automatic, M reg. 81000 miles, Carnival Red Metallic with half Grey leather sports seats, air con, sports alloys, full electric pack, electric sunroof, remote locking with alarm, full Jaguar service history, HPi . . . . (trade)
£2,995
37 miles

1993 JAGUAR XJ6 3.2 Auto, 73000 miles, British Racing Green, XJ Nunber Plate, AC, CL, EW, FSH, mint condition,. . . . . . (private)
£3,200
31 miles

1993 L Reg JAGUAR XJ SERIES 3.2 Classy Chassiss Limited Automatic, Saloon, Petrol, 74,138 miles, Green. Adjustable seats, Anti theft system, Central locking, Electric mirrors, Electrically adjustable seats, Front armrest, Full service history, Head restraints, . . . . (trade)
£3,995
8 miles

JAGUAR XJR 4.0, Sovereign Quality Cars Manual, 11,600 miles, Remote Central Locking, Electric Windows, Electric Sunroof, Electric Mirrors, ABS, Air Conditioning, Power Steering, Immobiliser, Leather Interior, Alloy Wheels, Service History, . . . . (trade)
£3,995
25 miles

madf

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Sat 3 Sep 2005 10:32

Best exec car for peanuts?? - Cyd

My car of choice given your requirements would be a Honda Legend. I had one for a week in the mid 90's and to this day I remember how magnificent it was. Totally relaxed motoring over any distance.

If you're buying with your heart tho', buy a Jag. Just put something by for the repair bills.

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Sat 3 Sep 2005 10:41

Best exec car for peanuts?? - mike hannon

Yup, got to be the Legend. Slagged off as a luxobarge by most people who've never driven or owned one but watch them get snapped up on ebay...

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Sat 3 Sep 2005 17:16

Best exec car for peanuts?? - Andy P

I'd agree on the Honda Legend - sadly underrated. I'd also suggest the V6 Camry with the automatic gearbox. It's so smooth you'd swear it only has one gear!

Andy

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Sat 3 Sep 2005 19:30

Best exec car for peanuts?? - Vansboy

My Omega 2.5CDX estate, CERTAINLY should be considered executive transport & EXCELLENT value for money.

As mentioned, when I bought it (to replace my Maestro van, so it was a BIT of a change) last November £1600ish direct Police, used as senior officer transtport, after service/belt changes & check over, still change from £2000. Not bad for 117k 97 R plated fully spec vehicle.

It had 4 new Michelins fitted when I got it, but looks like the weight on the front end does eat tyres, as other Broomers have mentioned - £153 a corner, will hurt a bit!!

& returning 24mpg as worst figures, now on Shell Optimax, longer runs & the warmer weather, between 31-34 is fine by me!!

VB

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Sun 4 Sep 2005 09:27

Best exec car for peanuts?? - Buster Cambelt

Yes, I agree. I used to get Omegas as hire cars quite a lot a couple of years ago and I thought they were pretty good.

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Sun 4 Sep 2005 11:21

Best exec car for peanuts?? - prm

My old Dad has a '94 Omega hes had from new, 47,000 miles, no probs whatsoever and as comfy as a Jag, rides better than my 03 Vectra.

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Mon 5 Sep 2005 23:39

Best exec car for peanuts?? - Kevin

>and as comfy as a Jag, rides better than my 03 Vectra.

The Omega is a nice car, I had a 3.0L Elite for a short while and really enjoyed it. There's no way though that it rides as well as an XJ, different class altogether.

My choice (for peanuts) would be a pre-V8 XJ. They are well-proven and there is a huge network of independent parts suppliers and specialists to look after them. An added advantage is that most previous owners are likely to have been marque afficionados who have looked after them.

Kevin..

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