So the car hunting begins...

[Nick_S]

The Prelude is due its MOT next month and it will fail. The gearbox is shonky and as a result of these two things, it will be off somewhere. I've yet to decide the scrap heap or the local college as an educational tool for the mechanical students.

It's replacement WILL be RWD, it will be a saloon, and will be one of these three cars (in order of preference).

1) Jaguar XJ8
2) Mercedes E-Class
3) BMW 5 Series

Purchase will be later in September as my loan finishes and will free up the cash, time to play the Autotrader game! If you happen to come across any of the above, feel free to post links. If there is a great example of something not of those models, again feel free. Budget is max £5k for now.

 

[wazza]

Cant wait to see what people come up with, I do love a good car hunt. Not looked as of yet though, just giddy

 

[Dobbo25]

The Prelude is due its MOT next month and it will fail. The gearbox is shonky and as a result of these two things, it will be off somewhere. I've yet to decide the scrap heap or the local college as an educational tool for the mechanical students.

It's replacement WILL be RWD, it will be a saloon, and will be one of these three cars (in order of preference).

1) Jaguar XJ8
2) Mercedes E-Class
3) BMW 5 Series

Purchase will be later in September as my loan finishes and will free up the cash, time to play the Autotrader game! If you happen to come across any of the above, feel free to post links. If there is a great example of something not of those models, again feel free. Budget is max £5k for now.

Ask Dipesh. He knows a thing or two about cars

 

[dadant]

Don't ignore flea bay or Parkers....there's always some old duffer getting rid of Jag.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jaguar-XJ8-V8-SE-/322203547881?hash=item4b04d3f8e9:g:miYAAOSwygJXhpOV

 

[Dipesh]

5 series no question.

XJ8, I've yet to see one that doesn't leak oil.

Merc is good but for your £5k budget, your looking at a rusty/poor gearbox era of E classes.

 

[ben139]

From experience, if anybody will ever have to sit in the back of the XJ8 for more than half hour, do them a favour and don't buy it!

 

[Dipesh]

Shame to hear the Prelude won't pass it's MOT. What's up with it? Also what engine does it have?

 

[Nick_S]

Shame to hear the Prelude won't pass it's MOT. What's up with it? Also what engine does it have?

Where do I start

First, it's the 2.0 so not worth repairing. If it were the Type-S I'd consider it, but with a dodgy auto box (well documented issues), two CV joints needed, rear suspension needing replacing...it's more than the car is worth, so an economical decision more than anything

 

[Dipesh]

Where do I start

First, it's the 2.0 so not worth repairing. If it were the Type-S I'd consider it, but with a dodgy auto box (well documented issues), two CV joints needed, rear suspension needing replacing...it's more than the car is worth, so an economical decision more than anything

That's a shame. I think you're doing the right thing though.

 

[chrisbd]

I don't know whether you have a preference for gearbox type but I've been advised by an E Class owning friend not go for Mercedes with manual boxes.

Merc manuals are clunky, VW autoboxes are crap. Received wisdom.

Regards,
Chris

 

[Gordy]

Never was an easier answer - 5 series. The most complete all rounder there is. It excels at everything.

 

[Dipesh]

I don't know whether you have a preference for gearbox type but I've been advised by an E Class owning friend not go for Mercedes with manual boxes.

Merc manuals are clunky, VW autoboxes are crap. Received wisdom.

Regards,
Chris

This is true, but you do get used to the clunky feeling. If it's an auto, the super reliable 5 speed are great but it's these newer 7 speeds which are not so good. I'm unsure on how these new gearboxes are though.

Similar with VW group. The DSG box is brilliant but only certain ones I.e the 6 speed. I always avoid the cvt boxes too which are in bigger engined cars. Always trouble.

 

[chrisbd]

Never was an easier answer - 5 series. The most complete all rounder there is. It excels at everything.

+1, sums it up.

The friend I referred to previously actually owns a Merc S Class (my mistake), not an E Class, but also a BMW 5 Series. I have to say the BMW is impressive.

Regards,
Chris

 

[Nishy]

5 series for sure, just don't take it to BMW for an MOT and service, unless thrown in for free, they are cheeky buggers!

 

[Godfather]

Can I throw Audi into the mix. I have had a few from a potential licence loser RS6 ABT to a number of allroads but also the standard A4 and A6 have done me proud.