Big Car - £2500 to spend

boyse7en

Well, the head gasket has gone on the XM I have got currently, and it just isn't economic to repair it. It's the third XM I've had, so obviously I like them, but I just fancy a bit of a change. In an ideal world I'd get a C6, but they're still too pricey. The C5 estate is probably a good choice, but they really are not stylish in the slightest, even in an 'interesting' or quirky way.

On the US car front, I saw an estate version of the Chysler 300C (thinks it's called a Magnum, like the old Vauxhalls) the other day, which looked good but it is too new.

jeannieblue

Harveybobbles is about - so may be able to help the OP, in a constructive way! As long as he doesn't guide us to that same blasted website!! Or is it his website and Anthos is his nephew or something.... :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

mat777

a chrysler 300c isnt quite what i was suggesting - its too new and european so will be set up to handle like a european car. you need a luxury barge like a big chevy or chrysler that floats down the road due to the very soft springing

47111

mat777 wrote: »

alternatviely, have you considered an old "P38" range rover with air suspension and a bigger boot than most people will ever need? theyre cheap as chips being the unloved mid 90's model and also super luxurious

the added bonus with any of these is that they are also "unusual" as you put it

They are cheap as they are awful!! Badly made and under-developed; at 100,000 miles they start falling apart. V8's are OK if the block hasn't dropped a liner or gone porous (new engine time, £1000 trade if you're lucky); diesel cylinder heads go porous (£700+); manual boxes aren't up to it (£1000 inc. fitting); transfer box viscous couplings lock up and eat tyres; wheel bearings are part of the hub and a absolute @%$! to change, Land Rover will only sell you a complete hub at over £300 and the halfshafts are usually so rusted in you have to write them off as well! Interior electrics are hopeless, airbags leak and compressors fail, interiors don't wear well and on top of all this they look like a reject from the London Taxi Design Studio.

jeannieblue

mat777 wrote: »

a chrysler 300c isnt quite what i was suggesting - its too new and european so will be set up to handle like a european car. you need a luxury barge like a big chevy or chrysler that floats down the road due to the very soft springing

Suspension could be a bit too spongy to give the support a back needs. Support and design of seats is more of a priority I guess.

mat777

oh come on, i know the p38's got a bit of a bad name but its not that bad! yes, it has its foibles but if its well looked after then it shouldnt be any less reliable than a similarly aged big merc or jag (with similar horror stories). ok, ill admit it wasnt one of my better suggestions

gilbert_and_sullivan

I'll second the Saab 9-5, a proper Saab, not a rebodied Vectra which the later cars are...shop around and some real bargains to be had.
I had a lift from a chap with a X plate 100K mint fully leathered auto that cost him £600.

Volvo's are OK, but as with most cars in this price range they were very expensive new, and will be mighty pricey to fix when they go wrong which given your budget they will.

BMW 5 series touring a good sugestion but it will be getting on a bit at your given budget...though good cheap quality spares backup with Eurocarparts/GSF and others and some good indy workshops about.

Have you considered one of the less popular large people carriers instead, i'm mainly thinking of the Kia Sedona...very comfy, tough and reliable, nice auto....Previa's get owned by the sort that neglect them if you follow my drift, but still a fine vehicle if you can locate a good one...drink fuel mind and don't get a grey Diesel.

If you were considering a 4x4 then Landcruiser Amazon is your best choice for all round confort and indestructability.

ukjoel

Interesting views. Am also looking for similar but slightly higher budget.

My advice would be.

Skoda Superb - Have seen 2 of these go for under 3k in last week on ebay. Both petrol engine top spec elegance models with parking sensors, full leather, climate, all the toys. Engine was a big petrol(out the audi) with less than 100k on each and these are (in diesel variety) used as taxi cars and regularly do 300k plus. Also the previous model came second in autocar 2009 driver power survey.

Skoda Octavia - Also as mentioned huge boot -even with hatch. My gut feeling though is the Residual on these is quite high especially for the diesels so maybe out your budget unless milage/age is quite high.

Ford Mondeo - Probably after the superb best to go for. Loads of 2000 and newer cars with sub 100k on them that could be picked up for 2000-2500. Many of them are company cars where first 3-4 years they did 60-70k and were serviced like clockwork and then second owner has had them 3 or 4 years and done average milage - cheap to service and repair independently.

My feedback on your original list is that both volvo and saab are lovely cars (well the older saabs are) but your budget would be taking a bit of a risk. If they are looked after then yes they can go forever but you will need to buy wisely.

Would also have a look at the Vectra- They dont make them anymroe so again they are cheap as chips and think you could pick up a newer one than you think for 2k.

Agree with comments re diesel - your miles scream PETROL at me and you will get more for your money. Advice so far unusally ALL very good. Would stay clear of 4x4 and anything with a luxury badge though due to high pricing and servicing. Superb, Mondeo, Vectra - In that order. Appreciate Superb (old model) is a saloon but trust me - have a look at the size of the boot - Its absolutely massive.

CandleFan

Although not on your original list, A Toyota Avensis would be a good practical choice - has relieability/build quality/safety and loads of space - the boot is massive. When the seats are folded down it has 2 metres length from boot end to front seats.

I've been able to get everything in it from a full bathroom suite to 2 Ikea (suite) chairs. As previous is very comfortable & relaxing to drive - though fuel economy & probably tax would be better on the diesels. My 1.8 semi-auto petrol is too costly in this department! Have had mine for 5 years with no problems. Hope this helps!