Bangernomics luxobarge

rev_henry

Its coming to the time of year when I intend to buy myself a slightly silly car as a graduation present. Fortunately I can get the bus or cycle to work so fuel consumption isn't really an issue.

My first desire was for a facelift E39 BMW 530i estate (but would settle for an older 528i or even a 525i), but something VERY leftfield has caught my attention - the Hyundai XG30. Mint low mileage ones seem to be available for well under £1000, and its bigger, has more gadgets and much lower insurance than the BMW. At that kinda price its almost disposable too, whereas a decent BMW would probably be nearer £2k so, erm, isn't.

I think the BMW WOULD break and cost a fortune, but advice and parts would be readily available, whereas the hyundai wouldn't break but I would be in the dark if it did...

The other car I've vaguely considered is the Volvo S80 2.5T or 2.9 (don't think I could insure a T6, much as I would love to). But the 2.9 is, well, pretty old and the 2.5T I fear the turbo would go, especially considering the spaceship miles they seem to do (although that is reassuring at the same time).

Also briefly looked at the Cadillac Seville, but the MPG is beyond the pale and I don't think I could insure it.
And the peugeot 607, but I don't like the shape of it (too curvy and girly, doesn't look very impressive) and its french so anything electronic simply won't work on it. Also there aren't very many 3.0 V6 ones for sale, which would be the one I'd want.

Does anyone have any thoughts, particularly with regards the Hyundai? I think my main problem would be parts, oil filters and brake pads seem to be ok looking online, but exhausts and other things would probably be main dealer only and cost £££.

Or any other suggestions?

My requirements are as follows:

automatic (will not consider a manual, fed up of manuals)
Big (obviously, but not quite S class size)
Ideally estate but that's only really an option with the BMW.
As many gadgets as possible (something the hyundai has but most BMWs don't)
Reasonable insurance (I very much doubt I could stretch to anything involving 4.0 V8s or the like, but up to about 3.0 is ok)
Something reasonably reliable that won't involve too ridiculous bills, unless of course its £500 or something and can just be scrapped. I am realistic though and don't mind spending £500 a year or so, maybe more on maintenance. What I don't want is a £2000 bill as soon as I buy the thing. I can live with it being off the road for a few days though, as I said I don't need it to get to work - its just a toy really, but I do need it to be a capable and relaxed motorway cruiser.

Budget around £1k but would consider doubling it for the right car if necessary.

colino

If your seriously willing to consider that Hyundai, look at the Nissan QX as well. Any trader will be keen to tell you how much kit it has for so little money, and he'll still have it because the prices are on the floor.

rev_henry

Had a quick look but they're slow and not many 3.0s available.

colino

Go on, get a 530, you know you want one.

fatbelly

Lexus LS?

I remember Wheeler Dealers doing one up.

jimmy_cricket

Not sure if this fits the bill, but you might wish to consider a rover 75 estate. We have had one since rover went t*ts up and got it cheap. Very smooth and feel very Arthur Daily driving it around lol

gilbert_and_sullivan

Thing is with luxobarges is not to be set on any particular make or model, be flexible, but keep your eyes peeled on all sites for that one off bargain, they do come up now and again.

Just recently there was a Hyundai Grandeur, for sale for £2300ish, looked good too, only problem with that new is the VED con is knocking on the £500 door.

Don't forget Honda Legend, Toyota Camry, Kia Magentis/Clarus, Subaru Legacy etc, Mitsi Galant, as already noted Lexus (IS300 a cracker).

BMW's and Mercs are OK, but they need constant maintenance and you need a good make specialists indy workshops in easy reach, the main dealers of these will have the shirt from your back, best to get more basic models of these as the electrics, whilst better than french junk, aint a patch on Korean/Japanese.

Avoid Audi, unless you're prepared to go manual.

Coveredinbees!!!!

I had a X Peugeot from new with all the electrics they had back then and nothing ever broke on it.

rev_henry

jimmy_cricket wrote: »

Not sure if this fits the bill, but you might wish to consider a rover 75 estate. We have had one since rover went t*ts up and got it cheap. Very smooth and feel very Arthur Daily driving it around lol

Can't possibly have one of those, my best mate has one (his first car at 18 :rotfl: ) and I must have something better.

gilbert_and_sullivan wrote: »

Thing is with luxobarges is not to be set on any particular make or model, be flexible, but keep your eyes peeled on all sites for that one off bargain, they do come up now and again.

Just recently there was a Hyundai Grandeur, for sale for £2300ish, looked good too, only problem with that new is the VED con is knocking on the £500 door.

Don't forget Honda Legend, Toyota Camry, Kia Magentis/Clarus, Subaru Legacy etc, Mitsi Galant, as already noted Lexus (IS300 a cracker).

BMW's and Mercs are OK, but they need constant maintenance and you need a good make specialists indy workshops in easy reach, the main dealers of these will have the shirt from your back, best to get more basic models of these as the electrics, whilst better than french junk, aint a patch on Korean/Japanese.

Avoid Audi, unless you're prepared to go manual.

Thanks. Yes I saw the grandeur but as you say the tax is a joke. I'll keep my eyes pealed, have briefly looked at the IS300 too.

EDIT: I thought you were talking about the GS300 for some reason, didn't realise there was an estate IS, that would be good, although maybe a bit small.

skivenov

Toyota Camry
Audi A8

spacey2012

Merc E320 is worth a look
Diesel, Auto 38-45mpg, 0-60 in 7.1 150 mph, big luxury, make no road noise, handle on rails and run until someone drops a piano on it.