Hi Guys,

I do a lot of driving generally and for my job and while the S could easily be a daily driver (and is right now) I'm quickly piling on the miles, and also have plans to do some work on it suspension wise and so need to be able to have it off the road for a few days etc. Also, I do a lot of motorway miles and am bored out my mind and it feels like it's a tragic waste of the S to keep doing that. All in all I need a beater.

The slight twist however is for work I visit a lot of clients and therefore need to drive a decent car, not just a claped out old panda or anything. I would prefer it to be as luxury as possible too, luxobarge like with decent fuel economy.

I'm thinking around 2 - 3k.

It seems you can get a BMW 525 tds for around that like this one:

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/c...icleRegLetter=R

They seem really well equipped for the price and I see plenty of them with well oer 150k miles wise so getting one around 100k might be OK?

What are people's thoughts and if you think this is a crap idea - what would you suggest?

Thanks all.

 

Lexus GS300?

OK, not brilliant on fuel but no worse than any other petrol barge.

However, chances are it will be more reliable so cheaper overall.

Thinking of one myself what with my bad back and for use in winter etc.

Classless too so doubt you'll get negatives from clients.

Go for the two round(ish) headlamp version as nicer inside and out and looks modern-ish.

Other suggestion would be Volvo (S60/S80 etc.)

 

i use a diesel vectra

cheap as chips
servicing is 20k miles and peanuts
comfortable - big and airy, decent seats, softer setup than the mundano
reliable - 1 breakdown in 55k due to a faulty pulley wheel
eco - 50+mpg
quiet
anonymous
loads around so if it does break...

 

thanks for the thoughts guys - good options there - any others that people are using in this kind of way?

 

Saab 93/900 (I know its really a vectra) but there is something cool about them. ie people not just going for a BMW/Merc. You kind of look like like an enthusiast......

Or a Volvo as mentioned earlier

 

This makes excellent sense - old BMW's, diesel E class Mercs are absolute bargains and the Saab 95 also makes an excellent beater.

I've been running 2 cars for several years now and in a bizarre way love the carefree driving that a beater gives you. No car park worries and sometimes (especially when your head is full of work) its nice just to waft.

I would also find a cheap local mechanic.

Keep an eye on this thread on Pistonheads for ideas

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic...0Large...&mid=0

 

I've just sold my dad's W plate 190k BMW 530d for

 

Am in a similar position, and have considered a diesel Golf - economic, plenty about and above the basic model have good level of trim. Worth a thought?

 

Good stuff, yes def. a cheap mechanic especially as it's a beater there's no need to maintain stealer stamps or anything like that!

Good to know about the 530d Si thanks

Lexus GS a good shout too apart from 24 mpg