Practical car advice
Discussion
Gents, not long til I get my feet on the ground in Dubai and I could do with some local advice...
Once settled in I'm going to need a practical car to cart around the family around (wife + 1 year old + another one late this year) but I'm not yet ready to buy a normal car. I had to sacrifice performance here in KSA (Monaro turned into Yukon) and I'd like to head back in the right direction!
Thoughts so far are...C63, Cadillac CTS V, Cherokee SRT8, Charger SRT8...budget is approx 180k but possibly less once I've kitted out a house! C63 is the front runner by a country mile but at that budget I'm conscious of age / dodgy maintenance etc being potential issues - thoughts?
Once settled in I'm going to need a practical car to cart around the family around (wife + 1 year old + another one late this year) but I'm not yet ready to buy a normal car. I had to sacrifice performance here in KSA (Monaro turned into Yukon) and I'd like to head back in the right direction!
Thoughts so far are...C63, Cadillac CTS V, Cherokee SRT8, Charger SRT8...budget is approx 180k but possibly less once I've kitted out a house! C63 is the front runner by a country mile but at that budget I'm conscious of age / dodgy maintenance etc being potential issues - thoughts?
I had the Jeep SRT 8. Never again. They are pony and you will eat brake pads and discs. Also, important to note that the rear suspension is very stiff and a nightmare over speedbumps. Not good for the wife and kid. Also, the interior is s
te. I like the C63, when I was looking it was either that or the RS6. Personally, I opted for the RS6 in the end as the Interior was far better I felt. Its also a slightly bigger car and the boot is like the tardis, massive, prams, the lot. However, a good one is around 220k for like a 2010 or 2011 with end of warranty stuff and its tricky to get one with low kms (Although I do know a chap with a 27,000 km 2011 one with 2 years warranty and he is selling in Sept, although I think thats around 230 or 240)
Personally, I dont like American Muscle that much and I think its a bit "Square" size wise and trickier to park than the C63.
All in all, I think you are on the right track with the C63. Its small enough for your wife to get about and she will love it. I had the old C32 AMG 8 years or so ago and my wife loved driving it. God turning circle, comfy, reasonable boot, (Check the pram..plus plus size).
Of course, as I am am sure you know, many are American Spec ones, 60% of the C63's here seem to be American...although the spoked rims are so "Choice" (Ferris Buller rant there). Note the "Front bumper side reflector on the USA Spec ones...although I am sure you know that already - Also, some people change this and cover the hole, so check VIN" Not the end of the world if its USA spec of course, just they are worth slightly less.
I think a good, low kms C63, GCC Spec with decent warranty could be the way forward.
Plus.....its an absolute hoon mobile and you can get the back out on weekends when you pop to spinneys and burn up some rubber. (Which is the only think I can't do in an RS6)
This Coupe is nice, Although a little over budget and I am sure the wife may prefer 4 doors:
http://abudhabi.dubizzle.com/motors/used-cars/merc...
Or this low KM American Spec one, owned by a European. PRetty Tidy for 169,000. At the end of the day, the owner is the important thing. God European owner (As they like to to service their cars and keep records) and low kms, and this is only 43,000 Kms. Granted a 2008 is a little long in the tooth, but if you could get it for 150k it would be good car for not much. Plus you have room for paying out for bits which might go. Like pads and discs etc.
http://dubai.dubizzle.com/motors/used-cars/mercede...
Randompunter74 said:
I had the Jeep SRT 8. Never again. They are pony and you will eat brake pads and discs. Also, important to note that the rear suspension is very stiff and a nightmare over speedbumps. Not good for the wife and kid. Also, the interior is ste.
I like the C63, when I was looking it was either that or the RS6. Personally, I opted for the RS6 in the end as the Interior was far better I felt. Its also a slightly bigger car and the boot is like the tardis, massive, prams, the lot. However, a good one is around 220k for like a 2010 or 2011 with end of warranty stuff and its tricky to get one with low kms (Although I do know a chap with a 27,000 km 2011 one with 2 years warranty and he is selling in Sept, although I think thats around 230 or 240)
Personally, I dont like American Muscle that much and I think its a bit "Square" size wise and trickier to park than the C63.
All in all, I think you are on the right track with the C63. Its small enough for your wife to get about and she will love it. I had the old C32 AMG 8 years or so ago and my wife loved driving it. God turning circle, comfy, reasonable boot, (Check the pram..plus plus size).
Of course, as I am am sure you know, many are American Spec ones, 60% of the C63's here seem to be American...although the spoked rims are so "Choice" (Ferris Buller rant there). Note the "Front bumper side reflector on the USA Spec ones...although I am sure you know that already - Also, some people change this and cover the hole, so check VIN" Not the end of the world if its USA spec of course, just they are worth slightly less.
I think a good, low kms C63, GCC Spec with decent warranty could be the way forward.
Plus.....its an absolute hoon mobile and you can get the back out on weekends when you pop to spinneys and burn up some rubber. (Which is the only think I can't do in an RS6)
This Coupe is nice, Although a little over budget and I am sure the wife may prefer 4 doors:
http://abudhabi.dubizzle.com/motors/used-cars/merc...
Or this low KM American Spec one, owned by a European. PRetty Tidy for 169,000. At the end of the day, the owner is the important thing. God European owner (As they like to to service their cars and keep records) and low kms, and this is only 43,000 Kms. Granted a 2008 is a little long in the tooth, but if you could get it for 150k it would be good car for not much. Plus you have room for paying out for bits which might go. Like pads and discs etc.
http://dubai.dubizzle.com/motors/used-cars/mercede...
Thanks for the advice - useful info on the SRT 8. I had always thought of them as my fallback but now I'm not so sure! I'm not a massive fan of the looks of the Cadillac or the Dodge but there are not many other routes into 400+bhp and a V8!te. I like the C63, when I was looking it was either that or the RS6. Personally, I opted for the RS6 in the end as the Interior was far better I felt. Its also a slightly bigger car and the boot is like the tardis, massive, prams, the lot. However, a good one is around 220k for like a 2010 or 2011 with end of warranty stuff and its tricky to get one with low kms (Although I do know a chap with a 27,000 km 2011 one with 2 years warranty and he is selling in Sept, although I think thats around 230 or 240)
Personally, I dont like American Muscle that much and I think its a bit "Square" size wise and trickier to park than the C63.
All in all, I think you are on the right track with the C63. Its small enough for your wife to get about and she will love it. I had the old C32 AMG 8 years or so ago and my wife loved driving it. God turning circle, comfy, reasonable boot, (Check the pram..plus plus size).
Of course, as I am am sure you know, many are American Spec ones, 60% of the C63's here seem to be American...although the spoked rims are so "Choice" (Ferris Buller rant there). Note the "Front bumper side reflector on the USA Spec ones...although I am sure you know that already - Also, some people change this and cover the hole, so check VIN" Not the end of the world if its USA spec of course, just they are worth slightly less.
I think a good, low kms C63, GCC Spec with decent warranty could be the way forward.
Plus.....its an absolute hoon mobile and you can get the back out on weekends when you pop to spinneys and burn up some rubber. (Which is the only think I can't do in an RS6)
This Coupe is nice, Although a little over budget and I am sure the wife may prefer 4 doors:
http://abudhabi.dubizzle.com/motors/used-cars/merc...
Or this low KM American Spec one, owned by a European. PRetty Tidy for 169,000. At the end of the day, the owner is the important thing. God European owner (As they like to to service their cars and keep records) and low kms, and this is only 43,000 Kms. Granted a 2008 is a little long in the tooth, but if you could get it for 150k it would be good car for not much. Plus you have room for paying out for bits which might go. Like pads and discs etc.
http://dubai.dubizzle.com/motors/used-cars/mercede...
I love the RS6, but if prices for good ones are still over 220k I'm better off waiting or going for something else rather than stretching the budget, living in someone's shed and putting off all maintenance for a few years...!
No fewer than 4 doors as a minimum is the only stipulation from my wife, which is a bonus. I'd cottoned on to the US v GCC spec differences although as long as there's no impact to reliability I'm not too bothered. In KSA it seems to make little difference. I'd rather not have to faff about with miles-kms conversions on mileage though.
I've already had my eye on that 4 door C63 - it looks ace, and is on proper alloys - I'm with you on the multi spokes.
I'm not out for another 3 weeks and then there's the faff with visas / permits etc and accommodation, and immediate UK and Qatar business trips. Might give him a nudge anyway in case he's had little interest.
I've got a car allowance as part of my package so I'm planning on decent deposit and finance or loan - I'm assuming that's fairly standard and easy to sort?
As an alternative to the C63 did they ever flog the 4 door M3 in UAE? Can't seem to find any online.
Aye, agreed. 4 Door M3's are rare.
Lots of M3's though. However most who own them are financed u to to the hilt. So you can negotiate pretty hard. Also, note that you can get cracking deals on Manuals/...althogh if its for the wife that might not be the ticket.
Finance is easy to sort, however not on older cars I hear. Also, finance to finance (Buying a financed car with finance) can be a bit o a ballache I hear, even if its the same bank.
The chances of you finding a low KM M3 with 4 doors is rare and the M5's are of course a bit pricey. Some nice Alpina's pop up now and then, but again, you will be out of Warranty territory.
Lots of M3's though. However most who own them are financed u to to the hilt. So you can negotiate pretty hard. Also, note that you can get cracking deals on Manuals/...althogh if its for the wife that might not be the ticket.
Finance is easy to sort, however not on older cars I hear. Also, finance to finance (Buying a financed car with finance) can be a bit o a ballache I hear, even if its the same bank.
The chances of you finding a low KM M3 with 4 doors is rare and the M5's are of course a bit pricey. Some nice Alpina's pop up now and then, but again, you will be out of Warranty territory.
Check with the banks on the "Salary Certificate". I am not sure, but I think you have to have 3 months worth of salaries. Not sure though, I remember the chap at our work going through crap with bank over that.
From what I have heard....I would go with a bank like HSBC. I hear nightmare stories all the time with the local banks and finance.
From what I have heard....I would go with a bank like HSBC. I hear nightmare stories all the time with the local banks and finance.
By the way, if we are talking M3's this would be my bet. Good value and looks the f ing nuts.
http://dubai.dubizzle.com/motors/used-cars/bmw/m3/...
Mate, I know its not for everyone and you have to be VERY careful down there, but I popped into Al Awir Used car market last night. There are loads of C63's in there.
Saw a nice 2010 C63 in Black, GCC Spec but with American Spec spokes and very clean white leather interior. 169,000asking. Was at "Deals on wheels", which are better than most. Most of their cars are "Sale or Return" so they are open to some quote hefty negotiation.
Anyways, there were loads down there.
http://tnydu.biz/DOpFqW
M5's are good value for money at the minute. 4 doors and also ticks man-needs.
M5's are good value for money at the minute. 4 doors and also ticks man-needs.
How about a Quattroporte?
I have done a lot of online research on them and they seem to be very reliable cars. DO avoid the pre-2007 ones which come with the Duo-select transmission (you can tell it is the duo-select by its super short lever).
You can get a low mileage, GCC spec 2008 with a normal transmission for under 100k
I have done a lot of online research on them and they seem to be very reliable cars. DO avoid the pre-2007 ones which come with the Duo-select transmission (you can tell it is the duo-select by its super short lever).
You can get a low mileage, GCC spec 2008 with a normal transmission for under 100k
Lots of good advice, cheers! Also I'm glad the C63 is getting a good deal of support - I keep bouncing around ideas but always come back to the Merc.
Onetrackmind - The B7 RS4 is a great car, but I just think they're too old now. Maybe in the UK where it could be cosseted, but not in Dubai with the conditions and likelihood of being ragged for 7+ years! I am still tempted by the Dodge as a fallback. Will need to visit the dealer for a proper look.
Randompunter74 - cheers for the comprehensive replies. I saw that black C63 on dubizzle as well. Bling alloys aside it looks ace. Gives me confidence that once I've got visas, permits and licence sorted there will be some good examples around. The Panamera looks good but I'd always look at it and think I could have had a V8 rather than the V6...also can't get over their looks.
That M3 is sweet as, but I've realised that I can't manage 3 doors. Will have to be min of 4.
shirt - the only XFR I found was pretty 2013 and 275k. I don't think I'm at that stage of my life yet...
yorky500 - the link didn't work for some reason...I've had a look on dubizzle and can't find any decent V10 M5 within budget - will keep an eye on them as an option.
boogiedownberlin - the thought of owning a an expensive Italian saloon in the desert fills me with deep forboding! Worth considering all the options at this stage though. I can't see Maserati being cheap on general maintenance and repairs though if anything did fall off!
Onetrackmind - The B7 RS4 is a great car, but I just think they're too old now. Maybe in the UK where it could be cosseted, but not in Dubai with the conditions and likelihood of being ragged for 7+ years! I am still tempted by the Dodge as a fallback. Will need to visit the dealer for a proper look.
Randompunter74 - cheers for the comprehensive replies. I saw that black C63 on dubizzle as well. Bling alloys aside it looks ace. Gives me confidence that once I've got visas, permits and licence sorted there will be some good examples around. The Panamera looks good but I'd always look at it and think I could have had a V8 rather than the V6...also can't get over their looks.
That M3 is sweet as, but I've realised that I can't manage 3 doors. Will have to be min of 4.
shirt - the only XFR I found was pretty 2013 and 275k. I don't think I'm at that stage of my life yet...
yorky500 - the link didn't work for some reason...I've had a look on dubizzle and can't find any decent V10 M5 within budget - will keep an eye on them as an option.
boogiedownberlin - the thought of owning a an expensive Italian saloon in the desert fills me with deep forboding! Worth considering all the options at this stage though. I can't see Maserati being cheap on general maintenance and repairs though if anything did fall off!
Tom, I have been reading a lot about the Maserati QP and according to what I have read, the pre 2007 models usually have problems with the clutch/transmission which basically needs replacement every 50k kms. From 2007 onwards Maserati started using the ZF transmission which are supposedly bulletproof. Lots of cars out there (I have checked on eBay and Maserati forums) go well beyond 120,000 kms, without any problems with the engine/transmission.
Btw, my boss had a 2009 M5 and he spent over 40k in a year! Every time he would take it to AGMC, they would give him a list of things that had to be replaced. He sold it and got himself a Jeep which he is very happy with
On the other hand, a friend of mine did have a 2007 QP for 2 years the QP was very good to him. Mind you, an oil and filter change (done yearly) would cost him around AED 2000, but other than that he didn't have to spend money on it.
Btw, my boss had a 2009 M5 and he spent over 40k in a year! Every time he would take it to AGMC, they would give him a list of things that had to be replaced. He sold it and got himself a Jeep which he is very happy with
On the other hand, a friend of mine did have a 2007 QP for 2 years the QP was very good to him. Mind you, an oil and filter change (done yearly) would cost him around AED 2000, but other than that he didn't have to spend money on it.
I would still back the C63. The hoolingan in me wishes I would have got a C63 as a pose to the RS6...for the reason that I would love to light up the rear tyres a few times a week. Nothing puts a smile on your face as much......well....maybe somethings. But they can't be repeated on a forum.
TomV8 said:
I had to sacrifice performance here in KSA (Monaro turned into Yukon) and I'd like to head back in the right direction!
Ha! Snap, I had to trade in a Lumina CR8 for a Suburban in Riyadh. Have also just relocated, and am looking for something nice, and a little different to the norm....basically an NSX, but want to have it turbo'd and get an FXMD wide body kit on it, etc etc that or a LHD TVR Cerbera with the slightly more reliable LS7 heart.half-9 said:
TomV8 said:
I had to sacrifice performance here in KSA (Monaro turned into Yukon) and I'd like to head back in the right direction!
Ha! Snap, I had to trade in a Lumina CR8 for a Suburban in Riyadh. Have also just relocated, and am looking for something nice, and a little different to the norm....basically an NSX, but want to have it turbo'd and get an FXMD wide body kit on it, etc etc that or a LHD TVR Cerbera with the slightly more reliable LS7 heart.There's an Acura NSX (with silly alloys) on dubizzle http://www.dealsonwheels.ae/car-Acura-1348.html - the Cerbera idea sounds brilliant but mad!
Randompunter74 - C63 still top of the list.
boogiedownberlin - I'll have to add the Maser to the list...I think car shopping is going to be busy!
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