Everyday 'Modern' Classic - Ideas

[GreatGranny]

Something I may be looking for in the future (12-18 months) depending what size campervan we decide to buy (too big to use as a car so not a VW Camper).

What would be a practical older car that could be used as an only car?

Needs to have space for a medium size dog, shopping, not stupidly expensive to run (35+mpg), air con a must, 200bhp+, nice looking (subjective I now), refined enough to do long (ish) journeys.
Yearly mileage maybe 5-8k miles.

I have a E36 318is at the moment which would be ok but it's my 4th old Beemer and TBH is a little slow (but beautifully balanced)
It's only got 67k miles and is in v. good condition so maybe too nice as an only car.

Budget £10k.

(944 S2 is on the radar massively but not sure if it has a/c)

[Rusty Old-Banger]

I was going to say E39 530i/540i Touring, but MPG may not be achievable, and you say you've already had "older" BMWs.

Can't think of much else, I think the MPG would be difficult at 200BHP+, unless you went Diesel - but that is likely to be high mileage and maybe not good for bork potential?

[GreatGranny]

Rusty Old-Banger said:

I was going to say E39 530i/540i Touring, but MPG may not be achievable, and you say you've already had "older" BMWs.

Can't think of much else, I think the MPG would be difficult at 200BHP+, unless you went Diesel - but that is likely to be high mileage and maybe not good for bork potential?

MPG isn't critical as long as not 'really' bad.
My E36 328i did 30mpg and that was ok (just).

Maybe should be 200bhp ish!

[edc]

W124/201 Merc?

[GreatGranny]

edc said:

W124/201 Merc?

Was thinking of Mercs.
Love the look of the Coupes.
Not sure what W number they are

Something like this



https://www.carandclassic.com/l/C1714780

I'm sure it would struggle to crack 30 mpg but it is a handsome car IMO.

[Jag_NE]

Just to check I understand the brief, we are looking at procuring something up to 18 months away, and requirements may be tweaked based upon an undecided van purchase?

[Desiderata]

Big Volvo every time.
You can pick and chose from the range to meet your exact requirements when you know them.

[edc]

GreatGranny said:

Was thinking of Mercs.
Love the look of the Coupes.
Not sure what W number they are

Something like this



https://www.carandclassic.com/l/C1714780

I'm sure it would struggle to crack 30 mpg but it is a handsome car IMO.

That's a w124, is says in the advert But yes this era of small and medium Mercs.

[James76G]

944 S2 could be optioned with aircon but it's rarely seen, bit more common on the 968.

I ran an S2 for a few years back when they were inexpensive and while they are OK, my current E36 runs rings round it for usability, enjoyment and engine noise. Admittedly it's an Alpina B2.5 so a bit quicker than the 325i it started life as, but fundamentally the 944 was quite dull most of the time.

[Hippea]

GreatGranny said:

edc said:

W124/201 Merc?

Was thinking of Mercs.
Love the look of the Coupes.
Not sure what W number they are

Something like this



https://www.carandclassic.com/l/C1714780

I'm sure it would struggle to crack 30 mpg but it is a handsome car IMO.

Gosh is that how much they go for now?

[si_xsi]

James76G said:

944 S2 could be optioned with aircon but it's rarely seen, bit more common on the 968.

I ran an S2 for a few years back when they were inexpensive and while they are OK, my current E36 runs rings round it for usability, enjoyment and engine noise. Admittedly it's an Alpina B2.5 so a bit quicker than the 325i it started life as, but fundamentally the 944 was quite dull most of the time.

Ooh lovely, the e36 Alpina in either 2.5 or 3.0 guise is one of my bucket list cars ever since driving a colleagues calypso red back in 2002! Would love to see a reader cars thread on yours! They are so hard to find now, especially in manual form.

[GreatGranny]

Jag_NE said:

Just to check I understand the brief, we are looking at procuring something up to 18 months away, and requirements may be tweaked based upon an undecided van purchase?

That's about the size of it
Join in if you want.

[HeWhoDaresRoy]

A Saab 9000 Aero could be good, plus a chunk of change! This one looks nice:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/296405598157?mkcid=16&a...

Edited by HeWhoDaresRoy on Thursday 16th May 08:41

[GreatGranny]

HeWhoDaresRoy said:

A Saab 9000 Aero could be good, plus a chunk of change!

That's something I've not thought about thanks.

[Jag_NE]

GreatGranny said:

Jag_NE said:

Just to check I understand the brief, we are looking at procuring something up to 18 months away, and requirements may be tweaked based upon an undecided van purchase?

That's about the size of it
Join in if you want.

My recommendation is park the topic for 12 months.

[GreatGranny]

Jag_NE said:

My recommendation is park the topic for 12 months.

You're right but I just like browsing Car and Classic/Ebay and it's better than work

[Rusty Old-Banger]

HeWhoDaresRoy said:

A Saab 9000 Aero could be good, plus a chunk of change! This one looks nice:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/296405598157?mkcid=16&a...

Edited by HeWhoDaresRoy on Thursday 16th May 08:41

That's a great shout.

ETA

A slightly more modern 9-5 could also be an option. Lovely cars to cruise about in.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/256489891836?itmmeta=01...

or

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/256328705333?itmmeta=01...

Edited by Rusty Old-Banger on Thursday 16th May 09:04

[interstellar]

Apart from the wood on the dash that Saab is lovely!

[GreatGranny]

Now you've got me Saab hunting.

This has almost none of the criteria but is lovely



https://www.carandclassic.com/l/C1702028