What wafty Grand Tourer for £20k?
Discussion
I tend to run sheds as my daily drivers with something nice in the garage for weekend/nice weather use.
A recent MOT failure in my (not so) trusty X300 XJ6 has got me contemplating having something a bit newer.
I don't mind paying for repairs - but it's stuff like rust and emissions that I don't really want to deal with.
Having said that, I would like a degree of reliability.
My drive to work consists of 5 minutes doing 30mph, then 5 minutes doing 70mph.
I do the occasional longer drive on top of that.
I really don't need anything other than a basic hatchback but I can't bear the thought of something overly boring.
So...The brief is as follows:
2010ish or newer.
Under 50k miles - but can be waived for a car that appears exceptional.
Auto preferred, not fussed if it has paddles or not.
Fast-ish, sub 7 seconds to 60 at minimum but I'm looking for mid-range and torque more than anything.
Comfortable and fairly wafty - not fussed about handling.
Preferably a GT car but would consider a saloon.
Not fussed about fuel costs. I wouldn't want 5mpg, but 15-20mpg is fine - I get about 18mpg in my XJ.
Currently on the shortlist are:
R230 Mercedes SL350 but the 2008 facelift onwards.
I don't want the 500 (risky air suspension)
I like the styling.
Whilst not essential, I love convertibles - and being a folding hard top is appealing
I believe it is fairly reliable
My dad had one when it was new and I always liked it, despite only being the entry level SL
X150 Jaguar XK
Facelift 5.0 ideally.
Not fussed about whether it is or isn't an R but I presume a non-R would net me a better car at my price range.
I like the looks and think the interior is lovely.
It has a V8 which is appealing.
A bit worried about reliability but I've not researched the model.
Not really sure what else?
I don't really want a BMW, I just think the interior is a bit bland.
I'd like something that feels a bit more premium and/or different.
No AMGs and RS' - I don't need anything ballistically fast, I don't want suspension too stiff.
I don't want a Boxster, I have had one of those.
And whilst I don't expect total reliabilty, I don't want to be constantly worrying if something is going to break...
A recent MOT failure in my (not so) trusty X300 XJ6 has got me contemplating having something a bit newer.
I don't mind paying for repairs - but it's stuff like rust and emissions that I don't really want to deal with.
Having said that, I would like a degree of reliability.
My drive to work consists of 5 minutes doing 30mph, then 5 minutes doing 70mph.
I do the occasional longer drive on top of that.
I really don't need anything other than a basic hatchback but I can't bear the thought of something overly boring.
So...The brief is as follows:
2010ish or newer.
Under 50k miles - but can be waived for a car that appears exceptional.
Auto preferred, not fussed if it has paddles or not.
Fast-ish, sub 7 seconds to 60 at minimum but I'm looking for mid-range and torque more than anything.
Comfortable and fairly wafty - not fussed about handling.
Preferably a GT car but would consider a saloon.
Not fussed about fuel costs. I wouldn't want 5mpg, but 15-20mpg is fine - I get about 18mpg in my XJ.
Currently on the shortlist are:
R230 Mercedes SL350 but the 2008 facelift onwards.
I don't want the 500 (risky air suspension)
I like the styling.
Whilst not essential, I love convertibles - and being a folding hard top is appealing
I believe it is fairly reliable
My dad had one when it was new and I always liked it, despite only being the entry level SL
X150 Jaguar XK
Facelift 5.0 ideally.
Not fussed about whether it is or isn't an R but I presume a non-R would net me a better car at my price range.
I like the looks and think the interior is lovely.
It has a V8 which is appealing.
A bit worried about reliability but I've not researched the model.
Not really sure what else?
I don't really want a BMW, I just think the interior is a bit bland.
I'd like something that feels a bit more premium and/or different.
No AMGs and RS' - I don't need anything ballistically fast, I don't want suspension too stiff.
I don't want a Boxster, I have had one of those.
And whilst I don't expect total reliabilty, I don't want to be constantly worrying if something is going to break...
hunt123 said:
There's a seemingly nice 5.0L XKR on the PH auction with a guide price of 18-20k, year 2010 with 47,000 miles.
That very listing spurred me to start properly looking at what to get and why I made this post to see what cars I'm possibly overlooking.The one up for auction looks OK, although reading posts from the seller, I don't think he comes across very well at all which puts me off the car. I'm looking to buy in about 4 weeks time, anyway.
Sounds like you have a similar criteria to me.
Maserati GranTurismo or Quattroporte is probably the best bet.
The engine and gearbox are solid.
The 4.7s are juuust out of budget so may have to put some cheeky offers in:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309172...
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/15555270
Maserati GranTurismo or Quattroporte is probably the best bet.
The engine and gearbox are solid.
The 4.7s are juuust out of budget so may have to put some cheeky offers in:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309172...
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/15555270
AlexNJ89 said:
Maserati GranTurismo or Quattroporte is probably the best bet.
I think a GT poses too much risk of getting stung!I plan to buy something Italian and red next year to sit in the garage so I need something semi-sensible as a daily - and what people see me in at work is quite important too. People don't look beyond a badge. Telling members of my department we don't have the budget for pay rises when I've just gone and bought a Maserati doesn't look great even though it's half the cost of their Golf! In an old Jag or SL, it doesn't look quite as bad.
If going for an SL, £20k would see you in an early R231 SL350 which would be a better buy than an R230 IMHO. I understand that some aren't as keen on the styling of the newer model though (however I personally I quite like the R231). Feedback from owners of both is generally that the R231 is a step on in build quality and the driving experience.
Example within budget: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307189...
Example within budget: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307189...
juice said:
CL500 (with the 4.7TT)?
Definitely something to consider, although it makes me end up looking a CL600 so I can scratch the V12 itch!A 500 would probably be the much better buy, though.
Jamescrs said:
AUDI A7?
Not a bad shout, although I'd really want petrol which severely limits the choice. carte blanche said:
If going for an SL, £20k would see you in an early R231 SL350 which would be a better buy than an R230 IMHO. I understand that some aren't as keen on the styling of the newer model though (however I personally I quite like the R231). Feedback from owners of both is generally that the R231 is a step on in build quality and the driving experience.
Example within budget: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307189...
I much prefer the facelift R230 and don't particularly like the R231 looks, however, it's something I could live with. Example within budget: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307189...
What I couldn't live with his how the air vents and screen are not centered to the centre console. It drives me crazy and for that reason alone I couldn't own the car.
Makes my teach itch!
TREMAiNE said:
I much prefer the facelift R230 and don't particularly like the R231 looks, however, it's something I could live with.
What I couldn't live with his how the air vents and screen are not centered to the centre console. It drives me crazy and for that reason alone I couldn't own the car.
Makes my teach itch!
Fair enough, I agree it looks a bit odd but personally not enough to put me off.What I couldn't live with his how the air vents and screen are not centered to the centre console. It drives me crazy and for that reason alone I couldn't own the car.
Makes my teach itch!
TREMAiNE said:
I tend to run sheds as my daily drivers with something nice in the garage for weekend/nice weather use.
A recent MOT failure in my (not so) trusty X300 XJ6 has got me contemplating having something a bit newer.
I don't mind paying for repairs - but it's stuff like rust and emissions that I don't really want to deal with.
Having said that, I would like a degree of reliability.
My drive to work consists of 5 minutes doing 30mph, then 5 minutes doing 70mph.
I do the occasional longer drive on top of that.
I really don't need anything other than a basic hatchback but I can't bear the thought of something overly boring.
So...The brief is as follows:
2010ish or newer.
Under 50k miles - but can be waived for a car that appears exceptional.
Auto preferred, not fussed if it has paddles or not.
Fast-ish, sub 7 seconds to 60 at minimum but I'm looking for mid-range and torque more than anything.
Comfortable and fairly wafty - not fussed about handling.
Preferably a GT car but would consider a saloon.
Not fussed about fuel costs. I wouldn't want 5mpg, but 15-20mpg is fine - I get about 18mpg in my XJ.
Currently on the shortlist are:
R230 Mercedes SL350 but the 2008 facelift onwards.
I don't want the 500 (risky air suspension)
I like the styling.
Whilst not essential, I love convertibles - and being a folding hard top is appealing
I believe it is fairly reliable
My dad had one when it was new and I always liked it, despite only being the entry level SL
X150 Jaguar XK
Facelift 5.0 ideally.
Not fussed about whether it is or isn't an R but I presume a non-R would net me a better car at my price range.
I like the looks and think the interior is lovely.
It has a V8 which is appealing.
A bit worried about reliability but I've not researched the model.
Not really sure what else?
I don't really want a BMW, I just think the interior is a bit bland.
I'd like something that feels a bit more premium and/or different.
No AMGs and RS' - I don't need anything ballistically fast, I don't want suspension too stiff.
I don't want a Boxster, I have had one of those.
And whilst I don't expect total reliabilty, I don't want to be constantly worrying if something is going to break...
I went through a very similar exercise earlier this year, test driving various R231's in v6 and v8 guise and a v8 R230. The R231's drive much better than the R230's in that they are more dynamic all round whilst still being a GT. The build quality felt better and the interior was much more contemporary. The turbo engines are fabulous particularly the V8's.A recent MOT failure in my (not so) trusty X300 XJ6 has got me contemplating having something a bit newer.
I don't mind paying for repairs - but it's stuff like rust and emissions that I don't really want to deal with.
Having said that, I would like a degree of reliability.
My drive to work consists of 5 minutes doing 30mph, then 5 minutes doing 70mph.
I do the occasional longer drive on top of that.
I really don't need anything other than a basic hatchback but I can't bear the thought of something overly boring.
So...The brief is as follows:
2010ish or newer.
Under 50k miles - but can be waived for a car that appears exceptional.
Auto preferred, not fussed if it has paddles or not.
Fast-ish, sub 7 seconds to 60 at minimum but I'm looking for mid-range and torque more than anything.
Comfortable and fairly wafty - not fussed about handling.
Preferably a GT car but would consider a saloon.
Not fussed about fuel costs. I wouldn't want 5mpg, but 15-20mpg is fine - I get about 18mpg in my XJ.
Currently on the shortlist are:
R230 Mercedes SL350 but the 2008 facelift onwards.
I don't want the 500 (risky air suspension)
I like the styling.
Whilst not essential, I love convertibles - and being a folding hard top is appealing
I believe it is fairly reliable
My dad had one when it was new and I always liked it, despite only being the entry level SL
X150 Jaguar XK
Facelift 5.0 ideally.
Not fussed about whether it is or isn't an R but I presume a non-R would net me a better car at my price range.
I like the looks and think the interior is lovely.
It has a V8 which is appealing.
A bit worried about reliability but I've not researched the model.
Not really sure what else?
I don't really want a BMW, I just think the interior is a bit bland.
I'd like something that feels a bit more premium and/or different.
No AMGs and RS' - I don't need anything ballistically fast, I don't want suspension too stiff.
I don't want a Boxster, I have had one of those.
And whilst I don't expect total reliabilty, I don't want to be constantly worrying if something is going to break...
However finding one that wasn't priced optimistically or had been maintained correctly was hard. They are also quite a bit wider than a 230 which for me was a serious consideration due to access restrictions to a rented parking space.
I finally settled on a well specced, very late, R230 500 which has been spot on. It clearly dates from the turn of the century and is fabulous in an old school merc way - I've just toured Northern Spain and Portugal where it performed faultlessly and impressively. The 5.5 motor fired it up the mountain hills, aircon chilly and the ABC suspension did a great job of keeping things relatively in check whilst being smooth and comfortable. The latter didn't concern me on a later car and indie Gates of Harrow gave reassurance accordingly.
The plan was to keep it through the summer and offload it about now but it's endeared itself to justify another season following the Euro trip.
Just throwing it out there for hopefully a bit of discussion but I am just thinking £20k isn't that far off DB9 money . Simpo the owner of the said vehicle will be on in minute telling us to avoid , avoid , avoid , but these VH Astons are a bit of a funny one for those of us that forever associate the Astons of the Sixties and Seventies with unattainability . Of course the DB7 is yet another example .
Putting in to AT your criteria, and ignoring BMW's your original suggestions of an SL or a Jag XK seem to be the best fit, to my eyes at least. I was pondering something with a Trident on the bonnet, but I get why they make you nervous (but my god, the sound is almost worth it for one alone)
These two popped up, in my mind something a little different, which may not have landed on your radar?
Merc
Infiniti
These two popped up, in my mind something a little different, which may not have landed on your radar?
Merc
Infiniti
BMW 650i?
Very underrated and perfect GT.
This one is higher in miles than you stipulated, but I am sure you can find one closer to 50,000.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309202...
Very underrated and perfect GT.
This one is higher in miles than you stipulated, but I am sure you can find one closer to 50,000.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309202...
Edited by Castrol for a knave on Tuesday 26th September 07:42
Giulia Veloce might just creep in on budget https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309121...
Yes it's only a 4-pot but 400Nm torque should provide sufficient waft, and has the excellent ZF8 'box
Yes it's only a 4-pot but 400Nm torque should provide sufficient waft, and has the excellent ZF8 'box
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