Actually, I think the Lancia Thema was the first car to enter production with the 'Type Four' platform that the Saab 9000/Fiat Croma/Alfa 164/Thema used. So would it not be fairer to say that the Saab is a slightly re-styled Lancia?
Grumble grumble...cheap car
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Actually, I think the Lancia Thema was the first car to enter production with the 'Type Four' platform that the Saab 9000/Fiat Croma/Alfa 164/Thema used. So would it not be fairer to say that the Saab is a slightly re-styled Lancia?
Soldato
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I think a lot of people are realising the E39s that cost 1-2k are complete and utter money pits and don't age as well as the E34 - and a late E34 with the right spec and trim is a much more complete and nicer looking car rather than a low end tatty E39 - although obviously some of the look aspect is a personal thing...
If you were inclined to look at the 5 series, I'd go for a really nice manual or auto E34 525. I bought mine for 800 quid, put 3000 miles on it, never did anything to it and sold it for 1500.
The only caveat is you'd have to get one with FSH and one that has clearly been looked after, to avoid the common pitfalls - and that can be the tricky part.
Prices are creeping up at the moment too, although I did see a nice 535i near me for 700 quid but that's probably a little too heavy on fuel for your usage.
If you were inclined to look at the 5 series, I'd go for a really nice manual or auto E34 525. I bought mine for 800 quid, put 3000 miles on it, never did anything to it and sold it for 1500.
The only caveat is you'd have to get one with FSH and one that has clearly been looked after, to avoid the common pitfalls - and that can be the tricky part.
Prices are creeping up at the moment too, although I did see a nice 535i near me for 700 quid but that's probably a little too heavy on fuel for your usage.
Instead of holding out for a fully service history in the traditional sense, if you're picking up an older car such as an e34 make sure that you are buying from a proper enthusiast who wanted an e34 rather than somebody who wanted that roundel glued to the bonnet.
Old luxury cars can be an extremely good buy at this end of the market if you understand that they might spring up the occasional bill that would not technically be an economical repair, although That being said, I still thinking that the early 90s was the golden age of automotive engineering simply because it was as advanced as cars got before they got over laden with unnecessarily complex electrical systems.
The M50 525i is definitely the best all-rounder E34 available. The pre-Vanos (91-93ish I think?) cars are practically bomb proof, have a decent amount of power and return good MPG figures all things considered.
Basically, if you want something like an E34, do it but keep your eyes open to potential bills, but then again, exactly the same could be said about a MK2 Mondeo...
Old luxury cars can be an extremely good buy at this end of the market if you understand that they might spring up the occasional bill that would not technically be an economical repair, although That being said, I still thinking that the early 90s was the golden age of automotive engineering simply because it was as advanced as cars got before they got over laden with unnecessarily complex electrical systems.
The M50 525i is definitely the best all-rounder E34 available. The pre-Vanos (91-93ish I think?) cars are practically bomb proof, have a decent amount of power and return good MPG figures all things considered.
Basically, if you want something like an E34, do it but keep your eyes open to potential bills, but then again, exactly the same could be said about a MK2 Mondeo...
Soldato
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That was more what I meant to say - by FSH I mean (as well as preferable FBMWSH in early life) comprehensive evidence that it's been well maintained on a yearly basis by caring owners - enthusiasts, as you say
Mine was fully stamped by a BMW dealer up until 128k, then a solitary independant service after - so they are out there.
The 2.5 VANOS engines are good as well - yes, they are a little more complex - but they do return better torque and higher economy. One more potential bill you could avoid I guess, though!
Mine was fully stamped by a BMW dealer up until 128k, then a solitary independant service after
- so they are out there.The 2.5 VANOS engines are good as well - yes, they are a little more complex - but they do return better torque and higher economy. One more potential bill you could avoid I guess, though!
Soldato
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Stupid as it sounds
you could get a rover 200/400 for a grand with a lot of kit on it.
And no they dont all blow a head gasket
you could get a rover 200/400 for a grand with a lot of kit on it.
And no they dont all blow a head gasket
Iain, how about this, not too far to travel either..
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1997-FORD-MON...iewItem&pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4cef3e0470
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1997-FORD-MON...iewItem&pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4cef3e0470
Depends if your car views come from the head or heart I guess.... 
I sold my e38 7 because I wanted to release money from it, and thought I'd save a packet by buying a Diesel Mondeo, found in all honesty that the saving - to my mind - did not outweigh the loss of "ownership experience" and driver enjoyment so I ditched that and have been running my scruffy Sub £1k 328i for a year or so now.
Its hit me with around £600 of bills over those 12 months, but I never went back to a 6 pot old BMW thinking it would not hit me from time to time.
At this sort of budget, your playing Russian Roulette really, be it a BMW or Mondeo.
You have to weigh up which is more for you, a car thats fun to drive and well built etc or something that perhaps is not as enjoyable but will hopefully not cost so much to run.....
Personally, I think an early e39 is a far better car than a late e34 but try and find a good one....
I sold my e38 7 because I wanted to release money from it, and thought I'd save a packet by buying a Diesel Mondeo, found in all honesty that the saving - to my mind - did not outweigh the loss of "ownership experience" and driver enjoyment so I ditched that and have been running my scruffy Sub £1k 328i for a year or so now.
Its hit me with around £600 of bills over those 12 months, but I never went back to a 6 pot old BMW thinking it would not hit me from time to time.
At this sort of budget, your playing Russian Roulette really, be it a BMW or Mondeo.
You have to weigh up which is more for you, a car thats fun to drive and well built etc or something that perhaps is not as enjoyable but will hopefully not cost so much to run.....
Personally, I think an early e39 is a far better car than a late e34 but try and find a good one....
Why?
I'm probably biased by my Dads '96 528i SE, he's had it from new, its way over 250k miles now and I could only describe it as being in pristine condition!
Prior to his e39 he had two e34's from new, an 1-6 530i and a 530i V8 (H & L reg respectively) both proved troublesome around the 130k miles mark with the V8 car suffering from the dreaded bore wear issue.
I recall topping up the e34's weekly as both used oil as the miles ticked by yet despite his current e39's mileage, his still uses barely any oil between services.
Despite him occasionally having "New" 5's and Merc's as loan cars from time to time, he has no desire to replace it which says a lot for it I think.
Don't get me wrong,my Dad could well replace it easily, money is not the issue, he still loves to drive it (as do I!) and has decided that he's going to run it until it breaks - And thats after he had an F10 for a weekend!
I can't think of higher praise than that!
![[TW]Fox](/data/man-of-honor/2009.png){kind=avatar}
I'm probably biased by my Dads '96 528i SE, he's had it from new, its way over 250k miles now and I could only describe it as being in pristine condition!
Prior to his e39 he had two e34's from new, an 1-6 530i and a 530i V8 (H & L reg respectively) both proved troublesome around the 130k miles mark with the V8 car suffering from the dreaded bore wear issue.
I recall topping up the e34's weekly as both used oil as the miles ticked by yet despite his current e39's mileage, his still uses barely any oil between services.
Despite him occasionally having "New" 5's and Merc's as loan cars from time to time, he has no desire to replace it which says a lot for it I think.
Don't get me wrong,my Dad could well replace it easily, money is not the issue, he still loves to drive it (as do I!) and has decided that he's going to run it until it breaks - And thats after he had an F10 for a weekend!
I can't think of higher praise than that!
Thats your dads one, there aint many like that about.
[TW]Fox;16521201 said:
Sure, could not agree more. And no, I'm not saying his is the average - far from it - just pointing that there are needles in haystacks, trouble is, finding them.....
Got the car up for sale, it's only been a few days so too early to judge interest, but would the friendly experts mind commenting on the ad?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260600904570
Possibly a bit cheeky on the price?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260600904570
Possibly a bit cheeky on the price?
A lot of people do this as a car from a nice area holds certain appeal. Can't view the ops ad tho as it says its not available?
I did think that - it looks worse than it is, but I wouldnt expect a potential buyer to know that!