Which big exec for £7k ish?

Rilot

Rilot

Rilot

Don
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
23,588
Location
Wargrave, UK
I'm doing some research for a buddy.
He's after a big exec but has a small ish budget. He's going in to it eyes open so has no illusions of running one of these for Focus money. He knows they're big money to fix if they go wrong and that they need regular money spending on them to keep them going. I've advised him to keep £2k in a slush fund for repairs hence the budget is £7k and not £9k. He's been hanging out with me for long enough to have my tales of exec woe drummed in to him.

He would like a car that's reliable (don't we all, who says "I want an unreliable car?") and supremely comfortable. No diesels.

So, out of these, what would you choose and why?

2004 Jaguar XJ 4.2 V8 SE (Are these reliable these days)
2005 Jaguar S-Type R 4.2 V8 Supercharged (OK, oddball car. I know nothing about these apart from epic fuel consumption and epic performance)
2004 Lexus LS430 (Super reliable but with looks only it's mother could love)
2003 Audi A8 4.2 (I had one of these and it broke, a lot)
2003 BMW 745i (Reliability issues with the engine, see Lexus LS430 with regards to looks)
2004 VW Phaeton 3.2 V6 (I love these but I have no idea about reliability)

So, a nice list of execs from the last decade. Notice the S-Class is missing. He can stomach bills but the epic costs of servicing an S-Class and the potential for utterly crippling bills make the others above look like Fiestas.
 
reliable is the lexus name, have a 7 y/o is200 had it for 5 years, still on original battery have swapped nothing but a couple of tyres and wiper blades runs perfectly everyday servicing is average if not below average cost wise compared to the other big marques cant love the big L anymore than I do

may not be pretty but damn it gets the job done
 
I always shunned the Pheaton as I always thought the running costs would be epic, however after speaking to my mate who part owns a VW specialist I was very very suprised that they are quite affordable to run (cheaper than all those listen above).

As we had a few beers I can't remember what he told me what the exact costs involved but it does seem a very very underated car for their value these days.

Because of that I would reccomend the Phaeton.
 
GinG said:
I always shunned the Pheaton as I always thought the running costs would be epic, however after speaking to my mate who part owns a VW specialist I was very very suprised that they are quite affordable to run (cheaper than all those listen above).

As we had a few beers I can't remember what he told me what the exact costs involved but it does seem a very very underated car for their value these days.

Because of that I would reccomend the Phaeton.
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http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif.../radius/100/postcode/rg100ax/page/1?logcode=p

This one looks nice
 
Not surprised it's unloved, slower than a 2.0 Focus and thirstier than my ST220 and weighs the same as both combined.
 
Imy said:
Not surprised it's unloved, slower than a 2.0 Focus and thirstier than my ST220 and weighs the same as both combined.
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Depends what engine you buy, it's in a different class to the two you quoted, neither hold a candle to the Phaeton in terms of luxury and motorway ability.

The Phaeton is unloved because no-one wants a posh / prestigious VW, they will buy an Audi / BMW / Mercedes instead.
 
Well, compared to the Phaeton, it won't be long before you make the difference back in fuel savings. Aren't Lexus meant to be very reliable too?
 
I'd be looking for a late e38 with low miles! (for a lot less than £7k too!!)
Alas, ones worth having are like rocking horse poo and I've given up looking...... :o

They look old these days though ( to some ) but still do it for me anyway. :)

Is an S class with factory backed / worthy of having warranty not doable at this price? - I guess not....
 
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R420 - A Mercedes warranty on a W220 will cost prohibitive amounts to keep current as they require main dealer servicing, and that is ignoring the actual premium costs on the high end models.

Solution: buy one without a warranty, or if it has one simply let is lapse. I know these cars very well and there is nothing about an (Airmatic petrol model) W220 S-Class which need cost much to rectify these days. These cars are old now and as such have a fairly exhaustive list of alternative solutions to the previously expensive issues.

Keep one away from Mercedes and there is little reason that one will cost any more to maintain than these other old luxury cars.

Ive not kept an eye on the market, but i assume £7k will now buy a post 2004 model, with facelifted aesthetics in and out, and DVD/MOST based comand which will accept up to date maps and bluetooth modules.
 
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The Merc warranty is absolutely ridiculously priced - I got quotes for < and > 60k miles for an SL350.

£2500 for under 60k, £5000 for over. Per year!
 
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