Need an "old man's" car :(

Narj · 22 Jul 2013 at 10:36

Hi all,

I'll shortly be needing to carry around a 4-6 metre load on a roof rack, and I'm struggling to figure out how I can do this on my Mk4 Golf (not sure if ladders are a viable option.. I'm also finding that driving long distance is becoming more uncomfortable seeing as I'm around 6'2.

I'm looking for ideas really around the 4K mark (assuming I'll trade mine in and get 1-1.5K). I've been looking at Volvo S40s - ugly but practical and was wondering what the general opinion on them is?

the_r_sole · 22 Jul 2013 at 10:48

how often will you be carrying that load?

Narj · 22 Jul 2013 at 10:55

the_r_sole said:
how often will you be carrying that load?

A couple of weekends a month, I'd think. Maybe more. It was suggested to me that you can get some sort of extra rack that is connected to the front of the car but that seems a bit ridiculous.

I was aching on the way back home yesterday so am thinking I want something more comfortable for my lanky self. It's only now I've started using the car more than once a month that I realise it's not that great for long journeys!

paradigm · 22 Jul 2013 at 11:17

I think you might struggle to carry that kind of load on any car without some kind of extended support at the front. Even the longest estates will only give you about 2.5m - 3m worth of span on the roof bars, meaning that a good 2-3m of your load will be flopping about at the front, unsupported.

the_r_sole · 22 Jul 2013 at 11:27

rent a transit when you need it? definitely sounds like a van job rather than a car roof rack, especially if it's only a couple of times a month

Narj · 22 Jul 2013 at 11:32

paradigm said:
I think you might struggle to carry that kind of load on any car without some kind of extended support at the front. Even the longest estates will only give you about 2.5m - 3m worth of span on the roof bars, meaning that a good 2-3m of your load will be flopping about at the front, unsupported.

Yeah, that is a problem but it seems quite a few people are using ladders or something similar to provide additional support underneath (I'm looking at transporting a hang glider, FWIW). I really don't want to go down the 4x4 or van route.

paradigm · 22 Jul 2013 at 11:42

Trailer?

megakid · 22 Jul 2013 at 11:42

OT but I test drove a 997 GT3 last week which had roof rack mounts which I thought was very strange indeed. Don't think that meets your requirements thou... Might indicate that you don't need an 'old mans' car to accomplish your goals thou

wingman · 22 Jul 2013 at 11:44

the_r_sole said:
rent a transit when you need it? definitely sounds like a van job rather than a car roof rack, especially if it's only a couple of times a month

Makhaira · 22 Jul 2013 at 12:00

I'm guessing there must be enthusiast forums for this sort of thing - what transport solutions do those guys use?

MooMoo444 · 22 Jul 2013 at 12:02

Makhaira said:
I'm guessing there must be enthusiast forums for this sort of thing - what transport solutions do those guys use?

Roofrackers.co.uk?

Narj · 22 Jul 2013 at 12:06

Right - I'm told that there are various solutions for the roof racking and that the overhang, even on my current car would be less than 1 metre in front and behind... so no problem.

I was more looking for advice on a more comfortable car in all honesty because I had to stop and get out for a while yesterday. That is the real issue - long drives are making me ache.

Makhaira · 22 Jul 2013 at 12:10

Mondeo estate?

ci_newman · 22 Jul 2013 at 14:57

As above, Mondeo or Honda Accord (I have one of each). I prefer the Accord

Clint_001 · 22 Jul 2013 at 14:59

Most comfy car I've ever owned was a e34 520i estate. For your budget you should be able to find a nice e39, loads of room for all your gear.

Narj · 22 Jul 2013 at 18:38

Cheers chaps. I actually prefer the looks of the Mondeo over the Accord. How are these reliability and cost of running wise? My Golf has never given me any problems apart from having to replace the coil pack so that's the only bugbear I have.

Any particular engines/other things to avoid?

I hadn't thought about BMWs, I'm surprised at what you can get for 4K but the thing with those is that I'm concerned about expensive servicing/repair bills.

Clint_001 · 22 Jul 2013 at 21:18

Narj said:
I hadn't thought about BMWs, I'm surprised at what you can get for 4K but the thing with those is that I'm concerned about expensive servicing/repair bills.

Depends what you go for. A 4k 5 series wouldn't be worth servicing at a main dealer in my opinion, so getting it done at a normal garage fluids/service items won't cost anymore than any other car. As long as you avoid any fancy options, such as self levelling suspension, a lots of components are probably pretty standard Bosch or INA parts, which are probably used by VW anyway.

I'm not particularly a BMW fanboy (straight sixes are ace tho :cool:

), but for your budget that's where I would b looking, others will have their own take on things so I would say just make a short list of 4 or 5 models and try them all.

[TW]Fox · 22 Jul 2013 at 21:30

Clint_001 said:
Depends what you go for. A 4k 5 series wouldn't be worth servicing at a main dealer in my opinion, so getting it done at a normal garage fluids/service items won't cost anymore than any other car.

Well thats not strictly true, its going to need repairs as well as servicing and the service requirements are a tad heavier than a 4 pot Mondeo.

As long as you avoid any fancy options, such as self levelling suspension

That would be difficult as its standard fit on every 5 Series Touring.

Clint_001 · 22 Jul 2013 at 23:02

[TW]Fox;24649571 said:
Well thats not strictly true, its going to need repairs as well as servicing and the service requirements are a tad heavier than a 4 pot Mondeo.

Maybe a "tad", but not in the grand scheme of things, the difference between a 6 pot and a 4 pot is not exactly going to break the bank is it? My point with regards to repairs is that say a Bosch relay costs the same for a VW as it does for a BMW. As the OP has owned a golf he won't find BMW parts particularly more expensive.

[TW]Fox;24649571 said:
That would be difficult as its standard fit on every 5 Series Touring.

Not on an e34 its not, if it is on e39's then I stand corrected. Anyway if the OP wants to try a Mondeo or an Accord go for it, it was only a suggestion for something for him to consider based on a good ownership experience.

[TW]Fox · 22 Jul 2013 at 23:51

Clint_001 said:
Maybe a "tad", but not in the grand scheme of things, the difference between a 6 pot and a 4 pot is not exactly going to break the bank is it? My point with regards to repairs is that say a Bosch relay costs the same for a VW as it does for a BMW. As the OP has owned a golf he won't find BMW parts particularly more expensive.

I ran a Ford Mondeo 2.0 16v before I replaced it 7 years ago with a 5 Series I've had ever since. The Ford was noticeably cheaper to run in every possible way.

They are fairly crap budget cars - many other cars will be far better ownership experiences unless you are particularly desperate to have a 5 Series. The equivilent non BMW will likely be much newer, whihc has it with it its own set of advantages.

Not on an e34 its not

Nobody spends £4k on a 20 year old E34 anymore unless they are enthusiasts looking for a project M5.