€20k to spend on a car?

Sobanek

So, a job opportunity has risen. Won't go into details much at this stage, but pay seems to be bigger anyways

I therefore decided thought I'd buy a car for 5 years minimum, due to a loan I'd be willing to undertake (15k, 300e a month so fully bearable).

So, what does €20k buy you?

I'd be looking for:
- A diesel engine, preferrably something better than 2.0 - BMW 25/30d, Audi 3.0 TDI etc.
- Relatively new (2008 minimum)
- Low-ish mileage (up to 100k miles)
- Automatic Gearbox - this one's a must
- Something pleasant to drive, but comfortable.

Is there anything available to buy at this price?

(I may consider sourcing a car from the UK if it's rare enough here).

Waiting for suggestions.

My best suggestion so far is a €10k 2006 BMW 730d :pac:
Or a brand new Octavia 1.2 TSI :pac:

MuppetCheck

M5
M3
MX-5
Focus 1.0T
:pac:

Now they are out if the way how about a 530/5d since you like your BMWs.

Lex Luthor

Jag XF
Volvo S60 D5 2.4
Audi A5

Sobanek

I thought about the Jag XF, and I think I'm in love. More than with the E60 LCI.
Audi A5 - Hmmm, looks alright, but lacks in gadgets for me.
Volvo S60 - Lovely car, but a bit too granddad for me.

What about a Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI? Are they any good? Talking about a 2009-2010 model here.

fmcg_scribe

Sobanek wrote: »

I thought about the Jag XF, and I think I'm in love. More than with the E60 LCI.
Audi A5 - Hmmm, looks alright, but lacks in gadgets for me.
Volvo S60 - Lovely car, but a bit too granddad for me.

What about a Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI? Are they any good? Talking about a 2009-2010 model here.

Can recommend an E60 535d. Audi A8 3.0 and 4.0/4.2 TDI Quattro is also worth a look.

Bear in mind that A8/S class/7 series can look good value used but they don't hold their value used and never (!) forget the cost of the car when new - that price will give you an idea of the running costs for servicing and repairs.

If you're serious about looking at the UK market, you'll find lots of choice and some good value because UK used car market is soft because of all the new car sales for the last several years.

rocky

535d LCI.

You'll regret going for anything else in this class or lower.

Wait for Kaiser to tell you how the E60 is equivalent to an A4

Has to be MSport, with nice to have options: wide screen prof nav, comfort seats, logic 7 sound.

YbFocus

rocky wrote: »

535d LCI.

You'll regret going for anything else in this class or lower.

Wait for Kaiser to tell you how the E60 is equivalent to an A4

Yay somebody else notices it


Anyway, I'd say consider the jag also, they are a gorgeous car sobanek!

Congrats on the job too man, happy for ya

Sobanek

YbFocus wrote: »

Yay somebody else notices it


Anyway, I'd say consider the jag also, they are a gorgeous car sobanek!

Congrats on the job too man, happy for ya

We'll see what happens :pac: After my recent failures, not getting my hopes high on this one :P

Foxhole Norman

E66 730d or 735d? I know you want one bad!

toastedpickles

Something that isn't a bmw :P

YbFocus

Sobanek wrote: »

We'll see what happens :pac: After my recent failures, not getting my hopes high on this one :P

Not at all, you'll be the finest

Car wise, what way are you swaying?
Are you doing big miles for the diesel or could you go petrol?
There's an lpg'd is200 on donedeal at the minute that's caught my eye. Be a nice run around!

bazz26

Merc E Class:



http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Mercedes-Benz/E-Class/280-Cdi/57814044029470330/

Tea 1000

Sobanek wrote: »

What about a Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI? Are they any good? Talking about a 2009-2010 model here.

Yep, they're a good car alright, but to be honest the facelift 2011 one would be the one to go for as the pre-facelift interior is only middling.
Also the 220 has 168bhp, so similar to 320d. You mentioned something a bit more, so I'd be looking for a C320 CDI for something out of the ordinary. Good luck finding one though!

fmcg_scribe

rocky wrote: »

535d LCI.

You'll regret going for anything else in this class or lower.

Wait for Kaiser to tell you how the E60 is equivalent to an A4

Has to be MSport, with nice to have options: wide screen prof nav, comfort seats, logic 7 sound.

Agree, has to be M-Sport trim. Prof sat nav is good. Had comfort seats in an E38 740 but reckon that comfort seats in a used M-Sport (3, 5, 6, or 7 series) would be unusual. Audio upgrade would be nice to have but I wouldn't make it a deal breaker.

fmcg_scribe

YbFocus wrote: »

Not at all, you'll be the finest

Car wise, what way are you swaying?
Are you doing big miles for the diesel or could you go petrol?
There's an lpg'd is200 on donedeal at the minute that's caught my eye. Be a nice run around!

Had an IS 300 for two years. What sort of boot space would you have in an IS after fitting LPG?

fmcg_scribe

toastedpickles wrote: »

Something that isn't a bmw :P

Previous shape Jag XJ 2.7 diesel is worth a look. Current XJ is not a looker but its predecessor is a looker.

MadYaker

What do you want diesel for? Doing big mileage?

E39 M5. And spend the change (probably €8k - €10k) on tax and fuel?


Edit: nvm, didn't read the Op properly!

fmcg_scribe

MadYaker wrote: »

What do you want diesel for? Doing big mileage?

E39 M5. And spend the change (probably €8k - €10k) on tax and fuel?

OP mentioned diesel only.

Moneymaker

Lexus 220d?

S60 D5?

Jag XF 2.7?

YbFocus

fmcg_scribe wrote: »

Had an IS 300 for two years. What sort of boot space would you have in an IS after fitting LPG?

No idea man, i had one from a friend for a week and loved it. Thought is be a nice machine as they are thirsty enough for their output.

Not for sobanek, I was kind of thinking aloud.

enda1

How about a cruise-liner?

Citroen C6

mickdw

bazz26 wrote: »

Merc E Class:



http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Mercedes-Benz/E-Class/280-Cdi/57814044029470330/

Nice 6 cylinder with sport spec. So much nicer & better than any C Class in my opinion.
Now there are lots of arguments re not comparing to bmw dynamically etc but in real world use, if driving across the country, I would take this car every day over 5 series bmw.

fmcg_scribe

enda1 wrote: »

How about a cruise-liner?

Citroen C6

Interesting choice but Citroens, especially large ones, depreciate a lot. A C6 is a refreshing alternative choice but it's more about comfort and style than performance or dynamics.

rocky

fmcg_scribe wrote: »

Agree, has to be M-Sport trim. Prof sat nav is good. Had comfort seats in an E38 740 but reckon that comfort seats in a used M-Sport (3, 5, 6, or 7 series) would be unusual. Audio upgrade would be nice to have but I wouldn't make it a deal breaker.

They are rare, but worth it ... Nothing in the competition can touch them.
Nappa leather upgrade is also nice.

fmcg_scribe wrote: »

Previous shape Jag XJ 2.7 diesel is worth a look. Current XJ is not a looker but its predecessor is a looker.

Are you talking about XF? XJ is big, 7 series equivalent no?

mickdw wrote: »

Nice 6 cylinder with sport spec. So much nicer & better than any C Class in my opinion.
Now there are lots of arguments re not comparing to bmw dynamically etc but in real world use, if driving across the country, I would take this car every day over 5 series bmw.

Have you driven a 5 Series MSport (not 3 series)? Much more composed through bends and with no real disadvantages over a softer suspension

enda1

fmcg_scribe wrote: »

Interesting choice but Citroens, especially large ones, depreciate a lot. A C6 is a refreshing alternative choice but it's more about comfort and style than performance or dynamics.

Definitely. That's why you buy them second hand after they've taken their hit. It's certainly a car for cruise comfort all right. No hairpin messing with this one!

rocky

toastedpickles wrote: »

Something that isn't a bmw :P

You're only hurting yourself...

fmcg_scribe

Moneymaker wrote: »

Lexus 220d?

S60 D5?

Jag XF 2.7?

Lexus 220d was not rated highly when it was in production. The 2.2 litre engine is poor for performance, economy, and emissions compared to 2 litre diesel engine in A4/3 series/C class from the some era. So the car would be reliable but it would not hold its value and you'd be wishing that bought a German diesel.

The fact that certain Toyota models being sold in Europe now have BMW engines and the fact that there is no diesel engine for the third generation Lexus IS should tell you all you need to know about Toyota/Lexus diesel engines.

fmcg_scribe

rocky wrote: »

Are you talking about XF? XJ is big, 7 series equivalent no?

Yes, XJ is equivalent to 7 series/S class/A8. There are probably more XJ diesels in the UK - might be a rarity in Ireland.

midasman

2009 BMW 535d or 335d All Day. Diesel, Auto, twin-turbos so plenty of poke and full leather options. Tax is €790 on a 09+

M3/5 will kill you on tax and fuel economy- insurance will also take a hit.. it might actually just kill you anyway :P

Could always get yourself a Discovery or Range Rover (2006-08) with a 2.7 diesel - lots of car for small money.

Failing that Audi A5, 2.7 TDI S-Line. Lovely.

fmcg_scribe

rocky wrote: »

Have you driven a 5 Series MSport (not 3 series)? Much more composed through bends and with no real disadvantages over a softer suspension

Agree that E60 M-Sport is composed in the twisties but I'm not sure that an E60 M-Sport on run flats would feel soft. Possibly, BMW got this right for E60 LCI cars but I seem to recall that early E60 cars were criticised for the hard ride.

fmcg_scribe

midasman wrote: »

Could always get yourself a Discovery or Range Rover (2006-08) with a 2.7 diesel - lots of car for small money.

What are the real world mpg figures for diesel Land Rovers and Range Rovers? I recall that Disco 3 was a very heavy car because it had two chassis. The guy to whom I sold my Lexus IS 300 mentioned that a diesel Range Rover he used to have was terrible for fuel consumption.

iamtony

If it were me I'd be going to the uk for a peugeot 508 SW 2.2 hdi gt. Very nice car lots of power very economical cheap tax lots of gadgets and you could get one still in warranty I'd say for around 20k. Will depreciate rapidly but so will every other car mentioned.

And that panoramic roof is just lovely inside.

Idbatterim

I think the new 2010 E classes are gorgeous, particularly the sport versions...


http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201409087236745/sort/default/postcode/ls298jn/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/fuel-type/diesel/engine-size-cars/3l_to_3-9l/make/mercedes-benz/maximum-age/up_to_4_years_old/radius/1500/usedcars/model/e_class/page/1?logcode=p

Sobanek

Lots of suggestions so far, so I'll go through them now.

Foxhole Norman wrote: »

E66 730d or 735d? I know you want one bad!

It is a possibility - smaller loan as well. I'd love to find one with Comfort Seats.

toastedpickles wrote: »

Something that isn't a bmw

A brand change would be good once in a while, I agree!

YbFocus wrote: »

Car wise, what way are you swaying?
Are you doing big miles for the diesel or could you go petrol?
There's an lpg'd is200 on donedeal at the minute that's caught my eye. Be a nice run around!

Even my current mileage doesn't justify petrol :pac:
Never have been a fan of the IS, I'm more of a GS man

bazz26 wrote: »

Merc E Class:
http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Mercedes-Benz/E-Class/280-Cdi/57814044029470330/

Nice, and not a bad choice, but wouldn't it be a bit too granddad-ish for me? I'm still a very young fella

Tea 1000 wrote: »

Yep, they're a good car alright, but to be honest the facelift 2011 one would be the one to go for as the pre-facelift interior is only middling.
Also the 220 has 168bhp, so similar to 320d. You mentioned something a bit more, so I'd be looking for a C320 CDI for something out of the ordinary. Good luck finding one though!

Right! I thought it was the 2.1 Diesel with 204bhp.

fmcg_scribe wrote: »

Previous shape Jag XJ 2.7 diesel is worth a look. Current XJ is not a looker but its predecessor is a looker.

New XJ > Old XJ. I'd much rather have the XF :P

MadYaker wrote: »

What do you want diesel for? Doing big mileage?
E39 M5. And spend the change (probably €8k - €10k) on tax and fuel?
Edit: nvm, didn't read the Op properly!

While I'd love an M5, I couldn't justify the insurance which will be massive and the mileage I do, doesn't justify a petrol car.

Moneymaker wrote: »

Lexus 220d?

S60 D5?

Jag XF 2.7?

No.

Yeah, why not.

HELL YESH!

YbFocus wrote: »

No idea man, i had one from a friend for a week and loved it. Thought is be a nice machine as they are thirsty enough for their output.

Not for sobanek, I was kind of thinking aloud.

About the IS300 - That probably sums it up right. Not much of an IS man as I've mentioned.

enda1 wrote: »

How about a cruise-liner?

Citroen C6

Jaysus, please no! I despise them :pac:

midasman wrote: »

2009 BMW 535d or 335d All Day. Diesel, Auto, twin-turbos so plenty of poke and full leather options. Tax is €790 on a 09+

M3/5 will kill you on tax and fuel economy- insurance will also take a hit.. it might actually just kill you anyway

Could always get yourself a Discovery or Range Rover (2006-08) with a 2.7 diesel - lots of car for small money.

Failing that Audi A5, 2.7 TDI S-Line. Lovely.

535d. 335d is what I can't insure.
M3/5 - wise words.
Disco/RR - not a soccer mommy :P
The only SUVs I really dig are the BMW X5 and Audi Q7.

iamtony wrote: »

If it were me I'd be going to the uk for a peugeot 508 SW 2.2 hdi gt. Very nice car lots of power very economical cheap tax lots of gadgets and you could get one still in warranty I'd say for around 20k. Will depreciate rapidly but so will every other car mentioned.

And that panoramic roof is just lovely inside.

I lack a dog, a wife and two children to even think about an estate car, better yet a Peugeot estate.

Idbatterim wrote: »

I think the new 2010 E classes are gorgeous, particularly the sport versions...


http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201409087236745/sort/default/postcode/ls298jn/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/fuel-type/diesel/engine-size-cars/3l_to_3-9l/make/mercedes-benz/maximum-age/up_to_4_years_old/radius/1500/usedcars/model/e_class/page/1?logcode=p

I really like this car. It's one of my top 10 to be honest, especially with this engine.



Thank you everyone for the suggestions so far!

faral

why not buy one of these luxobarges for under 5k and keep the rest for pleasure?spending 20k on car and taking a loan for itis a serious crime in my eyes!plus bear in mind cost of insurance,tax and maintenance.

Sobanek

faral wrote: »

why not buy one of these luxobarges for under 5k and keep the rest for pleasure?spending 20k on car and taking a loan for itis a serious crime in my eyes!plus bear in mind cost of insurance,tax and maintenance.

Because maintenance on a 12 year old luxobarge is still as high as on a modern luxury car.
I do way too big miles for a huge petrol engine.

Voodoomelon

If ever you're in Louth, you're welcome to take my E66 for a spin to get a feel for size, handling, ride quality etc. The diesel 7s are supposed to be excellent too.

iamtony

if your hoping to keep the car for 5 years the best advice I can give you is but the newest car you can. A 2008 might seem like a good idea but in a few years it will be a money pit. I've been their and if I could do it again I'd buy smaller and newer any day of the week.
For 20k you could buy a brand new fiesta and have a 5 year warranty and on a higher spec one more technology/gadgets than an older car by far. And it will cost you a hell of a lot less to run/tax/insure.
Or if your looking for street cred get a hot hatch one or 2 years old.
Just my 2 cent.

YbFocus

A new fiesta wouldn't have the spec of a 2008 e60. Or much else mentioned here.
He wants a prestigious cruiser type machine.
A fiesta ain't going to cut the mustard

mickdw

YbFocus wrote: »

A new fiesta wouldn't have the spec of a 2008 e60. Or much else mentioned here.
He wants a prestigious cruiser type machine.
A fiesta ain't going to cut the mustard

While I don't agree with the fiesta suggestion, there are valid points made re new car or nearly new.
People can have the idea that an 08 bmw for example is going to be good as new. While some will be in excellent condition, it is also very easy to buy a sh1t box of that age. Even buying a good one, it's a certainty that over the next few years it will need money spending.

iamtony

YbFocus wrote: »

A new fiesta wouldn't have the spec of a 2008 e60. Or much else mentioned here.
He wants a prestigious cruiser type machine.
A fiesta ain't going to cut the mustard

youd be surprised at the spec in top end small cars, technology moves so fast. I'm just tryin to give level headed advice cause I can see a younger version of myself not going out with the lads cause I needed a grand for tax and another grand for new tyres and €100 a week for petrol.
I'm a car enthusiast but if I could go back in time id do it differently! Maybe the fiesta wouldn't do it but the ST version might.

Moneymaker

Could be wrong but I don't think the OP is the hot hatch type.

Plus he needs an automatic and a diesel.

That E class is the front runner so far imo. Gorgeous machine.

iamtony

Moneymaker wrote: »

Could be wrong but I don't think the OP is the hot hatch type.

Plus he needs an automatic and a diesel.

That E class is the front runner so far imo. Gorgeous machine.

I know but I think with these type of cars if you can't afford to buy new or nearly new you can't afford to run it that's a part of the reason they devalue so quickly.
As I said it's just advise from someone who has had big cars but regret it now.

Tea 1000

fmcg_scribe wrote: »

What are the real world mpg figures for diesel Land Rovers and Range Rovers? I recall that Disco 3 was a very heavy car because it had two chassis. The guy to whom I sold my Lexus IS 300 mentioned that a diesel Range Rover he used to have was terrible for fuel consumption.

Real world mpg figures for the older Disco's would be around 2000mpg. (mpg = miles per gearbox)

iamtony wrote: »

youd be surprised at the spec in top end small cars, technology moves so fast. I'm just tryin to give level headed advice cause I can see a younger version of myself not going out with the lads cause I needed a grand for tax and another grand for new tyres and €100 a week for petrol.
I'm a car enthusiast but if I could go back in time id do it differently! Maybe the fiesta wouldn't do it but the ST version might.

I'm a car enthusiast too, and one thing is for certain. I don't regret any money I've spent on cars versus spent on nights out where it would either be píssed against a wall or puked down a drain.
Provided you don't crash, €100 on petrol in a week is far better spent than €100 on fags or booze, which damage the health!

iamtony

I'm a car enthusiast too, and one thing is for certain. I don't regret any money I've spent on cars versus spent on nights out where it would either be píssed against a wall or puked down a drain.
Provided you don't crash, €100 on petrol in a week is far better spent than €100 on fags or booze, which damage the health![/quote]
Ok fair enough id have a s320cdi to fit the original request but if the diesel thing isn't a problem I'd have a cl500

fmcg_scribe

Moneymaker wrote: »

Could be wrong but I don't think the OP is the hot hatch type.

Plus he needs an automatic and a diesel.

That E class is the front runner so far imo. Gorgeous machine.

Which era E class do you have in mind? Things have been very up and down for the E class over the last 20 years.

Moneymaker

fmcg_scribe wrote: »

Which era E class do you have in mind? Things have been very up and down for the E class over the last 20 years.

The one linked by IdBatterIm on the previous page.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201409087236745/sort/default/postcode/ls298jn/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/fuel-type/diesel/engine-size-cars/3l_to_3-9l/make/mercedes-benz/maximum-age/up_to_4_years_old/radius/1500/usedcars/model/e_class/page/1?logcode=p

Sobanek

Moneymaker wrote: »

The one linked by IdBatterIm on the previous page.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201409087236745/sort/default/postcode/ls298jn/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/fuel-type/diesel/engine-size-cars/3l_to_3-9l/make/mercedes-benz/maximum-age/up_to_4_years_old/radius/1500/usedcars/model/e_class/page/1?logcode=p

Very nice, I had a chance to sit in one of these and it felt very nice and very comfortable. No idea about the ride quality, but the seats were very comfy.

fmcg_scribe

Moneymaker wrote: »

The one linked by IdBatterIm on the previous page.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201409087236745/sort/default/postcode/ls298jn/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/fuel-type/diesel/engine-size-cars/3l_to_3-9l/make/mercedes-benz/maximum-age/up_to_4_years_old/radius/1500/usedcars/model/e_class/page/1?logcode=p

Nice enough looking car. Clearly, it's recent enough to be free of the build quality and reliability problems that affected the E class from 1995 to 2006. The E class is probably still Mercedes Benz's most profitable model.

Although E class sales figures are good in China and the US (the two growth markets for premium cars), sales figures in Europe look patchy these days but that might be because some former E class owners have moved down to C class or moved "across" to CLS or M class:
http://left-lane.com/european-car-sales-data/mercedes-benz/mercedes-benz-e-class/

Depending on who you believe, Mercedes is concerned about the sales of the E class:
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Secret-new-cars/Search-Results/Spyshots/Mercedes-E-class-2016-six-features-that-transform-Mercs-new-saloon2/

Again, depending on who you believe, E class residuals might not be as strong as they used to be:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/mercedes/e-class

Personally, I wouldn't be interested in an E class - it looks too much like a car that you'd be driven in or driven by, not a car that you'd drive.

Moneymaker

Well if it was my money i'd be looking at a Jag XF, A5 3.0tdi or 525d-535d but the E class is a nice alternative imo.

Tea 1000

Moneymaker wrote: »

Well if it was my money i'd be looking at a Jag XF, A5 3.0tdi or 525d-535d but the E class is a nice alternative imo.

The A5 is a long way short of a 5-series, E-Class and XF though!