opinions on which european car i should buy(limited budget) - Page 2

STHSV8 · 16-10-2009, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Vman

No probs, my bad.
I hope you have a good mechanic.

dont worry about him. What about a w124 merc (300e). a well looked after example is a timeless automobile and should be had for around $10k.

UKXR8 · 16-10-2009, 12:27 AM

I've got an Alfa 156 GTA Sportwagon.
Fantastic car, I really don't see what you guys are moaning about. Loads of style, sounds nice and gives my XR8 a decent run for its money.
I've had a few late model 3 series beemers but got sick of the rear springs breaking so I don't go anywhere near them anymore.
Audi's feel like they are built like a tank but are very expensive to repair, even over here in the UK.
Have you looked at Mercs, not too sure how much they are over there, but an absolute bargain over here. Just had a mate buy a 8 year old 70k mile CLK 320 for £3500...

zdcol71 · 16-10-2009, 09:24 AM

I drive a 156 Alfa Twin spark, great car to drive, good looking, (IMO), all the whistles and bells,(Momo leather, wood grain etc), BUT!!! avoid it like the PLAGUE!! They are a wonderful car from new, once the TPS, MAF and other electronics start playing up, kiss your retirement fund goodbye.
My TPS is playing up and after spending a small fortune on diagnostics to find out what was wrong, it is now looking like a $1500- $2000 replacement
Apparently most other European makes can substitute Bosch aftermarket parts, but the Alfas' is propriortry. Anecdotal, I know, but beware

AC/DC · 16-10-2009, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RSgerry

if you buy the Alfa, it might be a good idea to have a spare car...

+1 for that comment !

AC/DC · 16-10-2009, 10:07 AM

Really, , if you say that you are going to be visiting high end "ceo's" dont you think that they might see through your sub $10k car ? ? ?

Could the poor mans "high roller" car thing actually do more harm than good ?

Would a car that blends in more maybe be a better idea ? ?

Just my 2c worth.

AC/DC

greens_tuf · 16-10-2009, 10:08 AM

My daily driver is a 2.8L V6 VW Golf VR6. A pretty good car but boy it hurts when something goes wrong... The price of spare parts in AUS is a killer so I order alot of my parts from US and try to fix as many of the problems as I can myself...

Insurance prices is another whopper... I turn 25 this year but previously I have paid over 1500 for full insurance which is crazy when you think about it, I have done some work on the car so I go for a higher agreed value but even so it was only an extra $200 per year for the price I wanted so insurance is another factor you should look into before you purchase.

I think the insurance on the Audi will be a killer... check it out mate!

KR1STO · 16-10-2009, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHEETR

and i find the euro cars alot more comfortable for long periods,

Sorry to jump in the thread... but i don't know about that..

Dad had a 5 series and a 7 series and honestly the fairlane was a more comfortable ride when we did long trips..

Obviously, this was before suspension mods and big wheels...

If you are gonna go Euro, go a medium to big, if you're looking for comfort..
The small ones aren't really that comfy..

Just sold a 2000 206, that was small...!

4Vman · 16-10-2009, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AC/DC

Really, , if you say that you are going to be visiting high end "ceo's" dont you think that they might see through your sub $10k car ? ? ?

Could the poor mans "high roller" car thing actually do more harm than good ?

Would a car that blends in more maybe be a better idea ? ?

Just my 2c worth.

AC/DC

He's not looking for sensible helpful suggestions "outside the square", he just wants euro car ideas that meet his budget...

XWGT · 16-10-2009, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHEETR

im simply getting opinions on which euro to buy.

Ok let me lay this on you

2003 Audi A4 1.8T CVT

Known issue with the CVT......google it

Currently looking at $4k to remove and repair (CVT still working..showing warning indicators). One Auto Trans place actually laughed when I told them the model, and calmly sated between $3 to $8k..........the car is worth maybe $15k on a good day....

60,000 klm service - $1350 at Penfolds
20,000 klm service - $720 at Penfolds

I think your getting the picture...................

Euro are nice. The Audi is great to drive........great economy......great sound system and comfort.....however they are bloody unreliable (cant remember the last time I had all 4 indicators working for more than 24 hours) bug prone and very expensive to keep on the road.

I urge you to SERIOUSLY consider the running and maintenanc costs of used Euros before diving in.

FYI I have also owned Porsche and BMW (Mini). Both of those cars were exceptional however they were both expensive to buy and service.

flappist · 16-10-2009, 10:30 AM

My little brother is an "old euro" enthusiast, he currently drives a BMW 730i that cost him under $20k ($250k new).

The magic trick is to find a private mechanic who has a lot of actual knowledge of the model or range you are looking at and ask them which which ones are the best to own and what are the potential problems. This mechanic would be the one who would do your servicing as dealership rates will scare you and most private mechanics have no idea about euros.

The 730i has weird size wheels and the tyres are expensive, The wheels cannot be changed as it then upsets all the computers. Others have very expensive computers that go boom a lot and cost a fortune to fix.
Another friend had a 928S Porsche a few years ago that cost $30k to buy but $40k in 2 years of maintenance.

Be careful, many expensive car owners are/were posers who could not afford the car let alone servicing so they just kept them looking pretty and did not maintain them at all.

4Vman · 16-10-2009, 10:41 AM

Ok, here's a perfect example of a traget vehicle you're considering.
My next door neighbor just sold his VZ clubsport "to save money" and bought a 1996 318 (with roadworthy) for 7k..
so far over the past 4 weeks he's spent nearly 4k on it getting it reliable enough to be a daily driver....
Ok, he's fussy but he's just noticed 1st gear is a bit noisy and the clutch is slipping too...

Yellow_Festiva · 16-10-2009, 11:05 AM

I have been the 'proud owner' of a Euro for the last 4 months. It has been back to the workshop on 3 occasions already. It is now playing up again.

I DESPISE it already, and cant wait to offload it. I was warned against buying Euro and I shunned the warnings thinking that surly newish Euro cars can't really still be that bad.

They are.

It is a bloody joke. I'm seriously thinking of either buying new / used Jap or Korean, or.. find another low kay Festiva that has been looked after and toot around in that for a while longer. I (and the dealership that gave me the 3 month warranty) have spent more in the Euro in REPAIRS (not upkeep) in the 4 months and 6,000km I have had the Euro, than in the 10 years and 205,000km I had the Festiva.

No word of a lie. I know you are set on a Euro, but please heed my warning and the warnings of others. People used the softly softly approach when warning me against Euro cars (because I was much the same as you, set in my way and didn't want to hear it) but now if I hear that a friend is going to buy a Euro I will be very direct and adamant in my disagreeance.

Flame me if you want, but I was in the same boat as you, went Euro and now regret it.

Cheers,

Jason.

SumoDog68 · 16-10-2009, 11:17 AM

There is no Euro car that is going to be comfy, impress anyone and cost less than 10k. BMW and Mercs (Audi,VW,Alfa,obscure French cars are even worse) are for people who buy new and keep while under warranty. After that they offload to unsuspecting and uninitiated.Cost to keep those cars on the road can be scary.
Don't get me wrong , euro cars (in particular german ones) are great to drive but your budget does not allow for a nice one. If you still have to have one just pick any clean 320i or 180.

Copie · 16-10-2009, 11:25 AM

I think that if you get a decent straight car (doesnt matter if its euro or not) and keep it in decent shape (wash it before meeting clients etc) you will probably find them more responsive etc then trying to fit in with a euro.

**Polyal** · 16-10-2009, 11:31 AM

There are some experienced people here saying dont go euro with that budget for a very good reason.

You might get lucky and a good one, but your chances are slim. When these things are properly looked after they are great, but if it doesn't have a FULL service history then dont touch it. And even thats no guarantee.

Problem is with that budget you probably wont find one.

Ive been down the same path, I really wanted a E34 5 series badly, still think they are a gorgeous sedan. Add to that a passion for a nice E30 325is aswell. Classic cars but that come with baggage.

Anyone who says you wont have trouble somewhere along the line is lying. A friend recently brought a 2000 A6, nice car, tranny went pop and $7.5k later its all fixed..not such a bargain anymore.

They are just as reliable as aussie cars when kept right, but it WILL cost you more.

If you want to impress people then impress with with smart choices.

If I was you I would be looking at a nice Series 3 AU Ghia, get a V8 if you want. They are comfortable, look brilliant, and if you are doing highway k's then they are good on fuel. I drive my fairmont to geelong quite reguarly and have been getting 650+k's per tank for the past 3 months.

The temptation is huge to get something with a nice badge. Id get your new job sorted first, save some $$ up then get a newer euro if you still want to. But then you will probably want a second hand GT and you will wonder why you wanted the euro.

Fairlane · 16-10-2009, 11:32 AM

Rover 75

Not joking, and parts are not that difficult at all. Servicing is actually cheap and well its something right out of the square. Engine is basic transverse mounted DOHC 2.5 V6 with timing belt and transmission is a JATCO 5 speed.

Though personally i would be not inclined to get a Euro at all for that price.

Neeek · 16-10-2009, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smally351

I know you have your heart set on a Euro car, but think long and hard about it. The ones you mention are all 10 years old with near 200,000km on the clock. Ive been a mechanic for 22 years and have worked on just about everything imaginable. These cars have the potential to bite your wallet hard if things go wrong! I agree that they are nice to drive and look at, but scary all the same.

Completely agree with this one.

In 2004, my wife and I bought a Saab 9000CD, 94 model, 155,000km on the clock with a full service book from a dealer, brilliant condition and so on. We paid $7,000 and bought it from, of all people, a church minister.

Bloody lovely car it was. For about a year.

Then we had an overheating problem. That cost us a grand to fix. Then the header tank split. Wrecker wanted $250 for a secondhand one, I bought one from the UK for 10 quid and had it mailed over, fixed it myself. Breathed out. Turned to the wife and said "hope nothing else goes wrong..."

Then the aircon died. Was given a hefty estimate to fix that, so we left it and revelled in the luxury of heated leather seats on 30 degree days with all the windows down - very classy.

Then the rear view mirror fell off - $150 from a wrecker for a replacement. Then the overheating problem came back, so another header tank split was fixed with another new header tank from the UK. Problem stayed at bay for a while. Then the electric aerial packed up, so I left it. Then the ABS light kept coming on and could only be reset by a dealer for $50 a time... and then it came back on again 30 yards down the road. Then the trip computer went blank. Then we had a small power steering hose leak ($100 for a small hose, FFS!!!). And all while this was going on, the transmission started slipping (was an auto) - got a quote to fix that and it made my eyes water and my wife started sobbing.

In the end we decided to offload it. Figuring that it was still a nice car (well, it would've been if things didn't need doing to it), we went to get a roady on it. It failed on CV joints, a few bits and bobs that were easy to fix and the headlamp wiper motor wasn't working. Traced to a broken motor, which we priced up, and we started weeping again. The bill to get a genuine RWC on it would've set us back about $2,500. And this was from a private garage specialising in Saabs and Volvos... and yes, they were about 50% than a main Saab dealer.

Traded it in on a Mazda 323 and haggled as much as we would for it. They took the Saab away for two grand, but not before I ripped the stereo out!

You may get lucky and buy a cheap, reliable 10-year old Euro. And if you do, fair play, good on you. But it's not worth the risk in my opinion. The only time I would ever say "go for it" is if you're buying a two year old with a warranty and you can afford the bills that may come your way. I, for one, will never buy a cheap old "was expensive and flash when new" car ever again.

dannyxm · 16-10-2009, 12:09 PM

I accept that you are after a sub $10K euro car, i can only 'recomend' a 3 series BMW.

As my brother in law has a brand new Audi A4 and as far as i am concerned (yes im a bit of a bogan at heart) i cant wait to get out of it when i drive it / am in it.

Also this is his second A4. His last one was written off with a rather small damage to the front of the vehicle = parts to expensive = write off.

I can honestly say that my 1994 DC LTD is far more comfortable to drive.

Obviously you are not going to impress anyone driving an old LTD!! But i doubt you will impress anyone in a sub $10K year old Euro either.

I know i sound like an ignorant Aussie (my background is euro - Maltese) but you cannot go past an Aussie built car.

My mother has had euros after a string of Falcons. (Both of her last falcons were stolen within 3 years)

Everything is bloody expensive.

FYI - shes in the market for another XR6.

As stated previously, you really need a euro specialist mechanic as everyone can fix a Falcon cheaply.

All the best in your hunting.

Chopped · 16-10-2009, 12:53 PM

Young people in second hand euros looks pretty try hard IMO (and I'm sure the CEO's will think the same).

You would be better off picking up a newer bland/sensible car, a Corolla or a Camry/ Hyundai Sonata etc (think hire car).

Why not a lexus ? - better/more reliable and has the "badge" factor that you seem to want.

ltd · 16-10-2009, 12:55 PM

OP, for that money there is nothing Euro you can buy that will impress CEO's or the upper echelons of corporate management. Face it, these people didn't get to be where they are by having the wool pulled over their eyes so will see the povvo pack euro for what it really is; any of them having owned one will lament about how old your car is. Furthermore, the message that you'll send is that you're nothing but an upstart. FYI, most CEO's have reservations about Gen Y and often will confuse ambition with arrogance. That's not to impugn anything you may do, it's a bit of a sweeping generalisation held amongst a lot of bosses/employers. You're better off owning something that these people have probably never owned, or know much about. What’s more, imagine taking some of these people somewhere and your euro breaks down; how will that look? Given that summer is coming, 'tis the season for overheating. If you are to be driving these guys around anywhere, I'd suggest a nice, really clean and tidy fairlane or statesman.
Reliable, cheap, good looking, and above all else; comfortable. You'll hit a lot more home runs with a LWB car if you have to drive your boss anywhere; and most of the people you are trying to impress will recognise it as a limo. To get anything as spacious in a Euro you'll have to go 7 series or S class, and for the money you want to spend you'd be into a 15-20 year old car.

V3RSAC3 · 16-10-2009, 12:57 PM

Old school BMW 7series! Can wing them for around 10g's ;) ...

When you look at old school euro cars, you have to look at the cost of fixing them if something were to go wrong. Like VW for example. $750 for a spare KEY! $1,000 to regas a BMW airconditioner. But good luck!

FPV GT40 · 16-10-2009, 02:23 PM

False econmomy buying cheap euro trash cars, spend 10K now and another 15-25 kays in the next 12-24 months to keep it on the road, then sell it for 3-4K at the end of the year as you have now run out of cash to keep it on the road...now get a load no buy another car as you still need to keep driving for work! Thats exactly what happend to my next door neighbour who wanted the BMW to pick up chicks

:

For the same money you can buy a BA or BF xr6 with leather trim and premium sound, with half the KM and none of the issues...

flappist · 16-10-2009, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHEETR

hey guys, i have just taken on a new job as a business development manager (on road sales) where i'll be meeting alot of high end CEO's in victoria and occasionaly flying interstate.

I'm after something european, and i plan on not leasing or taking out a loan for a car as me and my fiance' are saving to buy our own home (shes at university so funds are strapped) and we are only 22 so just starting out.

I'm digging into the savings as i'll be getting a car allowance with the new job.

so if anyone can recommend a car thats reliable and cheap on petrol (im very mechanicaly minded so maintenance is no issue cost wise) it would be very greatly appreciated, my budget is 10k but im hoping to spend around 7-8k if i can.

here are the cars i have found so far

1996 E36 bmw coupe (1.8l manual)with m3 bodykit,black with leather and sunroof and m3 wheels in 10/10 condition with 160,000kms - $9,000

1998 alfa romeo 156 sedan (2.0l manual) baby blue with tan leather trim and 180,000kms 10/10 condition - $8500

1996 Audi A4 (1.8l turbo manual) gunmetal grey 180,000 kms no leather or sunroof $8900

if anyone has suggestions on those cars, or can even suggest something else along those lines that would be great.

i owned a e36 coupe simular to the black one and it was one of the most reliable and cheapest to run i have ever owned over both ford and holden.

we have a BA XR6 that will be a family car eventually but for now im after euro, so please guys dont post about getting a ford, its definately euro for this one i just need some opinions on which way to go.

So as I read this you want this euro to give yourself some "business credibility" as a BDM with your potential customer base?

If this is the case then do not buy an old car. You will look like a "try hard" and it will have the opposite effect to what you are trying to achieve.

This is like someone coming to vist you in a EB falcon and giving you business advice.

If you do not have the money to buy something new then go to the auctions and get an ex government Fairmont Ghia, Calais or high end Aurion.

They all are comfortable, reasionably luxurious and prestigious and will not cost you a lot of money and are the sort of car an average "business person" might own.

Remember you are trying to impress business people not bogans and the majority of them will not be car enthusiests but will however have a well developed "spiv radar".

Old worn out euro car goes well with gold tooth, open neck white shirt with gold chain and white shoes........

V3RSAC3 · 16-10-2009, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flappist

Old worn out euro car goes well with gold tooth, open neck white shirt with gold chain and white shoes........

That is so me! How did you know? LOL ..

But no seriously, that is me.

Mr Brooksy · 16-10-2009, 03:46 PM

Jag? Say an older XJ?

**Polyal** · 16-10-2009, 03:49 PM

But then again you shouldn't really need a car to impress people, park around the corner if its an issue.

So since I just saved you $10k do I get a cut?

ltd · 16-10-2009, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flappist

So as I read this you want this euro to give yourself some "business credibility" as a BDM with your potential customer base?

If this is the case then do not buy an old car. You will look like a "try hard" and it will have the opposite effect to what you are trying to achieve.

This is like someone coming to vist you in a EB falcon and giving you business advice.

If you do not have the money to buy something new then go to the auctions and get an ex government Fairmont Ghia, Calais or high end Aurion.

They all are comfortable, reasionably luxurious and prestigious and will not cost you a lot of money and are the sort of car an average "business person" might own.

Remember you are trying to impress business people not bogans and the majority of them will not be car enthusiests but will however have a well developed "spiv radar".

Old worn out euro car goes well with gold tooth, open neck white shirt with gold chain and white shoes........

Agree 99% with what you say, you just forgot the fat gold ring on the pinky finger to get my 100% agreement.

Seriously though, nice post. I always think somethings dodgy when I see someone in a suit driving an old bomb; sort of conjures up the question of "What, your company is so good they don't even have company cars?" Smacks of desperation if you ask me.
Every time I see an old euro and someone in it trying to look presentable, I'm reminded of that Simpsons character Gil; "come on with your hatcha-cha's, I need this sale".

4Vman · 16-10-2009, 04:51 PM

Seriously though... i can't think of too many BDM roles that need a car to impress clients, most are more interested in what you've got to offer than what you drive...

max · 16-10-2009, 05:05 PM

Get an AU Fairlane on gas. Looks great, very comfortable and ABOVE ALL
reasonable costs to run, service & repair!!!!

Franco Cozzo · 16-10-2009, 05:36 PM

I found a few 1990 BMW 750IL's, one looks mint in Victoria and its $9000, but I hear that when things go wrong on these cars, you'll be bent over without vaseline. 5L V12 is tempting though and its about as long as a Ford F150.

But don't get some cheap second hand euro to impress people, it doesn't work.