Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: tunnie on 20 September 2019, 21:43:43

Title: Budget V8?
Post by: tunnie on 20 September 2019, 21:43:43
Considering scratching the V8 inch, while my miles are low and the 3.2 looks to be near death. My miles are around 6-7k per year, I don't want to spend much, couple grand really. While I save up for a proper replacement early next year.

Thinking:

- XJ/XJR

- BMW 535/540 e39 era. (Although these are not cheap)

- BMW 740 late 90's ones as well.

Trying to think what else, Merc's of that era will be a pile of rust, not so keen on Lexus, too much like a big old Nissan.
Title: Re: Budget V8?
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 20 September 2019, 22:03:28
Near death my arse... Still no response to my question on your help post...
Title: Re: Budget V8?
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 21 September 2019, 00:59:16
Enjoying my CLS500  :y
May not quite be as cheap as some of them. But the early 5.0 CLS500 start around £3,000+  :-\

Edit: Looks more like around 5k

Excluding this one: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201909092030777?
Title: Re: Budget V8?
Post by: Andy H on 21 September 2019, 06:58:10
I would like to get something like this https://trademe.nz/motors/cars/holden/commodore/listing/2260445830 (https://trademe.nz/motors/cars/holden/commodore/listing/2260445830) to play with.
Title: Re: Budget V8?
Post by: b4ndit on 21 September 2019, 07:15:33
Try a Lexus you may be surpprised :y
Title: Re: Budget V8?
Post by: BazaJT on 21 September 2019, 08:07:33
A couple of grand XJ would put you in X308 territory[I don't think X350 are quite that low-apart from the odd one or two]If looking at a X308-which would be a 3.2 or 4.0[certainly the latter for XJR]then make sure the timing chains have been upgraded to the later 4.2L items.X308 also got the first of the "sealed for life" gearboxes.Don't forget they all ride low by design so check that you're comfy getting in/out of it-I had to get rid of my X300 due to the fact that my partners increasing disabilities meant she was struggling to much because of this issue-and a long wheelbase model is handy for the increased rear legroom if you have family.
Title: Re: Budget V8?
Post by: Viral_Jim on 21 September 2019, 09:10:34
Audi S4/6 and A8 with 4.2 V8 are all available at sub £4k, but don't forget to take your brave pills ;D

This looks fun for the money and comes without the Dairy Milk auto box that was the undoing of father-944's RS6.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201908201339863?atmobcid=soc3 (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201908201339863?atmobcid=soc3)


Early Porsche Cayenne, jeep grand Cherokee, P38 rangeie. All terrible choices, but all technically fit the brief   ;D

Other than that I think your list is reasonably complete
Title: Re: Budget V8?
Post by: TheBoy on 21 September 2019, 09:25:58
A late 90s 7 series is going to have continual electrical issues, always expensive. Don't ask how I know ;D.  That's why they are peanuts to buy, often pre LPG'd by previous owners.

And 4.4/4.8 beemer V8 with a few years on it is going to lose water and oil faster than your Omega does, although usually externally.

For the Jag, you need to ideally go for the Ford derived 5.0l, as water pump and a coolant hose aside, is rock solid.  That puts you post 2009 XF X250 (earlier is 4.2, X260 didn't get the V8) or XJ X351 (90% certain the X358 only got the 4.2).  Because this engine is so much better, they command strong prices. But do offer 400 - 575bhp factory depending on induction and tune, and similar torque to the TDV6 3l diesel lump.
Title: Re: Budget V8?
Post by: tunnie on 21 September 2019, 11:50:11
Thanks all.  :y

I did not really think about how low the XJ (308) would be, that could be an issue.

Audi is interesting, thanks for that. Not sure on a convertible though with two blokes car sharing.  ;D
Title: Re: Budget V8?
Post by: tunnie on 21 September 2019, 11:56:18
Can’t really justify later 5.0 V8 nor the stupid road tax...

Audi A8 V8 could be an option. :)

Lexus interior always looks like a Nissan, that said I’ve not sat in one yet.
Title: Re: Budget V8?
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 21 September 2019, 12:14:39
Can’t really justify later 5.0 V8 nor the stupid road tax...

Audi A8 V8 could be an option. :)

Lexus interior always looks like a Nissan, that said I’ve not sat in one yet.

No more than a Signum at £600 P/A. :)
Title: Re: Budget V8?
Post by: tunnie on 21 September 2019, 12:33:06
I’m not paying that much for road tax....
Title: Re: Budget V8?
Post by: Migv6 le Frog Fan on 21 September 2019, 12:37:03
Merc CL500, BMW e38 740, Jaaaaag, or LS400. All great cars with V8 engines, and all have potential pitfalls to look out for. Although the LS400 will have less pitfalls than the others. You can pick up a nice example of any of them for £2-3 grand.
Personally I would go for a CL500 all day long.
Title: Re: Budget V8?
Post by: b4ndit on 21 September 2019, 12:43:02
go for a ls430 much nicer than the early ls 400 still a good car though :y
Title: Re: Budget V8?
Post by: tunnie on 21 September 2019, 12:52:05
Merc CL500, BMW e38 740, Jaaaaag, or LS400. All great cars with V8 engines, and all have potential pitfalls to look out for. Although the LS400 will have less pitfalls than the others. You can pick up a nice example of any of them for £2-3 grand.
Personally I would go for a CL500 all day long.

 https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F323916285471 (https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F323916285471)
Title: Re: Budget V8?
Post by: Entwood on 21 September 2019, 12:55:22
If you even consider the Audi A8 have a check on service costs / parts costs .... I seriously looked at an A8 before going for the A6 Allroad .... the prices simply frightened me !!

:(
Title: Re: Budget V8?
Post by: btc on 21 September 2019, 13:17:46
Merc CL500, BMW e38 740, Jaaaaag, or LS400. All great cars with V8 engines, and all have potential pitfalls to look out for. Although the LS400 will have less pitfalls than the others. You can pick up a nice example of any of them for £2-3 grand.
Personally I would go for a CL500 all day long.

 https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F323916285471 (https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F323916285471)

http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/211031/mileage-mercedes-cl500-almandine-black

The guy has a good reputation for the quality and standards of his cars
Title: Re: Budget V8?
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 21 September 2019, 13:18:49
W220 S CLASS is readily available for sub £4k.

But.

They rust like an old Fiat and are really cheaply made. Especially if compared side by side with the previous W140.

Airmatic issues will cost anything upto £2k to sort in parts alone.
Title: Re: Budget V8?
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 21 September 2019, 13:33:37
Merc CL500, BMW e38 740, Jaaaaag, or LS400. All great cars with V8 engines, and all have potential pitfalls to look out for. Although the LS400 will have less pitfalls than the others. You can pick up a nice example of any of them for £2-3 grand.
Personally I would go for a CL500 all day long.

 https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F323916285471 (https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F323916285471)

The CL is a very attractive coupe. :y

Inside they look far from expensive though with acres of cheap plastic. :-X

Title: Re: Budget V8?
Post by: tunnie on 21 September 2019, 13:39:16
If you even consider the Audi A8 have a check on service costs / parts costs .... I seriously looked at an A8 before going for the A6 Allroad .... the prices simply frightened me !!

:(

I would be a temp car, but yes looks expensive.  :(
Title: Re: Budget V8?
Post by: tunnie on 21 September 2019, 13:40:21
Merc CL500, BMW e38 740, Jaaaaag, or LS400. All great cars with V8 engines, and all have potential pitfalls to look out for. Although the LS400 will have less pitfalls than the others. You can pick up a nice example of any of them for £2-3 grand.
Personally I would go for a CL500 all day long.

 https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F323916285471 (https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F323916285471)

http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/211031/mileage-mercedes-cl500-almandine-black

The guy has a good reputation for the quality and standards of his cars

Good find! Thanks, has more detail.

Was 3.8, now 2.9k!

Wonder if he would take 2k  :)
Title: Re: Budget V8?
Post by: tunnie on 21 September 2019, 13:41:27
Merc CL500, BMW e38 740, Jaaaaag, or LS400. All great cars with V8 engines, and all have potential pitfalls to look out for. Although the LS400 will have less pitfalls than the others. You can pick up a nice example of any of them for £2-3 grand.
Personally I would go for a CL500 all day long.

 https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F323916285471 (https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F323916285471)

The CL is a very attractive coupe. :y

Inside they look far from expensive though with acres of cheap plastic. :-X

Maybe, but with a V8 and massage seats. Who cares!  :)
Title: Re: Budget V8?
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 21 September 2019, 13:48:20
CL 500 has the same 306 BHP V8 as in my CLS 500. Doesn't sound much but with plenty of torque  to back it up was more than adequate. :y
Title: Re: Budget V8?
Post by: Migv6 le Frog Fan on 21 September 2019, 13:53:07
Merc CL500, BMW e38 740, Jaaaaag, or LS400. All great cars with V8 engines, and all have potential pitfalls to look out for. Although the LS400 will have less pitfalls than the others. You can pick up a nice example of any of them for £2-3 grand.
Personally I would go for a CL500 all day long.

 https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F323916285471 (https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F323916285471)

http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/211031/mileage-mercedes-cl500-almandine-black

The guy has a good reputation for the quality and standards of his cars

Good find! Thanks, has more detail.

Was 3.8, now 2.9k!

Wonder if he would take 2k  :)

I wouldn't pay any more than £2k for it. Its a very old one, and there are plenty of newer ones for sale as cheap if not cheaper.
Nice colour though.
The scary thing with them is the ABC system going wrong.  As with all things, you could leave it in a garage for repairs and pay £1k plus for the privilege. Or you could research the issue and work out the best option.
https://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/index.php?threads/abc-how-it-all-works.136702/

If your feeling really irresponsible you could go for the CL600. 6 litre V12 ! Theres also the CL55 AMG option.
Title: Re: Budget V8?
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 21 September 2019, 13:59:47
Merc CL500, BMW e38 740, Jaaaaag, or LS400. All great cars with V8 engines, and all have potential pitfalls to look out for. Although the LS400 will have less pitfalls than the others. You can pick up a nice example of any of them for £2-3 grand.
Personally I would go for a CL500 all day long.

 https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F323916285471 (https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F323916285471)

http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/211031/mileage-mercedes-cl500-almandine-black

The guy has a good reputation for the quality and standards of his cars

Good find! Thanks, has more detail.

Was 3.8, now 2.9k!

Wonder if he would take 2k  :)

I wouldn't pay any more than £2k for it. Its a very old one, and there are plenty of newer ones for sale as cheap if not cheaper.
Nice colour though.
The scary thing with them is the ABC system going wrong.  As with all things, you could leave it in a garage for repairs and pay £1k plus for the privilege. Or you could research the issue and work out the best option.
https://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/index.php?threads/abc-how-it-all-works.136702/

If your feeling really irresponsible you could go for the CL600. 6 litre V12 ! Theres also the CL55 AMG option.

My favourite old Merc is the late sixties/early seventies 6.3 SEL. a proper 'cold war' Merc.

Failing that an E55 with a supercharger from around 2003-2006. A properly quick car. :y
Title: Re: Budget V8?
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 21 September 2019, 14:08:18
5.8 v12 is a piece of shit*. Hence the prices. The bi turbo v12 is actually one of Mercedes most reliable recent engines.

*OK, that's a bit harsh, but the oil cooler is a service item and requires the heads to be removed to change it. Add in 24 spark plugs driven by two coil packs and the rust issues it's not a good idea. Any hint of oil leaks, run away. Quickly.
Title: Re: Budget V8?
Post by: aaronjb on 23 September 2019, 07:42:08
A friend of mine bought a 2004 (IIRC) Audi S8 about a year ago for £4k.. so far all he's had to do is change the spark plugs and fix a broken multiram (not called that, but you know what I mean) actuator arm - common fault, aluminium replacements available from Poland and took an hour to fit. Tons of grunt (he reckons it feels almost as grunty as his other car .. which has a bull on the badge), whisper quiet inside as it has double glazing, comfortable ride - sounds right up your street, honestly.
Title: Re: Budget V8?
Post by: tunnie on 23 September 2019, 08:04:30
Hummm. Tempting!
Title: Re: Budget V8?
Post by: Rangie on 25 September 2019, 08:54:28
In 4 years all I did on my E430 was two tyres & 4 oil changes, and then sold it back to the dealer I bought it from. Can't beat the sound of a V8 😁
Title: Re: Budget V8?
Post by: TheBoy on 26 September 2019, 17:09:16
In 4 years all I did on my E430 was two tyres
Blimey. I might have to modify your profile to OOF Daisy ;D

Out of interest, what tyres?
Title: Re: Budget V8?
Post by: Rangie on 26 September 2019, 18:07:57
In 4 years all I did on my E430 was two tyres
Blimey. I might have to modify your profile to OOF Daisy ;D

Out of interest, what tyres?



Continental kept it exactly as supplied from new.