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[Markjay]

Once you've had a 3.0l, the 2.5/2.6 seem so much slower...

...which is why I never had a 3.0L  

Ignorance is bliss, and I am happy with my 2.6!  

[WillyWonka]

Thanks again for all the excellent advice.

Just a couple of things that come to mind from all the advice.

Cambelts / sensors seem pretty crucial on these engines .... was is this something that is terminal if fails ( i would imagine the cambelt would be pretty disastrous but what about the sensor ?)

There seem to be lots of the 2.6 around so would this be the best option verses the 3.2 which appears VERY thirsty ..... or an older 3.0 but still the facelifted versions.

Also we come to the ex-plod machines ..... 3.2's that are pretty cheap but dont seem to have the full specs as you and me are in effect paying for them .... quite right too !! .... And they usually have more miles than Starship Enterprise !! :-/

I have around £4k'ish to spend and now barring the above queries wonder whether to go for a blast of the ex-plod 3.2 and run it like hell or cherish the 2.6 and polish it and talk to it !! :-? :-?

PS the ex-plod sure has an effect on the motorway as I moved over very quickly when on 03 plate white estate came up behind me pretty rapid just the other night .... and yes most other cars moved pretty quick too!! .... Just a 3.2 estate with Mr and Mrs and two kids in !!

Cheers

[TheBoy]

Thanks again for all the excellent advice.

Just a couple of things that come to mind from all the advice.

Cambelts / sensors seem pretty crucial on these engines .... was is this something that is terminal if fails ( i would imagine the cambelt would be pretty disastrous but what about the sensor ?)

There seem to be lots of the 2.6 around so would this be the best option verses the 3.2 which appears VERY thirsty ..... or an older 3.0 but still the facelifted versions.

Also we come to the ex-plod machines ..... 3.2's that are pretty cheap but dont seem to have the full specs as you and me are in effect paying for them .... quite right too !! .... And they usually have more miles than Starship Enterprise !! :-/

I have around £4k'ish to spend and now barring the above queries wonder whether to go for a blast of the ex-plod 3.2 and run it like hell or cherish the 2.6 and polish it and talk to it !! :-? :-?

PS the ex-plod sure has an effect on the motorway as I moved over very quickly when on 03 plate white estate came up behind me pretty rapid just the other night .... and yes most other cars moved pretty quick too!! .... Just a 3.2 estate with Mr and Mrs and two kids in !!

Cheers

For your price range, you should be able to get exactly what you want.

Cambelt will be pretty disasterous, and will involve replacing lots of valves.

Most sensor failures have a 'limp home' mode, the notable exception on the V6 being the crank sensor - that will cause the car to cut out. Hence, I tend to carry a spare .

[Kevin Wood]

There seem to be lots of the 2.6 around so would this be the best option verses the 3.2 which appears VERY thirsty

The official figures suggest there's only 1 or 2 MPG in it. It would be interesting if anyone has owned both and can equate that to real world figures.

I wouldn't say the 3.2 is very thirsty for what it is. How you drive it and in what traffic conditions will be the biggest factor.

For £4K you will do much better than an ex-plod with high mileage, although there can be real bargains to pick up in that bracket if you're prepared to accept it will have less toys and lots of miles. I think you need to test drive a couple and figure out what you want.

Regarding the cam belt you just need to keep on top of the 40k / 4 years changes. It can be expensive if you're going to a dealer but there's enough help and advice here that you won't have to. There are a few other niggles that pop up on these cars but none are terminal and all are well documented on here so you can mitigate most of them with the correct preventative maintenance.

Kevin