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[VXL V6]

As you can no longer obtain a '52 or later 2.6 or 3.2 Elite in acceptable condition what do you buy instead?

By acceptable I mean, little or no rust on the rear arches, at least four months MOT, no major faults (ie. enough to stop you driving the car home, minor work such as crank sensor or tyres is ok) and generally looked after.

So, what is there for less than £2.5K? Vehicle needs to be comfy and as capable as an Omega as it will do around 40K a year. Home maintenance is a must to keep costs down as well.

Oh and I'm not the greatest fan of FWD or Manual gearboxes.

[serek]

bmw e39 530i , lots DIY jobs can be done , plenty spares
many spec versions

[Lazydocker]

This is the problem... I suspect my next car will be a Range Rover again... 

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

As you can no longer obtain a '52 or later 2.6 or 3.2 Elite in acceptable condition what do you buy instead?

By acceptable I mean, little or no rust on the rear arches, at least four months MOT, no major faults (ie. enough to stop you driving the car home, minor work such as crank sensor or tyres is ok) and generally looked after.

So, what is there for less than £2.5K? Vehicle needs to be comfy and as capable as an Omega as it will do around 40K a year. Home maintenance is a must to keep costs down as well.

Oh and I'm not the greatest fan of FWD or Manual gearboxes.

I would have said Signum.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

bmw e39 530i , lots DIY jobs can be done , plenty spares
many spec versions

I believe the E39 is the 'good looking' model and not the the Bangle abortion that looks like a shed load of parts thrown together.

[STEMO]

By choosing RWD you are limiting your choice to very few cars.

[serek]

bmw e39 530i , lots DIY jobs can be done , plenty spares
many spec versions

I believe the E39 is the 'good looking' model and not the the Bangle abortion that looks like a shed load of parts thrown together.

one of them
 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-52-BMW-5-SERIES-530i-Sport-/272067735640?hash=item3f58803058:g:kPkAAOSwcBhWY3xl

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

By choosing RWD you are limiting your choice to very few cars.

RWD and PETROL ONLY would be my choice but I imagine that gives Mr VXL even less choice.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

bmw e39 530i , lots DIY jobs can be done , plenty spares
many spec versions

I believe the E39 is the 'good looking' model and not the the Bangle abortion that looks like a shed load of parts thrown together.

one of them
 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-52-BMW-5-SERIES-530i-Sport-/272067735640?hash=item3f58803058:g:kPkAAOSwcBhWY3xl

Looks good.

£2000-£2500 should secure.

The 5 litre 400 BHP  M5 in the same body would be preferable though. Nice V8 lump.

[RobG]

Driver`s seat seems to have taken a hammering

[VXL V6]

Quite like the BMW E39, prefer the E60 but budget doesn't permit.

Given the smoothness and power output of a 6 cylinder diesel I'm not counting them out. If only we'd had the 2.5DTi Omega over here....

Maybe in the new year there'll be more chance of a late Elite Omega - I have two sheds of parts and a complete(ish) car in a barn so I really can't dismiss them just yet.

[Kevin Wood]

I have two sheds of parts and a complete(ish) car in a barn so I really can't dismiss them just yet.

Indeed. Plus all the knowledge to go with it. Starting from scratch, where every fault is a trip into the unknown, would be a serious setback.

With RWD being an (understandable) requirement, the alternatives are only really BMW and Mercrustes Benz, Possibly Lexus, IMHO. Not an inspiring choice.

[STEMO]

bmw e39 530i , lots DIY jobs can be done , plenty spares
many spec versions

I believe the E39 is the 'good looking' model and not the the Bangle abortion that looks like a shed load of parts thrown together.

one of them
 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-52-BMW-5-SERIES-530i-Sport-/272067735640?hash=item3f58803058:g:kPkAAOSwcBhWY3xl

Jeez....he's got a 1992 G Wagon on sale for almost £18K!

[Sir Tigger KC]

I'm thinking about a Subaru Forester which seems to me to be a very functional and capable vehicle, and there are plenty around at reasonable prices.    Ugly as sin though! 

[STEMO]

I'm thinking about a Subaru Forester which seems to me to be a very functional and capable vehicle, and there are plenty around at reasonable prices.    Ugly as sin though! 

Good choice  And the ugliness will match your face. Double win.