What car??

[bxaxrxrxyx]

An old question, I'm sure it's been asked before and probably will be asked again, but, torn between SAAB 2.3 HOT Aero, Mercedes C230K or CLK230, Jag X or S Type, Volvo C70 T5 GT, BMW 323/325 i or something else?? What would probably be the most reliable second hand buy that wont cost an arm and a leg to service. Also like Hyundai Coupe but not very quick off the mark, what about a Lexus IS200 or 300?. Your ideas and opinions would be great.

Thanks in advance.

Bazza

[Buenchico]

OK , I freely admit that I know next to nothing about cars. However I did spend a few years working as a 'trade plater', delivering cars to auction sites, etc. Here are a few entirely personal opinions:

Jags: Lovely cars to drive as long as you don't take a look at the fuel gauge (which actually drops before your eyes!)

Mercs: Look nice but feel 'big and heavy'.

BMW 3 series: Nice, nice , nice! But the 5 series is still far better!

Volvo: I rarely drove Volvos. My recollection of them is that they were pleasurable to drive but not really in the same class as some of the other cars in your list.

Hyundai/Lexus: Insufficient experience to comment.

Saabs: YES! YES! YES! Comfortable, fun, responsive - totally superb!!!

So I'd obviously choose the Saab from your list. However you've not even mentioned the one brand which I'd rank alongside Saab. Where are the Audis?

Chris

[slinky.kate]

i like the citrean mark 4

[buildersmate]

Best to stick a pin on the tail of a donkey to help you decide.
Perhaps this question is more about promoting your own ego on AB as to the car you aspire to drive, than with actual desire to help you decide.

[rowanwitch]

Is it to substitute for a small penis..in which case go for the Jag, longest bonnet I believe....If you feel you have nothing to prove probably the saab,

[R1Geezer]

Out of that list it's between the Saab and the BMW. They both have excellent reliability and build quality. Though for BMW check it's not one of the ones with Nikasil Bores. Not sure what age you are talking about. The Jag's are ok but the X is a mondeo without the ford reliability and the S has poor build quality and prone to rust underneath. The C70 is heavy and sluggish, ditto the C230, the CLK230 is a nice lively car for a woman or hairdresser! What sort of budget are we looking at?

[bxaxrxrxyx]

Thanks for your answers especially Buenchico.

This is nothing to do with proving anything like my ego or libido, but more about total driving experience whilst factoring in reliability and overall running costs.

RIGeezer, thanks too, I'm looking at spending around £3 - 4 grand, I drive around 5 or 6,000 miles a year if that helps.

So far your choices seem to be the 5-series BMW, SAAB or possibly the CLK230.

More please.

Thanks

[Coobeastie]

Love the Saabs but the fast versions do tend to torque steer like crazy, if you want it for the driving experience you'd probably be better off with the BMW.

[Count-A-Strong]

A Volvo C70 T5 will cost you about 300 quid every couple of months in tyres if you drive it 'sportily'.

[Sooper]

I have a S40 T5 and ive had no problems with tyre wear? Is it only the C70 that has this issue then?
Also not sure if you are gonna get much for £3-4 grand with the models you have listed? These are all quite pricey cars to run and at that price you wont be getting a new one so running costs could be quite expensive?

[Count-A-Strong]

S40 weighs about half of a C70.

[Sooper]

S40 T5 max curb weight is 2020Kg
C70 T5 max curb weight is 2100Kg
According to the technical spec on the Volvo website. Not that much difference!!