|
|
Dec 29, 2013 19:54:40 GMT
|
Personally, I don't find the BMWs and Fords suggested to be what's outlined in the original post. They're certainly barges, but they're not designed with comfort as their primary objective and because of that they'll fall short. Yes, they'll go round corners well and they'll even have a decent turn of speed, but they'll never be comfortable enough. BMW seats are rock hard and detract from the experience of gently wafting along and Fords always feel a bit cheap, even in Ghia spec. Mercedes will probably tick the boxes, but I'd be wary of purchasing a barge sized Merc at sub-£2k having seen what's happened to others that have managed it. SAABs are nice, but again they're not very wafty just quick and well screwed together. Not being funny but how do you arrive at that info ?, "BMW not designed with comfort", "have a decent turn of speed", BMW seats rock hard", have you ever driven an E38 or E32 beemer ?, or even just had a ride in one ? Also owned a MK2 Granada 2.8 Ghia X, it never felt "cheap", neither did the 2.9 MK3 Scorpio i drove back in the late 90's (my boss's at the time)
|
|
72 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400. 95 BMW E34 525i Manual. 80 Lotus Elite, sold 86 Mk4 Escort RWD V8, sold
|
|
|
|
|
Dec 29, 2013 20:06:40 GMT
|
I can't speak for smaller BMWs having not had the experience, but I've found the 3, 5 and 7 series all suffer from the same issues. They just feel hard from the seats to the suspension to the trim. There's nothing comforting about them, they're just solid feeling. Interiors leave a lot to be desired on them too, I certainly wouldn't want my own living room to be anything like a BMW, I think I'd find it so depressing I'd never want to be in my own house. I've driven 3 and 5 series BMWs and been a passenger in a 7 series and was left feeling thoroughly uncomfortable, unimpressed and claustrophobic, I certainly didn't end the journey wanting more, I wanted never to see the inside of a BMW again. Not for me.
Calling Fords 'cheap' is perhaps unfair of me with hindsight. They fall short somehow. Fords are more comfortable and more inviting than BMWs and the ride is nicer but they feel a bit executive, a bit aspirational middle management. I never felt like I was special in a Ford, or like I was supposed to be wallowing in comfort. A big Ford is to a big Citroen what a reasonable off the peg suit is to a Savile Row tailored outfit.
But this is opinions we're talking here, and what could be more dangerous when we start talking about cars on the internet?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dec 29, 2013 20:11:19 GMT
|
I think you want an Olds Custom Cruiser Not if you want 25mpg you don't! My old Custom cruiser with 305cu in V8 and standard 4v carb (and lots of heavy fake wood on the sides) managed to average 8mpg during the 18 months I owned it. The gas mileage was the reason I sold it
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dec 29, 2013 20:12:51 GMT
|
Correct I've had numerous BM's. & 2 Granada Scorpio's, all of which are super comfy
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dec 29, 2013 20:50:11 GMT
|
There's nothing comforting about them, they're just solid feeling. Interiors leave a lot to be desired on them too, I certainly wouldn't want my own living room to be anything like a BMW, I think I'd find it so depressing I'd never want to be in my own house. I've driven 3 and 5 series BMWs and been a passenger in a 7 series and was left feeling thoroughly uncomfortable, unimpressed and claustrophobic, I certainly didn't end the journey wanting more, I wanted never to see the inside of a BMW again. Not for me. You know what ?, you are right, every time i get in my E38 i feel like slashing my wrists, it's so bleak, claustrophobic and depressing Cant stand the sight of all that Buffalo hide leather and wood everywhere, i to would'nt want my livingroom like this, Oh, hang on the beemer has electric blinds in the rear, would'nt mind those in my living room. My 728i was'nt much better, just look at it, it's disgusting
|
|
72 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400. 95 BMW E34 525i Manual. 80 Lotus Elite, sold 86 Mk4 Escort RWD V8, sold
|
|
|
|
Dec 29, 2013 21:49:15 GMT
|
I sense you have a point to prove, and you've proven it well with the cream interior, I was unaware any BMW came with that option and have only personally experienced woeful blacks and greys. In fact, the only not-black-or-grey interior I've seen on a BMW was an oxblood leather affair which looked very nice, but I didn't get to sit in that one. What you've shown there is actually quite inviting.
But an opinion is an opinion and I'm still not sold on BMWs, nor would I recommend them to others, no matter how nice others find them. I've said it before and I'll say it again; wouldn't it be dull if we all liked the same thing?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dec 29, 2013 22:05:45 GMT
|
volvo 240 would get my vote no big car is going to be grate on fuel
|
|
42 ford gpw jeep -June 62 morris minor - rosie 72 land rover series 3- foal 96 isuzu trooper swb - 97 isuzu trooper lwb -huxley
|
|
|
|
Dec 29, 2013 22:13:11 GMT
|
But an opinion is an opinion and I'm still not sold on BMWs, nor would I recommend them to others, no matter how nice others find them. I've said it before and I'll say it again; wouldn't it be dull if we all liked the same thing?
Fully agree with that, accept my virtual handshake
|
|
72 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400. 95 BMW E34 525i Manual. 80 Lotus Elite, sold 86 Mk4 Escort RWD V8, sold
|
|
fred
Posted a lot
WTF has happened to all the Vennies?
Posts: 2,957
|
|
Dec 29, 2013 23:25:14 GMT
|
I sense you have a point to prove, and you've proven it well with the cream interior, I was unaware any BMW came with that option and have only personally experienced woeful blacks and greys. In fact, the only not-black-or-grey interior I've seen on a BMW was an oxblood leather affair which looked very nice, but I didn't get to sit in that one. What you've shown there is actually quite inviting. But an opinion is an opinion and I'm still not sold on BMWs, nor would I recommend them to others, no matter how nice others find them. I've said it before and I'll say it again; wouldn't it be dull if we all liked the same thing? Kinda understand sort of where your coming from I had 7 Series with cream leather and every bell and whistle going, it was comfortable, but I dunno, it seemed clinical if you get my drift absolutely brilliant in everything but lacking soul, unlike my ole XJ40 which had same cream leather and wood, but the Jag, to me, spoke to me, it felt right. Again just a personal opinion, I have no experience with other Bimmers maybe just me ;)I'm an old fart now everyone and his dog told me I was a t wat for selling it but hey ho I liked it but it just wasnt as silly as a Jaaaag!!
|
|
Last Edit: Dec 29, 2013 23:30:59 GMT by fred
'79 Cossie ran Cortina - Sold
2000 Fozzer 2.0 turbo snow beast
'85 Opel Manta GSI - Sold
03 A class Mercedes
Looking for a FD Ventora - Anyone?
|
|
|
|
Dec 29, 2013 23:40:40 GMT
|
406 Coupe 2.2 Diesel get the Se version for leather and all the toys. Guaranteed future classic on looks alone. The only car I've owned where I could drive 400miles and get out not tired. or for a really leftfield choice go Italian - Lanica Gamma coupe or Fiat 130.
|
|
Last Edit: Dec 29, 2013 23:46:46 GMT by hfstuart
|
|
|
dbdb
Part of things
Posts: 821
|
|
Dec 29, 2013 23:59:39 GMT
|
Big cars are made with luxury in mind, but each maker has a different viewpoint on what constitutes luxury and all have a different emphasis. They're also constrained by the car's initial price.
I suspect your mpg requirements could be a little tight for the full sized barge; most will struggle to reach a 25mpg average, though quite a few will better it on a run. It depends on how much city driving you do - big cars can be very thirsty round town.
If 22mpg average is not too thirsty (and teens in the city) the Jaguar XJ40 or X300 are hard to beat. They're very smooth riding and especially with a 4 litre engine are effortlessly fast. Wafting is about effortlessness and swagger; nothing short of a Rolls-Royce does it as well as an XJ - at least nothing I have driven. An XJ is a sensuous thing.
I have driven a number of S class Mercs over the years - a W108 280SE 3.5 which was a superb wafter and very charismatic. A W116 280SE and W126 500SE were also lovely cruisers; both give a marvellous feeling of importance. The W140 S320 I found too big - intimidatingly so!
I like BMWs, but for me at least, no matter how luxurious, they're too sporting in emphasis to be a true wafter. I have driven the E30, E28, E3, E23, E32, E91 and travelled as a passenger in an E65. I have not been in an E38. All were comparatively sporting, with a firmer ride, less body roll and suspension compliance than the equivalent XJ. They're excellent cars, but if you want a true wafter, I'd look to the Mercedes or the Jag. If you like to drive hard, the BMW may be better. It's all a compromise.
I haven't been in a Mk3 Granada, but the Mk2 2.8 Ghia was a wafty thing - as were the Vauxhall Royale and Opel Senator.
The Citroen CX is probably the smoothest riding car I have ever travelled in, but for me, it does not have a big enough engine for true wafting. They're unique though, and endlessly fascinating. As mentioned, the Princess also rides extremely well - it is a very comfortable thing with no sporting pretentions whatsoever, and also a four cylinder - though a six was available.
In my view the ultimate French wafter was the Peugeot 604. They're like a V6 living room and superbly comfortable. You won't get 25mpg from one though.
I have never been in a Lexus, but imagine they're very smooth.
Big Volvos have a certain something - I'm quite a fan of the 760GLE and 960.
All these cars are a compromise and which is best depends on your own emphasis.
|
|
Last Edit: Dec 30, 2013 0:13:52 GMT by dbdb: Forgotten Volvos!!
|
|
mauricewalsh
Part of things
bmw316i ,transit, 2barkas b1000, reiger scirocco storm
Posts: 217
|
|
Dec 30, 2013 11:50:38 GMT
|
no has yet mintioned the waftastic mid/late 80s audi 100/200 !!! 5pot 2.2ltr, comfort, power, elec everything and 30plus round town and cheap to buy and run, this would be my pick, also to be had in quattro mode but the mpg drops a bit ..... also the avant is huge if you need an estate type wafter
|
|
be a survivor not a victim
|
|
ewokracing
Part of things
Snuffling for food in a river
Posts: 502
|
|
Dec 30, 2013 12:07:01 GMT
|
been mentioned, but not sure if they're in the price bracket, but p6. It's like driving a big boofy bean bag. Bit narrow in the foot well though.
Otherwise an LS400 or Soarer would get my tick of approval.
|
|
|
|
phil73
Part of things
Posts: 122
|
|
Dec 30, 2013 12:34:21 GMT
|
Ls400 is wonderfully wafty, steel springs and all. Soarer with the airbag suspension too, but the air suspension will be knackered now.. Go for a nice ls400 with fsh and proof that its pas pump and alternator have been serviced and hopefully the lower control arms, too.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dec 30, 2013 12:39:29 GMT
|
no has yet mintioned the waftastic mid/late 80s audi 100/200 !!! 5pot 2.2ltr, comfort, power, elec everything and 30plus round town and cheap to buy and run, this would be my pick, also to be had in quattro mode but the mpg drops a bit ..... also the avant is huge if you need an estate type wafter My 2.0 Avant auto used to average 15 mpg Otherwise a good car. Paul h
|
|
|
|
Smiler
Posted a lot
I no longer own anything FWD! Or with less than 6 cylinders, or 2.5ltrs! :)
Posts: 2,492
|
|
|
Great excuse for an old Jag or BMW. I've had two 5-series E34's, well built but most are now suffering rotten sills that doesn't expose itself through the thick stone-guard until it is very advanced.
Also had two Rover 75. Both have proven to be well built and reliable and would gladly recommend. Only down-side is FWD wrongness and probably not yet old enough for you. The newest are now hitting ten years old and like any car of that age they are at the mercy of their previous owners.
There's an SD1 advertised in another thread on here and old Mercs are always popping up. I've borrowed a Volvo 240GL Estate for two weeks many moons ago; slow, lumbering and thirsty but so great aswell. Would also like a Triumph 2000 and values are low on these.
|
|
www.Auto-tat.co.uk'96 Range Rover P38 DSE (daily driver) '71 Reliant Scimitar SE5 GTE 3.0ltr Jag V6 Conversion '79 Reliant Scimitar SE6A 3.0ltr 24valve Omega Conversion '85 Escort Cabrio 2.0 Zetec - Sold '91 BMW 525i - Sold '82 Cortina 2.9i Ghia Cosworth - Sold '72 VW Campervan - Sold '65 LandRover 88" - Sold
|
|
820
South East
Posts: 790
|
|
Dec 31, 2013 18:49:47 GMT
|
Rover 800/Sterling - Large and comfortable, rather like a toned down SD1. Can suffer from rampant rot but the prices on even very good examples seems to be staying down far lower than so much car ought to. Agree with all your recommendations but "can suffer from rampant rot" is not true, they are actually very good compared with other cars manufactured of the same years, you might see a little rust bubble around the arches on some but this is usually a repair or damage related, the metal used was very high quality, the early 800 mk2's especially were very well protected underneath, but post 96 or might be a bit later when the phoenix 4 or what ever they called themselves started making cut backs, the stuff you couldn't see was first to suffer. I'm biased but if you can find a low mileage saloon, fastback or Coupe 4 cylinder manual, turbo or non turbo they are actually very reasonable to run day to day, a good coupe might even be a good investment! but finding a good low mileage one will be difficult.
|
|
Last Edit: Dec 31, 2013 18:51:53 GMT by 820
|
|
|
|
|
The 800 is usually very good for lack of rot, but the three or four gold ones I've encountered have had appallingly advanced rot. Interestingly they were all later models, so perhaps it was something to do with the post-96 theory. Excellent vehicles though, love them as a passenger.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*curse word and thinking his opinion means something;
Dude, you have to decide what you REALLY want.
As a long term owner of E28, E30, and now W123, all I can offer is - you really have to decide what's more important.
Want to feel connected to the road? want to go past people on the inside as you come of roundablouts? want to be able to get wafted the rest of the time? . . . . . E28, without question.
Want to drive up kerbs without flinching? want a proper warm spongey "comfort zone" while you keep up with traffic? Skint and want a bit better mpg? . . . . . deseasel w123
|
|
|
|
Rob
Part of things
Posts: 252
|
|
|
vauxhall senator, carlton or omega, in either cd, gsi3000, or elite spec.
|
|
|
|
|