What should I get for my next car?

[Hatterasguy]

I want to get a new(to me) car next year. I'm going to ebay the 300SDL at the end of this month. Buff her up and write an amazing add, see if I can't get $5k for it. I figure now is a good time to do it, because I'll have the Jetta to drive, so no rush. I'll probably start seriously looking after the holidays and try to get something before spring. It will be nice looking for a car and not being in a rush.

My budget is $13k, I don't want to take out a loan. I'd prefer to stay a bit lower, if possible.

I figure $5k for the SDL, I have a closing coming up so I can put $7k in cash towards the purchase. I'll either make up the difference or maybe the SDL will suprise me, on ebay. Values for the old diesels are strong, maybe it will go higher. I have got like $15k into it, talk about a loss!

I want something newer, 2000 or newer E320/430 is my first choice. Or maybe a BMW. I'm tired of working on old cars, I want something nice that I can drive for the next 5 years or so.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=226063734&dealer_id=54999111&car_year=2002&model=E320&num_records=25&systime=1194234306748&make2=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=200&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&make=MB&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=06460&advanced=&end_year=2008&doors=&transmission=&max_price=14000&cardist=66

What do you guys think of these?
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=232561064&dealer_id=58112344&car_year=2002&model=530I&num_records=25&systime=1194233250259&make2=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=200&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&make=BMW&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=06460&advanced=&end_year=2008&doors=&transmission=&max_price=14000&cardist=55

I really don't want to go older than 2000, so that rules the S class out. Which is fine with me, I really don't like the W220, and can't afford a W221. I may possible go for a 1999 S320 if I can find one, thats nice enough.

So as of now my first choice is an E430/320. I'm not picky, I'll take the best example I can find. The V8 would be sweet, but I wouldn't pass up a better E320 for it.

I want to drive a couple 5 series though, they seem interesting. I don't really like the 3 its to small, but the 5 seems like a good size. Any trouble spots?

Maybe I should just buy a lEXUS, yeah right.

[iwrock]

Hattie, a friend out here on the west coast is contemplating selling his 1999 S500 Grand Edition, as he is getting a 2005 S500.

Its in MINT condition, and has all the records.... (Original Owner.)


That thing is sweet. Its on the list of most awesome cars I have ridden in. Its quiet, and powerful....


Whats your zip code so we can all find you purdy cars?

[iwrock]

540i Sport. With a manual trannie, should be a fun car..... Just get a later one (2002) so it has all the problems ironed out.

[iwrock]

Or one of these.... Looks soooo damn good, and can go around corners.

[iwrock]

Looks good too.

[Hatterasguy]

06460 200 mile range.

Justin, if he will let it go for $13k or less, and the mileage is under 100k, possible. Not sure if I want the S500, I drive a ton and was looking for something that got around 20mpg.

What about an Audi?
A6
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=226473075&dealer_id=1389405&car_year=2003&num_records=25&model=A6&systime=1194234956060&make2=&start_year=1981&engine=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&certified=&fuel=&body_code=0&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=200&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&make=AUDI&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=yearDESC&address=06460&advanced=&end_year=2008&transmission=&doors=&max_price=14000&cardist=69

[TheDon]

I wonder if I can get a personal loan for 5k ^_^

[iwrock]

Dont get an Audi.... Think of your VW.....

[iwrock]

Hat, I will sell you my W124 for 6k. Its in awesome shape, and is mechanically perfect....


It even comes with a 3 Inch binder of records.

[Hatterasguy]

A 740IL in black like the Transporter would be so SEXY! One of my favorite cars ever!


This one is in blue, which beleive it or not I love, even the interior.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=229520476&dealer_id=12596480&car_year=2001&model=740IL&num_records=25&systime=1194235357095&make2=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=200&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&make=BMW&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=06460&advanced=&end_year=2008&doors=&transmission=&max_price=14000&cardist=86

I need an auto, I use it as a work car around town.

[iwrock]

Hat, I have the solution.....



I think you will enjoy it a bit too.


Old world quality, with a bunch of modern technology. Not to mention the sleeper appeal, and the reliability...

[Hatterasguy]

Originally Posted by W124.090

Hat, I will sell you my W124 for 6k. Its in awesome shape, and is mechanically perfect....


It even comes with a 3 Inch binder of records.

I'll sell you my W126 for $6k. Its perfect needs nothing, and has a 3in binder of records.

Remember the point is to get a newer car, that in theory should not need less work than my 20 year old car. So 2000+ only.

As much as I'd like a 500E to old, I don't want to sell one project car for another.

When I'm a bit older with a house and a decent income, then I will play with old MB's again.

[iwrock]

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

A 740IL in black like the Transporter would be so SEXY! One of my favorite cars ever!


This one is in blue, which beleive it or not I love, even the interior.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=229520476&dealer_id=12596480&car_year=2001&model=740IL&num_records=25&systime=1194235357095&make2=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=200&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&make=BMW&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=06460&advanced=&end_year=2008&doors=&transmission=&max_price=14000&cardist=86

I need an auto, I use it as a work car around town.

She looks good.... I think if I were you, I would rather get the shorter wheelbase 740i. More balanced, and more fun.

[Hatterasguy]

True, but I like long cars, hence my choice of W126.

[Hatterasguy]

Originally Posted by TheDon

I wonder if I can get a personal loan for 5k ^_^

Probably, would your parents co sign?