UPDATE:

Well...I must be a glutton for punishment...found a new 'toy'.

I wanted something fun...picked this beast up for 2.5k...1979 International Harvester Scout II. We have been running it with the top off and a Bikini Style Top for sun protection. Pretty fun rig. Good for the days when I don't want to drive the 993...and make airport trips a little easier!

15mpg, about the same as the 996 Turbo. But not as fast...



Original post below:

OK...I have been looking for a while and want to spend about $3,500 on a daily driver.

We have an SUV already, a 993 and a 996T...so I was thinking a larger sedan or smaller Pickup Truck...

Couple options:
1. 1995-1998 Jag XJ6
2. 1998 or so BMW 528i
3. 1998-9 BMW 740i or iL
4. 1997-1999 Merc S320
5. 1994 Toyota 4x4 Extended Cab pickup
6. 1985-1989 Toyota 4Runner (top comes off style)

Any opinions on those? I have had a the Toyotas before. Between the BMW, Merc and Jag options that is a helluva lot of car for 3.5k...

Thanks in advance for any input. Anything else you would suggest?

 

There's a reason why the old nice cars cost so little: maintenance is still the cost of current models. Be prepared to spend 10k easy to keep them going

 

That has not always been my experience. Have you owned any of those vehicles and can speak to your experiences?

 

I take that you DIY most maintenance except for truly major projects, right? If so, BMW has more forums w/ a wealth of info, just like RL here for P Cars. Not sure about Toyota.

I've owned a 01 XJR and 01 740iL. Both are very capable cars. The driving position of the Jag is surprisingly similar to a Porsche, in that you sit relatively low. You may or may not like that in a large 4 door sedan. The car oozes style but is highly inefficient in its space usage for the size of the car. In terms of reliability, they're nowhere near the league of Toyota. And you can expect the pay dearly for parts.

All-in-all, a 'daily' driver that is >15yrs old may not be available for you to drive daily, in particular for European makes; but I've a hunch you already know that. Good luck shopping.

 

For this price, you want trouble free - so go for the Toyota's. Yeah, a bit boring, but well engineered and they just keep on going. Problem is, the market recognizes that, so they tend to be higher priced - if the Toyota's are low priced, its usually because of excessive rust or they are very close to the end of their lifecycle.

 

This is actually a great point.

All these can be had for $3,500?

I would stay away from the upper tier bimmers (i.e. the 740). The 528 or a 3-series would be great choices - I've been eyeing a 5-series myself. A 6-cyl benz might be ok - no real experience. The Toyota is a Toyota, but at that age and cost I would be weary.

 

As others have indicated, a lot will depend on the maintenance history. If the previous owners have kept up with scheduled maintenance and the things that wear, clutches, brakes, cooling system components, bearings, suspension have been addressed over the life of the vehicle I don't see why you should shy away from such a purchase. A neglected vehicle is only storing up future headaches and disappointment.

 

Auto transmissions are potential $$$$ trouble spots for BMW's of this age, especially if the owner actually believed BMW's "lifetime fluid" line and hasn't changed the fluid/filters regularly.

Had a 1997 528 I bought with 30k on the clock and my brother is driving it now with about 140 on it. I did suffer a cracked head out of warranty which was a repair at 133% of your price point. Other than that, it's been pretty good. Check the BMW boards and buy from someone who can produce the maintenance history and may have already had to pay for the big stuff.

 

Cooling systems are another big headache for the older Beemers. The cheap plastic bits become brittle and will eventually fail. Buy a car that has had upgraded housings and hoses.

 

All great points...many options in the price range have transmissions and cooling systems replaced already.

The cylinder head repair cost seems like highway robbery...was that parts cost only or labor plus parts?

 

wait, you live in laguna beach and want to leave your 993 in the garage to drive some $3,500 POS.

I'll never get people.

 

That was a top end installed.

 

Timely to see this. Over on our other list we've got a discussion going this AM about what a guy should replace his wife's '99 540 with. He's just at the point of frustration with all the little stuff. Complete DIY guy, as he's in the automotive parts import/export business (plus he manufactures a tool most of us here have). So it's not the cost of keeping the car running, just that it's something-or-other constantly at this point in time.

Anyway, my feeling is that if you've got that much hardware around already, double your price is probably still a rounding error; and I'd go for something in much, much, much better shape.

 

lol....always on point, no sugar coating..

Maybe a w202 mb.

 

Funny observation...I think you are much more wealthy than I am..I'm just a poor guy.