Cars In The 2.5 - 4m Range

[Supra_Natural]

We have 3 Accord Euro's in the family here, 2004, 2005 and 2008!! I'm a bit over them..

How much do the vertex's go for?

There are VERY few GS300's in circulation here, possibly less than 5.... However because of the big engine/unknown brand thing they dont make very strong money. If you could persuade an owner to sell, Im guessing between 2.5-3.5 mill would be the going rate.

Seriously though machan, why not consider going back to an E39? It is by far the most desirable of all the cars tossed back and forth in this thread, and since there are quite a few of them on the road, im sure you can find a well cared for example.. M*lroy should be able to point you in the right direction dont you think?

[GTAm]

Thx GT, I think secretly I'm hoping I find another E39 in good condition I'm really annoyed i didn't remove the denison ipod connector from the e39 before I sold it. I was in aus at the time, and tried explaining to my uncle how to remove it, but it didn't work out!

The sport cefiro was the S-Touring, I just couldn't think of the name at the time I think most of the jap options though would be rather dull to drive (except the subaru) compared to the Euro alternatives.

@ darin: We're only heading down around June, maybe a month or so earlier, so if the Foz is still around then I'll have a look!

The A6 isn't bad - but are there people other than the agents to service them? The merc's not bad, but the W210 is getting on in years, and I prefer the drive of the E39 over it. Also hard to find the MB's in manual?

In all seriousness, how expensive is it to maintain a 156 in SL? I've always wanted one but scared of the italian temperament! (or "character" as some like to call it...)

Good mate. There's nothing to match a E39 in that range IMO. You're absolutely right the Jap options are as dull as plain steamed rice. Except the Forrester.

Not sure about the maintainence of Audi's but I'm guessing that there should be one or two specialists.

MB manuals are crap. I'd stick with a auto as boring as it may sound. I drove a E320 W210 with sports sus. And the memory is stuck in my head. It was a shock really as I expected the usual barge like drive.

Alfa 156 is not expensive to maintain. (I've had two. Just sold the 1.6TS.) As expensive or less than a Japanese car of similar size I can assure you. I was scared too until a few months after taking the plunge. But the 156 is more a 3 series size and 5 adults will be a bit of a squeeze.

I'd avoid the crashy sports sus if ever you consider one. The crashy ride just does not make sense on SL roads despite the cart like response on the road. How about picking up a used face-lifted 166 3.2 from the UK(I'm assuming you're there?) for peanuts and bring it over? You could bring consider a CARNE permit if you plan to go back or get a low valuation (with ease I would say) and your duty would be quite small comparatively.

[GTAm]

Thx GT, I think secretly I'm hoping I find another E39 in good condition I'm really annoyed i didn't remove the denison ipod connector from the e39 before I sold it. I was in aus at the time, and tried explaining to my uncle how to remove it, but it didn't work out!

The sport cefiro was the S-Touring, I just couldn't think of the name at the time I think most of the jap options though would be rather dull to drive (except the subaru) compared to the Euro alternatives.

@ darin: We're only heading down around June, maybe a month or so earlier, so if the Foz is still around then I'll have a look!

The A6 isn't bad - but are there people other than the agents to service them? The merc's not bad, but the W210 is getting on in years, and I prefer the drive of the E39 over it. Also hard to find the MB's in manual?

In all seriousness, how expensive is it to maintain a 156 in SL? I've always wanted one but scared of the italian temperament! (or "character" as some like to call it...)

Good mate. There's nothing to match a E39 in that range IMO. You're absolutely right the Jap options are as dull as plain steamed rice. Except the Forrester.

Not sure about the maintainence of Audi's but I'm guessing that there should be one or two specialists.

MB manuals are crap. I'd stick with a auto as boring as it may sound. I drove a E320 W210 with sports sus. And the memory is stuck in my head. It was a shock really as I expected the usual barge like drive.

Alfa 156 is not expensive to maintain. (I've had two. Just sold the 1.6TS.) As expensive or less than a Japanese car of similar size I can assure you. I was scared too until a few months after taking the plunge. But the 156 is more a 3 series size and 5 adults will be a bit of a squeeze.

I'd avoid the crashy sports sus if ever you consider one. The crashy ride just does not make sense on SL roads despite the cart like response on the road. How about picking up a used face-lifted 166 3.2 from the UK(I'm assuming you're there?) for peanuts and bring it over? You could bring consider a CARNE permit if you plan to go back or get a low valuation (with ease I would say) and your duty would be quite small comparatively.

[Devinda_Z]

You could bring consider a CARNE permit if you plan to go back or get a low valuation (with ease I would say) and your duty would be quite small comparatively.

hmmm if thats a possibility why not just bring down the Legacy?

[MSP0RT5]

hmmm if thats a possibility why not just bring down the Legacy?

True Dev, I'll look into it.. probably the XC70 in that case, I'd lose the sti lip on the legacy in the first few days I reckon!!

EDIT: just checked, and basically to take your car from aus to india/pakistan/sri lanka there is a 400% security deposit required!! Forget that!!

@GTam, I'm in Melbourne - thought about the 166, my wife's uncle used to have one in SL too, nice car, but just feels a bit big for my liking. I'm also an aussie citizen, so it's messy with the duty etc. Since the 156 is out due to space, I think the short list has ended up with the E39 being on top again! I'll get in touch with Milr*y when I get back.

Edited January 28, 2009 by MSP0RT5

[GTAm]

True Dev, I'll look into it.. probably the XC70 in that case, I'd lose the sti lip on the legacy in the first few days I reckon!!

EDIT: just checked, and basically to take your car from aus to india/pakistan/sri lanka there is a 400% security deposit required!! Forget that!!

@GTam, I'm in Melbourne - thought about the 166, my wife's uncle used to have one in SL too, nice car, but just feels a bit big for my liking. I'm also an aussie citizen, so it's messy with the duty etc. Since the 156 is out due to space, I think the short list has ended up with the E39 being on top again! I'll get in touch with Milr*y when I get back.

Oi oi Aussie! How about some cheap Aussie Muscle HSV !?

[MSP0RT5]

Oi oi Aussie! How about some cheap Aussie Muscle HSV !?

If i remember, you once mentioned that you used to be in Melb or Aussie right?

HSV... I'll need my own bowser as well!!

[GTAm]

If i remember, you once mentioned that you used to be in Melb or Aussie right?

HSV... I'll need my own bowser as well!!

Hah ha I'm sure you would. But aren't they cheap? I know they're old crude things, but seem to have a big following even in the UK now.

Yes I was there 97-99 studying product design, with an aim of going into Automotive eventually . Had to come back in a hurry as the family biz needed rescuing .

[MSP0RT5]

Hah ha I'm sure you would. But aren't they cheap? I know they're old crude things, but seem to have a big following even in the UK now.

Yes I was there 97-99 studying product design, with an aim of going into Automotive eventually . Had to come back in a hurry as the family biz needed rescuing .

They've actually refined (or caught up rather) quite a bit. However, for the money you pay, you'd be hard pressed to not go for the Passat R36 instead of the HSV. Granted the HSV has enough torque to move a house - but I mean, how often would you need that? when I was growing up I used to be commodore mad.. until I actually owned one (VL) and that was one of the better ones too... never bought an australian car again!!

The family biz is probably doing better than the automotive industry at the moment anyway

Just got confirmation of all my work details today, and looks like I'll have to hire a couple of local lotus domino devs there too towards the end of the year!

So to bring this back on topic.. anyone know what the facelift (02-03 build) E39's are going for nowadays, prefer manual and 525i. I can add the sport bits later I guess.

Edited January 29, 2009 by MSP0RT5

[Devinda_Z]

looks like I'll have to hire a couple of local lotus domino devs there too

is it poor of me to have understood any of that, or was i not meant to get it?

[Pericles]

Just got confirmation of all my work details today, and looks like I'll have to hire a couple of local lotus domino devs there too towards the end of the year!

Ah, memories. I used to do Domino development in 02-03. Domino devs are sorta thin on the ground in SL tho.

[madmax]

So to bring this back on topic.. anyone know what the facelift (02-03 build) E39's are going for nowadays, prefer manual and 525i.

I'de like to know that too. I'm already spoiled by being a bimmer owner twice to like a Korean built SUV. So thinking of jumping on the BMW bandwagon once again and don't mind going for a petrol this time in the form of a E39 perhaps...

[seeker]

So to bring this back on topic.. anyone know what the facelift (02-03 build) E39's are going for nowadays, prefer manual and 525i. I can add the sport bits later I guess.

why not stick to the hiring option, if U R not going to stick around for long? you can save that few million bucks, and I doubt you'll end up profitable in the whole thing under present circumstances, if the ride has to be disposed of in a hurry...

[Devinda_Z]

Ah, memories. I used to do Domino development in 02-03. Domino devs are sorta thin on the ground in SL tho.

aaah right , IT speak! - wasn't meant to get it in the first place then!

[Devinda_Z]

I'de like to know that too.

hmmm 4 million & up i'm guessing..

must do some asking around & see...

[MSP0RT5]

why not stick to the hiring option, if U R not going to stick around for long? you can save that few million bucks, and I doubt you'll end up profitable in the whole thing under present circumstances, if the ride has to be disposed of in a hurry...

Will be hiring initially. This is more of a permanent move though, as the wife's whole family is in SL. They were in Aus and moved back around 10 years ago, and we were the last ones left. Now the kids are getting bigger, and this opportunity actually came with the company I work for here, to setup smething over there... so taking the chance

I agree though, if it was going to be even for a year, I'd definately hire. However, this is more like 5-6 years (until the kids are middle - high school age).

@Peri - I figured that might be the case. Do you know if there's opportunity for the dev training/certs in SL?

[MSP0RT5]

hmmm 4 million & up i'm guessing..

must do some asking around & see...

Let us know Dev.. thanks.. might even be April now.. which is perfect for the string of avurudhu (sp?) holidays!!

[Devinda_Z]

Let us know Dev.. thanks.. might even be April now.. which is perfect for the string of avurudhu (sp?) holidays!!

yes that works

& mark my words, staying in colombo during those days whilst everyone heads on out most certainly has its perks

[MSP0RT5]

yes that works

& mark my words, staying in colombo during those days whilst everyone heads on out most certainly has its perks

mmm true.. altho one of the first thigns im planning to do is spend a few days at hideaway.. love that place!

[MSP0RT5]

Gents, how's the suzuki (newer shape - 06 model) vitara regarded? Fuel, reliability? What sort of money 2nd hand?

I know it's not a "drivers car" but just thinking of all options at the moment

[madmax]

Gents, how's the suzuki (newer shape - 06 model) vitara regarded? Fuel, reliability? What sort of money 2nd hand?

I know it's not a "drivers car" but just thinking of all options at the moment

I've seen quite a lot of those on the papers recently. Mostly ones that were imported brand new.

[Devinda_Z]

Gents, how's the suzuki (newer shape - 06 model) vitara regarded? Fuel, reliability? What sort of money 2nd hand?

I know it's not a "drivers car" but just thinking of all options at the moment

hmmm it ought to be within your budget ,more toward the top end though

[MSP0RT5]

hmmm it ought to be within your budget ,more toward the top end though

Cool! Although I've never driven one, so it might just get scrapped off the list after that!

[Devinda_Z]

Cool! Although I've never driven one, so it might just get scrapped off the list after that!

given your past drives , something tells me it will !