Hey gents (and ladies!)
I need some advice - I need to choose between 3 specific vehicles which I've already found and examined and driven - albeit briefly. The objective is to have a stylish, at least mildly enjoyable 'retro' as an only car for a while (although it won't be commuting daily).
My priorities are reliability (within reason - I realize these are all around 20 years old), availability of parts, and ease of repairs where required. Driving enjoyment is a bonus. The choices:
1. 1991 MB 300 SEL (w126) - 180,000 miles and only 900 UK pounds. Some rust on the front wings but runs very sweetly and has a very, very plush black leather interior. Aircon blows but is not cold. Huge, and a 'leisurely' driving style is required.
2. 1994 Audi 90 saloon, 2.8 V6, non-Quattro and unfortunately automatic. Very clean, no rust, ugly purple velour interior, awesome pearl white exterior. Everything works - s/r, aircon and it's just had a new cambelt, water-pump and a 'transmission service'. It has only 80,000 miles and I can probably get it for 1500 quid. It performs fine yet is somehow dull - clumsy, almost. Good-looking, and rare here, though.
3. 1997 Jaguar XJ6 (X300) - 4.0 litre, 110,000 miles and probably 1200 quid. In very nice condition but rust starting on three of the wheel arches. Full leather interior, quite nice shape, everything works, headlining is fine. I only drove it around the block (not insured) but no clunks or nastiness. Eveything seems to be neat and looked after but there is no recent servicing history.
So what do you think? I suspect I'll get the most warm & fuzzy feeling from the Jaguar - and probably driving thrills, too. But will it also cause the most financial hardship? I'm new in Canada so parts availability and cost is probably (correct me please if I'm wrong) best for the Benz and worst for the Audi - I think.
Also, I probably will not use the car as my sole vehicle for more than a few months - after that, it probably becomes a weekend driver and tinkerer.
Please share - all opinions welcome including "buy them all, you lucky git!"
I need some advice - I need to choose between 3 specific vehicles which I've already found and examined and driven - albeit briefly. The objective is to have a stylish, at least mildly enjoyable 'retro' as an only car for a while (although it won't be commuting daily).
My priorities are reliability (within reason - I realize these are all around 20 years old), availability of parts, and ease of repairs where required. Driving enjoyment is a bonus. The choices:
1. 1991 MB 300 SEL (w126) - 180,000 miles and only 900 UK pounds. Some rust on the front wings but runs very sweetly and has a very, very plush black leather interior. Aircon blows but is not cold. Huge, and a 'leisurely' driving style is required.
2. 1994 Audi 90 saloon, 2.8 V6, non-Quattro and unfortunately automatic. Very clean, no rust, ugly purple velour interior, awesome pearl white exterior. Everything works - s/r, aircon and it's just had a new cambelt, water-pump and a 'transmission service'. It has only 80,000 miles and I can probably get it for 1500 quid. It performs fine yet is somehow dull - clumsy, almost. Good-looking, and rare here, though.
3. 1997 Jaguar XJ6 (X300) - 4.0 litre, 110,000 miles and probably 1200 quid. In very nice condition but rust starting on three of the wheel arches. Full leather interior, quite nice shape, everything works, headlining is fine. I only drove it around the block (not insured) but no clunks or nastiness. Eveything seems to be neat and looked after but there is no recent servicing history.
So what do you think? I suspect I'll get the most warm & fuzzy feeling from the Jaguar - and probably driving thrills, too. But will it also cause the most financial hardship? I'm new in Canada so parts availability and cost is probably (correct me please if I'm wrong) best for the Benz and worst for the Audi - I think.
Also, I probably will not use the car as my sole vehicle for more than a few months - after that, it probably becomes a weekend driver and tinkerer.
Please share - all opinions welcome including "buy them all, you lucky git!"
