If I didn't want to be a self-Indulgent wiener with too much bloody money...what car? BUDGET EDITION

Found it.

It's even a four door and would embarrass anything your friends have. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJSSX6hqo6M

ransom wrote: The answer is right here on the forum EDIT: jakeb's E12 5-series q/LQ4 swap; I hate making people follow a link to have any idea what I'm talking about...

This is the answer.
In the same league would be a Volvo 240 (or better, a 245) with a newly transplanted V8 of some sort. If you're not all into the swapping thing then a 240 turbo with a huge intercooler and more boost would do the job well. It's boxy and euro and awesome.

Conversion sprinter!

Some of these cars are pretty awesome but wouldn't fit the bill.

More details:

It has to be something that a client would be comfortable riding to lunch in. Though some might love it an extremely modified, loud, rumbling 60's domestic cruising around, 90% are going to want something they can carry on a conversation in while also not breaking their backs on the tough suspension.

Has to have that sophisticatedness that these smug clients like. Ie, Old BMW good, late 80's boxmobile with flares bad.

Stand out from the crowd. This is where the CTS-V/GTO/TSX would fail. This is what everyone else is driving already and I want something different.

I like the old volvo/BMW suggestions. Ideally it would get 32+ MPG and could tow a small boat.

IS300, E39, 04-08 TL

There are a lot of really nice newish sporty luxury cars in that price range that aren't too bland and beige.

The only newish option I can think of that would get you in to the 30+ MPG range would be the TSX.

In reply to Enyar:

Jaguar XJ6R I tell you. Decent reliability and a sweet supercharged I6. The only really common problems with those cars are the power steering wheel tilt failing (not a hard fix) and there is one other problem but it is fairly minor too.

Maybe E34 or E28 M5.

But neither of those are close to 30mpg.

Of course there are also awesome things like this: 1991 BMW M5

Or this, though it's a hair over budget: 2000 BMW M5

Or this: 2005 CTS-V

I think e_pie is on the right track. Sounds like you want an older M5. If performance took a back seat to luxury you might also could cook up a mildly massaged Mercedes W123.

I also like the XJ6R idea.

In reply to Matt B:

Oh yeah W123s are awesome. Gas mileage kinda sucks and they are the fastest things ever (especially in non-turbo diesel form 0-60 in about a day) but they are about the best built cars ever and what a Mercedes should be. I would love a 280CE with 5 speed manual...

Slightly above your range and won't hit your mpg req's... but what about a Phaeton? You can find them in the $15~$20K range. TONS of car for the $.

Bentley underpinnings without the Bentley badge. Kind of an "old money" style car akin to an old Mercedes (subtle/gentle), but modern, plush, and a hugely comfortable.

Not the backyard mechanic ride of choice, but would definitely be something you don't pull up next to every day.

In reply to 93EXCivic: a 280CE manual would be awesome. Did they even make those?

In reply to xflowgolf: Whoa, those are going for that little now? Certainly don't see them everyday.

There are times (many times) I hate this forum soo much. There are TOO MANY awesome cars in this thread. Damn it. E39 M5s are down to low teens you say? XJ6Rs are reliable you say? I can cram a v8 into an e28 you say? Oh Man....

Matt B wrote: In reply to 93EXCivic: a 280CE manual would be awesome. Did they even make those?

IIRC all W123s offered after '82 (except the 300TD) were available with 5-speeds but I don't know if this included the US market to be honest.

In reply to 93EXCivic: Ah, didn't realize the later ones even had a manual option. A quick glance at Wikipedia doesn't indicate if they were an option in North America or not.

That said, I think I'd forgive an automatic in one of those - even the coupe.

In reply to Enyar:

I thought that was what you were looking for, so my recommendations still stand.

Integra (with either the GS-R engine or a turbo non-VTEC), or a 353i/553i.

oldtin wrote:

Wow! How much would a nice e9 set me back. That is absolutely stunning.

dyintorace wrote: Wow! How much would a nice e9 set me back. That is absolutely stunning.

I look at them once in awhile. E9's are well entrenched in the "classic car" group. They weren't cheap or highly produced when new and still have a following. Figure on $20K for a good one. You can find them for less - sometimes a lot less - but those will end up costing more than $20K by the time they're sorted.

For the OP, I got nothing... AN E39 M5 kinda comes close, but doesn't even remotely hit your mileage number.

I've had clients in my 2003 Jetta TDI wagon and while tight in the back seat, it's ok for short lunch trips - tan leather seems to hide the real cost and 50 mpg always seems to impress.

xflowgolf wrote: Slightly above your range and won't hit your mpg req's... but what about a Phaeton? You can find them in the $15~$20K range. TONS of car for the $. Bentley underpinnings without the Bentley badge. Kind of an "old money" style car akin to an old Mercedes (subtle/gentle), but modern, plush, and a hugely comfortable. Not the backyard mechanic ride of choice, but would definitely be something you don't pull up next to every day.

Forgot all about those, those have to be the luxo barge bargains of the decade.

Ian F wrote:

dyintorace wrote: Wow! How much would a nice e9 set me back. That is absolutely stunning.

I look at them once in awhile. E9's are well entrenched in the "classic car" group. They weren't cheap or highly produced when new and still have a following. Figure on $20K for a good one. You can find them for less - sometimes a lot less - but those will end up costing more than $20K by the time they're sorted.

Suggestions on places to go shopping for one? It wouldn't be a long term buy, but certainly something fun to drive for awhile. Maybe I can talk my wife into replacing her 840ci with a different BMW B-pillarless coupe!