Paid £2k 4 years ago for a s-type sport with 90k. Still using it regularly, been super reliable and really cheap to maintain. And it's still worth about the same 40k later 😉
Just wanted to say your vids are incredibly informative and fun to watch. Please never stop! Especially with the under £5k and under £2k stuff! Would love to see more of these rundowns, including for SUVs. It nloes my mind you can get a Porsche Cayenne (the 4x4) for under £3.5k.
Just came across your channel. I'm not only highly impressed by your content but the very clear, logical and intelligent way you express yourself. Really impressed!
And to be honest, in my opinion it looks much better. Anyways, any Lexus-Toyota will please you and your wallet in terms of running costs (apart from fuel bills and taxes).
Cheapest running V8 you can get market pretty much. And my running, I mean not a bag of bolts that just scraped through it’s mot. It’s worth mentioning the JDM version, known as the Celsior is arguably more luxurious than the LS, coming with lambswool seat covers, thicker carpets and proper curtains instead of the roller blinds, and all for less money because it’s an import. Did I mention also lower tax for the UCF30 generation, because imports are taxed at a flat rate above 1500cc, rather than for CO2 emissions. Which now makes me think…how much can I buy a Toyota Century for?
I’m currently looking at a cheap cushy car for long motorway drives, so this is perfect. Just don’t want to end up paying too much in maintenance. That Jag is probably my favourite on this list.
If you want a cheap luxury car for motorway driving, with cheap maintenance and good reliability go for a Rover 75 CDTI auto. And if you don't like the wood and cream go for a Contemporary SE spec with full black sports leather interior 👍🏻
FYI for those considering an x300/308 xj, the x300 is probably best avoided simply cause it costs no less than a 308 yet you have more gutless engines and more high mile horros floating about. A 3.2 V8 is also a great choice if a 19/20 year old is looking for their second car considering they are only group 32 (I know that sounds high but to put that into comparison an E38 BMW 728i is group 45 and WAY slower.)
A year ago I bought an Audi A8 D2 4.2 V8 with 300HP for less than 2k euros, and it has been fairly reliable, only needed a new radiator, fixing 4 coolant leaks, 2 power steering leaks, and now im going to fix an oil leak that drips on the exhaust taking out the engine off the car. But despite leaks, it has been amazing to drive!
You forgot to mention the main selling point of the Citroen C6. The adaptive dampers with Hydroactive self-levelling suspension and double-glazed windows all round. If you want comfort, then there is NO beating it, even with S class Mercs. There's a reason why it's called the "magic carpet" ride and Rolls Royce copied it....
I really enjoy this challenge of cheap luxury. Within the last 5 years, I've both the XJ (X300) and S-Type with manual gearboxes for below £2000 for the 2 combined. The idea being I pay less to run them for a year than the cost of a service. For the same price I also bought the Mayor of Sheffield's 1985 Mayoral limousine: a custom build Coleman Milne Grosvenor (Mk2 Granada). The last one on UK roads. Back when luxury meant well built with quality materials rather than gadgets and features. If you're like me I prefer that era (and 1930-1970s), when craftsmanship was at it's peak on high end cars. Sometimes even owning *any* car was the equivalent of a private jet today in terms of a status symbol. The old Gentleman's club feel being far classier than the more modern vinyl and plastic. They were definately built differently then!
I bought a 2001 ls430 9 months ago with 110000 miles FSH. Without doubt the best wafter, ambassador carrying car I've ever driven. Pure pleasure everytime myself or my partner (Audi TT 2ltr TSI driver) gets into. Who cares that it's old mercedes styling, it's a bloody beaut!
Yes the infamous W220. It seemed like the best car in the world when it was launched but turned out to be the most expensive car in the world to keep running.
The Rover 75/MG ZT should've been on this list, 2.0/2.5 V6 and the Interiors are nice on them my dads old ZT even had an electric blind for the back window. Way better inside than the 300c
My dad had two of these, a V6 (new from launch) and a 2.0 diesel (BMW derived one). I have fond memories of these cars and nearly bought a 2.0 CDTi as a stop gap car as I needed something cheap, comfy, enough punch for motorway driving and efficient. But somehow ended up with a tuned and well speced E90 330d manual that I took up to 215k miles with little problem.
Got one! The ZT - 190 24v 2.5. I would love to keep hold of it but my increased mileage with new job and possible clobbering from London's MAFIA, sorry, Mayor with his 'old polluting vehicle' would probably see a lucky person having it. Still draws glances with its sporty looks, low down grunt and the surprised look when I foot down from standing starts at lights. Am having withdrawal symptoms just penning this.
I downgraded from the X300 (Jag in this list) to a 2.5 V6 75. The real redeeming feature is the ambience of the interior. Going for cream dials rather than white to contrast with the wood dash and wheel rim is a fine touch. Apart from the engine and driving, it does feel similar to the Jaaag.
Terrific guide to buying a Luxury car under 2,000Pounds JB, and I totally agree with the number oner car, the Lexus, as it is definitely known as the most dependable car. However the only car that stands out to me as a true unique luxury car is the Jaguar X300. The other 9 are simply the height of fashion and have the common modern look alike appearance about them. Yes! you are correct when you say the Jaguar X300 is fast becoming a classic and they are a steal at the moment for the price one can pick them up for. If you are into the classic luxury cars, then pay a lot for a good one with low milage and you will be rewarded when they become a very popular classic. You see 80% of cars buyers, simply buy what others want or have, and it is not until someone recognises the unique looking car ( Jaguar X300) that we missed by being too fashion conscious, and then, and only then, the 20% turns into the popular 80%. and the unique car becomes the popular classic. Not always but most often than not. The Jaguar X type is another silent future classic as it is the last of the Jaguar cars that still had some resemblance of the traditional Jaguar style and interior which we will never see again. There are a lot of things to look out for when buying an X Type, but that is another story. P.S. The X Type is not a Mondeo as many have promoted and that stigma will fade with the ignorant critics.
I certainly agree with the choice of the Jaguar XJ X300. I bought a near mint one some years ago for £1400 and ran it for three years before I had to spend a penny on it. It's still going strong and very little goes wrong with it. It's very easy to work on too so even when it does need a job doing you can save on the labour costs.
I picked up a 2002 ML320 with 170k motorway miles on it for way under 2k. So far, I have no complaints, but it did have a full service history with it.
Great video, but the problem with the majority of these will be running costs. Yes you will buy it for 2/3k but servicing and repair costs on an S Class / 7 Series / A8 / Phaeton for example will most likely be more than the car is worth.
Under 2k Honda Accord 06 plate, heated electric seats, electric folding mirrors, leather seats, rear view mirror auto dim in headlights, good mpg and many more. Love this car
Had a S320 CDi 14 years ago. It was a shocking rust bucket that had to have major rust repairs twice. Also the turbo failed, air suspension failed, gearbox torque converter failed. Numerous other electrical problems and sensor faults. Interior was plasticky and old fashioned. Cost me a fortune to keep on the road. Total money pit when they were relatively new, wouldn’t try running one now if somebody paid me to take it.
I almost bought an S320 3 years ago, but instead settled for a 2005 Jaguar S type with Regency interior pack & exterior chrome pack for £1850 & I couldn't be more pleased with it!
E30 325i sport phase 1 was my money pit as a young man. Young guys in old bimmers attract police attention, I was on first name terms with half the cops round my way. Fairly well aquatinted with the lads at the petrol station too. As for my mechanic? Well he eventually got a restraining order.
Where we live Mercedes gang chased Toyota gang up and down the high street. When one lot got out to do I don't know what, the others ran after them with martial arts sticks. Not £2k cars and probably not car enthusiasts.
If you're going to buy something like these to eat up those motorway miles, which is exactly what many of these have done, nice & easy & none of that "Round Town" nonsense that kills them, think about buying 2, you have all the parts you need to keep it running & looking good & you will literally save a fortune because these usually "Break" for more than they sell for. Excellent stuff.
I bought a 1999 Mercedes S500 with 93k on the clock for £1000 and it is fantastic. Obviously running costs are high but it is so much car for the money. Fast, comfortable, the ride is incredible, great spec and a 5L V8! I’ve had it for 2 years and so far no big expenditure other than general maintenance and a in car entertainment upgrade which cost more than the car!
I've been watching your channel for a few years and lately I can't help but wonder have you thought about approaching a local dealer see if they'll lend you a car to review? In return for some exposure on your channel of course. People are always impressed by how much research and work goes into your content I'm sure that would carry over. People might even lend you cars just don't drive like Ricky
It is probably better to buy one of those cars for £4,000 or 5,000. I would personally add three other cars to the list: the Jaguar X-type, the Volvo S80 and the Renault Vel Satis (but only in petrol version, since diesels are unreliable). I drive a 2004 Vel Satis with a 3.5 petrol engine made by Nissan and it is absolutely exceptional, especially in the Initiale trim. I will run into trouble in three years because of the low emissions areas here in France but I don’t want to give it up at all...
I really liked the Chrysler 300C, man, this car just got my heart! Ofc I won't buy it for 2,000 I'll buy it for 5,000 or 6,000. From this video the most luxury cars(my opinion) are Chrysler 300C,Lexus LS430,Volvo XC90(interior,exterior) and Jaguar XJ(interior,exterior).
Having owned a “cheap” BMW 7 series, i can only stress even more you should steer a very wide way clear out of these. I ended up paying twice the price of the car on repairs, only to sell it for parts. The 607 on the other hand is a car nobody will consider a luxury car these days, because no peugeot driver ever takes care of his car so it will look terrible, plus the styling has not aged well imho
Xc90 is a very comfortable ride. I got a 2005 2.4d with 100k for 2k exactly. Instead of renting a van and paying for many skips when renovating my house.. You can fit a 3 seater sofa in the back. Amazing.
BMW E65 Sport... most comfortable heavy car that could still handle well that I've owned. Important to have the Sport or the special suspension options for that. But the age of tech and the sheer complexity meant that fixing serious car crippling problems was a complete nightmare. That was with a well regarded independent specialist who hire former BMW master techs. But, when it was working, it was a great place to be.
I may be a lucky fook, but I've bought one with 36k miles, 300bhp V8 for 1120 quid. The first and only car I've bought without even seeing her. In 2.5 years and 15k miles had only one problem with her, nothing major, just an aux belt tightener. Other than that - just a regular service. Yes, I'm referring to my cars as he/she
Hello mate, definitely subscribed after this video! A bit of genuine advice after ownership of 3 of the cars on here! Merc s class, good solid and even though it's dated, it's a beautiful car however the pre 2002 model will give you alot of problems with gearbox, suspension and crankshaft pulleys Bmw 7, unfortunately despite the amazing luxury they have a bit of a problem with head gaskets if you go for one just keep an eye out Audi a8, stunner of a car but most diesels of that gen might give you some injector problems and the petrols are known to be a high maintenance car My honest opinion is buy a OBD scanner, a decent mid range one and scan for codes on the car you're going to buy! Currently I have a s350 2005 which is an absolute treat at 140000 miles and a 2006 audi which is running strong at 130000, just remember regular maintenance and keep your ear on the engine!
I've just bought PX53 OVZ! You can see it at 2:27 I had this very amount to buy a replacement daily driver that is capable of towing my caravan. The Volvo XC90 is a step up from the Citroen C4 Grand Picasso it replaced. The W220 S320 and E65 730d were others on your list that I considered.
The D5 is the one to get for affordable running costs. The T6 isn't quite as good and the V8 is a rare beast in the UK. I had some deferred maintenance to take care of but apart from that it hasn't needed much. I've documented it on my own channel.
Enjoyed this video. No great surprises as a car fan. I like big old luxury barges and can’t argue too much with your choices. I’m a big BMW E38 (and E39) fan. Those prices are rising thanks to the abomination that is the E65. In fact, 2nd hand E38 prices jumped when the E65 was launched. So, a decent £2,000 E38 is not exactly common place now, unless you go for an old pre-facelift 728i, which is still a decent car. They’re far from perfect but still a good looking motor.
I really think you should have included the Honda Legend (06 model) . Can get them at 2k sometimes, and they are fantastic. 3.5 V6 with vtec-291 bhp, 4wd, amazing luxury inside well capable of outdoing anything on this list.
A good tip here - I've bought a 2009 C5 estate with the 2.2 engine for 1500 quid on ebay - shares the same chassis and the c6 and is probably better built. Has the same oil-air suspension system and what a car for the price
i had two of those good few years ago - mental are the expenses - starter motor in a 4.0tdi £1400 to replace and everything goes wrong with them all the time - to replace the turbines would had cost me 3 times more than the car was worth :)
I really like the Chrysler 300 as once me and my mate who is a non car guy and we were walking when he saw a Chrysler 300 and told me “look at that Rolls Royce” and when I saw it was a Chrysler 300 I was laughing like crazy. By the way I am still 14 and my you are my inspiration man. I love watching your video hopefully you will be one of the most successful RU-vidr.
Last year, I got a Jaguar S-Type for about £1700. With various safeguards, I tried to ensure that the car would last me at least six months - well, last month was my anniversary with the car, and it's never let me down. Yes, sure, the battery lead was loose and it would sometimes stop running, but it was an easy enough fix - and the engine's idling rough, and I haven't been able to do anything with that yet. The gearbox selector, too, is a bit sus, but you learn to cope with these things. Okay, so it's more executive than luxury, but all in all it's the best car I've ever owned.
My e66 760Li has done 222,400 miles and, with active this and active that, it rides over road rubbish as if it were not there. It does have too many computers for its own good though and with (at least) one of thirteen computers on the MOST loop not working I get to listen out for the engine. Best thing is most cars get the out of the way. The exception being; Karens in Teslas and Stevie Wonder / Helen Keller in wannabe off-roaders. But no it's NOT a good idea unless you can change an air strut or replace brake pipes or programme s/h modules.
I’m not sure if it fits the bracket but I’m looking to purchase a new car with leather interior and satnav. I came across the bmw e90/e92. The one I had shortlisted had parking sensors and even BMW car mats. Unfortunately someone snapped it up before me. I’d love to see content on what it’s like to live with one of these. The condition and spec of car I’m looking for is quite rare that JB will probably hit 100k before I buy one.
@@CarsWithJB black or cream. I’ve seen red as well. I’m not too fussy. If everything else is right with the car I don’t see the colour of leather seats putting me off.
I’ll list all details I’m looking for: - Engine size: 2L and above - Year: 2004-2013 - Colour: black - Interior: black or cream is preference with a satnav - Mileage: around 60,000 - Fuel type: petrol - Transmission: manual or automatic, not too fussed. I would be interested in hearing thoughts on which would be better. If I had a preference it would be automatic just for ease of use. - Number of doors: not fussed - Alloys: as long as they’re not tiny. I guess 17+. It would also be nice if they were black but isn’t a must. - Not a looking for a car that’s been involved in any accident. No category type damage or anything like that. - Budget: around £2500 but can go up depending on spec and model. I would welcome other customised features that aren’t stock: tinted windows, parking sensors, bmw mats, ambient lighting, painted rims, custom sound system, custom entertainment centre, plus more. Any other advice on this model or further comments about other vehicles I’m interested in would be welcome.
I'm currently in the market for my next car, i have a budget of around 13k and your videos are proving invaluable for inspiration and info. i have so many saved searches on auto trader because of you haha. thanks for the videos and keep it up!!
@@Tanirogalarn gotta see what that's about. Was in Spain when the Avantine and VelSatis were out and fell so in love with them both. They didn't look like anything else, and that is the magic of french cars. Nowadays, you can't tell apart a Citroen from a KIA, but I guess that is progress.
Why would you stay away from an N52 powered 730i...as far as BMW engines go, that's one of the most reliable ones. The tranny is just a ZF 6HP, very common for all kinds of brands. Now the V8, V12 powered ones I would agree with you.
Endless money pits except for the lexus that will run 30 more years ... all the other will make the poor man that bought them poorer and with no car or money anymore
I used to buy budget under £1000 Mercedes; the old ones do rust and the newer ones are too complex (post 2002 E class has 4 computers). I bought a £900 Lexus GS300 this time around. I have spent a small amount on consumables and voluntarily spent more on cosmetics. I now have a fantastic car for a fifth of the price of a new standard saloon. I like to buy big cc petrol engine cars with conventional suspension; they tend to be simpler and more reliable. On a cheap used diesel if the fuel pump fails the repair cost is usually the car written off. And these days I would never own a BMW; they are low quality, parts are expensive, and design faults seem to be deliberately designed in - plastic inlet manifolds, oil levels sitting above rocker cover gasket levels - what idiotic design!!
Well not really. I have had a long line of secondhand (some very “mature”) Mercedes, including a 12 year old CLK500 with that wonderful MB 5 litre V8, and the A and B services were £250 and £350 respectively, from a good MB specialist independent charging £60/hour for Labour vs MB main dealer more than double that. Usual consumable parts not much more than most marques and as Mercs do tend to be rather well made and usually well kept, you are unlikely to get big nasty problems (but I’ll grant you it’s eye-watering if you do).
It really is all about luck. All these early models could be serious money pit. I used to own a Jag XJ. Bought it while it still had 9 months of warranty remaining and the cat had barely done 25k miles. It was really enjoyable to drive when its was not back in the shop and I got to know my mechanic really well. The transmission broke 3 months after the warranty ran out. Cost me a fortune!
Well done again JB. I have no idea why you don’t get even more likes than you do. Innovative and consistent delivery across all your videos. Well done again.
£320 for a 3ltr X type manual, £90 for first Mot, no repairs or faults, ran for 22 months b4 scrapping due to corrosion underneath, still got £360 for scrap. Not exactly a lux car, but very cheap motoring.
Oi mate nice vid🍻 Just one thing besides the Lexus all of these cars that you mentioned are a electrical and mechanical nightmare, but if I can recommend one thing here: Run as fast as you can if somebody tries to sell these cars for you 🤣
