Well we have made a list of cars that will give you what you are looking for but at a fraction of the price.
The luxury alternative
What you really want: 2016 BMW 750Li
What you can afford: 2000 BMW 740i
The BMW 740i was once the panicle of luxury performance. It features a 4.4-litre 8-cylinder engine under the bonnet however this cars strength was found inside its leather covered interior. Features of the E38 7 Series included high-pressure headlight washers, auto-leveling xenon HID headlamps, power sunroof, a six-CD changer with 14 speakers and four subwoofers, on-board navigation and rain-sensing wipers. Other features included an automatic climate control system with full left/right controls and a 3-position memory system for the driver’s seat to name a few.
Things to look out for include oil leaks and VANOS issues. VANOS is BMWs valve-timing system which has been known to give costly issues. You also want to look for a car with a neat interior. As the car has many electronics make sure that they work, like the electric seats and rear roller-blind. Find out how much it will cost to maintain a car like this. A healthy, good condition 740i should give you great ride comfort for your money.
Performance SUVs
The one you want: 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE63 AMG
The one you can afford: 2000 ML55 AMG
The ML55 AMG, features a V8 engine made by AMG, modified body-work, and other performance features. It was built to compete against the BMW X5 4.4i. It might not be as fast as the new Bi-turbo model but this old school V8 is full of character as well as luxury.
Things to look out for is oil leaks and abuse as this is a high performance car. Listen out for knocking sounds coming from the motor. These AMG engines tend to use a lot of oil and if not topped up when needed the damage could be costly. Make sure the brake disks are not worn and that the electronics are all in order.
The hot hatch
The one you want: 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport
What you can afford: 2005 Golf GTI
Twenty-eight years ago, in June 1976, Volkswagen launched the Golf GTI, a car that would become a legend and establish a new class of car: the hot hatch. The Golf 5 GTI recaptures the spirit of the Seventies icon. Thanks to a 2.0-litre 147kW/280Nm engine, driving dynamics which are aimed squarely at the enthusiast, and a design to set the pulse racing, customers can look forward to a genuinely rewarding - and fun - car. It is also one of the most popular cars in South Africa so finding one you like will be easy.
What to look out for when buying a car like this is that it is a turbocharged performance car. Service history is important and make sure you look at the cars overall condition. If it is messy on the outside it will be messy on the inside, and that included the engine. Look out for accident damage. If you opt for a DSG automatic model, do some research on the gearbox, listen out of any clunky gear changes. The changes should also be smooth. These cars are fairly bullet proof and parts are becoming cheap, just shop around for a decent one.
The sports car
What you want: 2016 Ferrari 488 Spider
What you can afford: 2000 Mazda MX-5
The most popular roadster ever comes from Mazda. The MX-5 is a classic icon that delivers driving dynamics like no other for its price. The body is a conventional, but very light, unibody shell. The MX-5 also incorporates a unique trusswork called the Powerplant Frame (PPF) which connects the engine to the differential, minimizing flex and creating a tight, responsive feel. Many MX-5s feature limited slip differentials and antilock brakes.
What to look for is obviously the retractable fabric roof. Due to its many parts this could fail over time. The car is reliable and shouldn’t be an issue if it has been well looked after. The perfect track toy by a long shot. They are also relatively affordable. Do some shopping around for one that you like.
