Car Choice: Best barge for a grand – Lexus or BMW?

Liam Hawley says he has a thousand pounds to spend (‘chuck away’) on either an older Lexus LS, or Mercedes S-Class

Whether in the front or the back, the Lexus 400 experience is sublime (Lexus)

Car for the head

This would have to be the Lexus 400. This is the luxury car defined – has lots of space, effortless refinement and every gadget you could wish for, though admittedly limited by its vintage. On any journey, drivers and passengers are pampered by a brilliantly smooth ride. So whether you are in the front or rear the experience is sublime as there is lots of room for everyone, and the seats are so comfortable. As a used buy, Lexus models are reliable, but parts are expensive. We found a 1999 example being sold privately in Scotland for £700 and in apparently mint condition.

(BMW (BMW)

Car for the heart

I would steer Liam away from the Mercedes to a BMW 7-series. The model made up until 2002 is good looking, reliable, very smart looking and actually fun to drive. This 7-Series is essentially a larger version of the 3-series and 5-series, but with some luxury knobs on – and is just as lovable. At this age it is also just the right side (ie simple side) of too complicated, without many of the electronics that can be troublesome on newer machinery. Still, buyers have to watch out for suspension that is expensive to fix, electricals failing and sometimes leaky fuel tanks. We found a 1996 730i model converted to run on liquid petroleum gas (so its mpg would effectively double), for £950.

If you would like James Ruppert to help with your car choice, email james@freecarmag.com. For more motoring views visit freecarmag.com