One of the market segments that slowed up this year is the luxury car segment. As new stocks are cleared and major model upgrades arrive, get ready for a great choice of keenly priced near new prestige and sports models.
2001-04 AUDI ALLROAD QUATTRO WAGON
Why? Audi walked a classy catwalk between style and ruggedness although the Allroad is not really a serious offroader. It remains, however, a useful and spacious family getaway that cuts a trim, upper crust presence around town without overdoing it while coping with a wider variety of rural conditions than most Europeans. The desirable V8 version sells closer to $80,000 but the V6 and turbo-diesel are great buying with a full list of equipment and all wheel drive traction.
2000-04 BMW 330Ci TWO-DOOR COUPE
Why? You wouldn't be alone if you are not totally convinced about the style and cabin presentation of the latest BMW 3-series but there are no such doubts about the upper levels of the previous E46 series which are classics in waiting. Smoother, more refined and usable than an M3, the 330Ci is still great fun to drive and fast enough with a convincing 170 kW. The version to have is the MY03 upgrade launched in March 2003 with its last of series styling and the rare six speed manual that arrived shortly after but prices are only just creeping into the $60,000 range.
1984-86 FERRARI MONDIAL QV COUPE
Why? Ferrari knows no bounds as new models set new styling and dynamics benchmarks and prices draw further out of reach. How is a mere mortal ever supposed to own one? The Mondial may be overlooked because of its 2+2 almost sedan-like styling but it is still mid-engined and it drives and sounds like a real Ferrari which it is. It is also more practical than any recent model and values have propped for almost a decade. This means if you buy the right one, keep the kms down and look after it, someone else will take it off your hands without leaving too big a hole in the wallet. The last 3.2 is the best but rarely seen below $70,000. You might find the 32 valve/quatrovalvole version just sneaking into the $60,000 range and with the latest 98 RON premium unleaded fuels, they will run better than they have in years.
2004 FPV BA MK II GT-P
Why? After giving the GT-P the six-speed manual gearbox it needed just over a year ago, naughty FPV have now just given its new BF range the styling it deserved and a six speed auto to die for. This is just too irresistible for the serious Ford enthusiast so there is a small but very desirable selection of near new examples reaching the market with a persuasive reduction over the $80,000 fully equipped pricetags they commanded just 12 months ago. Prices start at just over $60,000 for a near new example of the ultimate local Ford which leaves more than enough for an aftermarket dual exhaust system to match the latest model.
2004-05 HSV COUPE 4
Why? So the Coupe 4 didn't have the biggest firepower of all local Monaro versions but it was loaded with technology and had the wildest, most integrated styling package after a special section of Holden's production line was allocated to build it. There was only a handful of them and they were exclusive to Australia. This has to guarantee an extra level of desirability not just here but in other Monaro export markets which have yet to catch onto their exclusivity and importance. Now out of production and despite a $90,000 new price tag, you might find one in the high $60,000 range. For that money, you will bring home the most sophisticated muscle car ever built in Australia and there is not likely to be another.
1996-2000 JAGUAR XK8 COUPE
Why? Like all Jaguar coupes including the E-type as they approach their tenth birthday, the big impact wears off and they are taken for granted. The XK8 is an awesome car that raised the value and performance bar on its 1996 release but newer rivals have since captivated buyers at the Jaguar's expense. Our $60,000 budget drops us right in the middle of some tidy, relatively low mileage examples. The XK8 may not have the excitement of the E-type but it brings XJS practicality with a spacious cabin for big Aussies and looks, dynamics and performance that can still deliver a thrill.
2003-05 NISSAN 350Z ROADSTER
Why? It's one of the best modern roadsters with barely a hint of flab or excess bodywork which makes it one of the smallest and most agile of any modern roadster this side of a Lotus Elise. It is also unusually tight in the body with a reasonable boot and easy hood operation. It fits like a glove, so much so that if you are tall, your head will sit in the wind above the windscreen. The six has an old fashioned grunty feel and note yet there is nothing antiquated about the slick six speed manual version. The ride can be a little too firm under everyday use but this is a keeper and only on the market because its original owner wants the new one.
1989-94 PORSCHE 964 CARRERA 2 COUPE
Why? Not Porsche's best looking 911 with its combination of early style and plastic add-ons but it is the last of the true 911 models even if the cost cutters had already started with the knife. Its forceful 3.6lt engine restored performance to pre-unleaded levels which means it has enough grunt for some serious weekend work and it retains the rawness and immediacy of the earlier models. Not many sold in Australia which must help it in the future but right now it is languishing in middle age and has never been so affordable with prices starting just under $60,000. There are some big mechanical bills at this age so get it checked out carefully.
1999-2002 MERCEDES-BENZ E320/E430 FOUR-DOOR SEDAN
Why? Mercedes-Benz got the W210 series pretty well perfect after the November 1999 update. It's a case of choosing between the E320's V6 refinement and fuel economy or the E430's V8 grunt with a serious 205 kW at your disposal. The update added the Mercedes-Benz ESP to all E-class models as standard. I can still recall the outrageous track and skidpan situations that we were encouraged to set up only to have the car correct itself as if nothing had happened. The already elegant stand-alone styling was tidied-up and you can pick it by the pioneering repeater lights in the mirrors. There is no confusing it with any other Mercedes-Benz model and it had a blend of cabin comfort, practicality, size and presence not bettered since.