3000cc Dilemma
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3000cc Dilemma
I’ve recently moved back to Istanbul after years in Canada and the UK, and I’m shocked at how overpriced cars are here—$75K USD for a 2024 BMW 3.20 with a 1.6L engine (base model) is insane. I’m looking for a car that handles well in city traffic, rain, and snow, with real interior quality and at least 3000cc and 250+ hp. I usually drive at 180–200 km/h on highways, so performance matters. I can’t justify paying over $70K for anything that isn’t an M or AMG car or anything under 3000cc. Even a 2016 BMW 340i with 170K km is listed at $76K. M5s here cost between $250k- $550k USD, which is just absurd. Also, no financing what-so ever
One option I’m considering is a 2013 Mercedes GL 350 AMG priced at $68K USD, with 308K km but a new engine installed last year (so essentially 30K km). Engine swaps are common here due to high prices. I have reliable mechanics and cheaper OEM parts access, so maintenance cost isn’t a big concern. I’ve read the electronics and suspension can be problematic, but otherwise, is this a solid, enjoyable long-term daily driver? I’ve only driven a 2021 E220 briefly and would appreciate insights from those with experience.
Im NOT driving a $30k 1000 cc clio without a backup camera. So im open to any other car suggestions.
another option is 2016 Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 V6 TDI Premium. 109k km. About $72k
One option I’m considering is a 2013 Mercedes GL 350 AMG priced at $68K USD, with 308K km but a new engine installed last year (so essentially 30K km). Engine swaps are common here due to high prices. I have reliable mechanics and cheaper OEM parts access, so maintenance cost isn’t a big concern. I’ve read the electronics and suspension can be problematic, but otherwise, is this a solid, enjoyable long-term daily driver? I’ve only driven a 2021 E220 briefly and would appreciate insights from those with experience.
Im NOT driving a $30k 1000 cc clio without a backup camera. So im open to any other car suggestions.
another option is 2016 Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 V6 TDI Premium. 109k km. About $72k
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Joined: Apr 2025
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gl 550 x166
68k USD for a 2013 GL? Lol. I live in Bulgaria. I bought off Copart a GL 550 / 138 000km / 2015 for 10200 USD. Got it shipped to BG + all taxes, etc for about 18 000 euro including repairs to the damaged rear bumper and European back lights installed.
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Joined: Dec 2019
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I’ve recently moved back to Istanbul after years in Canada and the UK, and I’m shocked at how overpriced cars are here—$75K USD for a 2024 BMW 3.20 with a 1.6L engine (base model) is insane. I’m looking for a car that handles well in city traffic, rain, and snow, with real interior quality and at least 3000cc and 250+ hp. I usually drive at 180–200 km/h on highways, so performance matters. I can’t justify paying over $70K for anything that isn’t an M or AMG car or anything under 3000cc. Even a 2016 BMW 340i with 170K km is listed at $76K. M5s here cost between $250k- $550k USD, which is just absurd. Also, no financing what-so ever
One option I’m considering is a 2013 Mercedes GL 350 AMG priced at $68K USD, with 308K km but a new engine installed last year (so essentially 30K km). Engine swaps are common here due to high prices. I have reliable mechanics and cheaper OEM parts access, so maintenance cost isn’t a big concern. I’ve read the electronics and suspension can be problematic, but otherwise, is this a solid, enjoyable long-term daily driver? I’ve only driven a 2021 E220 briefly and would appreciate insights from those with experience.
Im NOT driving a $30k 1000 cc clio without a backup camera. So im open to any other car suggestions.
another option is 2016 Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 V6 TDI Premium. 109k km. About $72k
One option I’m considering is a 2013 Mercedes GL 350 AMG priced at $68K USD, with 308K km but a new engine installed last year (so essentially 30K km). Engine swaps are common here due to high prices. I have reliable mechanics and cheaper OEM parts access, so maintenance cost isn’t a big concern. I’ve read the electronics and suspension can be problematic, but otherwise, is this a solid, enjoyable long-term daily driver? I’ve only driven a 2021 E220 briefly and would appreciate insights from those with experience.
Im NOT driving a $30k 1000 cc clio without a backup camera. So im open to any other car suggestions.
another option is 2016 Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 V6 TDI Premium. 109k km. About $72k
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whatever you import is slapped with a 300% engine tax. With yearly payments about 3-5k.
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