Saloon - £7-8k…

[vanman1936]

One for my mum….a young 70 year old….her wish list

Saloon - think 3-5 series size
Economical
Bit of poke
2012 onwards
Diesel ok (outside ULEZ)
Reliable
Mid to premium brand (BMW/Merc/Jag/Lexus)

My immediate thought was an XF 3.0 diesel, seem to be well regarded and good value.

Bit of budget creep ok.

Thoughts appreciated

[Ifinishposts]

Find the right 530d with some nice factory extras, best diesel engine ever made, best auto box ever made.

But I am biased.

[vanman1936]

Love a 530d, but ideally seeking under 60-70k and they are out of budget at that miles.

[ZX10R NIN]

3.0d XF Portfolio, these are a great car & although I'd normally go for the E Class I don't think you'll get one with the right spec for your requirements,

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403077...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401185...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403177...

E350d Sport:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405089...

2.1d Infiniti Q50 Sport:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?advertisin...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305277...

SE:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307239...

3.0d Infiniti M, these are ULEZ compliant.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402196...

[vanman1936]

ZX10R NIN said:

3.0d XF Portfolio, these are a great car & although I'd normally go for the E Class I don't think you'll get one with the right spec for your requirements,

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403077...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401185...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403177...

E350d Sport:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405089...

2.1d Infiniti Q50 Sport:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?advertisin...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305277...

SE:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307239...

3.0d Infiniti M, these are ULEZ compliant.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402196...

Thanks, that E350d looks great….reliable?

[smallpaul]

It's not a "luxury car" but... Low mileage (23k) jetta

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403077...

Every man and their dog can service and repair them

vanman1936 said:

Thanks, that E350d looks great….reliable?

My folks have 2 matching ones. They're always very reliable but very costly when something does go wrong. That particular one has been sat for quite a while unsold

Edited by smallpaul on Friday 17th May 09:11

[SWoll]

I'd probably avoid the 5/E/XF size cars and take a step down based on who it's for TBH. Something like a Lexus IS, Jaguar XE, 3 series, C-Class will be a lot easier to maneuver in car parks etc and I'd imagine 180-200hp would be enough poke?

[roadie]

My father at that age went from a low-slung saloon to something that sits a bit higher to make it easier to get in and out of! Might be something to consider for your mum.

He drove a lot of cars and particularly liked the Audi Q3 and BMW 2 series active tourer. He ended up a 225i x drive, which although not a typical BMW like my E92 335i, is an excellent car.

[ZX10R NIN]

vanman1936 said:

Thanks, that E350d looks great….reliable?

Yes they're reliable.

[vanman1936]

Well she has her racing licence and is still somewhat sprightly so a sporty saloon is what she wants.

[Jag_NE]

If I was in her shoes I’d head out and test drive a few saloons that are in budget, and select the one that I liked the most.

[Shabaza]

Personally, I think a diesel at that age is typically quite troublesome.

If the boot size isnt of huge concern, I'd say a Lexus GS450h
Other variants have a bigger boot, but not as pokey or may be overkill (petrol V8)

[ZX10R NIN]

Not anywhere near true like all things it depends on the vehicle, anything can be troublesome.

[Shabaza]

ZX10R NIN said:

Not anywhere near true like all things it depends on the vehicle, anything can be troublesome.

Youre telling me Turbos, EGRs, DPFs that are on a 10+ year old diesel are not a consideration?
some of them are wear and tear parts coming to the end of their lifespan, regardless of mileage.

I'm not saying petrol is immune, but far less to worry about.

I'd be less inlcined to say this about euro 4 diesels mind

[vanman1936]

What is better / more reliable about Euro 4 diesels?

[ZX10R NIN]

Shabaza said:

Youre telling me Turbos, EGRs, DPFs that are on a 10+ year old diesel are not a consideration?
some of them are wear and tear parts coming to the end of their lifespan, regardless of mileage.

I'm not saying petrol is immune, but far less to worry about.

I'd be less inlcined to say this about euro 4 diesels mind

Not if your usage suits (turbos are just as much of a potential issue on both fuels) then no it's not an issue BUT on an older car I always advise doing an oil change every 10k/per year as well as getting the gearbox fluid changed.

Servicing is the big thing on all cars especially anything with a turbo attached to the engine.

[Shabaza]

vanman1936 said:

What is better / more reliable about Euro 4 diesels?

Typically didnt come with DPF and subsequent issues.

To give you an example, I had a jaguar XF 3.0 diesel. although I did the mileage the DPF was continually a source of headache.
A small leak in the manifold (really was small) was enough for sensors to tell the DPF not to regen.

I know the above saying petrols have turbos going etc, but there is far less petrol engines of that era with forced induction of some form

[otolith]

vanman1936 said:

Thanks, that E350d looks great….reliable?

Not in my experience of owning a couple, no.

[georgeyboy12345]

Sensible options, i.e. not old 3 litre diesels

BMW 320i
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403197...


Mercedes C200 SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404188...


Stretch the budget a bit and get this Alfa Romeo Giulia
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405049...