Help with car choice. I'm going round in circles!

[Smallend]

The time has come to get shot of my current steed (E46 330i Saloon Sport) as it is coming up to MOT time and simply needs too much spending on it to get it through the test. Plus it's now done 110k and things are starting to feel a bit loose and rattly.

I am AWFUL when it comes to deciding on what to buy. I have spent at least 20 hours in the last week scouring the PH classifieds and doing some creative searching on AT.

So, what would your recommendations be?

Here is my ticklist:

- Diesel
- Auto
- Saloon / Estate
- Must have lots of toys. i.e. SatNav as a minimum
- Leather / half leather
- Budget - up to £12k, maybe slightly more for something younger and with lower mileage
- Mileage - up to 80k (I tend to change cars after 18 - 24 mths, so this will get me to around the 100k mark)

So far, I've been thinking:
- E60 530d Sport
- E90 330d Sport
- Audi A6 3.0 TDi
- Audi A8 3.0 TDi (Not many nice ones around!)
- Various other wafty diesels

I haven't found anything that really makes me want to jump in the car and go and see it.
I'm in the Guildford area, so anything oop North is going to need to be special.

Help me before I end up being impulsive and buying something completely impractical!

(Oh, and does anyone fancy a 2001 E46 330i Sport that needs £1500 spending on it! )

[Complex]

An earlier Phaeton?

[Smallend]

Complex said:

An earlier Phaeton?

Not a bad shout, but still looking at £14k for a 55 plate if you want to keep the mileage down.
Also, they seem to all have horrible light grey leather interiors!

[FreeLitres]

What about the Jags?

XJ 2.7 http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2070203.htm
(I know slightly over budget, but others will be available)

S-Type http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2100862.htm

If you are looking for all the toys and a good mile muncher, the Jag is a nice place to be! (Especially the XJ!)

[Smallend]

musclecarmad said:

s320 cdi
730d se
a8 diesel

Thanks
S-class - at my budget, I'd be looking at something low-spec / older
730d - Good shout. I'll have a look
A8 diesel - I'd LOVE to find a decent one. That was top of my list, but there aren't many around, so now started poking around at A6 3.0 TDis.

[Smallend]

FreeLitres said:

What about the Jags?

XJ 2.7 http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2070203.htm
(I know slightly over budget, but others will be available)

S-Type http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2100862.htm

If you are looking for all the toys and a good mile muncher, the Jag is a nice place to be! (Especially the XJ!)

I really like the XJ. Not so much the S-Type as I just don't like the look of them.
I'll have a look around at XJs.

I've never had a Jag, so any advice on running costs etc.? I have a great local mechanic opposite my house who looks after our motors, but will anything in general to be aware of with the XJ?

[Shaw Tarse]

Smallend said:

FreeLitres said:

What about the Jags?

XJ 2.7 http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2070203.htm
(I know slightly over budget, but others will be available)

S-Type http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2100862.htm

If you are looking for all the toys and a good mile muncher, the Jag is a nice place to be! (Especially the XJ!)

I really like the XJ. Not so much the S-Type as I just don't like the look of them.
I'll have a look around at XJs.

I've never had a Jag, so any advice on running costs etc.? I have a great local mechanic opposite my house who looks after our motors, but will anything in general to be aware of with the XJ?

The S-Type is supposed to be good to drive, the look has grown on me.
The XJ is on my list of cars to own before I die.