6 grand to spend…

[Skylinecrazy]

Unfortunately due to the lease market going absolutely ballistic, I am looking to buy a daily driver for around the 6 grand mark.

Ideal car would be reliable and comfortable! Thought process so far has included Jaguar XFs and Audi A8s but I don’t know too much about either.

Thoughts?

[Jamescrs]

It depends on your appetite for risk and bork factor but id suggest either car has potential to throw a big bill at that price point.

If you want reliable I would be looking at something like a Vauxhall Insignia or Skoda Octavia but your post suggests you want something with a premium badge?

[Skylinecrazy]

Jamescrs said:

It depends on your appetite for risk and bork factor but id suggest either car has potential to throw a big bill at that price point.

If you want reliable I would be looking at something like a Vauxhall Insignia or Skoda Octavia but your post suggests you want something with a premium badge?

Not necessarily actually. I’d just like some creature comforts like cruise, leather, heated seats etc which those two happen to offer.

I’ve looked at a few 320Ds, but most don’t seem to have many options!

[ZX10R NIN]

If you want a nice smart daily there are some good options if the badge isn't a factor.

Insignia Elite Nav very good cars & for your budget they really are the pick:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202212...

SRI Nav

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202162...

Last of the line Laguna3 these are great options at this price point you'll get a very low mileage one for your budget:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112220...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201261...

DS5 D Style 160

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202272...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111089...

Kia Optima 2:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202172...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202092...

Volvo S60 D5 R Design

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202273...

508 GT 200:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202152...

If it has to have a badge then a last of the line Grand Edition CLS350cdi woulld be my pick:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202232...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202182...

[Skylinecrazy]

Never thought you could get an S60 for so cheap! Added to the list thanks, alongside the Insignia.

[ZX10R NIN]

Skylinecrazy said:

Not necessarily actually. I’d just like some creature comforts like cruise, leather, heated seats etc which those two happen to offer.

I’ve looked at a few 320Ds, but most don’t seem to have many options!

The Insignia will have everything you've listed as well as DAB/Bluetooth Streaming/Nav etc.

BiTurbo:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202102...

[RoVoFob]

Skylinecrazy said:

Unfortunately due to the lease market going absolutely ballistic, I am looking to buy a daily driver for around the 6 grand mark.

Ideal car would be reliable and comfortable! Thought process so far has included Jaguar XFs and Audi A8s but I don’t know too much about either.

Thoughts?

I’m finding that with cheaper, older cars reliability is more down to how they’ve been looked after than which car is more reliable on paper. Find a car that appeals and is in good condition with evidence that it’s been regularly serviced and well looked after and there’s every chance it should serve you well.

I have a 2006 Audi A6 Avant 4.2, which on paper isn’t the most reliable car, but has been excellent for the four months I’ve had it. Was within your budget, too. Comfy, well equipped and luxurious. I don’t know how much of a step up the A8 is, but I’ve been impressed with the quality and refinement of the A6.

Your list of requirements isn’t particularly demanding, though, so there are more affordable (age/mileage-wise) alternatives, like the ones ZX10 listed. All depends whether you want something that feels very luxurious like an A8 or if you’d rather a newer/simpler car that could prove more reliable…

[Chnge36]

If it was my money personally I’d go for a late e46 330d/330i and use £500 for a decent touch screen dab radio, won’t have all of the mod cons but would be reliable and engaging enough and could buy quite a decent one with that budget

[georgeyboy12345]

Avoid Audi A8's like the plague at this price point. Both the 3.0 diesels and 4.2 petrols have the potential for enormous bills.

With the XF, avoid the 2.7 diesels, go for the 3.0's, like this
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201271...


Other ideas

Lexus GS450h
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202222...


Vauxhall Insignia 2.0i Turbo Elite
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202082...


Mercedes E320 CDI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202082...

[RoVoFob]

georgeyboy12345 said:

Avoid Audi A8's like the plague at this price point. Both the 3.0 diesels and 4.2 petrols have the potential for enormous bills.

If you’re referring to cam chain issues with the 4.2, as I understand it regular oil servicing drastically reduces the likelihood of any issues. My A6 with the same engine - which I bought within the OP’s budget - is running perfectly, which I put down to very regular oil services, and is a lovely machine all-round.

Completely different class of car to most of the others mentioned and while bad ones could prove ruinous, good ones shouldn’t…

[Mr Tidy]

Skylinecrazy said:

Not necessarily actually. I’d just like some creature comforts like cruise, leather, heated seats etc which those two happen to offer.

I’ve looked at a few 320Ds, but most don’t seem to have many options!

Well 320Ds were towards the bottom end of the range and often had limited spec, possibly because of Company Car budget constraints.

I bought an 06 plate E91 325i in 2018 with cruise and heated leather for half your budget!

But it didn't feel that exciting so in 2019 I replaced it with a 55 plate E90 330i that had leather as standard and cruise.

It cost a few hundred more and I lost the heated seat option, but gained Bi-Xenons, an electric glass sunroof, power-fold mirrors and a DAB tuner.

Option boxes are usually more often ticked by first owners nearer the top of the range.

[eleveneleven]

Reliable and comfortable with plenty of toys? it has to be Lexus!

I'd be taking a good hard look at that GS450h posted above. An IS250 or a GS300 would also be great choices at this price point.