Practical'ish for £5k

[mhocking]

Thanks to the advice of this forum, I've had 12 months of happy motoring in my RX400h but that has gone off to a new home so I'm in the market for something until the company car turns up later this year. Prefer something that handles a bit better than the Lexus (shouldn't be too hard) and I like estates although I don't really need the space - 95% of the time it's only me in it. No dogs or kids to cart about.

Trying to convince myself I don't need a MB E350CDI or a 320CDI for that matter but I just like their interiors. I'm not taken at all with a 3 series interior although like the Touring shape. A4's do nothing for me either. Quite like the Legacy/Outback but worry the diesel is a bit underpowered and 3.0 too happy to visit the pumps.

Can be diesel or petrol & auto preferred but not essential. I seem drawn to the Volvo XC70 (don't need AWD) and even Freelanders - am I mad?

Happy to have something with higher miles as I only do about 8k pa have I overlooked something in my desperate trawl through AT, Ebay & FB?

Based in Devon but happy to travel widely for the right car.

TIA

Mark

[ZX10R NIN]

E280/320cdi will be the pick:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303185...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210241...

[mhocking]

Thanks, the E320CDI looks like great value but also seemingly a bit of lottery in terms of big bills (eg suspension) but probably worth a risk.

[SWoll]

F11 5 series touring would be my choice. Nicer inside than a 3 series, nicer to drive than the E-Class.

[mhocking]

Well I've found an E350CDI, 2010 on 147k for £5k. Looks to have a reasonable history, MB and latterly a local indy. The rear subframe was replaced under warranty last year, recent rear airbag suspension replacement etc. Its green which I personally like & in advantgarde spec which I also prefer.

Am I mad to consider it or should I just swallow a brave pill?