Want to buy a used car.

[indianabones]

Currently driving a Honda Accord 2005 ctdi which I plan on giving to my younger brother. Before I do want to buy something for myself which is an upgrade.

I've narrowed it down to the following diesels. 2011 BMW 520d, 2012 Volvo S80 D3 and 2011 Merc E220 CDI. Not interested in an Audi as my brothers have 1 each.

If I go for something with around 100k mileage, I can get a decent car I reckon for probably £7-10k. £10k is the absolute tip of my budget, can't go a penny higher.

I want something that is very reliable and comfortable as I do a lot of motorway miles. So I've come here hoping you guys can help me decided one way or another. Which of the 3 models listed above should I go for?

[Silenoz]

Given that you have said you do a lot of motorway driving and comfort is a priority, I'd choose the Volvo out of that list, followed by the Mercedes.

[Trevor555]

Before you go spending 10k on a high miler go and have a drive of a Skoda Fabia 1.2 cc petrol estate, 2015 model onwards.

Good for comfortable motorway driving, good modern tech, £20 road tax, mid 40's Mpg.

You mentioned reliability, you'd get a Fabia done less than 20,000 miles rather than a diesel done 100k.

Only a thought, some people wouldn't be seen dead diving a Skoda.

[indianabones]

Trevor555 said:

Before you go spending 10k on a high miler go and have a drive of a Skoda Fabia 1.2 cc petrol estate, 2015 model onwards.

Good for comfortable motorway driving, good modern tech, £20 road tax, mid 40's Mpg.

You mentioned reliability, you'd get a Fabia done less than 20,000 miles rather than a diesel done 100k.

A couple of my mates have Skodas and they are older, they love them. But unfortunately I just don't like the styling. They look so meh, I get the same feeling that I used to get with my dad's old Vauxhall Cavalier.

I don't want to spend 10k, but that's my limit. Looking at prices on Autotrader for the S80, 5 series and E class, I think I can get something for around 8500, perhaps even 8000 with some haggling.

[steve-5snwi]

Spend 5k on the car and then have the other 5k as the repair fund for a 100k diesel. Personally i'd spend it on a newer
mondeo with a lot less mileage.

[DuraAce]

indianabones said:

A couple of my mates have Skodas and they are older, they love them. But unfortunately I just don't like the styling. They look so meh, I get the same feeling that I used to get with my dad's old Vauxhall Cavalier.

I don't want to spend 10k, but that's my limit. Looking at prices on Autotrader for the S80, 5 series and E class, I think I can get something for around 8500, perhaps even 8000 with some haggling.

It's folly to spend your entire budget on a big mile 5 series/E class IMHO. They have potential to throw some big bills. They've still got 40k car running costs!
I would look at a slightly cheaper car, with a few quid in reserve to keep you going.
Mondeo is a great shout if you won't go skoda.

[ZX10R NIN]

If it was me then I'd be buying a low mileage Mondeo 2.2 Titanium X Sport, the spec is superb (heated & Air Cooled seats etc) they're the best FWD steer & of course having 200bhp isn't to be sniffed at.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

If you're going to go for a German car then go for the 3.0 especially if you're considering a BMW or alternatively take a look at the Jag XF:

S Premium Luxury

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Or go for a full fat non S version in Portfolio form.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Mercedes E350 Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[indianabones]

I appreciate the replies and suggestions, but the Mondeo is out of the question. Don't like the look, so as cost effective as it is, not going to go for it. I have thought about the Mazda6 but the flappy plastic thing on the drive side dashboard had put me off.

Based on what I've read I think I'm going to try for a solid S80 and if I can't get a good price, I'll be going German.

[Pistonheader101]

530d will lap up the miles no problem

[tickedon]

indianabones said:

I appreciate the replies and suggestions, but the Mondeo is out of the question. Don't like the look, so as cost effective as it is, not going to go for it. I have thought about the Mazda6 but the flappy plastic thing on the drive side dashboard had put me off.

Based on what I've read I think I'm going to try for a solid S80 and if I can't get a good price, I'll be going German.

What about the new model Mondeo? There are some 2015 ones that will just squeeze into your budget, and have the bonus of some manufacturer warranty remaining: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Having owned a 2013 Volvo S60 D3, it's a lovely engine and laps up motorway miles. But Volvo parts are not exactly cheap - so you'll want a good independent on hand if you aren't planning on getting handy with some tools yourself.

[Driving Miss Daisy]

From those three I'd pick the BMW personally. Have one myself and I love it but it makes sense to look at an Audi thought. They're great cars even if your bro does have one....

What not go A4 or 3 series? You get a lot more bang for your buck.