E39 Replacement

[iftixvii]

Our E39 has pretty much died at a nice 240k miles, fuel pump problem but it’s going to be costly. Looking for a car to replace it

Requirements are
Under £4000
Diesel (petrol if fuel economy is decent)
4 doors
Needs a decent amount of torque as motorway is going to be its main home
Not too big
Fairly new, preferably above 2007
Nothing too expensive to run

At the moment we’ve been looking at
E46 320/330d
Not many on the market and they’re high mileage too but BMW is BMW, can’t beat the quality

On the complete opposite end of the spectrum there’s some really nice Alfa Romeo Giulietta’s for about £3500. They’re very cheap to tax and are very good looking, fuel economy and performance are good too but not so sure what reliability is like

Jaguar X-types seem decent but interior seems dated from photos I've seen

Any other suggestions or help?

Cars that have been suggested but declined by my dad (the owner)
VW Passat TDI

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say the Mondeo ticks pretty most of your boxes, it may not be a BMW but they're reliable loaded with kit & a decent steer:

Titanium X Sport

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

2.2d Titanium X

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

3.0d Vectra Elite

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

Volvo S80

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

S60

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

Alfa 147 1.9d

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

Giulietta 2.0d

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

[healeyneil]

Lexus of some flavour ? They seem to be very well screwed together and have all the toys.
Never been in one myself mind you

[ericmcn]

healeyneil said:

Lexus of some flavour ? They seem to be very well screwed together and have all the toys.
Never been in one myself mind you

Lexus diesels are terrible, there is a reason they dont make them anymore.

If the OP wants a petrol by all accounts buy a Lexus.

[iftixvii]

ZX10R NIN said:

I'd say the Mondeo ticks pretty most of your boxes, it may not be a BMW but they're reliable loaded with kit & a decent steer:

Although the Mondeo fits the requirements pretty well, my dad isn't a big fan of them, same goes for the volvos too, finds them too boring. The Alfas are quite interesting however, just not so sure on the reliability front. Thanks for the suggestions anyways!

[iftixvii]

j532 said:

I would stick with BMW, see if you can find another E39 as they seem to be on the rise for a sorted one.

My E46 330d Manual is brilliant, does everything very well. I would recommend these also, get a 6 cylinder as they are less problematic than the 4 cylinder models. Find a well maintained with paperwork, keep an eye on rust on the arches mind.

Yeah the E39 prices seem to be soaring! Bought our 525d for pretty much half of what they sell for now. E46 would be ideal, struggling to find any that are in decent condition however and the tax prices are high. But definitely a decent replacement. Thanks for the help!

[iftixvii]

healeyneil said:

Lexus of some flavour ? They seem to be very well screwed together and have all the toys.
Never been in one myself mind you

Yeah I've heard that Lexus's have very decent equipment and are comfortable. Will look into those thanks!

[iftixvii]

ericmcn said:

Lexus diesels are terrible, there is a reason they dont make them anymore.

If the OP wants a petrol by all accounts buy a Lexus.

Wasn't aware of this, seen some diesels very cheap that must be why. I'll take a look at some petrol models however!

[RSTurboPaul]

What's the quote you've received to fix the fuel pump?

Surely it would be cheaper to replace that than buy a whole new (unknown quantity) car?

[ericmcn]

Lexus are awesome cars, its good to deviate from the normal and not buy a German marque.

Make sure its not a diesel however.