Reliable Estate/barge 4-7k

[Hogg-mc580]

Hello all,
Starting a new job that’s going to involve a commute of 60ish miles a day. Would quite like something automatic, comfortable and most of all reasonably reliable(starting as a firefighter so this ranks top haha). I currently have a L322 4.4 so this is out of the question as it usually breaks about once a week 😂. Ideally estate but could be a saloon.
My current options or either sensible (mondeo/insignia/Octavia).
Less sensible
(E class/ 5 series/ A4)
I’m just wondering if the German cars are actually going to give me more trouble than the sensible options or if I’m just overthinking it. I’m also wondering about mileage. There is a few Mondeos that are close to 12 years old with 50,000 miles. Is this better than an e class with full history but 100,000. Any help or advice greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[ZX10R NIN]

Something with 100k on the clock is more likely to need a bit more spending on it than something with less (even if it's faultless the suspension will need refreshing:

If you're not a badge snob then there's the Infiniti M 30d (it's also ULEZ?CAZ compliant) they have great spec (air cooled seats etc) & are reliable with sensible running costs along with sensible miles to start with:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105132...

You can get a sensible mileage E350 for your budget:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107054...

E320 cdi Sport:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107124...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106304...

Volvo S60 D5 R Design

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107195...

Out of the mainstream options the Insignia in Elite Nav is the pick:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105162...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107145...

For me the Infiniti & Mercedes are the pick.

[Hogg-mc580]

That’s great thank you. I really like the look of the E class. Is there any horror stories regarding them or are they seen as generally reliable. I understand regular maintenance etc if just rather not have something that has known engine failure for example haha.
I’ve never looked at the Infiniti before I really like the look of them!
I guess the insignia is the safe bet I used to have a new one as a company car back in 2014. They are just a little bland compared to the E class.
The earlier models of the e class are nice aswell and at that price point I would get lower mileage so something to consider! Thanks again!

[V6Nelo]

ZX10R NIN said:

Something with 100k on the clock is more likely to need a bit more spending on it than something with less (even if it's faultless the suspension will need refreshing:

If you're not a badge snob then there's the Infiniti M 30d (it's also ULEZ?CAZ compliant) they have great spec (air cooled seats etc) & are reliable with sensible running costs along with sensible miles to start with:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105132...
.

Wow, is that because it's an import, how did a 2019 diesel get an Euro 6 rating, maybe if was designed against a preview of the standard.

Although I thought it was a Mercedes engine, you'd think the Mercedes of that era would also be ULEZ/CAZ compliant too then.

I noticed no BMW 5 series where mentioned, I was looking a them but until 2014 they used the N47 engine which I've read is something to stay clear of used. Also hardly have the folding rear seats.

Does the Infinity have split folding rear seats?

[ajguk]

V6Nelo said:

Does the Infinity have split folding rear seats?

Chiming in here because I've recently been looking at M35h's - these don't have folding rear seats but perhaps because this model is the hybrid.

[V6Nelo]

ajguk said:

Chiming in here because I've recently been looking at M35h's - these don't have folding rear seats but perhaps because this model is the hybrid.

Noticed the hybrid has a smaller boot, guessing some battery or motor tech behind the rear seats.

Looking at online specs the folding seats are either year dependant or just not mentioned in early spec lists.

[ZX10R NIN]

V6Nelo said:

Wow, is that because it's an import, how did a 2019 diesel get an Euro 6 rating, maybe if was designed against a preview of the standard.

Although I thought it was a Mercedes engine, you'd think the Mercedes of that era would also be ULEZ/CAZ compliant too then.

I noticed no BMW 5 series where mentioned, I was looking a them but until 2014 they used the N47 engine which I've read is something to stay clear of used. Also hardly have the folding rear seats.

Does the Infinity have split folding rear seats?

Infiniti 3.0d is a Nissan unit & the Infiniti M30d's were officially sold in the UK, so none are imports all 3.0d's Nissan units are ULEZ/CAZ compliant the smaller 2.1d's (or 2.2d's as they're badged) are Mercedes units.

The don't have folding rear seats but they do have a pass through Ski Hatch..

The M35h doesn't have the hatch.