Which executive saloon 16-18k?

[manmaths]

I'm looking to change my car soon. I have always preferred a d-segment larger saloon. My wife drives a Tucson and we have 3 kids, so I could get away with something smaller if I wanted, but I'm aiming for something 5-series sized or the like. Although I'm open to something smaller if it could still fit the 3 kids in the back (10,8 and 3) and take a tow bar. I've spent the last 5 years in a 1.4t insignia and would like something with a bit more poke.

I live on the east coast of NI so I'm searching within that market. I've bought on the mainland a few times (lived in Glasgow for 4 years) but I'm not keen on a flight and boat trip back with no guarantee I'd want the car when I view it.

520d £16995
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110128...

E220 £16995
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110198...

XF £16699
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109247...

Mazda 6 estate £16950
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110017...


Heart over head I'd actually pick something like this:

Megane 275 Cup
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110128...

But I need to fit a towbar for my 6x4 trailer (takes green waste to the dump and bikes to the trails) and the centre exit exhaust would not allow that.

I also noticed this which could be (albeit not as much) fun. Also a 5 door and could fit a tow bar:

Megane 1.6TCE GT
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108176...


Any general feedback on the above in terms of reliability / ownership etc?

[flying-banana]

Does a 4 series GC work for you?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2021100581...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2021090871...

From your selection, I think the Mazda6 is a very good car, but probably won't feel quite as 'premium' as the BMW/Jaguar/Merc...the trouble with going 'premium' now is that you may not want to 'go back' next time!

Personally I like the XF, I think the ride/handling combo is spot on, the ride on an M sport 5 is a little firm, the E a little soft; the 5 probably has the nicest engine though

Edit : Skoda Superb...?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2021102086...

Edited by flying-banana on Sunday 24th October 09:49

Edited by flying-banana on Sunday 24th October 09:58

[manmaths]

flying-banana said:

Does a 4 series GC work for you?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2021100581...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2021090871...

From your selection, I think the Mazda6 is a very good car, but probably won't feel quite as 'premium' as the BMW/Jaguar/Merc...the trouble with going 'premium' now is that you may not want to 'go back' next time!

Personally I like the XF, I think the ride/handling combo is spot on, the ride on an M sport 5 is a little firm, the E a little soft; the 5 probably has the nicest engine though

Edit : Skoda Superb...?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2021102086...

Edited by flying-banana on Sunday 24th October 09:49

Edited by flying-banana on Sunday 24th October 09:58

I think the 4 series may be a little tight in the back for the kids - otherwise I do like it. And there's plenty of choice with the 3 series locally. It would take me to view one and see.

Yes the superb is a good shout - that one looks well on those alloys. VW and Skoda seem to hold their values well over here. On paper the superb makes a good case and the alcantara interior of that one makes the E220 look a bit pipe and slippers.

Interesting you mention the ride - I would much prefer to be on the softer side. I've heard good things about the XF but never driven one. I've driven a couple of BMW diesels before and know what to expect with that engine dynamics wise. Not sure about the E220 but I think if serviced regularly these are capable of good mileage.

[ZX10R NIN]

The E Class & XF are the picks I think the E Class just edges having more space & being generally a smidge better in most place but the XF rides better.

Personally I'd look to the buying from a main dealer dealer will see you right & you can get the car transported to your door for around £500.

You'll be able to bag some very nice examples of the cars you've listed above:

Infiniti Q70 Sport Tech (the same drivetrain as the E220cdi) 170 loaded with kit (BiXenons Adaptive Cruise Sunroof Heated/Air Cooled Seats etc) & cracking value especially with car prices as they are, plus you get a years warranty which is still valid in NI.

Get it inspected AA/RAC & get it shipped you should be able to haggle the shipping cost off of the price.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110218...

Same age as the above but no warranty & more miles but a fair bit cheaper but may mean you'd have to come over.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110078...

220d AMG Night Edition in Glasgow

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108126...

XF Sport closer to home

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108316...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110058...

AWD Mondeo Vignale 180 again like the others from main dealers you'll get a years warranty have it inspected & shipped to you, as a car they're great (I have a 210 as my daily) car.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109237...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110078...

Nice Portfolio at a main dealers:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110118...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109307...

[georgeyboy12345]

Out of the cars you listed, I'd go for the E220d

What about this

Audi A6 2.0 TDI Ultra
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109187...


Or for a bit more oomph, what about one of these?

Mercedes C250d
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109247...


VW Passat GT TDI 4Motion DSG
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107285...


Or - stretch the budget a bit and get some 6 cylinder BMW power with this 530d
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109287...

[manmaths]

ZX10R NIN said:

The E Class & XF are the picks I think the E Class just edges having more space & being generally a smidge better in most place but the XF rides better.

Personally I'd look to the buying from a main dealer dealer will see you right & you can get the car transported to your door for around £500.

You'll be able to bag some very nice examples of the cars you've listed above:

Infiniti Q70 Sport Tech (the same drivetrain as the E220cdi) 170 loaded with kit (BiXenons Adaptive Cruise Sunroof Heated/Air Cooled Seats etc) & cracking value especially with car prices as they are, plus you get a years warranty which is still valid in NI.

Get it inspected AA/RAC & get it shipped you should be able to haggle the shipping cost off of the price.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110218...

Same age as the above but no warranty & more miles but a fair bit cheaper but may mean you'd have to come over.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110078...

220d AMG Night Edition in Glasgow

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108126...

XF Sport closer to home

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108316...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110058...

AWD Mondeo Vignale 180 again like the others from main dealers you'll get a years warranty have it inspected & shipped to you, as a car they're great (I have a 210 as my daily) car.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109237...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110078...

Nice Portfolio at a main dealers:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110118...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109307...

Cheers!

Some good picks in there! Infinity is a brand I hadn't thought of and the Q70 looks like good value. One to consider.

That E class is nice also. Colour and wheel combo really makes a difference! My wife hates white cars. Not sure if that makes me want a white car more or less.

The XF portfolio looks well. The one I linked was black on black (black alloys maybe a step too far), but the contrast in the one you linked is nice. Looks classy.

Those vignales are like hen's teeth over here. I think I've only ever seen one on the roads. Definitely one to consider and research also.

Yes I suppose if I found the right car and spec anywhere in the UK I could get it delivered its just the trust required in the accuracy of the dealer description and prep/servicing etc. If £500 was the ballpark figure it would cost me similar for a 1 way flight and boat home from Cairnryan to Belfast. I wouldn't rule it out.

[Pica-Pica]

Kids 10, 8, and 3 will be much bigger in 2 years. Either work on the basis of not considering the kids, or changing cars in 2 years or less. Also kids of that age change their pastimes/interests frequently. A cricket bag and gear take a lot of space, as does a double bass/‘cello.

[manmaths]

georgeyboy12345 said:

Out of the cars you listed, I'd go for the E220d

What about this

Audi A6 2.0 TDI Ultra
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109187...


Or for a bit more oomph, what about one of these?

Mercedes C250d
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109247...


VW Passat GT TDI 4Motion DSG
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107285...


Or - stretch the budget a bit and get some 6 cylinder BMW power with this 530d
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109287...

Looks like the E220 is popular. I haven't really been looking at Audi. Not sure why - just not drawn to them. My dad had that shape of A6 but the biturbo diesel version which shifted very well. Audi are very popular around here (as is VAG generally).
I notice a lot of dealers doing this 'pictured alloys are an optional extra' thing. The fitment of those alloys on the A6 doesn't look 100% right to my eye I'd probably take it on its originals.

Yes I had spotted that 530d actually! It looks nice. Coming from a 1.4t petrol with 136bhp even a 520 would seem like considerably more shove. For 10 year old designs I think the 5, xf and e class all still look good but they need the right spec. Eg the msport trim on the 5 really helps. The e class needs the right wheel/colour combo as does the XF.

C250 looks lovely - it's just the kids in the back bit I'd need to check. I've one still in a car seat and the other 2 aren't getting any smaller. E class would probably be a better prospect if I was keeping for 4 years or so.

[ZX10R NIN]

manmaths said:

Cheers!

Some good picks in there! Infinity is a brand I hadn't thought of and the Q70 looks like good value. One to consider.

That E class is nice also. Colour and wheel combo really makes a difference! My wife hates white cars. Not sure if that makes me want a white car more or less.

The XF portfolio looks well. The one I linked was black on black (black alloys maybe a step too far), but the contrast in the one you linked is nice. Looks classy.

Those vignales are like hen's teeth over here. I think I've only ever seen one on the roads. Definitely one to consider and research also.

Yes I suppose if I found the right car and spec anywhere in the UK I could get it delivered its just the trust required in the accuracy of the dealer description and prep/servicing etc. If £500 was the ballpark figure it would cost me similar for a 1 way flight and boat home from Cairnryan to Belfast. I wouldn't rule it out.

Depending on where you the car is you could always go to Birkenhead but it's a longer crossing.

The fact the OH hate's a colour will ALWAYS make you want to choose it more

Call the Jag dealership & ask for some photo's of the Infiniti, although I'd get an Inspection done on the one at Peterborough as it's great value.

Personally I think the Portfolio's look better than the R Sports.

[markymark34]

I'm NI too. Such a lack of cars over here. I've done the fly over and drive back quite a few times. Liverpool and up is a gift. Nice road back to Scotland. Obviously you can do the overnight from Liverpool was well but it tends to be expensive and takes longer.

My biggest issue is dealers misrepresenting their cars. Fly over and discover it's not as 'immaculate' as it seems. £400 roughly is what it will cost. My advice is say if it isn't as described will they pay for your return without the car? the response will give you a good indication of the car and dealer.
I picked up a Citroen from Manchester and the dealer said he would personally drive me to the airport if I wasn't happy.

I also had an independent BMW garage say no they wouldn't. So I didn't bother going!

The E class looks nice. What are the Mercs like on servicing? BMW's seem to be pretty expensive even through an independent garage.

[ZX10R NIN]

Prices are pretty sensible if you use an Indy, parts prices are sensible too.

[ahenners]

F10 is a good shout but feels like 18k should be enough for a 530d rather than 520d. Get one with the proper professional nav rather than the naff business nav.

[Super Sonic]

One of my favourite car adverts was the one where you see the car driving along a road and Joanna Lumley saying "If your business partner is surprised at your choice of luxury, executive, saloon..."
tldr Lexus. Or even more left field and a lot rarer, Honda Legend. (Honda zoku)

[snowandrocks]

How long are you planning on keeping it and to what mileage?

I'm loosely involved in an executive private hire business that has run quite a variety of cars over the years. Most cars are run to 5 years old and 200k miles.

General experiences.
E-class - generally reliable and hard wearing until well over 100k miles but expensive to fix when it does start going wrong.

5 series - more niggly issues than the e-class and even more expensive to fix when things go wrong.

A6 - mechanically quite strong especially 6 cylinder diesels but occasional niggly faults. Probably equal to BMW in terms of repair costs.

Lexus GS - nothing really goes wrong at all. Hybrid system reduces running costs and maintenance.

Tesla - it's only done 20k miles so far but not looking especially promising!

If I was buying something like this as a personal car, it would be a Gs450h every time. Others might be slightly better to drive or have slightly better infotainment but as a car to actually own, the Lexus wins.

If you do go German, the 6 cylinder diesels are worth paying the premium. A 4 cylinder has no business rattling away in a 5 series class car.