RWD diesel 6 for under £5k

[DaveE87]

I'm looking for a new to me daily for under £5k. For the past 2+ years I've been driving a Volvo C30 D5 manual. Considering it's a hatchback it's comfortable for long drives but I need something bigger.

In a typical week I do 500 miles, mostly longer journeys with roughly a 70/20/10 split for motorway / A roads / town driving. For the type of driving I do, I think a 3.0 diesel is ideal.

I've owned a few BMW's and like how they drive so I was swaying towards an E9x BMW 330d / 335d. However, having never owned a Mercedes I'm now considering a C-Class 320cdi / 350cdi as I like the look of them.

Manuals are rare (or not available -335d), so I realise I'm limited to mostly autos. I could increase my budget for the right car, but I'd rather not dip in to savings and I won't consider financing a car.

Are there any other options that I've completely missed?

[ZX10R NIN]

The pick is a CLK320cdi/E350cdi coupe both can be updated infotainment wise as well both are great for eating up the miles:

CLK320cdi Sport:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202501238...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308120...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412046...

E350 Sport 230:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406251...

265:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202501178...

If you can find one with the Pano roof then that's the pick:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411116...

Going for the Sport in both models you get the orthopaedic seats

[ZX10R NIN]

Forgot to say that if you don't mind a saloon then the Q70 30d S Premium really is the pick, you'll get a low mileage one & they come (you can add android auto/carplay) loaded with kit:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410064...

They also have the benefit of being ULEZ compliant.

[Joe M]

E92 335d is a great choice, had mine for 5 years and it's only let me down once with a snapped spring.

[Mr Tidy]

If you really want a manual then BMW 325d or 330d are probably your only options.

Although having had a couple of manual turbo-diesels they would probably have suited an Auto better!

[Jimjimhim]

Your best bet is a BMW rather than a Mercedes and you are probably better getting an automatic anyway.

[DaveE87]

Thanks for the suggestions ZX10. I never really considered the older Merc models due to the higher tax and lower MPG - they cost roughly an extra £1k/yr to fuel for 25k miles per year. The E class coupe looks big in pictures, but I passed one on the road and they look decent in the metal. The Infiniti is just a bit too bulbous looking for my tastes though.

As for the automatic comments, I'm not the biggest fan of them but for me it depends if they suit the car. I previously owned a Lexus GS300 which an autobox is perfect for, whereas the E60 525d I had was just too slow for it. I also have a manual 130i which can scratch that itch.

[ZX10R NIN]

When it comes to the mercs they really suit the auto box.

[village24]

I picked up a 635d sport facelift for 5700 last year, done the maintenence and given it a fettle (dpf, egr and a map), now returning 51-55 on a motorway run.
For the money I don't think you can beat the luxury, power and comfort