Long distance cruiser

[macron]

What's the thinking behind the optimum 12-15k likely diesel saloon or maybe hatch (which is rare in this segment) these days? Needs decent size boot with fold down rear seats, Euro 6, lowish miles, lots of toys, good seats and entertainment (noting the latter can be sorted). Ideally with limited or solvable known troubles, it will do long high speed runs so DPF etc hopefully not a huge issue. For some reason the employer pays a higher mileage rate on diesels than the fuel cost difference over petrol and the requirement is from someone who spent this much on a Model S, then has spent the same again over 12 months on all manner of suspension, screen, who knows what, so most electrics are v much out for the frustration of that experience alone. I'm sure many more modern electric cars are better, but the scars are there.

Seems to bring in:

F10 5 series in high spec, probably 530 or 535D. Likely 10ish years old so 10 year old BMW issues I suppose. Later G series is leggy and/ or low spec in this window. Are the early Euro 6 F10's free of adblue? If so that in itself is a win.

XF in 3.0D guise, S is a bit dark inside, Portfolio and other non-sport spec rare. Crank seems to fare better than in larger cars, are they belt or chain, and bar plastic (?) manifolds is there much to go wrong beyond most things because Jag?

E class is the "older" pre 2017 shape or low spec. No idea if the ancient 2.1d they mostly seem to have is any good, I suspect so, most have dark AMG line interiors,
despite being that small diesel. Is the 3.0 worth hunting out?

Alfa Giulia rare, S90 perhaps more modern but does it offer anything more than the above? A6 doesn't seem to feature on anyone's best buy list, A7 a contender but bit of a reverse tardis, ZX will rightly point out the Infiniti's, but they are even rather, and the Q70 "looks like a whale with Qashqai switches". Which is perhaps on point. Yes you can have a Passat, by goodness they are dull. I mean that or an XF interior?

What would you buy and why?

Edited by macron on Saturday 10th January 23:03

[stevemcs]

As a mile muncher, Jag, 7 Series or A8

All depreciate, all have lots of toys, all have comfort on their side

[samoht]

Rare, but I'd consider a 5-series Gran Turismo. Based on a 7 series platform, so could be even more relaxing, but (unlike the 7-series class I guess) it has folding seats etc

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508045...

ETA: could also consider the Merc CLS, being E-class based.

If it wasn't for the folding seat I'd consider XJ, S-class, 7 series.

From your options a E350D I think. Diesel has to be German really in this class, Merc should be comfortable. My dad had an E250D with the 2.1, it was 'ok', the sensible choice for most people, but doesn't really create the proper "Mercedes" feeling like a 6/8/12 cylinder engine does. Adequate probably the best word for it.

Edited by samoht on Sunday 11th January 00:01

[macron]

XJ etc too big really, hence the XF etc likely in play.

[ZX10R NIN]

If it's only you in the car then take a look at the 640d:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511017...

GC:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512188...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202601088...

535d GT:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508045...


https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202601109...

E350d AMG Line Premium Plus:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507064...

E350d Coupe:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509086...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512028...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511278...

3.0tdi A5 Sportback:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310253...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511238...

XF is a great pick & pretty much ticks every box:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202601099...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511258...

BiTDI A6:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407091...

Black Edition:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512058...

[macron]

I thought most BiTDi's were problematic, that not the case?

This is for my son, "Don't want a really big car", then i see this suggested...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2026011090...

Which, TBF, isn't that much longer than an XF etc...

[stevemcs]

I think it’s the v6 tdi in general that can have issues, unless you can get one with a decent history and have the oil pump software tweaked. To pull the engine out and change the chains it’s about the same as fitting a new engine in a full fat RR …

[Matt_T]

Mentioned on another thread but I'm a fan of Japanese reliability so would be looking at a Lexus ES hybrid, or an IS if that size is OK.

Not sure of the rear seats fold flat on these?
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/18918144

Edited by Matt_T on Monday 12th January 11:08

[spreadsheet monkey]

macron said:

Yes you can have a Passat, by goodness they are dull.

How about an Arteon instead? Longer wheelbase and nicer interior than a Passat, and a excellent motorway car.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511067...

[paul_c123]

My money would be on a reasonable spec, Merc E350 or CLS350d. I would favour newer over lower mileage (on a diesel).

For example: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512028...

Yes I suppose there is the equivalent BMW 5 series, eg 530d or 535d.

If you want VAG then the obvious competitor to the above is the A7. If you went for an Arteon (which is available as an estate, but quite rare) then you would be able to buy something newer and lower mileage - but the engine would be smaller and less powerful.

Edited by paul_c123 on Friday 16th January 14:26

[Scrump]

I have a 2014 E class estate. It has the light beige leather interior and the massage seats. A fantastic long distance cruiser.
I have the v6 diesel, not the best mpg for town driving but still worth it over the agricultural 4 cyl.

[Wilmslowboy]

I know you said saloon or hatch but....how about a Range Rover Sport, I've done 22k miles in mine in the past 14 months, including over 600 mile in a single day. Very comfortable and excellent sense of safety on long motorway runs, great seats, and plenty of boot space.

Aprox 35 MPG (perhaps a little more). Post 2015 cars are Euro 6 and can be had for £15k

[venster70]

I'm watching this thread with interest, as I may be in the same boat in a few months.

I'd come up with pretty much the same list of cars.

I will be prioritising cabin & ride refinement.

I thought an E class saloon with the 3.0D
I think the 640D may be a good option.
I really like the thought of an XJ rather than XF, I don't mind how big the car is.
I'd love to run a RRS for that purpose, but would be worried about reliability issues, having owned an L494 before, it is a wonderful place to be.

Although an estate would be far more practical, I think a saloon or potentially coupe will offer better road noise isolation and refinement.

[Jag_NE]

Does your son genuinely want to drive an old mans car? I'm presuming he is 20's /30's?

[Skodillac]

Skoda Superb comes as a hatch rather than saloon. I have a hatch myself, the boot is simply cavernous, so much so that I didn't see the point buying an estate.