Looking for Suggestions - automatic diesel car for high mileage use

xocbc

I'm looking for some suggestions of a diesel automatic car, preferably Mondeo sort of size, for private use of around 26-28k miles per annum. Cruise control preferred. Want to buy secondhand with a maximum of 20,000 miles on the clock and preferably under 2 years old.

Obviously at that mileage, economy is important, as is a long service interval (and reasonable maintenance costs!)

I've not got a budget in mind, really trying to get some recommendations before I worry about that.

mchale

BMW 520d, look up mpg figures: excellent

xocbc

I've had two 5 series BMW petrol in the past, a E39 528i and an E39 540i - the latter was a beast but I needed shares in Shell/BP etc to run it lol.

I never thought about a 520d, I thought it might be underpowered for a large car

bungle4x4

a mondeo is mondeo sized, and in my opinion, one of the best driving cars on the road. and doesn't come with the over inflated service costs of the german brands. with the mileage your going to do, you will wipe the value off the vehicle.

Alias_Omega

mchale wrote: »

BMW 520d, look up mpg figures: excellent

530d M Sport...

We had 3 of these as work cars, very very very nice..

Though, £16,000 will prob buy you a 2005-2006 model.

LandyAndy

Jaguar XF?

bungle4x4

LandyAndy wrote: »

Jaguar XF?

reasonable maintenance costs? Jag used to be horrific, excellent service, but horrificly expensive:cool:

LandyAndy

bungle4x4 wrote: »

reasonable maintenance costs? Jag used to be horrific, excellent service, but horrificly expensive:cool:

Answered your own question.

harveybobbles

BMW 520d is surprisingly nice to drive. 163bhp from a 4 pot.
The 5 series isn't the best car to own is you have short legs though.

You'd be surprised how good the petrol ones are on fuel as an auto. Under 2000rpm at 80mph = close to 40mpg...

Don't overlook the Volvo S60/S80. They are a serious mile muncher!

bungle4x4

LandyAndy wrote: »

Answered your own question.

now thats got to be tempting! hope they still have the quality of service they used to have...

ummm might add jag to the shopping list...

Joe_Sp

If you buy a diesel BMW with 90k+ mileage (I know this is higher than the OP stated - but not a lot for a car these days) watch out for inlet manifold and turbo problems. This is a weak spot that can write an engine off on these cars, otherwise they are VERY good cars.

Personly I would go for the Mondeo, perhaps one of the last of the old shape.