Used luxury sedan - BMW/MB/Lexus

newbian

In the market for a <5 year old used automatic luxury sedan with a budget of £15,000 cash. Don't want to debate auto vs manual - I have an auto license so that's what I'm after. Specificities of engine size etc. will depend on what's available in the area so looking for advice on makes and classes in general.

Mr Newbian is pushing for a BMW 3 series. A relative had a BMW 5 series years ago and it was a source of constant problems even though it was purchased new. I had been leaning towards Mercedes C-Class.

But I've recently seen some very good prices for used Lexus IS and the interior finish is of a significantly higher quality for the same price. I hear that Japanese cars are pretty reliable but I've only ever driven German cars (Mercedes and VW) so it's a new territory for me.

So comparing BMW 3 series, Mercedes C Class, and Lexus IS - which would you rate for reliability and performance?

cootuk

Lexus aren't particularly trendy, but would go for one if you like the drive. They are quite often near the top of the JD Power satisfaction surveys.

Iceweasel

I'd go for a BMW - every time.

Either a 320d or a 320i - depending on the annual mileage / type of driving you reckon on doing.

If you buy from a BMW dealer under the AUC (Approved Used Car) programme you should have no problems with any warranty work for a year and it can be extended. Don't worry about horror stories about timing-chains and swirl-flaps.

M-Benz are good of course - but to me soul-less and clinical.

Lexus are what they are - a Toyota in disguise - reliable , but boring.

Of course I recognize that I am biased - I have an auto-box 320d. LOL.

Each to his/her own - but that's my contribution to the debate.

albionrovers

When did a 320D become a luxury sedan? Nice cars though, obviously.

A 730D all the way.

ballyblack

BMW 3 series, Mercedes C Class, and Lexus IS -

a Merc 220 Cdi out of this choice for resale value alone

colino

Taking into account your parameters, but not your list, I would look at a Jaguar XF Diesel/XJ Diesel or a BMW 530 Diesel. You wont be disappointed with any of those three. all available with leather and auto.

newbian

albionrovers wrote: »

When did a 320D become a luxury sedan? Nice cars though, obviously.

A 730D all the way.

Real luxury would be a bit out of my price range

newbian

ballyblack wrote: »

a Merc 220 Cdi out of this choice for resale value alone

I've seen one of those in our price range actually. I've had very good experiences driving Mercedes - my parents prefer quality to having a new car every 4 years so grew up with a handful of Mercs that lasted well over 10 years with few problems.

I do find Lexus bland in comparison to German cars but I've heard good things about their customer service as well.

OddballJamie

A4 or A6?

Are you looking at diesel or petrol?

rdwarr

Get a Bentley. Near-mint examples are now well under £10k.
You don't have to keep it for long but wouldn't it be great to drive one just for a bit?

Don't get a Rolls though - strictly for poseurs.

Iceweasel

rdwarr wrote: »

Get a Bentley. Near-mint examples are now well under £10k.
You don't have to keep it for long but wouldn't it be great to drive one just for a bit?

No it wouldn't - Tesco's parking spaces aren't big enough for a Bentley. LOL.