Used executive saloons for every budget
Tuesday 26 April 2011
Large executive saloon cars offer space and class in equal measure, while if it’s long distances you need to cover, these are the cars for you.
With the impressive new Audi A6 on sale now, we’ve put together a guide to the top 10 used executive cars in its class so you can experience the executive lifestyle for considerably less.
Saab 9-5 (1997 – 2009) from £1,000
The outgoing Saab 9-5 may be 14 years old, but if your budget’s tight, low used prices make it something of a steal.
Later models feature brash chrome headlight surrounds, while the interior feels its age thanks to hard plastics and old fashioned switchgear but the venerable 9-5 still has plenty to offer.
Good engines, reasonable running costs and plenty of space are its main assets, while the Saab brand has an appeal all its own.
Owner review rating: 4.2/5
“I certainly would recommend one. However, I wouldn’t recommend buying one new as the depreciation would be substantial.” John from West Malling
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Audi A6 (2004 – 2011) from £6,000
The Audi A6 is one of the most popular cars in its class and for good reason. It’s handsome, classily built and has a great image. Its interior is particularly attractive.
There is a huge range of engines available with either two- or four-wheel drive, with diesels proving particularly popular thanks to their mix of strong fuel economy and performance.
The A6 isn’t as fun to drive as the BMW 5 Series, while its ride can be uncomfortable, especially on S-lIne cars with their big wheels and lower suspension.
With a new model on sale soon, used values are expected to soften, making this a classy and affordable used buy.
Owner review rating: 4.4/5
“If you want safety, comfort style and all the gadgets you need then this is the car for you.” Miss J Smith from Cannock
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Volvo S80 (2006 – ) from £6,500
The paragon of rational Scandinavian design, the Volvo S80 is safe, reliable and discreet. It might not thrill you on an initial test drive but the thoughtfulness with which it has been conceived will reveal itself over time.
Its interior is perhaps its strongest aspect, with plenty of room, great build quality and supreme comfort. As you might expect, sportiness isn’t high on its list of priorities from behind the steering wheel but it more than makes up for it with great long-distance cruising ability. A broad range of engines – including a 1.6-litre diesel DRIVe version that returns 57.7mpg – mean that there’s a version for every requirement.
Lack of upmarket image and understated looks make the S80 a serious used bargain.
Owner review rating: 4.4/5
“The seating and stereo have to be experienced, they are truly the best.” Martin from Stirling
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BMW 5 Series (2003 – 2010) from £8,000
The BMW 5 Series is regarded by many as the default choice in its class. If you can look past its ubiquity, you’ll realise its popularity can be attributed to the fact it’s arguably the finest of its peer group. Wonderful to drive, well made and spacious; there’s very little not to like.
The recent introduction of a new model means bargains are to be had on the previous generation model we’ve featured here. Thankfully it feels far from old-hat and if anything looks fresher than its more sober successor.
Choose the right engine – preferably one of the smaller diesels – and running costs will be lower than you might imagine although larger petrol engines are on the thirsty side. For those looking for supercar performance, the 507bhp V10-engined M5 is the one for you. There’s also the option of a stylish Touring estate.
Owner review rating: 4.6/5
“This is the best car I’ve ever owned. Loads of space, loads of toys and loads of power under the right foot.” Graham from Macmerry
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Chrysler 300C (2005 – 2010) from £8,500
All-American gangster looks covering warmed-over 1995 Mercedes E-class underneath; a combination that works much better than it might sound. The Chrysler 300C’s bold looks might not appeal to everyone but for the rest, its appearance is its strongest asset.
Swing open the door and you might be a little disappointed by how dull it is compared to the exterior, but it’s reasonably well made and there’s plenty of space both in the front and back.
We’d choose the Mercedes-built CRD diesel engine, which is refined and powerful. Those looking for a quick getaway have the option of a 6.1-litre, 425bhp SRT/8 version.
Owner review rating: 4.6/5
“Without doubt the best car I have ever owned and driven.” Vincent from Irvine
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Citroën C6 (2006 – ) from £10,000
It’s hard to think of a more characterful car, regardless of size. The Citroën C6 is unmistakable with its wide double chevron grill, arcing side profile and concave rear window. Its rarity only adds to the appeal.
Inside there’s tons of space although the interior does feel a little flimsy and its digital instruments may put some people off. It’s one of the most relaxing cars to drive for any price thanks mainly to Citroën’s famous hydropneumatic suspension system. Unfortunately the infamous poor reliability of large Citroëns isn’t entirely banished to the history books.
Choose the right one though and the C6 offers more charm than the rest of this list put together for surprisingly little money.
Owner review rating: 4.1/5
“No other car on the road today has the combination of style and uniqueness in the way it looks.” Tim from Daventry
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Honda Legend (2006 – 2009) from £12,000
Despite its self-important name, you may never have heard of the Honda Legend and if you’ve even seen one it’s more than possible its image escaped your memory as quickly as it entered. Add the sole option of a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and it’s easy to see why so few were sold.
However its lack of popularity means the Legend is a serious used bargain. And despite its dull looks – inside and out – it’s a surprisingly good car to drive thanks to a very sophisticated Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system (SH-AWD) and smooth, powerful engine.
The Legend is also beautifully built and equipped with every toy and gadget you can imagine. Fuel and tax bills may be high but with prices this low, it may be worth a look.
Owner review rating: 4.8/5
“Honda’s reliability is a given and service costs far lower than the Germans’” MK from Chichester
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Lexus GS450h (2005 – ) from £13,000
The Lexus GS450h is the only hybrid in this list, in fact it’s the only one available in this class of car. Powered by a combination of a 3.5-litre, V6 petrol engine and an electric motor, this hybrid is as much about performance as fuel economy.
Lexus has built its reputation for outstanding build quality and the GS is no exception. Reliability is also excellent. It’s also spacious and comfortable, with very strong performance. The only thing it’s lacking is the design flair of its European rivals.
Low CO2 emissions and descent fuel economy should ensure manageable running costs.
Owner review rating: 4.5/5
“To sum up, a beautiful car, which drives as good as it looks!” Paul from Ipswich
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Jaguar XF from £16,000
The Jaguar XF is the first truly modern Jaguar for some time, a result of the company looking to attract younger buyers. It appears to have worked as sales have been strong.
Its interior is full of quirky detail including motorized air vents and a gear selector that only become visible when the engine is started. They add to its character although some cheap-feeling materials and its poor touch-screen infotainment interface are less impressive.
It’s a joy to drive: comfortable, refined and agile, while the diesel engine would be our choice as the petrol versions have a healthy appetite for fuel.
Owner review rating: 4.2/5
“Would I recommend it (would I buy another one)? Absolutely yes – but only with a warranty!” Grant from Gloucester
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Mercedes E-Class (2009 – ) from £20,000
The latest Mercedes E-Class is a real return to form. While the previous model had a reputation for compromised quality and reliability issues, the new one is as solid as Mercedes’ of yesteryear, if not as handsome.
If you can live with its brutish looks, the E-class is a classy, super-refined saloon with bags of space. Despite its size, the E-class is a fine car to drive, with light, sharp steering and a brilliant range of hi-tech engines. A remarkably aerodynamic body also makes this the most efficient car in its class, helping to offset strong used values.
There’s also the option of an extremely practical estate as well as stylish coupe and convertibles versions.
Owner review rating: 3/5
“A good family car or great for eating up those business miles on the motorway.” John from Derby
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