The UK’s most wanted saloons
Friday 24 June 2011
Trying to decide which saloon is right for you? Why not check out what other people are searching for?
With more than 58 million searches so far this year, four-door saloons are hugely desirable, thanks to their stylish looks and excellent drivability making them ideal for every occasion, whether it’s nipping to the shops or a long road trip.
From the BMW 3 Series to the Audi A4, here’s the top five most searched for saloons of the year.
BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series has proved phenomenally popular in the UK since it was first introduced in the 1970s. Not only is the BMW 3 Series the most searched for saloon, it’s also the most searched for used car with more than 14 million used car searches completed so far this year. Owners are full of praise, with more than 200 owners giving it an average Owner Review rating of 4.6 out of 5.
The 3 Series has been offered as an estate, two-door-coupe and convertible, but the most popular type has always been the four-door saloon. There are three main versions to choose from: introduced in 1991, 1998 and 2005. Early models are now available from £500 and offer great drivability and a desirable image. But be aware that it will be significantly more expensive to run than an equivalent Ford Mondeo or Vauxhall Vectra.
The 3 Series introduced in 1998 built on the previous generation’s great drivability, adding a range of economical and smooth diesel engines and superb build quality. The diesel BMW 318d can cover an impressive 50 miles per gallon if driven carefully. It’s proved very reliable and capable of high mileages, so as long as you get a car that’s been cared for, with a full service history there should be few worries.
The current generation introduced in 2005 took the 3 Series to the top of its class for dynamics, while build quality, ergonomics and reliability are excellent too. Purchase and running costs are high, but 2005 models are now available from as little as £5,000 and there’s plenty of choice on the used car market.
Owner rating: 4.6/5
“I have owned the car for the last three years and still get a buzz from driving it. It’s comfortable classy and has all the toys you are likely to need, the finish of the car even though it’s an 05 plate still oozes quality with full leather, cruise control, bluetooth and a pure luxury driving experience.” Phil K, Manchester
Read all BMW 3 Series saloon (2005 – ) owner reviews
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Audi A4
The second most searched for saloon is the Audi A4, with more than seven million used car searches so far this year. The Audi A4 is a classic example of a car that’s built-to-last – it’s stylish, comfortable and many go on to cover huge mileages. There are four main versions to choose from on the used car market: introduced in 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2008. Aside from the saloon type, it’s also available as an estate – the A4 Avant – and a convertible.
Early models are great value, with the best deals to be had on end-of-line X- and Y-reg models. It may not be quite as fun to drive as some of its competitors and the boot opening is a bit awkward but there’s plenty to recommend. Check for problems with the front suspension, especially on cars with a higher mileage.
The version launched in 2000 was the second generation of the A4 which refined the original formula of a well-built, attractive saloon, but added more interior space and was more comfortable and fun to drive. Watch for general electrical niggles such as flickering dash lights and faulty rear windscreen wipers – they can be tricky to diagnose.
The A4 introduced in 2005 was essentially an updated version of the previous generation. It looks much more modern and it’s slightly bigger on the inside, but it drives just as well as the previous version.
In 2008, Audi introduced a completely new A4 with stylish new looks, more space on the inside and higher equipment levels than its rivals. It’s proved generally reliable but parts are expensive if anything does go wrong. Listen for suspension issues during the test drive – listen for any tell-tale clunking noises and bounce each corner of the car to see if it comes to rest normally. Wiper motors have a tendency to seize up so test to make sure they work.
Owner rating: 4.4/5
“I have owned Audi A4s for the last 10 years, upgrading to the latest model each time a new one comes out. The A4 looks very classy and business like so suits my lifestyle perfectly. The engine is a beast and I have never experienced a problem. The latest model is the best so far. Serious yet cool, a winning combination!” Ben I, Winchester
Read all Audi A4 saloon (2008 – ) owner reviews
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Ford Mondeo
The Ford Mondeo has proved hugely successful in the UK, with more than 1.3 million sold since 1993. It’s as popular as ever, with more than 4.7 million used car searches so far this year.
There are three versions to choose from – introduced in 1993, 2000 and 2007 – all of which have been offered as a large family hatchback, saloon and estate. The first generation Mondeo is now available from as little as £300. It’s not as big as later models but it drives well, is comfortable and well-equipped. Repair costs are low and usually fairly easy to carry out.
The second generation model was introduced in 2000 and represented a huge leap in refinement and build quality. It drives incredibly well, it’s hugely spacious, practical, better equipped and cheap to buy and own. Look for rust, ineffective brakes and clunks from the suspension.
The current generation introduced in 2007 has been offered as a hatchback, estate and saloon – the latter bodytype was only built until 2010 so it’s no longer possible to buy a new Mondeo saloon. It’s much bigger again, refined, good-looking and comes with an impressive level of standard equipment, but air-con systems can fail and some bits of interior trim can get damaged easily.
Owner rating: 4.3/5
“I’ve had the car six months with no problems. It drives nice and smooth, very spacious inside, plenty of gadgets, including heated front seats, cruise control and a nice stereo. Good throttle response, it’s great for the motorway but a little bit heavy on fuel – I get about 32mpg on the motorway.” Stephen W, Sheffield
Read all Ford Mondeo saloon (2000 – 2007) owner reviews
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Mercedes C-Class
With more than four and a half million used car searches so far this year, the Mercedes C-Class is the fourth most searched-for saloon on Auto Trader. It was first introduced in 1993 and since then there have been another three generations, introduced in 2000, 2007 and 2011.
The first generation C-Class was arguably the last ‘over-engineered’ Mercedes, so reliability and build quality are first rate. It’s also handsomely understated and supremely comfortable – and should remain so for many years to come. Make sure you opt for an automatic gearbox – the manual gearbox is heavy and hill starts with the foot operated handbrake and a clutch are a black art. Older C-Classes are also prone to rust.
The second generation C-Class launched in 2000 was a dramatic change in design for Mercedes. Gone were the boxy good looks of the previous model, and a new, E-Class-esque look was introduced. It’s comfortable, refined and is great to drive. The most common problem is to do with the electronics and software – check everything thoroughly before buying. Parts are expensive but they are readily available.
In 2007, Mercedes introduced a more aggressive looking C-Class. It represented a huge step forward in refinement and build quality, although it has been the subject of a few safety recalls so remember to check the service history to make sure repairs have been carried out appropriately.
The current generation C-Class was introduced earlier this year so isn’t yet available used. It’s more of a facelift than a whole new car, with the most significant changes to the front of the car, with new shape headlights, a more aggressive grille with prominent air intakes and LED daytime running lights. All versions benefit from Mercedes‘ BlueEFFICIENCY technology. The most efficient is the 170bhp 2.2-litre C220 CDi diesel engine with manual transmission, which returns 64.2mpg and 117g/km of CO2.
Owner rating: 4.5/5
“My 2008 C-Class sport is a great looking car, drives superbly, is refined at all speeds (maybe a little firm on our UK potholed roads), and is reasonable on running costs (average 47mpg). I use it mainly on motorway runs and find it ticks all the boxes.” Kieran K, Stevenage
Read all Mercedes C-Class saloon (2007 – ) owner reviews
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Volkswagen Passat
With more than 4.2 million used car searches so far this year, the Volkswagen Passat is the fifth most searched-for saloon on Auto Trader. If you’re looking for a big family car with a comfy cabin and a more upmarket feel, then the Passat could be your answer.
The Passat is offered as an estate and a saloon, with three generations to choose from: introduced in 1996, 2005 and 2011. The 1996 version is now available from £500 and there’s plenty of choice. It was given a thorough facelift in 2001, for a more modern look, better equipment and a more comfortable drive. All models are well equipped, with even the entry-level models getting a four star Euro NCAP crash test rating, alloy wheels and air conditioning as standard. There are reports of some reliability issues – including leaks, suspension and electrical faults – which can be expensive to correct, so make sure you inspect any car thoroughly before buying.
The 2005 version is wider and taller than the model it replaced. It’s stylish, comfortable, spacious and it drives very well. There’s plenty of room for four adults and their luggage, thanks to a mammoth 458-litre boot. This version is more reliable than its predecessor and parts are fairly cheap and accessible. There are reports of steering problems caused by worn ball joints – listen for a grinding noise, particularly while manoeuvring.
The current Passat was introduced earlier this year so isn’t yet available used. Priced from £18,000 new, it’s slightly larger, more refined and economical – the diesel models all average more than 60mpg and emit less than 139g/km of CO2. It looks more angular than the old model with the most obvious change being the ’VW family’ horizontal grille.
Owner rating: 4.4/5
“This is a fantastic car to drive. It’s extremely comfortable in all 5 seats, and really spacious all round. It has excellent boot space that can easily hold up to 4 large suitcases. It’s an ideal car for both business and family use. It’s a great car for long distance journeys.” Kevin G, Kirkcaldy
Read all Volkswagen Passat saloon (2005 – 2010) owner reviews
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You may also want to consider:
Vauxhall Vectra
Owner rating: 4.2/5
“I bought the car five years ago used and I have had hardly any problems with it at all. The car is extremely cheap to run for a car of its size and was really cheap to buy used, it is quite economical and spare parts are readily available and cheap should anything go wrong. The car has a large boot however rear legroom could be better for a car of its size.” David L, Preston
Read all Vauxhall Vectra saloon (2002 – 2008) owner reviews
Honda Accord
Owner rating: 4.6/5
“Combination of power, performance, reliability and practicality. Just brilliant. Car comes with luxury, and all the toys you want. It is also a really good drive. This is my first diesel and I am constantly surprised how quiet it is from outside as well as inside and the power delivery is smooth as well as punchy.” Carl J, London
Read all Honda Accord saloon (2001 – 2008) owner reviews
Saab 9-3
Owner rating: 4.4/5
“Driven every day for 2 years without major issue. Has had new tyres 500 miles ago, but needed no other work in my ownership. Drives well, corners and surprisingly agile for its size. Running costs are about 40mpg combination of town and motorway driving.” Graham P, Nottingham
Read all Saab 9-3 saloon (2002 – ) owner reviews
Toyota Avensis
Owner rating: 4.5/5
“This has proved to be a very comfortable, reliable car. While not as sporty as some other makes, it has enough power to get up to speed. This is the saloon version and seems stiffer than some of the hatchback models- no rattles or squeaks.” Sharon E, Ballynahinch
Read all Toyota Avensis saloon (2003 – 2008) owner reviews
Mazda6
Owner rating: 4.3/5
“The Mazda6 is one of the best large family cars around. It’s value for money, reliable, practical and very good to drive. It’s also extremely well built and reasonably well equipped. Diesel engines are highly economical, and the car makes a capable cruiser.” Nick F, Dover
Read all Mazda6 saloon (2002 – 2007) owner reviews