Help! I need a mile-munching saloon for £6,000

Auto Express

19 hours ago

Dear Auto Express, I'm after a comfy, mile-munching saloon car , but my budget is a relatively lowly £6,000 – what do you recommend? - Geoff Tooley, By E-mail
A budget of £6,000 is not a lot to spend on a used car these days, and if you want something with a bit of luxury, you're going to have to compromise somewhere. Advertisement - Article continues below
Traditionally, wise money would opt for a slightly older model with lower mileage over a higher-mileage newer variant with fresher styling and more bells and whistles. However, given that the nation's keeping their cars longer than ever and the ever increasing cost to buy a new car, it's becoming harder to find those gems.
It's not the end of the world, with many well looked-after cars, especially in this premium segment, taking high mileage in their stride. Given the price requirements, the options are limited so expect some higher mileage examples, which shouldn't be an issue if the cars have been properly maintained. These are the three 'executive' choices that would tempt us.
Here's our expert pick for three of the best mile munching saloons you can get for under £6,000, together with links to buy them through our Find a Car service … For: Sporty chassis, powerful and efficient engines
Sporty chassis, powerful and efficient engines Against: Style has moved on, practicality isn't great Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below
To find a BMW 3 Series in budget and with reasonable miles, you'll be looking at 10 to 12-year-old sixth-generation/F30 cars. Newer Mk7 models introduced from 2018 – especially from dealers – are likely to have massive miles on the clock, which will put off many buyers. Advertisement - Article continues below
Nicely looked-after F30s sold privately would be our favoured option for a car of this age, and we found a good selection of 2013 318d, 320i and 320d models with attractive histories priced between £5,500 and £6,500.
Owners like the F30 3 Series, which arrived in 2013 with styling that was a little more conservative than some of its contemporary BMW stablemates. It was hugely popular, but looks a little dated today.
More importantly, the F30's exceptional driver appeal has not diminished over the years, and if you opt for a punchier 320i or 320d over the entry-level 318i, you'll enjoy the oomph to match the refinement of the chassis. There are plenty of more muscular options for buyers blessed with bigger budgets, but 60mpg diesel variants are within your range.
See our used BMW 3 Series deals For: Elegance and style, luxurious cabin, comfortable ride
Elegance and style, luxurious cabin, comfortable ride Against: Less engaging to drive than rivals Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below
Again, you'll be looking back two generations to find a C-Class with reasonably low miles, which means the third-gen W204 launched in 2007 and was facelifted in 2011 with its improved dashboard, swoopier lamps and LED tail-lights. Through the Auto Express marketplace you can find a sub-80k 2013 C200 CDI within budget. Advertisement - Article continues below
As with the BMW, there's a multitude of engine options for those with bigger budgets, but for most drivers, the entry-level petrol and diesel engines will be sufficiently rewarding and decently economical.
Unlike the previous-generation C-Class, which some felt was a bit below par for the company, this W204 generation was a definite return to form for Mercedes. The car's quality and reliability should be excellent, and compared with the 3 Series (above), the C-Class leans towards a more comfortable and luxurious ride, without its rival's more overtly sporting feel.
See our used Mercedes C-Class deals For: Luxury, style and great chassis dynamics
Luxury, style and great chassis dynamics Against: Higher running costs and repair bills
Jaguar's follow-up to the S-Type was a hit that didn't only look and feel good, but also drove beautifully. And while it's from a class higher than the 3 Series and E-Class, that means you're getting a bigger and more luxurious car for your cash. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below
If you want a low mileage, you might have to look for a slightly older model to stay on budget. Also consider a diesel to keep fuel costs down. We've seen 2013 2.2d Sport XFs with under 100k miles from just under £6,000. A full service history is advisable.
The Jaguar XF was introduced to rave reviews in 2008, and racked up multiple awards, including Auto Express Car of The Year. It also scored first place in the 2009 Driver Power survey, and was a regular fixture in the top five for the next five years. In 2013, the XF was facelifted with more aggressive headlights and an updated front end.
Its qualities are still there to be appreciated, including a fine, high-quality cabin with its bespoke 'gentleman's club' feel, and a superlative chassis that's full of finesse and feel for appreciative drivers. Petrol variants can be a bit thirsty, but diesels are pleasantly refined once you're up and running.
See our used Jaguar XF deals
Did you know you can sell your car with Auto Express? Get the highest bid from our network of over 5,500 dealers and we'll do the rest. Click here to try Auto Express Sell My Car now ...
Find a car with the experts Volkswagen, Skoda and Cupra slash electric car prices
Volkswagen, Skoda and Cupra slash electric car prices
Volkswagen, Skoda and Cupra aren't waiting around for the government grant by cutting £1,500 from their EV prices Car Deal of the Day: MGS5 EV for under £200 a month is a true bargain
Car Deal of the Day: MGS5 EV for under £200 a month is a true bargain
The ZS EV's replacement is an excellent small electric SUV, and our Deal of the Day for August 4 How green is an EV? BMW reveals the surprise truth about EV vs ICE carbon footprints
How green is an EV? BMW reveals the surprise truth about EV vs ICE carbon footprints
The new BMW iX3 will have less of a carbon footprint than the petrol-powered X3 after just 12,428 miles of driving