what car to buy

[gucciman]

right people, i've got 8 grand to spend on a motor. i'm looking at a second hand one cos i fancy either a merc c class, bmw 3 or 5 series, audi a4 or volvo s40

anyone got any opinions or advice?

[Skids]

In my humble opinion, and it is only a humble opinion, a BMW 3-series is the way forward. Mercedes are expensive and aren't as well put together as well as popular belief would have it. Audi is a VAG company and as such is expensive to maintain, more so than BMW. Volvo is a sensible option, a bit too sensible. They're an old man's cars, even if you are looking at the T4 model or similar. BMW aren't as expensive as you might think and with a BMW you get what you pay for in terms of quality and durability. And a 3-series are cheaper than a 5-series, obviously.

[Ward-Minter]

looking at the makes of car you are after i would opt for a 3 series. However, I would go for a Lexus IS200 anyday. Japanese reliability will not let you down. They also destroy all the above on looks.

[gucciman]

oh i forgot to mention the jag x type is a possibility too (baby jag) i have been doing my research on the auto trader website and you can pick up a 3 yr old x type for 6 or 7 grand, (if i went for the others i would be looking at 6 yrs old) fully loaded, leather, climate etc. were talking 25 grand new.

i do like the 3 series but would lean to the 5 as i like its looks better. the 5 seems a little cheaper to buy too as the 3 is more desirable and holds it price

the merc c class but be the very earliest of the current shape, it would be bought purely for the looks and prestige of the badge, plus the incredible auto box which i think is the best on the road.

i do like the looks of the lexus, i dont think it has the same prestige or desirability though, and i did not like the look of the interior and dashboard, especially the big horrible circular control panel, mind you that was an earlier car so it may have changed now.

the audi a4's do look stunning mind.

[obrien50]

how much can you get back towards a new car if we trade in a saxo desire with only 18000 miles

[lebesset]

don't look further than an audi , quality wise in a different class to the others , as good as merc USED to be !
expensive to maintain? official parts are available through specialists who import from germany , and there are now lots of garages that specialise in maintaining audis that aren't audi agents ,and the best enthusiasts web site about

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