5 series, XF or A6

scamartist · 17 May 2017 at 12:56

looking to finally get rid of my old Mondeo ST220 and have been looking at the BMW 5 series, Audi A6 and Jaguar XF.

Budget would be around 15k and most of the cars I've been looking at would be approximately 2010 - 2011.

I've been looking at 3l diesels although I am not against a large engine petrol as I will getting a work fuel card in the next month or so.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the cars I am looking at with my own personal preference at the moment being the Jaguar.
Would also like some opinions on options for the 3 cars which would be considered essential requirements.

Thanks in advance.

[TW]Fox · 17 May 2017 at 13:00

The 5 Series is the best of the three. It is significantly better than the old model XF, which is all you'll get for 15k, and slightly better than the A6.

The best value option for a 2010 model is a 525d - unloved second hand but it's a detuned 530d so has the smoothness and refinement of the 6 cylinder engine.

Make sure you have, at the least, Xenon lights, automatic gearbox and professional navigation.

It amazes me how much these cost for 7 year old cars though.

Dis86 · 17 May 2017 at 15:55

I'll echo what fox says there. If you do struggle with the 525 the 520d is still better than the other two offerings. You could even go petrol if you can find one...

Dav4 · 17 May 2017 at 16:45

Will probably get flamed for this suggestion as I know it's not in the same league as OP's premium list but coming from a Mondeo have you not looked at the new Mondeo? Seems a very low mileage 1 year old Titanium can be had for around 15k. It's a nearly new car and shape and also has warranty

Scrutinize · 17 May 2017 at 17:20

I think that's a reasonable suggestion re a Mondeo, same with something like a Mazda 6, Octavia VRS etc.

I can see the attraction in a premium saloon but at £15k it could be a bit of a risk getting something decent. Avoid the XF at that era though.

[TW]Fox · 17 May 2017 at 17:29

I think the problem here is that you spend big money but buy into an ageing car. It's not that they are unreliable, but its about the age where things start to need replacement etc. My appetite for this on an expensive car is somewhat less than it would be on a cheap car.

Mine was 6.5 when I got rid of it, I was amazed at how strange the values of the older ones are. I think the £20-25k market offers much better value and gets you into a car perhaps half the age or less.

Scrutinize · 17 May 2017 at 17:41

[TW]Fox said:
I think the problem here is that you spend big money but buy into an ageing car. It's not that they are unreliable, but its about the age where things start to need replacement etc. My appetite for this on an expensive car is somewhat less than it would be on a cheap car.

Mine was 6.5 when I got rid of it, I was amazed at how strange the values of the older ones are. I think the £20-25k market offers much better value and gets you into a car perhaps half the age or less.

Dropping to a 3 series or A4 may also prove better value.

[TW]Fox · 17 May 2017 at 17:59

Scrutinize said:
Dropping to a 3 series or A4 may also prove better value.

A4 maybe, but 15k probably doesn't get a good F30 and is too much for an E90 by a long shot.

Dis86 · 17 May 2017 at 18:06

Dav4 said:
Will probably get flamed for this suggestion as I know it's not in the same league as OP's premium list but coming from a Mondeo have you not looked at the new Mondeo? Seems a very low mileage 1 year old Titanium can be had for around 15k. It's a nearly new car and shape and also has warranty

Nah, I wouldn't flame. I'd also suggest the Mazda 6 as an option.

scamartist · 18 May 2017 at 12:54

My current car is my second Mondeo ST220 after I wrote off my first one.
Ideally I'd like to get at least equivalent performance with some decent options.

For me that would rule out the Mazda 6 and Octavia VRS etc as apart from age I don't see them as any better than what I currently have.

Is there a particular reason that the 2010 XF is so frowned upon? as on paper it seems to match up pretty well.

Rilot · 18 May 2017 at 13:38

scamartist said:
Is there a particular reason that the 2010 XF is so frowned upon? as on paper it seems to match up pretty well.

No particular reason other than the frankly awful infotainment. It's just that the F10 5-Series is better in every measurable way and is a newer design (the XF arriving in 2007, the F10 in 2010).

[TW]Fox · 18 May 2017 at 13:50

scamartist said:
Is there a particular reason that the 2010 XF is so frowned upon? as on paper it seems to match up pretty well.

It's a generation behind the other two having been released as a competitor to the E60 5 series and previous 2004-2012 A6. Against those two it fares quite well.

Worthy of consideration if the budget is 10k but not at 15k.