Cheapish second car! Suggestions £5k MAX!

[Oracle]

Ok it pains me to say this but I need a second car and i've been looking at facelift Mundano's. Ideally i'd like it to be Diesel and ideally i'd also like it to have a few toys, cruise, leather, and stuff. It also needs to be able to cruise motorways comfortably as well as offer some A road handling.

Can you suggest any alternatives, because as much as it pains me, the facelift mundano (MY01 onwards) seems to be offering exceptional value for money.

I take it that the TDCi (which i've heard good things about) is not too troubled by mileage.

Fox....any views?

Off the record, I dont mind an older car, but it must be reasonably newish looking.

Thanks

 

[Oracle]

I'm sure Fox will be along to big up the mondeo, and also having a look at a BMW 528.

I get the feeling you've just asked for whatevers coming to you!

In all fairness to Fox, his recommendations are valued, his opinion is not always valued, but then its just that, his opinion. Frankly, 95% of the time I think he's spot on with his recommendations and his opinions!

Mondeos DO tick all the right boxes for me, its just that I have a phobia about Fords and I cant explain what! E39 5ers are also great cars IMO, if only BMW facelifted them the same way as the E46 (upswept lights), then i'd consider one. Ideally tho, it needs to be a diesel and a 530d is going to be a push at £5k, that and the fact that i've just got hold of a 330cd, could start to be pricey!

That Passat is actually BANG on what i'm looking for, and slightly different to the Mondeo masses!