Motorway muncher, Volvo S60 D5 of LPG E39?

[Mr_Sukebe]

A few weeks ago I started looking at options for a motorway muncher. It would be doing roughly 150 miles per day, mostly on the M3. So the paramount requirements were comfort and economy. In addition, I'd like the car to have at least the space of our E46, so that it can drag around our little one and his bits if/when the E46 ever breaks down or we replace it.
From a lot of reading, the Volvo S60 D5 SE popped up. Cheaper than the equivalent BM, brilliant seats, fairly economical (50mpg on a run I guess).

One additional option did have occur, i.e. an already LPG converted E39 (or similar), or even the idea of having our existing E46 converted, then buying a dull hatch for the missus to get to work.

Anyone got experience with LPG cars and can comment on the viability and reliability? Do bear in mind the probable commute of 30k+ per annum.

 

[Mr_Sukebe]

One thing that might put me off LPG is the fact that it's only cheap because of the fuel duty - there's nothing stopping the government from slapping the same duty as petrol that I know of....

Which E39 would it be?

My thought was a 530 LPG.
From reading around, the LPG plan is starting to look a little hit and miss. Whilst some people have suggested they're great, a number of others have commented on them needing to be well installed and setup, not something I'd really be capable of judging. Looks like we're back to the D5.
Lets see if I get a positive call ref the job now.

 

[Mr_Sukebe]

Saabs also have very good seats.
not sure how good the GM diesel units in the 9-5 are though

what's your budget?

could you not get a 525d or something over an LPG E39?

I'm expecting to pay under £5k for an S60 D5 SE.
The 9-5 is now pretty ancient, being first based on a car that shared it's floorpan with the Alfa 164. Hardly the best advert for it. In addition, I've got a genuine mistrust of ex-GM kit.

Ref the 525d vs 530i LPG, you probably can get the 525d. However, the 530i would nicely avoid the diesel rattle, won't have turbos that eat themselves, and when you take into account the present cost of LPG fuel, actually work out cheaper per mile to run.