Which car should my friend buy?

[Mr.Nobody]

I’m hoping some members maybe able to help. A friend of mine had a budget of £5k for a car. He’s found some that could be a good fit;

Saab 9-5 Aero
Mercedes E350 Avantgarde
Mercedes CLK350
Volvo V60 D6

Now it’s a mixture of petrol, diesel and a hybrid that he’s chosen. He does around 20k miles a year. He’s a keen golfer and also has started hiking with myself on weekednds.

He decided to look at the 9-5 due to having one a few years ago. Which he said he really liked. The Mercedes is well because it’s a Mercedes and the one he’s found has full MBSH. But then he’s also seen the Volvo V60 D6, quite a rare car, a little unusual, but would more than suit his needs.

He did also consider a Range Rover. But that would be financial ruin.

Edited by Mr.Nobody on Thursday 17th April 19:12

Edited by Mr.Nobody on Thursday 17th April 19:23

Edited by Mr.Nobody on Thursday 17th April 21:49

[ZX10R NIN]

The E350cdi is the pick they're pretty much bulletproof & were built for piling on the miles.

[Fast and Spurious]

3?
Saab.

[Mr.Nobody]

ZX10R NIN said:

The E350cdi is the pick they're pretty much bulletproof & were built for piling on the miles.

Even over the CLk?

[scot_aln]

Same or different friend to before? Change of mind on the 5?

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[Mr.Nobody]

scot_aln said:

Same or different friend to before? Change of mind on the 5?

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Different friend. He’s bought a 5 series GT.

[ZX10R NIN]

Mr.Nobody said:

ZX10R NIN said:

The E350cdi is the pick they're pretty much bulletproof & were built for piling on the miles.

Even over the CLk?

As much as I like the CLK & feel the interior is a better quality, the E coupe with it's slightly more powerful drivetrain if the pick.

[Mr.Nobody]

ZX10R NIN said:

As much as I like the CLK & feel the interior is a better quality, the E coupe with it's slightly more powerful drivetrain if the pick.

It’s a saloon the E Class.

[ZX10R NIN]

Mr.Nobody said:

It’s a saloon the E Class.

Again yes, also your friend was looking at a CLK 350 which is petrol not great when doing 20k a year.

[Mr.Nobody]

ZX10R NIN said:

Again yes, also your friend was looking at a CLK 350 which is petrol not great when doing 20k a year.

He did say that he’s not really fussed about the fuel cost. He would rather choose the best car. Overall he wants something that’s reliable and will hold its value after a number of years.

Edited by Mr.Nobody on Friday 18th April 09:40

[ZX10R NIN]

The best car from the list is the 350cdi.

[Mr.Nobody]

ZX10R NIN said:

The best car from the list is the 350cdi.

I’ll tell him to go for that.

[Mr.Nobody]

No love for the Saab?

[Ryyy]

Mr.Nobody said:

No love for the Saab?

Why?doesn't he want to go with the forum advice of the merc? If not and he wants the saab tell him to get the saab because he's driving it not us

[Mr.Nobody]

Ryyy said:

Why?doesn't he want to go with the forum advice of the merc? If not and he wants the saab tell him to get the saab because he's driving it not us

He’s going to. But as you don’t see many Saabs on the roads, it was a car he was keen on.

[Rob 131 Sport]

At that price point, I’d be looking at something simpler and mainstream such as a Diesel Manual Mondeo, 508 Peugeot or Insignia.

I’d definitely avoid the Saab, as they look awful, are painfully dated and (thankfully) haven’t been in production for years.

[paul_c123]

How much has your friend left for maintenance budget?

[Mr.Nobody]

paul_c123 said:

How much has your friend left for maintenance budget?

He’s got a pot saved up.

[Mr.Nobody]

Rob 131 Sport said:

At that price point, I’d be looking at something simpler and mainstream such as a Diesel Manual Mondeo, 508 Peugeot or Insignia.

I’d definitely avoid the Saab, as they look awful, are painfully dated and (thankfully) haven’t been in production for years.

Mondeo is okay. But Peugeot are horrible and well Insignia….. plus the Saab is probably more reliable, better built and safer than all 3 of those cars. Also those 3 don’t really hold their value. I assume out the ones he’s listed the Merc will however.

Edited by Mr.Nobody on Saturday 19th April 10:30

[spikeyhead]

What makes you think that a 14+ year old Saab will be more reliable than a Mondeo?