Prestige for pounds 7000

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), June 15, 2007

Byline: By Matthew Timbridge

Some of you will have been on a motorway when it happened. Or sitting in an inner-city traffic jam.

There just comes a time when you are tired of sitting in a basic 'everyday' car. All around you, there seem to be prestige badges.

If you long for a car seat that is a little more like an armchair than a bus chair it is time to upgrade to a more serious car.

You need a fully-fledged, grown-up executive saloon. Here are three of the best that are now affordable on the used market, the Audi A 6, VW Passat (1996 - 2004), and BMW 5-Series (1996-2004).

They stand out and there is a wide choice too.

Audi A6:

The Audi easily matches the BMW 5 and Mercedes E for quality and all-round ability.

It is arguably better built inside and out, but the Audi badge does not have the image and that means lower prices. This is probably the stand-out bargain used buy of the group.

Most economical:1.9 Tdi 115 - 52.3mpg

Best used buy: 2.4 V6, big engine, decent power and because petrol, cheap.

UsedCarExpert.com buyers checks: 15

Price: A '00/WX' plate 2.4 V6 with 70,000 miles will be around pounds 5,050 in the classifieds.

VW Passat:

The VW Passat, (1996 - 2004), is roomy, well finished and cheap to own. On the used market it is also the bargain of this group to buy.

It has good engines and better specifications and models from 2001. There are lots in circulation, so there is wide choice. But it won't turn any heads.

Most economical: 1.9 Tdi 115 - 53.3mpg

Best used buy: 1.9 Tdi SE or 2.3 V5

UsedCarExpert.com buyers checks: 22

Price: A '00/WX' plate 2.3 V5 with 70,000 miles will be around pounds 3,280 in the classifieds.

BMW-5 Series:

The BMW 5-Series, (1996-2004), is brilliantly engineered and built, the best prestige saloon or estate you can buy.

Like all BMWs, it is very comfortable and great to drive in all circumstances. But, despite the high number on the market, residuals stay high, almost too high.

Most economical: 525d - 42.2mpg

Best used buy: 525I has smooth and powerful petrol engine with SE specification.

UsedCarExpert.com buyers checks: 25

Price: A '00/WX' plate 525i with 70,000 miles will be around pounds 6,290 in the classifieds.