Looking for advice - diesel executive with cruise control

Mango Joe

Hi All,

I'd really appreciate some advice - I'm currently saving and looking out for a diesel executive class car with cruise control (currently doing a 1hr motorway commute 10 times a week)

I'd place a premium on reliability and economy and ideally never spending a cent more than on routine servicing (!) - Budget is about €6-7.5k but will stretch if need be - don't want to economise falsely and buy something that won't return value then long term.

I would also consider going to the UK if need be.

I like the Audi A4/A5, Volvos, Honda Accord, current model Avensis (beyond budget though) and oddly enough I have a strange soft spot for the current shape Focus in top spec (not exactly exec though I know)

After this I'd be looking for suggestions on what I've been missing out on or previously failed to consider.

- I don't have any interest in 4X4's, Tucson/Qashqai type models or estates - 95% of the time its just me in the car on my own travelling to and from work..... Also I've no interest in anything BMW - Anyone I've ever known that drives one seems to be ridden twice a week on servicing/'unexpected' parts !!!

PS also scared of anything French or Italian due to worries over reliability and things like the indicators coming on when I brake and the windows only working for the first month and so on.

- Seemingly a high proportion of the diesel engines out there are french made anyhow though - Not sure where that leaves me?!?

Thanks in advance for the help here - Much appreciated.

bazz26

Not sure what your definition of executive is but very few of those cars on your list would be deemed as executive cars. Out of that list if you want something relatively low maintenance then the Accord is probably the best but being realistic all cars need money spent on them from time to time especially as they get older and the miles rack up. Also modern diesel car can be far from low maintenance due to their complexity. And you don't need to buy an executive car to get cruise control, it's a very common driver aid fitted to many cars these days.

dil999

I just bought a Passat. 1.6TDi. Very nice car, very comfortable. Has loads of driver assist technology. German design. Probably German built.

bear1

The only thing that really comes to mind is the accord cdti.
Chunky car and is comfortable enough.

acronym Chilli

2.5l diesel Volvo's of various stripes? Larger than s40 for a more Volvo build.

Could probably get a well enough maintained Saab diesel for that money too (either 93 or 95)

VAG 1.9TDI 130 bhp engined units might also fit (reliability etc), but probably older than you're planning and you'll struggle to find one in nice condition.

Mondeos? Or maybe a Jag on ford underpinnings? (Mondeo in Jag clothing)

acronym Chilli

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/saab-93-sport/16673443
If this checked out it could be good:
2009 1.9Tid Saab 93. 100k miles, NCT to Jan 2019. One owner from new, and he gives first and last name in advert. Claims a full service history, if that's there then that's important as those engines need it (like most modern diesels).
€4500 asking might be high(?), but well within budget.
It's manual transmission... Would you want auto?

Shefwedfan

Audi A6

ofcork

Go back a couple of years on the avensis as the new one is basically a second facelift of the mk 3 from 2009,i have a 12 and no issues in 3 years.

Mango Joe

Thanks for all the help here folks - Plenty to be thinking about.

- How about the a facelifted Passat from 2011 onwards? Whats the 1.6 diesel like in these?

They're a fine looking car in fairness and seem well kitted out and so on?

Mango Joe

Mango Joe wrote: »

.............

- How about the a facelifted Passat from 2011 onwards? Whats the 1.6 diesel like in these?

They're a fine looking car in fairness and seem well kitted out and so on?

Not a chance of getting one for your budget unless you want one with loads of miles on it and bought privately and you don't seem the type for either tbh.

Here's a 2010 Passat, 2.0 from a dealer
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/volkswagen/passat/used-2010-volkswagen-passat-2-0td-dublin-fpa-27587157883711

A 2011 one but higher mileage.......
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/volkswagen/passat/used-2011-volkswagen-passat-highl-dublin-fpa-107174746700398

bazz26

I'd say you would struggle to get a good one for 6.5k that hasn't done intergalactic mileage. 1.6 is a bit dead in them too as the car is heavy.

Some cars worth looking at:

http://www.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=1840688&r=s.php%3Fm%3D76%26o%3D661%26r%3D2010%26pp%3D50%26g%3D0

http://www.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=1859812&r=s.php%3Fm%3D72%26o%3D2169%26r%3D2011%26pp%3D50%26g%3D0

Donal55

Mango Joe wrote: »

Hi All,

I'd really appreciate some advice - I'm currently saving and looking out for a diesel executive class car with cruise control (currently doing a 1hr motorway commute 10 times a week)

I'd place a premium on reliability and economy and ideally never spending a cent more than on routine servicing (!) - Budget is about €6-7.5k but will stretch if need be - don't want to economise falsely and buy something that won't return value then long term.

I would also consider going to the UK if need be.

I like the Audi A4/A5, Volvos, Honda Accord, current model Avensis (beyond budget though) and oddly enough I have a strange soft spot for the current shape Focus in top spec (not exactly exec though I know)

After this I'd be looking for suggestions on what I've been missing out on or previously failed to consider.

- I don't have any interest in 4X4's, Tucson/Qashqai type models or estates - 95% of the time its just me in the car on my own travelling to and from work..... Also I've no interest in anything BMW - Anyone I've ever known that drives one seems to be ridden twice a week on servicing/'unexpected' parts !!!

PS also scared of anything French or Italian due to worries over reliability and things like the indicators coming on when I brake and the windows only working for the first month and so on.

- Seemingly a high proportion of the diesel engines out there are french made anyhow though - Not sure where that leaves me?!?

Thanks in advance for the help here - Much appreciated.

Touch wood I'll be over in the UK in the new year looking at either S80s V70s or the Peugeot 508 SW range.
Some decent value with the strengthened euro and If you give yourself a gross figure of approx €8.5k to include VRT and transport costs you could pick up a good car.

gonko

I had a BMW 525D and a 530d. Never had n issue with both and where beautiful motorway cruisers, especially the 530d. If luxury and executive is the spin, have a look at Lexus. I've a GS450h at the moment, and it has everything you can think of and beats the crap out of anything in it's class in every department. I get around 35mpg on motorway spins in, and it can sure move too. The missus has an A6 TDI and is OK. Boring car overall but looks OK.

For motorways its hard to trump a big diesel. For luxury exec feel, its hard to beat a Lexus, particularly e GS models. IS are great too.
I've driven a fair few cars over the years. While other cars mentioned come close, they come up short none the less.
Mercedes are savage inside, but reliability is a mixed bag.

bazz26

I get the impression that the OP's idea of executive isn't along the lines of the those cars. The OP did mention Passats earlier.

Mango Joe

gonko wrote: »

I had a BMW 525D and a 530d. Never had n issue with both and where beautiful motorway cruisers, especially the 530d. If luxury and executive is the spin, have a look at Lexus. I've a GS450h at the moment, and it has everything you can think of and beats the crap out of anything in it's class in every department. I get around 35mpg on motorway spins in, and it can sure move too. The missus has an A6 TDI and is OK. Boring car overall but looks OK.

For motorways its hard to trump a big diesel. For luxury exec feel, its hard to beat a Lexus, particularly e GS models. IS are great too.
I've driven a fair few cars over the years. While other cars mentioned come close, they come up short none the less.
Mercedes are savage inside, but reliability is a mixed bag.

Thanks I'll revisit the Lexus idea for another look - I was thinking a few times recently though - it would feel very strange to me buying a diesel Lexus when they are running a very prominent radio advertising campaign with the overwhelming message: "Diesel is dead" :eek:

- I presume if you go near their dealer network these days with one of their own cars in Diesel they headbutt you or just shout abuse or something?

bazz26

The diesel engine in the Lexus IS is a terrible and unreliable engine. It is best avoided.

FUBO

Skoda Superb ?

bigroad

There are a few late model Hyundai sonata for sale around 10 reg.
They come with cruise control and leather.
Great car on the motorway and good value.