Can you find me a fun, but smart buy for under €15,000?

I'm looking at buying a used car at the moment. I'm trying to be smart considering fuel prices etc, but still want to enjoy driving. I've beem looking at BMW X5s, Volkswagen Touaregs and Audi A8s. I'd like a car that is a good all rounder in terms of comfort, style and on the off chance it snows I wont be stuck!

Any advice welcome. (Feel free to advise me to get an M5... please!)

Thanks

Andrew Rhatigan (Dublin)

Nov 2012 Filed under: choosing used car

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Expert answer

Hi Andrew,

You're in an enviable position. I'm going to go on the assumption that four-wheel drive is a must-have (though a rear-wheel drive car on winter tyres is as good as a 4x4 without in terms of stopping and changing direction as well as traction...) and given your comment on fuel we'll say it has to be diesel too. Don't worry, there's still fun to be had.

The 3.0 TDI V6 engine found in certain Audi A6s and A8s is a gem and partnered with quattro four-wheel drive seems made for you. The equivalent rear-wheel drive BMWs are a little more engaging, and the 330d/530d's engine is also fantastic, though we suspect you want four-wheel drive. Try a 535d out for size and you might change your mind and invest in winter tyres instead!

As much as we admire the X5 and Touareg, and they're good value on the used market at the minute, we can't help but feel they'll be just as difficult to sell on in a few years.

Another excellent alternative to the (quite common) Audi A6 is the allroad quattro version, based on the A6 Avant. Seems to tick all the boxes.

Let us know if we're on the right track here.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Adviser
@Shane_O_D