I have €10,000 to spend on an executive car.

I have a budget of €10,000 to get a car. I was thinking BMW 318/320, Honda Accord, Volvo S40 2.0 07/08 etc. What would be your preference and should I go petrol/diesel with less than 8,000 miles annually?

Kieran Hannon (Dublin)

Sep 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

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Expert answer

Hi Kieran,

With that kind of mileage, you could probably look at saving yourself a bit of money by going for a petrol model - as long as the price gap between it and a diesel covers the fuel cost. Get your calculator out...

Of the cars you've mentioned, we'd go for a 3 Series. Few cars are as good to drive and it's the kind of thing you should own once at least. Check it carefully for wear and tear though and don't buy anything without a full service history. 

The only catch could be trying to find one that ISN'T a diesel...

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe