BEST USED EXEC CARS FOR UNDER £5,000

Tony Middlehurst finds space, class and a good drive, all for less than the price of a used Focus

When it comes to allround motoring, the executive car takes a lot of beating.

For the business user they need to offer roomy, comfortable and well-specced cabins, plus enough handling integrity and equipment to keep the driver alert and entertained. They must also provide a feeling of dependability when it comes to punishing long drives, and a positive first impression when they arrive at their business destinations.

Then, on the weekends, they often have to double up as transport not just for the family but for all their bits and pieces too. They may even need to do the business on the family holiday.

It may seem unlikely but there’s a good choice of used execs that will do all that and more for less than £5000. We’ve picked out the best ten and listed them here.

LEXUS IS

We found: IS250 SE, 2007, 73,000 miles, full service history, £5000

The name of Lexus always figures among the top marques in the biggest customer satisfaction and reliability surveys, and the IS regularlytopstheindividualmodel lists. Looks great, the cabin is packed with toys and the build quality is high.

CITROËN C5

We found: C5 1.6 HDI VTR+, 2010, 55,000 miles, full service history, £4995

Don’t write off the Citroën C5 just because of its low sales. It was a supremely comfortable and refined cruising machine with a cushy ride and loads of space. Lots of car for the money, and big bargains to be had on late-model examples.

HONDA ACCORD

We found: Accord 2.0 VTEC SE, 2007, 48,000 miles, full service history, £4995

One of those cars that drives a lot more impressively than its looks might suggest. Another excellent choice if reliability and customer satisfaction count in your world. Plenty of standard equipment, a punchy engine and good handling.

AUDI A4

We found: A4 2.0 SE, 2007, 46,800 miles, service history, £4995

Only high used prices keep the excellent A4 down at this end of our top ten. They’re high for a reason. This is an efficient car with lots of trim choices, all of which will be immaculately put together.

MAZDA 6

We found: Mazda 6 2.2 TD SL, 2010, 79,000 miles, full service history, £4295

A poised drive – it’s closely related to the Ford Mondeo – and practical too, with ample space in the front (a little less headroom in the rear, however), the Mazda 6 has a good reliability record for cars in this class.

TOYOTA AVENSIS

We found: Avensis 2.0 D-4D TR, 2011, 68,000 miles, £4995

Sometimes, mega-dependability is more important than in-your-face looks or driving sparkle. The Avensis falls squarely into this category, and that’s great for secondhand buyers as it keeps prices low, which means you can afford much newer models than is the case with the other cars in this list.

MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS

We found: C180 SE, 2008, 75,000 miles, full service history, £4995

Seeing the three-pointed star on your steering wheel will always give you a good feeling, and despite being one of Mercedes’s smaller models, the C-class lives up to the badge with a relaxed sense of comfort and solidity.

BMW 3 SERIES

We found: 318i SE, 2007, 73,000 miles, full service history, £4465

The 3 Series has become a byword for the executive class for a long time thanks to its mix of excellent driving characteristics, understated but upmarket style and efficient engines. Not one of the cheaper options. but the reward comes through long-term ownership.

FORD MONDEO

We found: Mondeo 1.8 TDCI Zetec, 2009, 65,000 miles, full service history, £4795

Manymotoristshaveadowner on Ford, but in the case of the late-2000s Mondeo that’s a mistake as it’s a superb handling machine on any road, refined on the motorway and really spacious. Running costs are low and reliability is high.

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

We found: Passat 2.0 TDI Sport, 2008, 54,000 miles, full service history, £4900

Hugely spacious, well equipped and reliable, the Passat is a shoe-in at the top of our sub-£5k listing. It drives very nicely and will offend few passengers with its comfy ride and good standard equipment. Good value for money as a used car.