Car required for 6 months...........

[DSM10000]

A good friend of mine is coming over to the UK from the USA for a 6 month secondment.

He has a lot of family and friends over here so during his free time will be covering a fair number of miles, he will also need a car to go in to work when on call. A hire car does not really make sense for this amount of time and also he estimates that he will cover at least 1500 miles a month commuting and socialising so intends to buy a car and then either sell it before his return or leave it with me to dispose of for him.

Main requirements are: Automatic, reasonable performance and handling, good cruising ability, ideally built in satellite navigation and comfortable seats as he has a long standing back problem and reliability. Fuel consumption is not important nor is image.

So far I have come up with the suggestion of a 2004-2008 Honda Accord 2.0 or 2.4 Executive model as it seems to fit his criteria. Budget is £4000

All suggestions gratefully received!

 

[blue gnome123]

Hi. I've had two MkVII Accords and own a MKVIII. The petrols have no major faults and should be very reliable. Not the fastest or most economic but good cars.

 

[IanA2]

What about a Lexus. LS, GS and RX would all fill the criteria. LS is an amazing amount of car for the money.

 

[flango]

I agree for 6 month drama free reasonable mileage motoring then the accord fits the bill nicely

 

[John Jones Jr]

Used Toyota Camry Saloon 2.4 Vvti Cdx 4dr Auto in East - Ewell, Surrey | Said Motors

 

[joecash]

KIA Ceed estate yom circa 2008 (80k miles) balance of Kia 7 year warranty should fit the bill then when he comes to sell there will still be warranty left - If it blows up no red face for you and no attack on his wallet - Not the prettiest of cars but for circa £4k got to be a good deal. - make sure the service history is acceptable to KIA and that exhaust tyres brakes etc are good for 10k before parting with cash!! - usual disclaimers ................................

 

[W126]

E39 5 series? 530 sport would fit the bill nicely.

This one....

(mine....for sale soon)

 

[flango]

Another drama free car boring and uninspiring but rock solid with any engine is the Volvo S80 some real bargains out there at the moment was looking at a 54 plate with 85k on 2.4 petrol £1995 what a bargain

 

[martyz]

Do you not feel confident enough to recommend a Merc?

 

[gaz_l]

If he's got back problems a Saab might fit the bill. They go for buttons these days, how about this one? Plenty of change to buy a Garmin with, too..

Saab 9-5 2.0t Linear 4dr Auto Saloon

Cheers,

Gaz

 

[DSM10000]

Do you not feel confident enough to recommend a Merc?

Confidence or not in an MB is not a consideration I just tried to find something that ticked all his boxes and trying to find built in satellite navigation within the budget (and I forgot to mention heated seats!) the Accord seemed drama free and there is a fair choice around.

 

[MCFastybloke]

E39 5 series? 530 sport would fit the bill nicely.

This one....

(mine....for sale soon)

I fancy that.

 

[DSM10000]

If he's got back problems a Saab might fit the bill. They go for buttons these days, how about this one? Plenty of change to buy a Garmin with, too..

Saab 9-5 2.0t Linear 4dr Auto Saloon

Cheers,

Gaz

They are remarkable value and make good, spacious and safe family cars for very little money but the market for these in terms of resale is still difficult I believe and having owned a 9-5 I disliked the rather soggy and imprecise handling although as motorway cruisers they are very good.

 

[maryo e270 cdi]

Volvo s60 d5 2003 for £1300? Or E270 cdi automatic 2003 for£3500

 

[DSM10000]

Volvo s60 d5 2003 for £1300? Or E270 cdi automatic 2003 for£3500

He is not a fan of diesel engines, he thinks they belong in trucks

 

[joecash]

Do you not feel confident enough to recommend a Merc?

its a very good friend!!

 

[John Jones Jr]

I wouldn't limit car choice on the sat nav requirement - simple to fit a modestly priced Tom Tom/Garmin etc. And since your friend is a Yank, I'd play safe and opt for a Jap motor like the Accord or Camry. Nice cars that the BM, Volvo & Saab are, better to be prudent I would think and go what is considered to be very reliable like the Jap motors mentioned.

 

[DSM10000]

I wouldn't limit car choice on the sat nav requirement - simple to fit a modestly priced Tom Tom/Garmin etc. And since your friend is a Yank, I'd play safe and opt for a Jap motor like the Accord or Camry. Nice cars that the BM, Volvo & Saab are, better to be prudent I would think and go what is considered to be very reliable like the Jap motors mentioned.

He is one of the most absent minded people I know outside of work, hugely intelligent (cardio-thoracic surgeon) but would lose a sat nav unit or forget he had it. He is used to a large screen built in unit on his car so I know this would make life easier! The Accord Ex has sat nav as standard as well as the other toys but all suggestions welcome.

 

[John Jones Jr]

He is one of the most absent minded people I know outside of work........ (cardio-thoracic surgeon)

Delighted to hear it's not in work!


Accord looks like it's winner so. Nice cars, avoid the Touring (estate) as it doesn't ride as well and opt for the 2.4 if possible.

 

[Mercator]

Toyota, Nissan, Ford or Honda would all suit.