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Hi Kev,

Yes, it's a tricky combination of things you need. Normally we'd say go for the Lexus and just enjoy the ultimate in reliability, but as you rightly point out, there's an issue with luggage space. With that in mind, I think the best bet is the Audi A8, which has masses of space in the cabin and boot and which should be, aside from the Lexus, the most overall reliable car in your list. 

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Hi Tom,

Buying a premium car on the cheap is always tempting (have you seen the price of ten-year-old Audi A8s? Tempting…), but it comes with the caveat that you do need to set aside budget for maintenance and servicing, especially if you plan on keeping it serviced with a main dealer. Even with a more affordable independent specialist, the bills for any major work can still be significant.

Now, balanced against that is the fact that cars are, in general, more reliable, and you can get a good warranty on an approved used premium car (BMW’s two-year second hand warranty is especially good).

That said, going the nearly-new Japanese route is the painless option, and the Mazda6 is an especially good comparison. Buy a specced-up Platinum version of the 6 and I defy you to say that its cabin is any less luxurious than that of a BMW or Jaguar and it’s a great car to drive too, with typical Mazda reliability.

So while the older premium route is tempting, we’d err on the side of caution and go for the Mazda. 

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Hi Peter,

Yes, apparently so, but possibly still not quite so popular as the evergreen Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

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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.

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Hi Sinead,

They are both around the same price and both really excellent cars. The new A6 is very refined, feeling now more like a small Audi A8 and the 2.0-litre diesel is powerful and relatively quiet. I did a short video on the car which you can view here.

The BMW 5 Series is selling really well because it offers so much car for a really good price.

Comparing them, I would say that the Audi has a fractionally better interior than the BMW, but for me in every other regard the BMW would be my preference because it looks better and drives better.

The two cars are really very close, so to be honest Sinead I would say that whichever one takes your fancy will be a good buy. They even have the same levels of standard equipment. It really is down to a Coke vs Pepsi arguement here: just down to personal taste.