Amazzed

A conundrum. It’s time to part with my nearly 8-year-old super Mazda 626 GSI SE that’s been faultless and consider a replacement. Any ideas? I’m 6’, 65 years old, active, want a bit of ‘class’ but not the oldest teenager in town: something about 4.5m in length with 4/5 doors, possibly BMW Efficient Dynamics 3 Series, possibly an XF but a big posy and difficult in Morrison’s car park, only about 5,000 miles per annum, budget up to 40k, so on and so forth.

Asked on 5 June 2010 by TT, via email

Answered by Honest John

Take a drive in a Lexus IS250 auto. Amazingly refined. Best on 16” or 17” wheels with deeper profile tyres. Also consider an Infiniti G37:
www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/infiniti/g37-saloon-...9. If you go for the Jag XF, no reason not to go for the 3.0V6 petrol that starts at just under £30,000. Don't go for a diesel for 5,000 miles a year or you will have endless DPF problems.

Tags: buying executive cars wheels and tyres new cars

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BMW 3 Series (2005 - 2012)

Superb to drive. Great handling and steering. Upmarket image. Economical diesel engines culminating in amazingly efficient 320d Efficient Dynamics at 109g/km of CO2.

Infiniti G Saloon (2009 - 2013)

Ultra exclusive, smart and understated looks, very comfortable and well finished interior, high standard equipment levels.

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Wonderful and bespoke feeling interior. Amazingly quiet and refined. More economical 2.2 diesel from 2011. Navigation not fitted as standard on most models.

Lexus IS (2005 - 2013)

Very well built. Top quality interior. Lexus dealers are best in the business. Impressive refinement. All engines chain cam. IS250 probably the most reliable car you can buy.