Need a used exec car with low running costs

I bought my Lexus IS220d (08 plate) four years ago with 40k miles on it and have now added 100k miles without much going wrong, Lexus customer services have been excellent throughout.

I am now starting to think of a replacement car and want something equally comfortable with moderate long-term running costs. I want automatic this time so considering Audi A5/A6, BMW 5 Series, Jaguar XF and Lexus GS/RX.

I do about 22,000 miles mixed-driving miles per year and would like something with some "go" (I don't mind if average mpg is down to low 30s), petrol or diesel I don't mind.

I usual buy a four year old car with about 40k on the clock (budget about £15k) and keep it for five years so could you please give me your opinion as to which specific engine models from the above ranges (or any others) you'd plump for with an eye on ride-comfort and overall running/repair costs for 5 years/120k miles?

Asked on 27 June 2016 by SF

Answered by Honest John
Ride comfort is less to do with the make and model and more to do with the wheel, tyre and suspension options on the particular car. So 16-inch wheels with 55 or 60 profile tyres and SE suspension or air suspension will be a lot more comfortable than 20-inch wheels with 30 profile tyres and a rock hard Sport suspension set-up.

Of the cars on your list, a six-cylinder BMW F10 530d is probably the most reliable long-term with a bit of grunt, or, with less grunt, a Mercedes E220CDI, which is the private hire driver's choice for very good reasons. You might also consider a base model Lexus IS300h that came on sensible 16-inch wheels.
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