Interesting question, and it will be interesting to see which makes people wouldn't buy as long term prospects.

I'd agree with FB, i'd say Avensis but electric parking brake is known to give the odd problem (we'd have one now if it wasn't for that)...model should be getting replaced soon and i wouldn't be surprised if the EPB vanishes into the skip where it belongs.

Mercedes E Class W211 from 06 on so facelift model is very good, as is the C Class from 08 on, either of those if you have a good make specialist indy to look after it for you should provide many years of service...my 18 year old W124 shows no signs of not lasting another 18.

A private hire chap i know runs E Class MB's, 220cdi, my MB indy looks after them, sold on when they get over 400k miles and seldom does anything need attention between services.

Even better than the W124 was the Volvo 9 series, if they still made them the same today as back in the 90's i'd buy a new one without a second thought, solid, armchair comfort, square for all round visibility, rust unknown, simple, turning circle nearly as good as a black cab, whats not to like.

S'good Alby, i wasn't sure about MB after the W210 rust machine and then compounded by early 211's, but they seem to have got to grips with things around 06 and appear well back on track...even my MB indy speaks highly of the newer models, a man not easily impressed.

Glad you've finally conquered that Mundano fetish...:-)

You'll be pleased to note the Outback is now running smoothly and economically on LPG, and is enjoying the full and intensive mega maintenance she's receiving, cars do have souls yerno, care for them and they give it back in spades.

Toyota Avensis 1.8 petrol estate

All of the "Audi-layout" VAG clones (Audi A4/6, VW old Passat, Mk1 Superb, Exeo) are excellent long term propositions if bought with the right engine and transmission. The outright dog is the 2.0PD but some other engines such as the 2.5 diesel with the VP44 fuel pump are also unlikely to brighten your life in the longer term. The CR diesels and most petrols are usually OK. (The 1.9PD is good, but old now).

Apart from long life with cheap maintenance (from an Independent), these cars all come into their own on snow and ice, unlike their rear-driven rivals. Progress on ice has been likened to a "yak on heat" and I can certainly vouch for their outstanding grip with the heavy engine well over the driven wheels. On one memorable journey through the Surrey hills following an unexpected heavy snow storm, the number of BMWs and M-Bs in the ditches was a grim reminder of their shortcomings under these conditions, I got home - on good Summer tyres.

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