I read somewhere (possibly in the increasingly useless Saturday Telegraph motoring section) that certain cars are starting to represent good value second hand, whether it's because they are thirsty, have an "un-green" image or unfashionable badge, or some kind of undeserved reputation.

Nothing new there, that's always been the case, though the values of these cars may start to drop further due to the fuel prices.

Key thing to remember is that while the car may cost you under £10k, the servicing and maintenance costs are going to be that of the £70k car it was when new.

Generally, it's the ancillaries/electronics that are the major problems, as I found with a >50k Merc S class that had full history

Edited by Palcouk on 26/03/2022 at 13:35

I read somewhere (possibly in the increasingly useless Saturday Telegraph motoring section) that certain cars are starting to represent good value second hand, whether it's because they are thirsty, have an "un-green" image or unfashionable badge, or some kind of undeserved reputation.

I've even seen the Porsche Cayenne put forward for its bullet proof engine? (Don't laugh please, I am actually tempted)

I had a Hyundai Santa Fe petrol which I greatly enjoyed btw

Budget is under £10,000, auto, good ground clearance and 5 doors preferred.

Thanks in advance, much obliged I'm sure

I run a 2015 VW Touareg, a more practical sibling of the Porsche Cayenne with an Audi diesel engine - I bought it new as a retirement present and a keeper - I'm very pleased with it but under no illusion about the cost of servicing, repairs and insurance as it's an Audi Q7 / Porsche Cayenne debadged.

Having previously run a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe, it has much of the practicality of the VW Touareg at a fraction of the price.

........certain cars are starting to represent good value second hand, whether it's because they are thirsty, have an "un-green" image or unfashionable badge......

Budget is under £10,000, auto, good ground clearance and 5 doors preferred.

Have you considered an Audi A8? They are well made with a good pedigree. Eight years ago I bought an eight year old for my retirement low mileage 'forever car' for 12k. It has now almost stopped depreciating so I have probably already had my moneysworth. They are made of aluminium so they last well - not a hint of corrosion at over 16yrs old. You can raise the air suspension for more ground clearance if needed, and many are four wheel drive for the occasional muddy field or snowy road.

Key thing to remember is that while the car may cost you under £10k, the servicing and maintenance costs are going to be that of the £70k car it was when new.

Not necessarily if you service it yourself. Oil and brake pads are much the same price as for any other car. The MoT, which does all the important service checks, costs the same for a Rolls Royce as for a Ford Fiesta. I have had only two garage repair bills - front roll bar drop links, around 140 pounds, and paying an expert to remove the front of the car (another 200) to gain access to the defunct WABCO compressor, repaired with a 25 pound repair kit. (That's only because it's a W!2 model - on other A8s you can access it via the wheel arch.)