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The 57 plate 530 will absolutely fine and they are built quite well but not as well as the old e39s. Make sure the swirl flaps have been sorted and it should be ok. You dont need runflats either, just buy the spare wheel kit. If its a 57 it may be the post LCI one (facelift) and so will be even more economical and powerful than the earlier models. I had a 545 and really regret selling it on.

I have heard only bad news about audi auto if its a multitronic. If it's dsg they are great but take some getting used to.

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Thanks for this.. yes it was the multitronic version ..

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I had an e39 five series and it never ever ever broke. BOught it with 140000 miles on it and it was a tank. The e60's are a little more fragile, lighter, handle even better and the one i had (350hp) went like a rocket ship. THe diesels have known problems with the engines eating the swirl flaps and basically grenading the engines. THe injectors also gum up and cost a fortune to repair. ALso they have a DPF which can become blocked if you tootle round the doors a lot, it costs the same to remove and remap as it does to replace. They are very nice cars to eat major miles in and drive proper (i.e. if you like driving you own't want anything else). THe 6 speed auto is an absolute corker but the early ones needed a software update as the car would slam into 1st at low speed. Take a test drive and i personally would pay for a warranty as a turbo is a grand if/when it goes and they pretty much do on all turbo diesels at some point.

here is the bible for fives http://forum.bmw5.co.uk/

these people make them fly http://www.ecotune-scotland.co.uk/

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Go for the Jag - might not have the reliability record of the german's but it is such a nice a place to sit! Had niggles with my Jag, but it is such a nice car to drive and the interior is really well put together. Compared to the dull black/grey audi/bmw interiors and bland looks - nowhere close. Go for the traditional beige / wheat interior - got to on a jag.

I have an X-type at the moment but will definitely be trading up to the XF next time.

45 mpg and £135 a year road tax!!!! How can a jag be cheap motoring?? Something wrong with that statement! Will be looking at the 2.2 XF in a couple of years time.

Also - everyone will think you earn about £20k more than you actually do!!! LOL. Jaguar still has that special image with the average person in the street.

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I agree with Jackie and Siii, Jag or BMW will be the better buy.

The mondeo will sting you at 100k if its a one with the dual mass flywheels

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I don't think they are particularly bland inside either to be honest. ALthough a jag will always be more interesting and feel like a gentlemans smoking club. Mine had heated ventilated leather and brilliant climate control. They also do things you will never get used to living without. For instance they turn the radio up as you drive faster and keep it at the same volume and as you drive the country keep the damn thing in tune. Moving to a seat altea after that was a bit of a shock i can tell you. I've been spoilt and i'm BMW through and through, they cost more to service as they use amazing oil but only need a service every 20k or so and RWD is the way forward and sideways, woo.

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Just as another bit of info to be armed with, check out the J.D.Power survey results here . That's for 2011 but other years are available if you put it into the search box.

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I'm with Stretchie.

I await my invitation.