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Choice of three executive saloons - which would you recommend?

I have a budget of around £25k to buy an executive saloon. My criteria are as follows:

- Diesel, over 45 combined mpg
- Auto preferable but manual okay
- Extras to include sat-nav, leather, heated seats
- Less than two years old
- Less than 20,000 miles

I have narrowed it down to three models, but would appreciate your advice on which you think is the best option.

1. Audi A6 2.0 S-Line
2. BMW 520d M Sport
3. Mercedes 220d Sport

I plan to keep the car for four to five years, so my only concern with the Mercedes is the potential for a new model release in the next year or so, but not sure if that is scheduled?

Asked on 23 November 2012 by Chatham

Answered by Honest John
BMW 520d SE, not the M-Sport unless you are prepared to budget £1,000 a year for replacement wheels and tyres and visits to an osteopath. An alternative is the new Mazda 6 Skyactiv 2.2 diesel auto, arriving early next year.
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