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Which secondhand luxury car would make a reliable purchase?

I am of the opinion that 4-to-6 year-old luxury cars, well looked after, can offer years of high quality, low cost motoring. From a reliability point of view what model might you recommend? I have a budget of up to £10,000.

Asked on 1 July 2012 by MH, via email

Answered by Honest John
This does not seem to be true of Mercedes, BMW or Audi but there may some truth in it with regard to Lexus. I'd rate an early Lexus IS250 automatic on 16-inch wheels as a useful contender, although the minor disadvantage is the poor fuel economy.
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