What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Which car is capable of covering high mileages reliably?

I am an equine veterinary surgeon doing over 40,000 miles a year. My Saab 9.3 2.2-litre diesel has come to the end of its life at close to 300,000 miles. What do you suggest to replace it? I always buy secondhand and run cars until they die. Would a Ford Mondeo, Skoda Octavia or Vauxhall Omega be as reliable if I cannot find another Saab? Other suggestions would be welcome.

Asked on 19 January 2013 by JW, Warwick

Answered by Honest John
I'm very happy indeed with the 64mpg I am getting out of a BMW F30 320dED. It feels very solid on its 205/60 R16 tyres, but in all honesty I cannot tell you how long it will last. Another car that felt impressively solid was a base mode Mercedes-Benz C200 CDI Classic SE manual. That felt like it would do a million miles over 10 years.
Similar questions
I need a cheap large family car for general use (Asda trips) and longer road trips with lots of baggage. I only have about £1500 for the purchase. I would prefer a diesel automatic and preferably an estate...
I own a 2004 Ford C-Max TDCi with over 100,000 miles on the clock, which will need replacing fairly soon. I seem to remember you writing that if one bought a Mercedes-Benz 220 CDi, it would never require...
I am looking to buy a 2007 Toyota Prius that has done 136,000 miles but comes with a full service by Toyota for £4700. The car is in very good condition. Are there any pitfalls of buying a high mileage...
Related models
A big improvement on the previous C-Class. Feels well built and robust. Very comfortable and refined. High quality ride. Good CDI diesels.
More of the same. Modernised with sharper looks. Quick 2.8 twin-turbo. Strong diesels. Spare parts still readily available.
Brilliant to drive, powerful and fuel-efficient engines, good interior space and practicality.