Be aware that all you are thinking of buying are probably ex lease, surely out of manufacturers warranty, and have they been serviced correctly. personally would avoid vag products, read the owners clubs and look up problems. If you go for the beemer, it is rear wheel drive, the honda is ugly to me. (personal opinion)

But Whatever, be very careful about all of them, and if possible buy from the marque main dealer with their own warranty.

Good luck.

Edited by oldroverboy. on 29/12/2013 at 16:44

Sorry to be negative, but I wouldn't buy any of those, for the simple reason that I wouldn't buy a 3-4-year-old diesel. There are too many appendages on modern diesel engines, added in the interest of the environment and/or noise suppession - which fail expensively at higher mileages.

You'll find - at least at the moment - that a petrol-powered version of the same car will cost you less initilly to compensate foir higher fuel consumption.

Also you might consider cars that don't hold their value quite as well as BMW, VW or Honda, and which will be cheaper for you to buy secondhand. Maybe consider a Volvo, Skoda or Mazda. The diesel Mazda 6 is a money-pit, but the petrol has a very good reputation both for reliability and for being good to drive,

I should perhaps add that Ford diesels seem to have fewer of these problems even at high mileages - but no doubt you're looking for a change.

Edited by Avant on 29/12/2013 at 19:49