My choice would be an XF, very nice cars and criminally underrated.

Only thing you need to be really carefully about is the engines on the 2016-2019 Gen 2 models - particularly the 4 cylinder ones - are known for timing chain issues.

You can actually get a brand new XF still for about £35k which is absolutely bonkers, criminally cheap for such a car and not far off the list of a new electric Corsa. The equivalent 5 series is nearer £60k and not necessarily the better car.

Edited by pd on 03/01/2024 at 16:16

At the moment, my shortlist is the VW Arteon or the Jaguar XF but my knowledge of cars is limited.

Between those two, I'd take the Aerton. More spacious, much bigger boot and likely to be more reliable.

I've only ever had petrol before, but no particular preference either way (open to hearing about why one is better than the other!).

Between petrol or diesel, if doing mainly short journeys and your total annual mileage is likely to be less than 12k miles, petrol is the way to go. If doing mainly longer journeys and a higher annual miles, diesel would be worth considering, but only if ULEZ is not going to be a factor.

Have you considered a Skoda Superb?

No, not looked at one yet but certainly will do now.

You may not be aware, but VW is part of the huge VAG empire. This encompasses Porsche, Audi, VW, Seat, Skoda and a handful of others. What this means is that under the skin most VAG cars share the same running gear, which is the case with the Aerton and Skoda Superb. But because the Skoda badge is considered less desirable you will get a younger, and more spacious car for the same money. So if you are happy with the badge and its looks, it is a win win!. If you have ff street parking (so could have a home charger installed), its is also worth bearing in mind that a PHEV (plug in hybrid) version of the Superb is also within budget.

Depending on just how much space you need, I'd also consider the Mazda 6. Like the Jag, it isn't especially spacious for its size, but does have a bigger boot. It is extremely reliable though (assuming you avoid the diesel) and generally considered a very handsome car.

I'd also consider a Lexus GS (self charge) hybrid. These are also extremely reliable and while boot capacity is not brilliant (the hybrid gubbins live under the boot), it is still more capacious than the Jag.

You might look at the Kia Optima PHEV.

For your budget, you should be able find one still in warranty. Big and comfy with lots of kit.

If you've got off-street parking you'd get all of your short journeys and a chunk of your longer ones for next to nothing.

Estimated mileage is 12-14,000 miles per year. Combination of ten minute journeys to work/nursery/shops, with longer journeys to clients (50-150 miles) a couple of times a week.

Borderline choice between petrol and diesel then. Although a diesel should use less fuel, that fuel usually costs more, so the saving is not great. Probably the complexity of modern diesels might be enough to tip the balance towards petrol - especially if you go near a ULEZ ?