Best used saloon cars

There’s no definitive answer here, as prices will drop across the board if you’re willing to go for an older model with higher mileage. Still, in terms of affordable used deals on more recent models, the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 both make for solid bets at the premium end of the scale, while the Skoda Superb and Volkswagen Passat are also excellent options if you want a large, practical saloon car and are willing to forgo a bit of brand prestige.

As with any used car, you’ll want to make sure any second-hand saloon you’re considering has a service history that’s fully intact, and that the car is in good running order and hasn’t been involved in a crash under its previous owner. If you’re not so fussed about rear passenger space, then smaller saloons like the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4 are all excellent choices. If you want a bit more flexibility, though, the bigger BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and Mercedes E-Class should be on your shopping list.

Certain manufacturers are better when it comes to reliability than others, and if you want to give yourself an idea of which brands you should be targeting from this perspective then check out our guide on the most (and least) reliable cars. In terms of a specific model to avoid, the Infiniti Q50 isn’t really worth a look in, owing to the fact that it’s not great to drive, and is pretty unrefined too.

If you can afford it and are someone who wants the best of the best, then it’s always advisable to buy new. However, given some of the models on this list are current-generation examples that have been on sale for a while now, looking to the used market can be a great way of getting a good deal - particularly if you find one that comes loaded up with plenty of desirable equipment. Our guide on new vs used cars to will help you decide which option is best for you.