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Compare the best used saloon cars

High quality second hand saloons from rated and reviewed dealers

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Best used saloon cars of 2024

The best used saloon cars are those that are not only good to look at and fun to drive on your favourite twisty, but are capable of carrying four adults and their luggage in plenty of comfort. If you’re looking to the used market for your next saloon car, you’ve got a wide range of cars to choose from, and should also be able to snap up a good deal on a recent model from a premium brand too. Here, we’re taking a look at the best used saloon cars you can currently buy through carwow.

BMW 3 Series

1. BMW 3 Series

9/10
BMW 3 Series review
Battery range up to 34 miles
The BMW 3 Series is arguably the best saloon car in the business, and as the current model has been on sale for a while now, there’ll be plenty available on the used market for a good price. It’s handsome, exceptionally good to drive and comes with a posh interior, too. Stiffer suspension means they can feel a bit firm over bumps, though.
Audi A6

2. Audi A6

7/10
Audi A6 review
Battery range up to 32 miles
This posh four-door is another saloon that, in its current generation, has been on sale for a few years now, so you’ll have plenty of options on the used market. They’re luxurious on the inside, comfortable on the motorway and come with a lot of high-tech kit. Just know that alternatives, especially from BMW, are far more sporty to drive.
BMW 5 Series (2020-2023)

3. BMW 5 Series

8/10
BMW 5 Series (2020-2023) review
Battery range up to 32 miles
In many ways, the 5 Series is the ultimate all-rounder. Not only are they fantastic to drive, they’re even more spacious on the inside and can be properly luxurious if you find a high-spec one. Being a larger car they are a bit pricier than a 3 Series, but they still make for an excellent used buy - particularly if you go for the pre-facelift model.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon (2020-2023)

4. Mercedes E-Class

8/10
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon (2020-2023) review
The Mercedes E-Class has never been as fun to drive as the BMW 5 Series, but they’re arguably even more comfortable over long-distance drives. Pre-facelift examples of the current model still have exceptionally luxurious interiors, and prices will be reasonable owing to the fact they’ve been around for some time now.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon

5. Mercedes C-Class (previous generation)

7/10
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon review
Battery range up to 34 miles
Now that there’s a brand new model of the C-Class on sale, it’s a great time to get a good deal on the previous-generation model. They’re handsome, posh on the inside and very comfortable on a longer run, but the BMW 3 Series has always been considerably more entertaining on a good back road.
Volkswagen Passat (2015-2022)

6. Volkswagen Passat

8/10
Volkswagen Passat (2015-2022) review
The Volkswagen Passat majors on comfort, passenger space and a more modest level of premium appeal next to alternatives from Mercedes, BMW and Audi. Still, they’re very smooth around town, and comfortable on the motorway. Look elsewhere if you want fun on a twisty backroad.
Audi A4

7. Audi A4

7/10
Audi A4 review
The Audi A4 feels every bit the compact luxury saloon. Even older pre-facelift models look and feel luxurious on the inside, and build quality is fantastic. They’re comfortable and quiet around town and on the motorway, too - but a BMW 3 Series runs rings around the A4 in terms of driving fun.
Peugeot 508

8. Peugeot 508

7/10
Peugeot 508 review
You may not see that many Peugeot 508s on the road (French saloons have been a tough sell in the UK for some time) but, when you do, you're in for a treat, as this is one of the best-looking saloons on the market. The 508 also has an inviting, coccooning cabin, even if the infotainment isn't as sharp as it is in some rival cars. The 508 is nice to drive, mind, being comfortable and assued.
Alfa Romeo Giulia

9. Alfa Romeo Giulia

6/10
Alfa Romeo Giulia review
The Alfa Romeo Giulia is not only a pretty face, it’s one of the best-handling saloon cars money can buy, and will give the BMW 3 Series a serious run for its money. Interior quality isn’t quite up to scratch with rival cars, mind.
Jaguar XE

10. Jaguar XE

6/10
Jaguar XE review
The Jaguar XE is another option to consider if you want a car that puts driving fun at the top of its priority list. They’re excellent on a twisty country road, but its four-cylinder engines can be thirsty and a bit harsh and noisy too. Its interior is suitably posh, but being an older car it’s definitely starting to show its age.

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Advice about used saloon cars

Used saloon cars FAQs

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.

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