As an ex executive chauffeur I can happily say that I adored my S class and I would have one, but for 20k you'll get a higher mileage example that will cost alot to maintain. I know people have still got an issue with Skoda, but for me I'd rather spend my 20k on a Skoda Superb 280 L&K. The Skoda Superb is long wheelbase so its like a limousine in the back and the L&K gives you alot of spec, plus 4wd, an engine that does 0-60 in under 6 seconds and running costs that won't steal your wallet and do a runner. I'm expecting much backlash for my comments, but we are all allowed our own opinions.
I’m also a Chauffuer and I’d put my money On a used Lexus. Preferably the rx400h rather than the ls models. Reliability is my only concern and bucket loads of comfort helps. I’m done with under 20k German luxury cars
A friend of mine is the co-owner/CEO of a midsized company, keeps leasing Superbs (albeit Diesels) as a company car and drives them around 50 k kms a year. Spacious, comfy, well equipped - he never had any trouble with them and they give a fantastic mileage. One special benefit for him is that since he is in charge of sales, the Skoda badge shields him from customers grumbling that he lavishes "their" money on fancy cars... I'd just wonder if 280 horse power isn't asking a lot from a 2 litre TSI engine. Do these cars have a torque converter autobox or would that be a double clutch one?
About 2 months ago I scored a 2012 (2013 model) 3.0ltr supercharged XJ portfolio with only 16000 miles on it, it had been regularly serviced and garaged all its life. It's a brand new car. I paid £18,900, the original bill of sale was still with it and the owner paid £67,500 10 years ago. I could not be happier. Got a 12 month main dealer warranty with it, it has brand new tyres and is immaculate.
Sounds amazing. I would have gone for the same had it not been the looming Clean Air Zone a.k.a ULEZ limitation looming around the area where I travel to work.
@@kennysakala4839 Like everywhere it is a mixed bag. One of my friends got a Merc A200d for about 3k less than the market price as the seller was well to do and was getting rid of additional car.
Some lovely cars....our issue here in Scotland is that any diesel registered before Sept 1st 2015 can't drive into Glasgow city centre (other cities will follow) without being fined. Thankfully, my A7 just made it by 4 weeks.
Hey Matt I actually looked at your BMW 5 + 6 series video when deciding to get my car. I decided for the 5 series 15 reg as I’ve got children and need a huge boot. The 520D 2 owners and as you said paying a premium for lower looked after car so the car only did 45k and it was a husband and wife who first had first bought the car i paid 16.7k which around March when the car market was crazy I think for the paint quality and interior quality it was literally brand new. My target was around 13K but with mileage over 80k and a basic spec car I thought I didn’t want any issues and god bless the cars been a dream, it’s always worth paying a little more for the mileage, paint, body and interior quality to be better especially if your like me who gets the car washed every Sunday without fail even in the snow!! Keep up the videos mat and thank you
Keep in mind that with most of these cars, you'll want to budget for repairs and maintenance...and add an extended warranty. The fact that they're £20k or less doesn't mean that they'll cost any less to repair or maintain.
Yep, even for the Lexus. ABS and air suspension tend to be the biggest bill when they fail (and they will). That's why I prefer the early-to-mid-00s saloons (not you, E65 7er).
I would love to jump into a luxury car and all of the cars mentioned. However I would take a Honda or Toyota over one of these, BMW swirl flap issue, constant leaks. I have had BMW, Mercedes, Alfa and regretted each of these, constant grief!
My dad has a 2006 Audi A8 3.0tdi which he’s owned since 2009. It has over 200k miles on the clock and it’s been the most reliable car he’s ever had and done so many miles in. Apart from regular servicing and maintenance there’s only been a few repairs, nothing major apart from the air suspension which failed once and that wasn’t cheap.. Apart from that, It’s still going strong, engine runs smooth like butter and still a pleasure to drive..
I had a 7 series, would have gone for an S class but found it hard to find a recent shape S class that's a short wheel base. In the end I added an extra bag of cash and got a loaded Panamera turbo, I'm in heaven.
More great suggestions from Matt, a man with deep insight. I called into your showroom today as I was in the area. I have to say to all watchers, if you are looking to change your car, this guy has some excellent vehicles on offer, all beautifully presented. For me, the star of the show was your SL 55, simply stunning, sadly not for sale.....at the moment. Sorry you weren't there Matt, would have been nice to say "hello".
We had an S90 in stock, 2013, with 196k (ex airport car), serviced every 10k miles. One of the comfiest cars I've ever sat in, it was in stock less than 24 hours. It was some car, wish I could have smoked it a bit longer.
Just got a cls 350d shooting brake and it is a very smooth, refined and luxurious car. Premium plus and crystal leather are a needed option. Also it’s not slow
Just bought a 2011 Jaguar XJ Portfolio, heated steering wheel, heated and cooled seats (front and rear) and massage seats in the front. Very smooth ride as well, lovely interior and bluetooth music. Keeping it a year and then might go for a Range Rover if they are more comfortable than the Jag! Cant fault the Jag at all, everything you need, smooth and lots of speed when you need it.
Need more of these Matt, once every week maybe. Save a lot of people a lot of time and for the rest of us including me , it just is fun to look at cars you can't ever afford 😂
My had a brand new 22 plate S500E for a job he was doing (the Tennis Tournament in London recently). 3.0lt straight 6 Hybrid, full spec in a Dark Green grey interior. Went like stink in absolute comfort and luxury.
Would love to see different proce brackets as well! I know you have other videos with cheaper cars, but actually looking online for a specific models is great. Keep it up!
Hi Matt. Love your channel, been watching it for a couple of years now and I think your take on cars is refreshingly different, knowledgeable and to the point. I've driven several of the models that you list (as new company cars ive run the CLS, S350, S90 T8) and they are great executive cruisers. The elephant in the room that you neglected to mention is the Porsche Panamera (sorry i know you despise the looks) I have owned and daily run a 2015 model year for the past 2 years and think its exceptional. A proper Porsche ... premium badge, performance, driveability, build quality and reliability (if its maintained properly) with low running costs for for such a prestigious marque. Mine has 87k on the clock and its as tight as a new car. The 3.0d (300) is a proper second hand bargain for a car that in most cases cost north of £80k when it left the showroom. It should definitely be on your list mate.... sorry but it had to be said
Ah the E38 7 series. I had one of these about 15 years ago and I haven't seen, driven or owned a comparable car since (this includes an S4 and an S5). It is by far the best looking luxury saloon ever (imho) and I would love to find a pristine example to buy and keep for a long, long time. Mine was a 728 and hadn't been well looked after so only lasted 3 or so years before it got too expensive to keep on the road. It would be great if you could do a review on one although they are getting much rarer these days.
I wish you’d done this comparison a couple of weeks ago mate. Because I was in the midst of making this very decision. I drove the Lexus’ both LS460 and 430; the Mercedes CLS and S Class; BMW 7 and 5 series; and XJ Supercharged. In the end I chose a 2015 Mercedes S550 with the twin turbo V8. I concluded that it was the best car available for under $30,000. And mine was well under $30k! With Lane Keep Assist, Distronic cruise control, seats that do everything front and rear, the beautiful a,Brent lighting, 12.5” dual screens, Burmester sound system, full LED lighting that is adaptive and corners, acres of leather and wood, pano roof, in fact, here in the States they come very highly optioned. I believe the only option I don’t have is Night Vision; which I had in my last car and never used! Honestly, once I’d driven it and felt The Giant Hand push the car forward with unrelenting acceleration to three times the speed limit… And I could still whisper in conversation with the wife… There was no going back! In fact, the wife wouldn’t let me buy anything else!!! What an incredible machine! Pure luxury… The definitive iron fist in a velvet glove. And to think I bought it for 25% of the original price… Well, it just beggars belief. And it is truly a better car than the 2009 S63 AMG it is replacing, much better! So, thanks for the confirmation mate!
About the A8: I made a calculation... In Holland the same car for the same price has a milage of 134,000 and our annual road tax for the 3.0 TDI is 2,390 pounds. Our average net income is virtually the same as that in the UK. I think you are better off.... I love your channel, by the way!
Currently have a fast car, Focus ST. Good fun, in the unlikely event I get to drive it quickly (and I get to drive fast for a living now). So been thinking an automatic diesel next and the XF has been a real contender.
When it comes to BMW, I’d consider a 5 series too. Just about all the luxury options of the 7 are available on the 5 too but in a much more practical package and with a budget of 20k you’ll be driving and parking it yourself. I fully agree on the gorgeous 6 series!
730d for me. I done a similar search recently and I could pick up a 65 plate m sport for around £20k. Yes it had 80k or so on the clock but 3.0L can run treble that amount if you look after it. (facelift version that began 2016 onwards).
Friend of mine just picked up a S90 , thoroughly impressed - Loads of tech and kit, stylish interior, handsome exterior and really high quality materials throughout. Significant step up from my 2016 5 series
An S90 T8 (i.e. the petrol hybrid) is definitely on my watch list for about 5 years from now, when they've probably hit pretty much the bottom of their depreciation curve (I hope). A neighbour had a D4, and it was a seriously good-looking car.
My wife bought an S90 Inscription Pro recently - it's fabulous and understated in a very dark blue with cream interior. Gets over 50mpg from the thing.
Gotta be the E38 for me. I'd get rid of those naff aftermarket chrome handles, and get a modern idrive system fitted (which looks really good in the e38).
This video came at the perfect time! i've been trying to decide on this for about a month with the exact budget of 20k. Has to be automatic, lower end of depreciation curve, less than 60k miles. Look a bit naughty too...
What about the last of the non computer Mercedes Benz - the W124 series produced from 1985 to 1997. I have a 1993 300E (100,000 miles) and have so far been very pleased with it. Earlier this year its cost was USD6,600. These cars have an enviable reputation for longevity and as long as they are looked after, they are near bullet proof. Way cheaper than any of the cars you are talking about and the maintenance is simpler and again cheaper. This is number 7 of older Mercedes that I have owned since 1978.
Another great video as always! A month ago I bought myself an early Xmas present. It's a Lexus RC300h with the 17 Speaker Mark Levinson Surround sound system. I'm a Lecturer in Manchester and have to commute into Manchester 4 days a week and with the RC I just waft in listening to awesome music. Love the hybrid system. I paid 19.5k and it has done 40k miles. In the bright blue and I love it! 🥰
Definitely liking that LS 600h. (Hopefully Lexus abandons their hideous monster alien grill sooner than later.) Was looking at a 2020 Lexus IS 300 AWD just a couple of days back as a replacement for my current sedan. It looked great from every angle.... except any angle remotely showing off the front of it. BTW, looking forward to the future video where you show off which of these luxury cars you bought. I'm guessing the Audi A8. 😉
A 2015/6 Mercedes CLS 350 is the one I would choose 9 speed box etc premium Plus AMG. I think it’s more stylish than the S class.still looks like a £40,000 car with a decent private plate on.Thanks for the ideas Matt,ps love your videos and Humour,spot on👍
XJ for me, which has the added advantage of having specialists all over the country who are genuine enthusiasts and who'd rather get the car back on the road than just rob you. Not to mention the JEC which I think of as a whole bunch of Harry Metcalfes coming together in one place. You can be obsessed with BMWs and Mercs but you can only love a Jag.
I’ve owned my 17 plate S class for nearly 4 years now and done 12000 miles a year in it…regularly serviced by MB….NEVER gone wrong….says it all really.
Both the LS460 and 600h came with short and long wheel based. Main advantage with LS460 is the 8 speed automatic gear vs the CVT in the 600h. Also the 2013 to 2017 models unfortunately got rid of the touch screen.
The 600h also has a rather small boot space because of the battery pack. The LS460 is a gas guzzler though, not surprising when you look at the power to engine size ratio (84 HP per liter).
I actually think the A7 is the pick of the bunch here. If you want a good blend of sportiness, safety and luxury (the boot is also alot bigger than you'd think). I've got a 2016 F10 5 series and was very tempted by one of these before opting for the BMW. The newer gen S Class also does tick a lot of boxes for me - my only concern would be how much it would cost to repair due to the over-engineering. Great video as always Matt! 👏🏼👏🏼
@@AStick3Pedals the fact I could get a slightly newer model 5 series for the same money as an A7 (particularly in black edition spec) as they fetch a hefty premium over other models in that range.
Even more affordable cars can be expensive to repair. Know two cases where the cars where bought since new and with all scheduled maintenance, and both (Kia and Opel) had timing chain issues after some years. So some times, it's worthy to take the risk buying an old luxury car.
I totally agree. I do this for a living and that's my opinion. Even the so-called 'reliable' cars can throw up big bills so I'm very much of the opinion that you should just drive what you want
Volvo S90 Inscription Pro with all the possible bells and whistles on it including the Xenium Pack and beige leather interiors. That should be luxurious enough ! 😀 360 degree camera with auto park assist, Panoramic sun roof, Heated and cooling massaging seats, Heads up display, BLIS and so on..... Agree ?
S'funny, I don't know much about them but that one looked superb. On pure looks it was that or the grey A8 right at the start. I was waiting for the interior shots but Matt clicked out of it.
Some very nice cars to indulge your fantasies🙂 As a Jag fan I love the XJ the interior is just amazing. Agree the Portfolio spec is the one to go for for the toys, they also did an Autobiography spec although what more luxuries that has I can't imagine! Having said that the Merc S Class looks pretty impressive - decissions, decissions!
Infiniti Q50 watched your earlier video. Picked up one. In trade. Seriously impressive. Handling and drive is smooth rather than punchy and sporty… but it feels like a lot car no dough.
S90 in Inscription spec is complete luxury. Get the Inscription Pro for the massaging function - love mine, it’s an absolutely sublime drive and ULEZ friendly.
I do like these luxury cars but the size concerns me with how small all the parking spaces are and how narrow all the roads are with double parked cars. Seems like a constant hassle to drive a long car with such small roads. I should try take one for a test drive as never driven one.
Great channel Mat. The videos and your rundowns of the details with their positive and negative points brought me to a decision today especially after watching this one. I was in the market for a luxury barge. I was umming and arghing for a final decision on the car I wanted to buy and then watched this video. All of them are great choices. So which am I now the proud owner of. I am now the proud owner of a 2007 Maserati Quattroporte, genuinely!! haha wish me luck
Love this video. I’ve retired so cutting costs - selling my 2018 55Tfsi A7 and have bought a C class AMG spec premium plus estate. Bit of a come down, maybe should have looked at an A8 or older A7 after seeing this. Love HP videos.
2 brilliant things in this clip (subject aside): 1. Matt can’t seem to resist the urge to say ‘Jaguar’ in a US accent 😂 2. The eternal doomed refrain of the Italian car enthusiast: “Yeah the build quality’s iffy but it’s so pretty!” Bravo Matt. Amazing content 👏👏
Surprised you didn't include the Panamera. But that was a 5 door and you were looking at 4 doors. Plenty engine choices inluding audi's 3l tdi and porsche v8s.
Man after my own heart love the light coloured interiors, had an s class from mercedes on loan around 2018 went to London and back and to our Local Chinese in China Town absolutely loved it long wheelbase diesel with cushions in the back !!!! Fuel consumption was very good, effortless drive, only downside was black interior, the light coloured looks much more luxurious. Love all the cars suggested heart says XJ closest thing to a Bentley without the running costs, but head would see me in the Audi or the Merc, probably the Merc would win out think they just have the edge on the Audi's
I think people would benefit from AutoTrader adding filters for non-estate, non-SUV D-segment cars. I don't think you're giving up on luxury by adding a bit of practicality. (yes, they're hatchbacks, but that lumps them in with smaller cars)
Such amazing cars for £15-20k S-Class or A7….I think I’d go for the A7, looks class and the sport back gives it a modern sleek look. Great content again Matt 👌
Hi Matt, Thanks for another great video - I share your enthusiasm for large luxury cars particularly the Audi A8 which I have always wanted. Unfortunately my practical needs - particularly needing to take 2 road bikes on holiday to France and to carry the bikes inside for security reasons (both worth 5K each!) - I need an SUV - and my vehicle of choice would be the Audi SQ5. I did once have a low mileage second hand BMW730 which we drove to Italy - 240 miles in 3 hours on one section of the trip! - and you climb out of a long journey in a luxury car feeling as though you can`t wait to drive it again! I always know I love the car I have chosen when I get out of it, lock it and walk away then turn round to look at it! Sad I know but - I think you will understand!
another great vid ... although think I could watch Matt if he did a "Best baked beans for under 50p" video ... remember to hold a few pence back to buy some toast
More of these videos please! Even with less practical focus, like best 50 grand sportscar, or your choice of supercar if you had to daily it etc. Always fun to just browse and argue with random parameters like that.
From the cars you gone through. My pick of the bunch has to be the A8. Very Germanic and the I think the design aged pretty well. Makes me feel like Jason Statham. However, If it were my £20k, I would settle for a middle of the mill option like an A6, 5 series, E Class etc. Those mid size saloons offer a good compromise in terms of comfort, affordability, size and maintenance. You can get anywhere from an inline 4 engine all the way to a monstrous V8. Without all the complexities of the large luxo barges. It should arguably age better. Sure those S class are superb when everything works but as they aged, there are just more parts to go wrong. Too many sensors and electronics. Trust me, I speak from experience 😂
If you look in your rear view mirror on a Belgian motorway, you probably see one of those Audi’s about a yard off your rear bumper driven by a fair cross section of the population. That’s my problem with them. Also driven by German doctor’s with soundproof cellars…
Great addition to the channel, I am amazed at the prices for some of the cars as I am familiar with the running / repair costs. I bought a 3 year old 728i for 25k back in the noughties with sixty thousand miles on the clock which had a new price of 90k, drove it till it died for another 6 years (160 k), when it died in 2010 it was 100 quid to fill....
Thanks Matt. Can you elaborate (educate us) on the second hand Bentleys choices sometime (I loved your previous ones on the Continentals) e.g. Arnage v Fying Spur v Continental as I find the different models options a bit confusing? It would be great to hear from someone who knows what they are talking about, namely yourself.
God I love almost every car you searched for. The problem is that here in Finland we have massive taxes to go along with these cars. Thats why new cars are so pricey. An Audi A7 with decent mileage is roughly about 47-60 k in euros (41-50k in pounds I reckon). A8 probably in the same price range. And an S-Class i almost in a different price racket all together. You can find a good one for like 40k or even less maybe but they are over 300 kms in mileage already. A good one with decent mileage is gonna cost you like 55k in euros. Add a massive diesel tax and insurance bills for that one and your gonna eat noodles for the rest of your life.
Out of interest, if the filter had allowed 5 door cars instead of just 4 door, would you consider a high spec mk3 Skoda Superb somewhat "luxury" for the money? Given that volvo's were on the fence. I'd say the interior quality of some of the newer skodas if specced nicely, could certainly class as bang for your buck at the very least
Great show 👍I live Marbella and I wish we had autotrader prices here, as you probably cars are super expensive in Spain, for example S class Merc say a 2014 will cost you 25k with more kms than the Apollo .. 👍
You mentioned a Nissan Elgrand, or rather you dismissed it. I had a early 1997 one for about 7 years. It's not luxury but it is very comfortable. I have back problems so comfort is important. I bought it to go to Scotland from Southampton and we had 5 adults all the luggage and 3 dogs with no problems. A bit over the top for daily use but I didn't want to get rid of it
A8 all the way. 3.0 tdi it's well known for timing chain issues, but apart from that very nice car. Good video Matt by the sound off things you would buy all of them and play lottery every time leaving home. 😉
I think I'd opt for the Audi A8. I'm sure the Mercedes S Class is more luxurious, but I think they've lost their way in styling it in recent times. My real preference though would be for a Jaguar XJ, but I suspect it would cost more to run and be less reliable.
Funny thing that we have the same taste when talking about cars. Yesterday I spent some time looking at exactly same models. The only problem is maintenance costs. Nice to hear someone else opinion about same cars
It’s amazing how the 🇬🇧 market has those cars with those prices, bargains everywhere, what a cars for the money, used market prices in Spain went crazy and now are too expensive! I would like to find any of those offers here, really frustrating.
You missed the one I’d actually have in this list. A L322 Range Rover 5.0 Autobiography. Not a luxury car in the sense of this video but it’s soo comfy and quick, don’t forget how classy it is
Amazing value for money. The depreciation from new is scary. Personally I would avoid the diesels due to the increasing fuel costs and the clean air zone charges.
The Volvo S80 to have is the one with the Yamaha V8 petrol and AWD. But then again, it isn´t cheaper or even much better than an S-class Benz with similar specs.
When buying a used luxury car consider the purchase price a down payment, maintenance, the ongoing payments. As a Porsche, Alfa Romeo and MG owner, I understand this intimately. Love your work 👍
Welcome to the Netherlands.. with our ' awesome' taxes this is the cheapest 2014 s350 I found: Mercedes-Benz S-klasse - 350 BlueTEC Prestige Plus 09-2014, Diesel with 313.215 km --> € 29.950
Head S class, heart Quattroporte. Perfect video for me as I'm the market for this exact thing early 2023. The wife drives an X5 so was thinking the 7 series to stick with BMW and have that uniform look on the driveway but for me the S class looks so much better.
I'd happily settle for a 5 Series BMW in racing red with black leather as is being sold along my street by a guy I detest, who lost his license , like me due to imperfect eye-sight having been stopped by the buzzies whilst speeding on our by-pass.
Great video Matt, i'm currently debating what car to get next. My budget is upto around £16k, i've been looking at a XF Sportbrake but not had chance to drive one yet.
These cars are all about the rear seats, if you aren't chauffeuring VIPs around, there isn't much point in my opinion. Their length and weight compromise them on B roads, country lanes and car parks. If all you do is drive up and down motorways then these might make sense but otherwise... just buy something more suited to the roads you drive.
This set of cars is exactly what I was looking at, with the exception of an old Rolls Royce. I test drove an S class, Jaguar XJ and a CLS in the end. The S class ride was unrivalled, and i loved the interior and sporty nature of the Jag, but in the end I went for a CLS Shooting Break because I needed that extra element of practicality that a larger boot provides. But if I didn't have kids, it would have been the jag. I was sorely tempted by a Maserati, but was worried about reliability and costs, and you see a lot of BMW 6 series on the road, so they lack that air of exclusivity. Having said all that, I can see why anyone would go with any of the cars in the video
Glad you included the Volvo's at the end there, they are worth a shout as the quality inside would fool anyone to think you were in a high end luxury car. However Matt I'd love to debate with you that the S Class WAS not IS the benchmark. I'd say that there are cars ahead of it now in that sector, such as the newer Lexus LS600 (super rare in UK tho).
Just love the Fiat hubcap on the radiator that some valetor put back on a Polo and was then beaten around the head with it in a Basil Fawlty/Manuel esque saga
