Used Executive and Luxury Cars

An executive car adds a touch of class to your driveway.

High-class driving can cost less than you think. An executive car needn't be expensive, and running costs are more affordable than you might expect, too. Strong resale values mean these cars aren't cheap to buy, but for space, performance and comfort, the best executive cars are worth it. We'd put the BMW 5 Series at the top of our shortlist.

Best executive car for keen drivers

The BMW 5 Series is the one to choose if you want to enjoy your driving, at least until the Jaguar XF hits the used car market in greater numbers. Compared to its more stately rivals, the 5 Series drives like a sports car, with meaty steering, agile cornering and exceptional grip. Even the smaller engines give good performance, while the M5 super-saloon is absolutely mighty.

Best executive car for economy

At the risk of repeating ourselves, it has to be the 5 Series again. While other manufacturers have produced special low-emission models, BMW has aimed to improve economy and reduce the carbon output across the board. That means a current-shape 520d can achieve 55.4mpg on the combined cycle, while the automatic version should manage 50.4mpg. High performance models like the 530d should manage more than 40mpg.

Best for executive car for resale values

The gold standard has to be the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The three-pointed star on the bonnet helps keep values healthy, especially now quality standards are back to Merc's best. That means an E-Class is not a cheap used car, but should pay you back after several years on the road by returning much of what you first paid.

Best executive car for reliability

For a trouble-free motoring life, choose the Lexus GS. Lexus has finished as top manufacturer in the JD Power Customer Satisfaction Survey for nine years in a row, and you don't achieve that without excellent reliability. Hybrid versions of the GS use a petrol engine and electric power, but in spite of their complexity, seem to be just as reliable as the standard car. It's a shame there's no diesel version, however.

Best sports car for practicality

You don't have a lot of choice, but if you want to buy British, try the Jaguar S-type. Early cars suffered from too many problems, but after the 2004 facelift the Jaguar became more reliable, better built and better to drive. Compared with a BMW or Mercedes, the S-type is relatively cheap to buy, too. Its replacement, the XF, is a much better car but is still rare on the used market. When prices drop to sensible levels it's going to make a great used car.