Interesting Used Cars That Probably Wont't Ruin You For £5k, £10k and £20k Ft.

[@alastairwinner]

I wanted a run around car and ended up with an Alfa 147 2.0 twin spark lusso. 45k miles, one owner car. £3k including having the belt and water pump changed. I absolutely love it.

[@michaelyounes29]

that's an interesting choice. What do you like about it?

[@alastairwinner]

@@michaelyounes29 I think its a good looking car, especially with the GTA teledial wheels added. Its fast enough and has all the creature comforts I need. Also, you just don't see them any more. I like a car that is unique! Finally, everything works and if something does go wrong parts seem easy to find. For example, my thermostat failed (open thankfully) and a new housing was 25 quid. Oh, its also very cheap to insure :)

[@michaelyounes29]

@alastairwinner None for sale on Autotrader. Looking for something

[@Blackdevilcar91]

Great looking car (among the best in the hatchback category) and lively engine, the only thing that stops me seriously considering these is the safety features (or lack thereof).

[@alastairwinner]

@@Blackdevilcar91 What safety features do you want? This car has airbags, ABS and traction control. Not sure what else you might expect for the money!

[@lapos1979]

Don't worry James, the 2.2 lump in the jag was fairly solid, it's the 2.0 that's made of Lego. I mean the door locks, alarm and anything else with an electrical pulse will let you down, but the engine is good.

[@ConorRobinson]

Are we saying the electrics are as shite as a Renault ? I've been eyeing up an XF as a daily , I think it's not a lot of money for what you get , just the reliability front that's stopping me

[@nickcarvell8635]

the title doesn’t go near the content. these cars are money pits surely. scary cars. I’d like an interesting second car but these all frighten me.

[@misterbridger]

The XF is a good choice - I've had a 3.0D V6 XF-S for nearly 3 years and other than some issues with the TPMS and keeping the DPF clear, it's been a good car. At low engine speeds, it feels as quick as my Quattroporte thanks to a whopping 600Nm torque.

[@dadcars]

I’ve always thought the XF is a very cool looking car 👌 never driven one though

[@misterbridger]

@@dadcars come over on the hover one day and you can try mine 🙂

[@darrenstables4171]

Agree great cars. Dpf regeneration every couple of weeks sorted!!

[@JonWhitworth]

Totally agree. My XFS was comfier than my QPV and if I needed a diesel then I’d be back there, or the XJ.

[@dadcars]

@@JonWhitworth I’d still buy a QP though 😅🙌

[@UtaHagawi]

Sub 5k: Lexus GS450h - can get upgraded mark levinson audio and 0-60 in 5.9 so it can get up and go when needed! Ulez compliance, just make sure the battery is in good Knick Sub 10k: Volvo S80 V8…. But if you’re being cautious, Infiniti M35h… hybrid and solid. Packed with features, feels a lot younger than it actually is!! Sub 15k: BMW 550i V8 GT, honestly too much car for the money. Can do it all looking like an ICE German Tesla.

[@longtailgt]

James is such a child! A giant, grown up child and I adore him for it! And I really like the chemistry that's building up between you two. I you should to get Jack on here too, if he's up for it, and do a full on 3 way chat on subjects like these. P.S. I'm so onboard with the XF! They're quite underrated too, especially the very early ones. They are going to be problematic for sure but my god they look stunning! I'd probably want one mainly for the looks and the interior alone.

[@andybroer651]

Yes, Jack #27 would be an excellent add

[@floydstewart2956]

From my research before getting my RS5, the consensus was that the 4.2 FSI engines don’t suffer the cam chain issues to the same extent as the earlier 4.2 engines. Only downside is carbon build up which affects all direct injections engines. Mine has done 100k now and (fingers crossed) no cam rattles and no carbon issues - had both checked by a specialist recently. S5 seems a good choice to me.

[@dadcars]

It’s a peach of a car for the money isn’t it! A special thing in todays modern world too. Can’t wait to drive it for a full review. I’d love to try a RS5 as well to feel the difference.

[@michaelrossfine]

Previous 2016 rs5 owner here. Great car head to toe inside and out, just pray your transmission. Mine went ar 60k and cost nearly 10k all in. Other than that, I very much miss Georgette, what a car.

[@cendris123]

That 2015 M5 w/ 72k miles for 19k pounds / 24k USD is insane value. Similar car in US would be 37.5k.

[@darrenstables4171]

Xf 5000 xj 10000 xkr 20000 simples!!!!!! Great video Ben tell James Ruby red wrap copper alloys on the db9 cheers

[@dadcars]

😂😂😂 I am very much looking for add to owning my first jaaaaag! It’ll come eventually 👌

[@darrenstables4171]

Xf is a really good choice. Owned many cars the xf is probably my fave to date!! Anyway planning to retire in just over 2 years if all goes well, if so and I still have the xf you can come and collect it!!

[@OliviaBP51KOJ]

You can probably pick up quite a nice BMW Alpina B5 for £20K or less. Decent boot size, will carry 4 adults in supreme comfort, 507 bhp and 0-60 in 4.7 seconds, gorgeous styling and a huge presence on the road. Much rarer than the latest generation M5 too.

[@martynrollinson]

Touring.....ooooooo...😚

[@andrewvout9679]

Try getting a cam chain done on one of those!

[@peterjackson2722]

Ive got a 2012 Xf, 2.2d and its faultless, i go on the motorway once a week to keep the DPF in good order but other than that use it as a daily. It always gets serviced on time at an independent specialist and its been trouble free. Really good MPG is the icing on the cake.

[@dadcars]

Yeah this was my thinking! Incredible MPG, decent performance and stunning looks 👌 tremendous amount of car for the money 🙌

[@autobahnproven]

For a DadCar, Volvo S80 V8 or the XC90 V8. Engines by Yamaha. Keep some £ in reserve to fix the little things that will wear out.

[@dadcars]

S80 is a great shout! 🙌 I’d love to review a V8 👌

[@simon5263]

I go deep with the dad car concept in that my car is the ONLY car in the family. We don't have a backup SUV or runaround hidden in the garage so it really does need to handle everything. Currently thats a Panamera 4S (V8, no turbos) and its brilliant considering how many boxes it can tick. But buyer beware, when it throws up a bill it is never cheap. Mine just suffered the dreaded cam shaft adjuster bolt failure. Needed new cam shaft actuators, new heads and new camshafts.... I thought it was going to end me completely but to my surprise Porsche covered the whole thing on some kind of extended lifetime warranty for that particular issue. I think the cam shaft adjuster bolts were a recall in the US but in Europe they just decided to honour repairs for the lifetime of the car should it ever occur. Amazing!

[@dadcars]

We’re cut from the same cloth then Simon 👌 that’s a fantastic primary family car 😅 I’d like to feature one soon

[@simon5263]

@@dadcars I think the 4S that I have is the smart money Vs the Turbo. Less power naturally but otherwise drive the same. Plus the sports exhaust option actually sounds decent, Vs the muted Turbo note. The Turbos cost much more for the same age and mileage and when I was looking they had all had much harder lives than the less flashy 4S. The GTS model is typically the KZbinr's choice but I don't think they are worth the premium. And yes, ugly rear end blah blah but I think it's aged well. I live in Norway but otherwise I'd lend you the keys.

[@JamesEgan81]

Vauxhall XVR8 should be on the sub £20k list. 6.0/6.2 V8, 6 speed manual and a completely mediocre plastic interior so you know it's got it's priorities right!

[@deaks25]

I love AutoTrader Games so of course I played long. I love my 2+2 coupes (I own a '08 650i and love it to bits) so my choices are in that area. £5k: Mk 2 Audi TT 3.2 V6. I know it's a heavy engine but it sounds awesome and the Mk 2 TT is gorgeous and before getting my BMW, I was sorely tempted by one (And still would be). I believe it's a reliable engine and decent on fuel so should look the business. £10k: Nissan 350Z/370Z because they're cool as heck IF you can find a good unmodified one. I did think of the XK as well or the R230 Mercedes SL500. I avoid the M/AMG/R/RS models because they keep maintenance down. £20k: Yep, F10 M5 caught my eye; LOT of car for the money, but I also couldn't pass up the opportunity to tout the F12 6-Series. the 640s are fabulous in both petrol and diesel and you can find the 4.4 V8 650i's as well. Obviously XK/XKRs are everywhere and you'd get a absolute mint one for the budget so *should* be lighter on maintenance issues. The other eye-catcher I saw was the Lexus LS-F. It'll definitely be reliable and Lexus is a great option because it's not just another German or Jag. It's sad to see so few interesting cars that aren't German, Jags or Hot Hatches.

[@dadcars]

Awesome comment and great suggestions 🤙

[@pipinellio]

James is right on the S Type - I went to see a low mileage immaculate looking 3.0 Sport and the sills were like French toast under the plastic facades

[@henryhol8538]

Another good option is an Alfa Romeo GT. Compared with the Brera, its got good legroom at the back and decent boot space!

[@jamesrobert4106]

Beautiful car. I love the styling of Alfa from that era.

[@johna527]

I had a GT V6, god I loved that car. Even with the (many, many) random warning lights. It's a real shame that my then girlfriend pulled the door handle off, the rear wing rusted loose, and the transmission exploded. I still married her (the girlfriend, not the GT).

[@henryhol8538]

@@johna527 Awesome, yes I myself have had to change a door handle. I have a playlist on my channel for the GT (nothing major though).

[@IsentropeMachzahl]

Interesting choices for sure! In Germany, unfortunately, you'd pay approximately double (in EUR though) for any of the cars mentioned...

[@kashifanwar4632]

Lexus IS F for sub 20K is a bargain V8 for me which is likely to be a future classic

[@dadcars]

I’d love to review one 👌

[@andyjamieson9576]

Great video guys. I agree with the F10 M5 for £20k. I’d do an e46 330ci for £5k (you’d get a nice one) and a 135i coupe for £10k. Wouldn’t lose much on any and all amazing drives. I may be a BMW fan!

[@ZoGhost]

Would also recommend the E46 330Ci but you’re looking closer to £7-8k for a nice one these days (as a recent owner)!

[@Vratz99]

None of those are good for financially or even daily driving since they will end up being broke all the time

[@andyjamieson9576]

@@ZoGhost I bought an enthusiast owned 330ci last summer for £4.5k. Had to look a lot of rough examples though so definitely would pay more if you can. Great car though, love it!

[@andyjamieson9576]

@@Vratz99 You maybe have a case with a £20k M5 but the other two shouldn’t break the bank. Talking about my experience of owning a few of these.

[@Vratz99]

@@andyjamieson9576 e46:s are getting old that they are gonna have problems just because of aging, besides that they are prone to rust in other places also then the famous rear subframe mounting issue. E46 is also at the age when bmw:s engines reliability started to drop (im looking at you vanos), besides that personally seen blown headgaskets, hydraulic buckets getting noisy etc. The 1-series was really cheaply made and reflected on the quality, even new they had problems with rust bubbles on body, now with the age that hasnt exactly got better, and lets just say the n54 is not the must budget friendly engine with its well known problems

[@bhopindermahal6481]

Some great choices of cars although anyone would be insane to spend £16k on a 986 Boxster S. you would be able to pick up a 987.1 with a rebuilt engine (that negates any future reliability issues with scoring and/or IMS) or even a 987.2 with the “fixed” 2.9 engine for that money. The 986 S models (as they were derived from the 996 M96 engines) are also more likely to have IMS failures than the 2.5/2.7 engines, particularly if they are low mileage examples. Alternatives in the differing brackets would be: 5k - Audi TT (mk 1 or 2) 10k - Porsche 928 mid/late 90s Merc SL320 20k - BMW g30 520d (maybe even a private sale 530d with a few miles on the clock?)

[@Birmingham_racing]

5k I would buy a hot hatch like a mk1 Leon cupra r or mk5 gti. jag is a great option at 10k. 20k can't argue with a m5 or s8

[@dadcars]

Yeah loads of hot hatches we could have said to be fair! At least we had the Brera in there

[@A2KLAU]

Love the chat about the different price points and all the different reasons. The one that surprised me most was an M5 dipping under £20k which is still relatively new age! But the running costs for these things is what is a killer and most people who can afford the car end up not being able to afford the running and then they get into disrepair and sold on for cheap and tank the market price for them 😢

[@dadcars]

Thanks for this! 🙌🥰 yeah always buy with caution. Finding one that’s been looked after and treated well but a F10 still feels like a brand new car to me 😅 crazy value

[@JP-cu2gm]

Facts

[@Dean-H-Martin]

Great video, loved all the recommendations - given me great inspo for the future. I'm currently driving a 03 CLK 500 as my daily driver - bought for £3400 this year. So far has been a great car with only a few manageable quirks!

[@darekraczkowski5340]

I was just going to suggest merc c class coupe maybe c350

[@Jesko_VRS]

Bought a stage 2 VRS from a buddy of mine. Ideal "dad" car, lots of room for me and my family, perfect for grocery getting and family vacations, and lot's of fun teasing some high power factory cars that are expected to be fast.

[@Birmingham_racing]

My brother used to have the 2013 xf 2.2 diesel 200bhp. It had a few issues but the trader kept messing him around about fixing it so he gave it back

[@happychappers8311]

I have a 2012 XF-S 3.0D 56k with fjsh and its been a fantastic daily car. Smooth, comfy, loads of power and looks really good. What more does a guy need as a daily.

[@mikerose1628]

Hoping to buy something for sub £10k in the next year or two, and I'm glad there's so much choice out there. Sub £5k either an XF-S Diesel or a Chrysler 300C, the latter being the more left field option. Sub £10k can get you a Jag XFR (my current preference), the XF SV8, Audi S5 V8/S6 V10 or an Insignia VXR. Sub £20k I'd be looking at a VXR8, or E63 AMG. Great video and excellent to see these affordable but exciting cars getting a well deserved mention. As others have said in the comments, we're actually really lucky in the UK to have such a diverse myriad of 'interesting' cars at affordable prices!

[@jimb9951]

In sub 10k have recently gone for a 2013 c class 350cdi with one owner history. Seems to have a bit of everything, it's quick, economical and comfortable. Kids are very happy in the back.

[@louieski]

Great video and great choices! I love these collabs with James you two are perfect together on KZbin both have almost the same taste in cars which makes it even better to watch. Love it.

[@darrenmay4800]

Sub 20k - Jaguar XE S - It has the amazing V6 you also find in the F-Type, but in a Dad friendly form! Handles amazingly, quick and sounds great! And has the benefit of still being reasonably new with all the useful gadgets. And to add a bit of childishness, it spells sex backwards 😁

[@rgfromkl3594]

I was in the same boat and among the interesting cars I shortlisted for under 10k, the most standout was the 2009 Civic type R, which may even be worth similar money if not more when it comes time to sell. Being an old dad myself I chickened out and went for a LR FL2 in HSE spec, gem of a car so far.

[@sidathwijeratne7168]

Could get a decent 09 civic type r for less than 5k… for sub-10k it has to be either a championship white or a 10/60/11 plate with a factory fitted LSD imo

[@davidpiatto8175]

As a self confessed Alfa nut having owned around 15 of them I’d advise to steer well clear of the 3.2 JTS Brera as they all suffer from stretched timing chains at around 75k miles. Kiss goodbye to over £3K from an Alfa specialist should you be lucky enough to find one the will be willing to do the job for you. The most bizarre story about this variant is it’s the tensioner on the rear bank that is the cause is a GM Holden part that costs around $150 with the chain from OZ. As a result most Alfas head to the scrap yard before their time because the majority of the few specialists out there don’t play fair. Unless you are a good DIY mechanic avoid at all costs as I had a terrible experience with a 159Q4 that went to the scrappy way before its time for reasons mentioned above. For that reason the underpowered 2.2 JTS is the pick of the bunch. 2.4JTDM has been killed by ULEZ

[@mattturner8335]

Pretty sure the 2.2d in that Jag is just about the most reliable engine you can buy in a JLR product. Basically a Ford Transit engine.

[@matthewedwards1089]

Impreza WRX wagon. We had a 2005 Prodrive version. Ridiculously reliable and epic enjoyment. The wagon is capacious.

[@dadcars]

Ooooo I’d love to review one of them! Scooby feels like it could throw big bills but I may be wrong! Never owned one 😅

[@anthony208]

@@dadcarsmy daily is a standard 03 impreza awd turbo blobeye, coming up to 17th year of ownership, tyres,brakes and cambelt/tensioners every 50k, but otherwise very reliable, just fuel 25 mpg generally, dropping to 20 if hooligan right foot takes over. I’d buy another one if newer models were as realible and more readily available. Although i suspect that the net zero madness is really going to work against us older vehicle drivers, doubling of road tax is on the cards this year!🤦‍♂️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@jamessohl733]

So I had to have a play with your game. £5k car and started with a Honda Civic Type R 2008 £5150 so easily achievable for £5k. Full Honda history. 1 owner and 80k miles. Fun to drive, reliable and Vtec are a laugh. £10k car I went with a manual V8 BMW 650i convertible. Very rare car again 1 owner, 86k miles and & £8995 so Leaving £1000 for a bit of Maintenance fund. The £20k car as good as the M5 was I went with a AMG SLK55 with the performance pack so no speed limiter bigger brakes and split rim wheels. 36k miles full MB History and also had a SLK55 number plate. Not only that it came in £500 under budget.

[@dadcars]

Great comment! Great choices! 👌 I need to get a 6 series on for review

[@graemejones218]

How about a BMW 435D. 4WD, great on fuel, & huge torque. The coupe with the boot or the GT with the hatch. Good looking yet subtle.

[@johnbewick1443]

Very interesting options here but don’t forget the rally inspired cars like the Subaru Impreza which can look great and have performance mods for modest outlay. I have owned a 2006 WRX from new which is serviced annually for around £250 at a Subaru independent garage. Apart from the belt changes which tend to be around £400 every 4 years(depending on mileage) they are not too expensive. Will do around 30mpg on a run and low 20’s urban…mine is not an STI but had a £500 remap and a £350 exhaust upgrade and now is just over 270bhp. Can ferry my 5 and 3 year old grandsons around in it and they love it…has a massive boot do is very practical and sounds great…prices range from around £6000 to £15000 depending on condition…

[@dadcars]

Great shout, my friends who owned them have always had a tough time with maintenance cost but I’ve always loved the idea of one 👌

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Subarus are terribly unreliable, bad on fuel and awful to insure

[@mat0hig]

​@JayEmmOnCars don't mince your words Jay! 😂 I'm beginning to think that you don't like them

[@JayEmmOnCars]

@@mat0hig I love them but they're just not a sensible option for this feature

[@seancorker5815]

@@JayEmmOnCarsI completely agree, I had an 08 Legacy which was roomy, very comfy and practical but with a chocolate clutch. Every time I have a look on Autotrader I remember the repair bill.

[@rolandii5969]

My dadcar is a 2.2d 2013 XF sportbreak. Engine is solid, but There are a few Electronic Gremlins and to get it through the Tüv (German MOT), I’ve spent about €6000,- on repairs, but that included a new €1500,- headlight unit. I dream about a V8 XK, but I’m doing over 20k miles/ year.

[@dadcars]

Thanks for sharing that’s good to hear 🤙

[@ianleigh8505]

Sub 20k a great option is either A7 3.0 tdi. Sound like an R35 with good exhaust system. BMW 335d. The engines are great, its rapid but diesel so good on fuel.

[@amathias8857]

For sub 20k I am quite tempted by a Lexus IS F. A 5 litre, 400+ bhp saloon that if taken care of will do mega miles reliably......and stick a silly grin on your face at the same time.

[@kip8790]

So I take a slightly different choice with my car purchases, I only buy cars that are going up in value. I sold my Z4MC which netted me £6k in 2 years, bought a 130i as I was doing a lot more miles. Still probably worth £500 more than I paid after 40k miles on it in 3 years.

[@Hali88]

TVRs are really cheap on fuel, cos you can so rarely actually drive them!

[@dadcars]

🙈

[@gairnmclennan5876]

Those Jeep Cherokee are good. The 3 litre CDI is all Mercedes running gear in day a 2010 model. You get a power chip tune done, lowered on firm springs they eat motorways!! Also the 4wd off road performance is good. Super ski wagon!

[@edombre4637]

I think all these choices are money pits - old, high mileage English or German cars make me very nervous.

[@dadcars]

What are your suggestions?

[@upcyclebob692]

Bmw645 . Worth less than ten thousand Nz , a lot of bang for buck . Have had to spend 5 k to replace all the variable intake and valve timing gadgets , replaced the wiring to those as well as they break down after 20 years , then it’s back to being a beast !

[@joem8213]

For the £20k i would get a BMW 335D touring, plenty of space, performance and running costs are low. But i am a diesel head lol. The BMW M140i or M340i would also be a great shout if you prefer petrol, straight 6 sounds and not going to break the bank running it

[@dadcars]

I drove up to the NEC classic in a 330d recently, fantastic performance for the MPG 👌if you live outside of London there are some tremendous bargains to be had at the mo

[@keithjones3684]

M340i for 20k, don't think so !!

[@andrewellis5092]

What about a VXR8 as a big 4 door saloon with the LS2 engine under the bonnet? For less money, the Mazda MPS models are quick, reliable and fun. For a curve ball, the 350Z and 370Z can give you the muscle car vibe, for not a huge amount. Well built too! I do like your choices though and have been looking at the XKR myself. I think it’s a very underrated grand tourer.

[@robertwright6875]

XF pet good shout at 5 or even 10 but I was lucky enough to have a Jag XJL autobiography at 22k I paid another 2k for a three year warranty. It was the 3 L diesel but it had 300 brake horsepower. It had every single possible option as standard, and went like the wind. I kept it for free years and then got 17,000 back. As an experience, it was brilliant. as shame to get rid of it, but like any of these things they’re all temporary.

[@db9dbrs9]

I wanted to pic cars that are fun to drive, but also a bit of a clout at a cars and coffee. All cars have issues, but as a rule you’ll probably be okay and running a cheap performance car - you need to expect bills. Here’s looking at you rod bearings. I also think these cars are relatively depreciation proof - meaning you can get out of them for what you got into them for later on 5k - Clio 182 cup 10k - 986 boxster s 20k - e92 M3 manual

[@crg92]

I love a 986 boxster but you can get a nice example for like 6/7 grand.. 15 grand for one is mental, can't believe that was jay's choice

[@simonhodgetts6530]

I’ve looked at the Brera several times (I’m on my 3rd Alfa, so a big fan of the marque), but the complete lack of rear legroom makes it a firm no for me. The Alfa GT Coupe, if you can find a good one that hasn’t started to rust through the floorpan, is a better bet. It’s still gorgeous to look at (design by Bertone), has proper seating for 4 (5 at a push), and a huge boot with a tailgate. It’s in effect a 156 coupe. Only problem is that, like the 156 they get through upper wishbones and suspension bushes like other cars get through tyres. Good ones though are an absolute steal.

[@dadcars]

I actually prefer the looks of those too 👌

[@eatdirt13]

I would also add a Lexus ISF as a great sub £20k choice. Lovely inside, ultra reliable and quick enough to have some fun! Also not too thirsty for a V8!

[@JJHurst]

I have a Brera S.... However the 2.2 ... Reasons... 3.2 timing chain is between 2-3 k to replace. The 2.2 is a better steer ( although neither are fantastic) with less weight up front. Mine has been remapped and has had some exhaust work. on the Dyno it made 215 bhp ( 30 over factory) revs to 7500 rpm . Still no rocket ship but entertaining enough and makes a nice noise for a 4cyl. Road tax and fuel are significantly less than the V6. Finally the V6 in the Brera isn't a Busso. If you've previously owned a Busso engined car the GM derived lump is just a disappointment. The 1750 tbi is the sweet spot IF you can find one.

[@Markycarandbikestuff]

The 1750 in the Brera is very rare, read somewhere there is only 60 known to exist, seen one for sale and it was 15K, i have the 1750 engine in my 159, even those are scarce.

[@2k10clarky]

"As long as it makes the noise it doesn't matter" so true.

[@dadcars]

🙌😊

[@Kieran0]

At 20K my 'no brainer' would be a 340i or a 440i. The B58 is such a great engine, in the 3 series you can even find a few wagons under the £20k mark and there's nothing cooler than fast wagons in my book.

[@JensensChannel]

Great video! For me it’s a CLS 500, a SL55 (appreciate they don’t come up often under 10k), and a Cayenne Mk2 4.8 Turbo. Even though if you asked me tomorrow you’d probably get three different cars ha

[@jackburtonstwin]

My understanding is that the timing chain issue was at its worst in the previous gen 4.2 RS4. The 1st gen S5 came with the revised chain guides that did much to address the issue of predominantly plastic chain guides failing over time from the constant heating-up/cool-down cycle in use.

[@johnshaw8013]

Non of you mentioned a BMW F30/F31 335d?!? Not got a great engine sound compared to the ruinous V8's you mention, but very capable (0-60 4.5 /308bhp), very practical dad car, and pretty cheap to run! A proper Q-car!

[@jakegeng22]

330D Tourer 👀

[@MarcGee]

Brera S is still a great car, the lowering makes all the difference in the looks. 2.2 and diesel engines not ideal. 3.2 better, but I bought a 159 TBi and took the engine out of it and put it the Brera. Perfect 😂

[@dadcars]

I’ll get one on for review eventually 🤙 can’t wait to try out some childseats in the back 😅

[@MarcGee]

@@dadcars Don’t get an 06, you had to cut your legs off at the knees if you want in the back (or sit across the back!) but they’re probably all dead now anyway. From 07 they cut away a chunk of the seat back so kids had hope. Had a baby seat in my first one for years. Was tempted by the Spider but needed the back seat for school run. Of course I only have 2 kids…

[@dylanwakley2553]

Plenty would argue the 1750 was the best of the bunch for the 939 chassis cars! The 2.2 was simply inadequate for the the weight of the thing. Would be a toss up for me between the 2.4, 3.2 and 1750 really

[@MarcGee]

Absolutely, the 1750 TBi is great in it, but it only went in a few late Breras officially and then mine. The 2.4 with a bit of tuning was decent, but the car sounded like a tractor when turned on. The 2.2 was awful, spent a fortune on multiple stretched chains and oil changes to try and stop that.@@dylanwakley2553

[@dylanwakley2553]

@@MarcGee I always thought they sounded pretty great, something a bit different

[@jwilson1659]

i know someone in the trade who sold one to a customer, the guy knew all the laybys and service stations in the midlands after a year, he'd ring my friend up many sunday afternoons and just swear and scream at my mate for selling him the car!! 🤣

[@dadcars]

A TVR? 😂

[@perolito83]

You could have also titled this: two brits pic 6 unreliable cars under 20k.

[@jonfrench7133]

great feature and some very interesting ownership propositions. Nice to think of actually owning a car rather than leasing. My suggestion for a why didn’t you pick that car is the saab 9-3 turbo, such a timeless and iconic car but guess the only worry would be maintenance

[@dadcars]

I really enjoyed the £1000 Saab I reviewed

[@johncordontravelstudiophot9608]

Great choices Guys! I always regret selling my 5.0 Griffith years ago and I did love my S5 4.2 but now I have two of your choices, a 3.4 Boxster S and a lovely XF 3 litre D. Happy man 😀

[@dadcars]

Great minds 😉🤙

[@jamesmartinwyatt]

Some....... Interesting choices there, but I very much agree with the F10 M5! I seriously considered this two changes ago (got another XFR instead) and recently (got a Giulia QF instead) - but there are always some very nice, unmolested F10 M5's about for around £20k, and they seem an utter bargain to me! They don't seem to have the best rep for running costs or to drive, but I think a good one will hold value - I'd love a ride in one to see what they are like. I drive in Europe a fair bit and it would be mighty for that (as my two XFR's were, to be fair). Timing chains are becoming a big issue on a lot of modern direct injection cars, especially V6 and V8, research it on any model and don't be suprised if you end up with a £3k ish engine bill around 60-80k miles. The trouble is, at that point the supercharger/turbocharger (if present) might ideally want some fettling, the water pump for sure, often the injectors as well. And on the suspension, what about the bushes and ARB's and shocks? It can very quickly get out of hand so use your ears when buying! I passed my second XFR on recently at 75k miles as the timing chain was becoming noisy, the supercharger snout ideally needed doing soon, it needed 4 new tyres and had an occasional misfire. Jag's warranty won't fix things on the way out, only if broken, and they told me I'd be paying for the (£1k) investigation on the engine noise. It was cosmetically amazing but I'd rather put that £5k+ towards the next car after 4 years in it - now that car is up for amost twice what I traded it in for, with none of that work done. Research research research!!

[@dadcars]

Awesome comment! Thanks for sharing 🤙

[@benpenagonzales6014]

BMW M5 , the F10 is a brilliant car. And pay the £70 to get the idrive updated to real time info and that is literally winning

[@bentirrell519]

Ive got the f10 m5, updated to real time ? What does that mean? Thanks

[@younow1511]

I feel really great. Only 7 minutes in and 2 cars I’ve been looking at for quite some time have been mentioned. Don’t think you could go wrong with an v8 S5 manual or a busso v6 brera

[@dadcars]

😅 awesome!

[@Markycarandbikestuff]

The V6 in the Brera is not a Busso, it's a GM based engine.

[@dannyloots9387]

Ik kocht 5 jaar geleden mijn S Type 4.0 v8 voor 2500€/2500€ kost om de wagen terug in top conditie te brengen. Jaarlijkse kost 500€ onderhoud. Niet zo slecht denk ik? Het geluid is GEWELDIG. Op de snelweg een zaligheid. 11 L/100km! Interieur is niet zo geweldig 😅, maar zetels dan weer wel. Ik rij ermee,tot hij is weggeroest.😂 De motor is geweldig,na herstelling time change. In mijn ocen een zeer betrouwbare V8,en qua stijl,Molier dan de XF😊

[@iaincrocker3290]

Dad cars and a Brera? Wtf. I had a 2.0 jtdm 159 ti SW and it was brilliant. Got it cheap on 150k and it ran for 5 years up to 230 before it died. Brilliant car.

[@themanipulator1]

In august i bought a 2011 jaguar xk convertible 5.0 v8 and couldn't be happier

[@XclusiveAaron]

Interesting what you said about the leasing and all that. I had a brand new diesel Merc on finance and it was a lovely car don't get me wrong but just never felt connected to it and the engine was kind of boring.. Thing is I was doing a lot of miles and had always wanted a mercedes but then after 4 years and paying off and then paying the last pretty big chunk early I decided to sell it since I was doing less miles now and I thought £350 a month in fuel in a lovely V8 or something wouldn't be a terrible thing. Especially before all electric cars take over in the future. So got my 645Ci now, absolutely loving it it's brilliant, not perfect but it's definitely a great car no doubt about it!

[@Vteccer666]

Im on my 2nd Audi B8 S4 1st was the manual this 1 is S,tronic, and would buy a 3rd as they are that good

[@Lodkostroitel]

I had similar thoughts 3 months ago. For under 20k I ended up with 2010 Camaro SS manual.

[@dadcars]

I’ve got a massive soft spot for a SS 🙌 I reviewed a ZL1 on the channel! That was a dream 🥰

[@Erikzapp]

Consider making the same video but on cars that will be costly to maintain but are such a bargain? ;) greetings from auto KZbinr in Canada! You guys rock

[@Bricktop999]

S5 doesn’t have the timing chain guide problem that the earlier 4.2 v8 had

[@EastAG]

£20k cars: F10 M5, Alfa Giulia Veloce, RS4 Avant 2013-14, 5.0 V8 Jaguar XJ, Audi S8, BMW 760Li, 2010 Lancer Evo X, Audi S7/RS7 £10k cars: Audi S5, Audi S4, BMW X5 3.0 40d, BMW 535d F10, Merc E500 V8, Golf GTI, Golf GTD, Leon Cupra £5k cars: Alfa Giulietta Cloverleaf, Jaguar XF

[@davidash1008]

Surprised we're allowed 2 seaters, but as we are I'd go for sub-10k Z4 Coupe 3.0 si, around 60k miles for that money. Sub-5k, maybe an A3 8p sportback with the 2.0 tfsi engine. Like an estate that shrunk in the wash.

[@JonWhitworth]

11k thumbs up, from 14k views?!?! Top drawer content, chaps. Absolutely nailed the pub style chat and got me back on Autotrader.

[@dadcars]

I think it’s only 600 likes! Not many take the time to hit the like button, my guess is a lot watch on TV these days where it’s not easy to do

[@JonWhitworth]

@@dadcars weird. I’ll WhatsApp you a pic

[@JoeBaron-o5s]

Haha! I guess when someone says "sensible car" I had a different idea, the only one for me is the XF

[@lukemb538]

I just picked up a 2017 Golf R Estate Mark 7.5 for less than £20,000. I think it is the perfect car. Practicality and Driveability. You can come and take a video if you want?

[@emrage]

Question, why don't prestige brands take (Buy back and destroy) the really old models off the road to keep the brand exclusivity and prestige going? Genuine question. Example, I wouldn't want to buy a 5k bentley gt continental that's only 20 years old.

[@benpenagonzales6014]

It was James that correctly described the ‘warmth’ that driving a Jag brings that German cars just don’t. Love em

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Few cars make you feel as good at the end of a long day as a Jaaaaag

[@peterrenn6341]

@@JayEmmOnCars So true! I ran an X350 XJ8 for more than ten years and loved it. Now replaced with the XJR. - The only thing I would (just occasionally like at the end of a long day is an "ANTI-Sport" button, to make it just a bit more of a lollopy old Hector. In 'normal' mode the R can still be a bit savage when you're tired and making it just waft along Jaaaaag-style takes effort! 🙂

[@ohyesitsme]

Is that when they go on fire?

[@robertlloyd7493]

Well done lads 😊

[@dadcars]

First 🙌

[@spainter1985]

16:00 I'd say the TVR is a safer bet than the Boxster, engine wise! The 986 and 987 generation Porsche's are a demonstration of "German engineering" being not all that.

[@danielenticknap7540]

An old TVR!? Lovely looking things, but is there a faster road to ruin? 5k or less MK2 Focus ST3?

[@sportzntouring]

So many choices!! The TVR was unexpected! Very cool cars! I've always fancied a TVR!

[@dadcars]

Impressive James managed to make a case for it 😅🙌

[@awild10]

​@@dadcarsonly because he made no mention of budgeting for new chassis outriggers and full engine rebuilds which are really not just simple Rover V8s! A guy I know had one a few years back and took me up Prescott hill climb in it. It truly was an amazing car but my god it nearly drove him to the grave looking after it.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

@@awild10 What I neglected to mention was that these have reached an age now where they all seem to have had the chassis sorted

[@awild10]

@@JayEmmOnCars that is probably a fair point and one that probably stands for a lot of cars with known issues. Like with the timing chain issue on the S5 you mentioned, if its that common an issue it should have been done, and if not you've got a very good reason to haggle the price down a bit. Nevertheless my friends experience with his TVR including a bodged engine rebuild by one of the UK supposed top TVR experts was frightening and I can assure you those engines are far from just a fettled Rover V8. But he is a guy who has a habit of buying cars that end up needing a new chassis so it is equally likely to be bad luck.

[@TheAlexingram]

Never had any major issues with either my 2002 Chimaera or 2008 S5

[@aaronjacobs462]

Ok Odd ball for sub 5k Mercedes CLK 350. Has the new engine in and the 7speed auto, get a choice of coupe or convertible. 🤔

[@davidhancock91]

Only a Pom would ever consider a TVR a sensible car, and desirable.

[@noobymcnoobs]

Jaguar XJ 3.0 diesel in portfolio spec By far the best family car I have ever owned and having had lots of BMWs Audis and Mercs the jag just felt more special.

[@dadcars]

How have the maintenance and servicing costs been?

[@noobymcnoobs]

@@dadcarsthe maintaince costs were really low for such a big high end car. I had it for 18 months did one service at an independent garage which was reasonable (I can’t remember how much but that means it wasn’t expensive as I remember the big numbers) it only had 2 issues while I had it. The sun roof squeaked but I fixed that myself with some silicon lubricant and I trashed a set of brakes doing a track day at bedford and needed new disks and pads after that (I was supposed to be doing it in my 996 but that broke the day before the track day - James has done a video with me 996) I know some other people have had problems with them but mine was great.

[@naderhassan5704]

You’re welcome to use my Volvo C70 MY07 for a review on your channel if you’re interested. It’s my school run car for my two Boys 7 & 4 years old, great fun for the boys when the roof is down on the way to school. Works great in the winter as well because of the Hard Top convertible roof which makes it a very usable car all year around. Hopefully i can add an Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio this August for my 40th. Loved your review on it 👌🏼👌🏼

[@dadcars]

Drop me a message on Instagram :)

[@7804t1]

Surprised to see the xk for that price .. I am browsing later 4.2 xk8 coupes for between 5 and 8k. I am not allowed 4.2 s type as it’s an “old man car” 😂

[@andrewf7822]

Under £20k BMW M140i 5 door 2017 onwards.

[@TenPester]

I'd love an S5. It would cost less than my current 69 plate A3, but I'd always be worried that someone knew some weird fankled way to nick it.

[@Bluebottle_GB]

Sub £20k - surely a 6.0 W12 Bentley Continental GT (there's even a few Flying Spurs about) - you can get them 12-15k and then fix whatever is bust...

[@NomadJRG]

Will cost an arm and a leg to run, really need to have money to burn or be a VW master mechanic

[@dadcars]

Yeah I’d say they fall outside the brief! That’s the kind of car I’d buy for the budget, I was focusing on more sensible choices for once here 😅

[@blinkachu5275]

Bruh how is the car market in the UK so much different than here x_x A Jaguar XF costs 15k+ second hand here 4.8k for one would be insanely good value

[@dadcars]

I keep hearing this! Seems we’re fortunate in the Uk 🙌

[@matthewsalmon8194]

I prefer a cool sensible car over a sensible cool car

[@silentviper88]

The Jaguar XF- interesting? Not without the V8. Alfa - unreliable and FWD or add-on-FWD-4-Wheel-drive with a heavy engine on the front wheels? Even the beauty of this car doesn't justify it. Audi S5 - nice one there - would recommend the S4 for more useability but "won't ruin you" doesn't apply. Lots of construction sites like the intakes and chains. Jaguar XK - best choice so far. F10 is good - but don't get the V8 or the 4-Cylinders (N20/B47). Get the 30d N57 or the NB53/NB55 30i/35i. 4-Cylinders will die because of the chain issues, V8 is a little more reliable but it will ruin you if something happens and BMW V8s will eventually do so after 100k km. Main bearing shell is one of the most reliable failures on BMW V8s. M5 is an intersting choice. Be aware it will be very costly to maintain and if you don't do so, even more expensive. Boxster - not beautiful but interesting - but be aware, any Skoda Octavia 1.8t with Stage 1 will leave it standing and that is not a fast car. I don't know the prices in the UK but 135i Coupe and 335i E90, Z4 E85 3.0i, Golf Mk4 2.8 VR6 (just watch out for the timing chains!), Alfa Giulia, Ford Mustang 5.0, Golf MK5 GTI Edition 30/Pirelli Edition, Scirocco R, Audi S3, Audi A4 3.0 TDI, Mercedes C W204, Mazda MX5 ...

[@bluefish2303]

Would love a Jaaag XF (did suggest this to you before you got the GranSport Ben!). Neighbour of mine had an Audi A8 4.2 TDi, beautiful car. For a sub £20k car how about another Audi, the A7? There's a ton of these on Autotrader so should be able to find a good one but not sure if there are any foibles. James will know for sure! Oh and I've entered the raffle 💸

[@dadcars]

🙌 I’ll get a jaaag eventually I’m sure if it 👌

[@garyh2008]

Enjoyed that! Thank you

[@dadcars]

🙌☺️

[@xkimopye]

God damn, a Jag XK for under £10k. In Australia you would need the equivalent of £30,000 ($55,000 aud)