£6,000 – £8000
It’s even easier to find some more “interesting” alternatives to the mainstream norm in this price bracket. The revised Passat offers image – but you’ll be looking at higher mileages if it’s a Volkswagen you fancy. The Avensis is also a very worthy car; with Toyota finally having cracked the “good looking” code it makes a fine executive express. Petrolheads should investigate the Accord Type-R – even if it’s mostly leggier examples in this budget - as Honda engineering insures the performance doesn’t come at the expense of reliability.But, since the mainstream offers the widest selection it’s worth pointing out the Mondeo’s excellent TDCi diesel engines are now well within reach. Vauxhall’s latest Vectra is a credible alternative, if not quite as entertaining to drive, while last of the line 406s remain a style conscious choice. The succeeding 407 is just starting to become available for this money, too. You’ll either love the looks or hate them
Used Honda Accords between £6,000 and £8,000
Used Peugeot 407 between £6,000 and £8,000
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