Luxury limos for less than your Volkswagen Golf
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The VW Golf has built itself an enviable reputation as the benchmark hatchback in its segment. Aside from a few dips along the way, since the very first model arrived in 1974 it has been a great automotive all-rounder.
From a handful of engine and trim offerings in the Golf I (including the game-changing GTI) we now have nine models, 20 engines and an options list that goes on for five pages – a lot of choice, especially for what once used to be a simple family run around.
But while the range has grown dramatically, so have the offerings in the vehicle market in general. So that got us thinking, could you get a second-hand luxury saloon for the price of a new Golf? Cars that not only offer a long specification list, but also have the space and image that no mid-range hatchback can compete with…
VW Golf 1.0-litre TSI
The Golf range kicks off with the eminently capable but sparsely equipped 1.0-litre TSI model. With 110bhp and a manual gearbox as standard it is a frugal and efficient city runabout, but few people would accuse it of being an aspirational vehicle. Let’s see what sort of used car offerings we have available to us at the TSI’s £19,605 (before extras) list price…
VW Passat 2.0 TDI 2017
Staying within the Volkswagen eco system, we can find ex-demo VW Passats selling for well within our £20,000 budget. While not exactly ultra-luxurious the latest models are extremely spacious and a fair bit larger than the Golf or booted Jetta variants. You even get to bypass the entry level spec and get the ultra-efficient 148bhp 2.0TDI model with the DSG gearbox.
Audi A6 2.0 TDi 2014
If that extra level of luxury is a deal breaker, then perhaps the equally spacious Audi A6 is a better fit. A 2014 187bhp 2.0 TDi SE model fits within our budget and the upmarket interior is a big step up from the little Golf.
Mercedes C200 2016
The C-Class is admittedly one size smaller than the Passat and A6, but that Mercedes badge is a real status symbol. With a 2016 187bhp C200 petrol version costing less than a brand new 1.0-litre Golf it seems like an easy choice to make.
BMW 320d M Sport 2016
The 320d in M Sport guise is a desirable alternative for those looking for a more focused driving experience. With fuel economy not far off the 110bhp Golf and performance that is on another level entirely it is worth a second look.
Infiniti Q50 2017
Infiniti may be a bit player compared to the German trio, but their latest models are both competitive and offer a fresh change from the norm. The Q50 SE is a proper D-segment competitor and thanks to aggressive promotions nearly new 2017 168bhp 2.2-litre models can be found for under £19,000. Standard specifications are comprehensive too.
VW Golf 2.0-litre TDI DSG
The 2.0-litre TDI Golf adds a 40bhp more, a 7-speed DSG gearbox and a bit more standard kit for another £5,000. It may be a good deal when compared to the entry level 1.0-litre TSI model but what about something bigger and a few years older?
BMW 520d 2016
Our increased budget opens the doors to some desirable large luxury saloons. Frugal and fast, the 2016 520d is the perfect long-distance companion. We can’t quite stretch to the latest generation cars but there is precious little wrong with the recently replaced models and there are deals aplenty too.
Mercedes E 350 CDI 2014
The E-class may also have just been replaced but there was nothing wrong with the fourth-generation models. Something like a 2014 E350CDI with 247bhp, a cosseting ride and plenty of options is easily attainable for well under our £25,000 price ceiling too.
BMW 535d 2014
If the 5-series is your preferred luxury car then you can also look for a slightly older model which opens up a range of sportier and better equipped cars. The 535d packs a 313bhp punch from its twin turbo 3.0-litre turbodiesel powerplant which means 0-60mph in 5.5-seconds.
Mercedes S 350 CDI 2013
The S-Class has been the benchmark in its class since the very first generation and if you enjoy wafting along in a luxurious cocoon then the S350 CDI will be hard to beat. You will have to look at 2013 models to fit our budget but what a car for the money.
Bentley Flying Spur 2006
If running costs don’t scare you then why not throw caution to the wind and go the whole hog with a proper 552bhp 6.0-litre W12 Bentley Flying Spur. No expense was spared by the VW group when they launched this magnificent beast 12 years ago. Think of it as the bookend to your 2.0-litre TDI Golf. Just remember, the purchase price may well be the cheapest part of your 10-year-old Bentley’s ownership.
VW Golf R 4motion DSG
VW has not been sitting on its laurels when it comes to its performance offerings. Where the original GTI offered up 110bhp the latest Golf R packs almost three times that amount (310bhp actually). That means a scarcely believable 4.6-second 0-60mph time and handling to match just about any other hatchback you care to mention.
The price? £34,250, which in fairness is a big chunk for a fast Golf, even if it is able to scare supercars away from the lights. This sort of budget also opens up some seriously desirable fast luxury saloons so let’s see what your options are…
Audi A8 2010
Staying close to home the Audi A8 has grown into a proper challenger in its very competitive class and thanks to the massive depreciation that big luxury cars suffer you can have your very own 2014 3.0-litre TDI model for well under £34,000. With Quattro all-wheel drive and 254bhp it is quick and sure-footed but if you want even more speed then read on.
Maserati Ghibli 2014
The Ghibli may not be the quickest luxury saloon around but it brings with it a certain character and design flair that can be hard to ignore. That said, 410bhp is not exactly peanuts and while the rear-wheel drive 3.0S Ghibli may not match the Golf R off the line it is actually quicker at higher speeds and the luxury and interior finish is on another level entirely.
Audi RS6 2010
Nothing says excess like a turbocharged 5.0-litre V10. The second generation RS6 packed this massive engine under its bonnet and pumped 572bhp to all four wheels giving it supercar challenging acceleration. Never mind the Golf R, you will be dispatching unwary Porsches with this luxury missile.
Mercedes E63 AMG 2014
Mercedes tried a similar tack with their E63 AMG model, the massive 5.5-litre V8 was bolstered by two turbochargers to give the big Merc 550bhp and the kind of pace that will have you arriving at your in-laws way too early.
Jaguar XFR 2014
Jaguar has not been too fussed about chasing the Germans in their crass horsepower race, instead they focus on providing luxurious yet still indecently rapid machines. While the XFR was not be the quickest car out there, one thing is for sure, the 503bhp supercharged V8 cannot be accused of tardiness. The big Jag still retains excellent ride comfort too which can be enjoyed more of the time too.
BMW M5 2014
BMW on the other hand have no problem chasing the big numbers and the M5 with its 560bhp and 4.3-second 0-60mph time is all about statistics. If you like your luxury saloon to be both rapid and engaging too then this may be the car you have been looking for.
Rolls-Royce Silver Spur 1996
German performance saloons too new-age for you? Perhaps the new money offerings from Jaguar and Maserati are a bit flashy as well? Then the Rolls-Royce Silver Spur is the only luxury conveyance that will satisfy your discerning tastes. 6.75-litres of adequate horsepower and a level of workmanship that is unparalleled makes each journey a pleasure. The very best Silver Spurs can be had for less than Golf R money and for this you get an unequalled ride quality and the chance to lord it over your friends for years to come.