Top Five Used Saloons

Motoring.co.uk loves the sophistication of a capable and versatile saloon. We therefore trawled our extensive used car database to reveal the top five best buys. So, which stylish saloons make the grade?

The Ford Focus makes a triumphant entry into position five. This popular workhorse is a complete family package. It has a comprehensive range of engines, excellent handling, and acres of space considering its size. The Focus is also reliable enough to be happily motoring years after its rivals succumb to the Scrappage Scheme.

The Vauxhall Insignia swerves around the Focus to finish fourth. This stylish saloon is the replacement to the Vectra and has improved handling, sharper styling, and vastly superior interior finish. This fleet favourite is also available with a thrilling 2.8-litre turbocharged 320bhp V6 engine. This propels the Insignia to 60mph in an eye-watering 5.8 seconds.

The Skoda Superb leap-frogs the Insignia to finish third. This luxurious leviathan is affordable and unpretentious yet surprisingly appealing. The second generation model has a choice of five engines including the entertaining 3.6-litre V6. However, despite its power the Superb is a comfortable cruiser – not a sports car. It is a saloon for those 'in the know' who value discrete quality over a fashionable badge.

Missing out on the top spot by a whisker is the outgoing Jaguar XJ Series. This legendary saloon is an appealing mixture of technology and tradition. It arguably resembles a stately home that doubles as a gadget store. There are five engines available including the 2.7-litre diesel which produces 204bhp, wafts to 60mph in 7.8 seconds, and returns a combined average of 35mpg. This complements the excellent handling, magic carpet ride, and the beautifully opulent interior.

So, those are the runners-up in Motoring.co.uk's Top Five Used Saloons. The winner is the magnificently luxurious Audi A8. The recently replaced generation was introduced in 2003 and is available with a choice of ten engines. The most appealing variant for chauffeur driven executives is the long-wheelbase 6.0-litre W12. This vast engine, which propels the A8 to 60mph in 4.9 seconds, complements the excellent handling and rock solid build quality. The A8 is therefore a magnificent saloon and exceptional used purchase.

By Stephen Turvil