Top Used Executive Cars

The Jaguar XF is the car which has brought a refreshing touch of style and elegance to the executive saloon market. First unveiled as a replacement for the S-type in 2007, the XF has also played a vital role in Jaguar’s renaissance as a modern brand. The XF has won more than 100 international awards, including being named Car of the Year 2014. There are three engines to choose from (each with different power options), including a refined 2.2 litre diesel unit which returns 57.6mpg (combined) and is capable of taking the car from standstill to 62mph in 10.5 seconds. Best of all, the XF remains a beacon of British engineering and design capabilities. A worthy favourite among sub-£20k exec saloons.

We found a 3.0 V6 model from 2010 with only 31,600 miles up for sale at just £13,990.

It’s with good reason that the BMW 3 Series remains one of the most popular executive saloons – a staging post for people moving away from mass market models for the first time. It must also be said that the 3 Series is still a rewarding car to drive, particularly if it marks an introduction to rear-wheel drive motoring. However, undoubtedly good to drive as they are, and packed with technology, choosing a 3 Series does run the risk of declaring that you lack originality. There’s a huge choice of engine options but business drivers won’t go far wrong with the 320D Efficient Dynamics model.

We found: BMW 320D 2.0 Efficient Dynamics Step, New Shape, 4 door, 2013, 30,903 miles, automatic, £13,900

The Audi A4 is the saloon that most executives turn to when they are considering an alternative to ubiquitous BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class saloons. The A4 got a mid-cycle update in 2013, something you might want to bear in mind if you’re planning to buy nearly new rather than brand new. Well built, packed with technology and reliable, the A4 tends towards comfort rather than a dynamic driving experience. There are numerous engine options, with the 2.0 TDI unit providing both decent performance and economy.

We found: Audi A4 Diesel 2.0 TDIe SE 4 door, 2012 (62), 17,514 miles, Automatic, £14,854

The latest version of the Mercedes C-Class was only recently unveiled at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, meaning that sub-£20k models are already the “old version”. Always a popular choice among executives, the C-Class has a very classy cabin in its favour. However, the C-Class doesn’t boast the same reputation for ride and handling. Build quality is much better than it once was, meaning that the C-Class is a popular choice when people are looking for an executive saloon.

We found: Mercedes-Benz C Class C200 CDI Executive SE 4dr 2013(63) Diesel with 25,788 Miles

A firm favourite among executive drivers who have graduated from the first rung of the corporate ladder, where the 3 Series is more commonly found. The 5 series offers great looks, sufficient space for an entire family and BMW’s trademark driving dynamics, performance and attention to detail.

We found: 'BMW 5 Series 2.0 520d EfficientDynamics 2012(12) Diesel with only 28000 Miles for just £15,980

Lexus has long been the leftfield choice among executive car buyers, with the IS establishing a small, yet enthusiastic, following among drivers looking for an alternative to the usual raft of German machines. There are eight versions of the IS available from new, including the frugal and efficient 300h hybrid models. The third generation IS – it stands for Intelligent Sport – premiered in 2013, meaning that you may need to be careful to make sure that you’re buying the latest version if you do go looking.

We found: Lexus IS 250 F-sport (top-spec!) 2011 with 29,882 miles for just £12,357

The Mercedes E-Class is more about smooth and comfortable motorway journeys and less about thrusting sports car performance. That said, buy one new and you can choose from a range of different suspension options which will radically change the car’s personality. Newer hybrid models make most sense but you won’t find one for less than £20,000. Thankfully, there are loads of options in that price range, including the E250 2.1litre CDI.

We found: Mercedes Benz E Class Coupe 2012 E250 Blue EFFICIENCY Sport with just 14,000 miles up for £17,280

With its sleek and sporting side profile, the Volkswagen Passat CC is a class apart from its saloon cousin. The 170ps diesel engine and the DSG gearbox make this a great motorway cruiser, but refinement isn't on a par with more upmarket rivals. That said, Volkswagen vehicles offer fantastic value for money up front as well as strong residuals, which means you are more likely to get a decent amount of money back when it comes time to sell.

We found: A VW Passat CC 2.0 GT TDi CR (a very good spec) on an 11 plate with just 22,984 miles for just £11,790

Not commonly regarded to be as rewarding to drive as perhaps its closest rival, the Jaguar XF, Audi’s A6 is undoubtedly a motorway cruiser which oozes class and kerb appeal. It also offers loads of space. Big brother to the popular A4, Audi’s A6 is now in its fourth generation. The most popular engine is the 2 litre TDI. It looks good in standard trim but many drivers are tempted by the sleek, sporting looks and performance of models bearing S line trim.

We found: '62 plate Audi A6 saloon 2.0TDi SE with 27,771 miles for just £14,988'

It’s such a recent addition to the executive market that you won’t yet find a Jaguar XF Sportbrake for less than £20k. However, we like it in saloon form so much that it’s well worth keeping an eye out for. For now, you might have to dig a little deeper.

We found: 2011 Jaguar Xf Sportbrake Luxury 2.2 diesel which has only covered 19,000 miles for sale at £20,490

*Approved used models of Jaguar’s latest vehicles are now available, providing further options for people who might traditionally have opted for a new car, or chosen a German, Italian or Japanese model.