All depends what the bike will sell for, that will determin what I can get. It's primary role will be work and back, I want to be comfy and it be an automatic, on the list:
1) Merc CLS 320. Just as practical as current 2.2, so no issues there. 5th seat not required. Stretching the budget, not many with spec I want.
Driven one recently, very much like driving position and silky smooth and silent V6 diesel.
The 320 petrol engine is a peach. And probably not much different in terms of fuel consumption in my experience.
Build quality pre-2006 was shocking. And new injectors on the diesel will cost a fortune if required. Sensotronic brakes are shit (think they disappeared in 2005)
2) Volvo S80, just like Omega they had heavy depreciation.
No way a near good looking in my view, but it good value.
Fugly as...
3) Volvo V70. Very practical option, sat in one straight after a CLS. Very impressed how comfy the seats were, think they are THE most comfy I've sat in. Loads around for my budget.
Gearboxes weak as cheese. (especially 4wd R models). Throttle bodies pre 2002 a problem. Whole engine problematic post 2.3L era apparently.
ROAD TAX ANIHILATION POST 2005
Thanks for feedback, but to go back on a few points:
1) There is no '320' petrol? Only the 350... which is just as crap on fuel as 3.2 Omega, on my commute and driving style, the diesel makes sense. No SBC brakes on the CLS of vintage I'm looking at (2007-ish)
I've been doing cost service comparison between CLS and Insignia, some things are cheaper on CLS, glow plugs are (but you need more), Injectors are more for CLS, but not by much. A diesel injector for an Insignia is £176 on ECP, compared with £230 for the CLS. Over-all when you include plugs, filters etc, the CLS is only tad more.
2) And the Omega is no fugly? Put it along side a S80, side by side, only a true Omega fan would say which is the better looking. Besides, did we really buy the Omega because of it's good looks? - No we, well I, chose it because they turned out to be a depreciation disaster, which is good for second hand buyers. The S80 looks in same boat, up against the 5 Series and lost so it's dirt cheap. Seen 2010 Plate examples for £5k!
3) Volvo V70's seen plenty of high mile versions, I'd be looking around 2007 vintage again with diesel autos. Tax not an issue on the D5's.
I personally love the looks of the CLS and smooth V6 diesel was effortless, but a Volvo does mean more practical means and there is an Indie Volvo dealer less than a mile from my house. Which would be good for parts and stuff I don't want to do!