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  • Economy

    Value

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Hardly ever needs to be repaired, so value is high.

    Costs

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Typically expensive to service, but, as it';s a diesel, pretty good to run, especially over long distances.

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    As I am covering 150 miles per day, mainly on the M4, very comfortable. However, can be quite boring to drive on regular roads.

    Performance

    3 out of 5 3.0

    2.5 engine has enough poke to accelerate away on roundabouts, but you still feel the burden of the back-end on this estate.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Very reliable. It's now done 165k miles, although currently being looked at due to a possible head gasket being blown.

    Image

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Still looks good for its age, although will be kicked into touch as soon as the new 5-series is launched. Still looks better than its Mercedes estate counterpart.

    Comfort

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Excellent for long motorway journeys. Climate control helps.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Not sure, as no one has yet broken into it (tempting fate). I guess it's proved its worth!

    Service

    4 out of 5 4.0

    In general, very good.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Blown head gasket.

    Other

    Air bag; coffe cup holders in rear!

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes