Used Car of the Year 2008 - Executives

Winner: BMW 520d SE
Year: '05/55
Price: £14,125

Our judges were unanimous when it came to the 5 Series.

This executive saloon has it all: pedigree, refinement, eye-catching looks and good road manners. The best news, though, is that you don't need a company director's salary to afford one.

Things don't get any better than the entry-level 2.0-litre diesel engine.

It puts out 161bhp, which is more than enough to shift the 5 Series, yet still manages an average of 47.9mpg.

The 5 also gets top marks for its handling, but comfort hasn't been forgotten: it absorbs bumps well and is comfortable at all speeds.

The manual version is our favourite, but hunt out the smooth six-speed automatic model if you prefer the car to do the work.

In the cabin
Things are equally good inside. There's a spacious and comfortable cabin, and the materials feel durable and solid. The boot is also large and easy enough to load items into.

Opt for the SE trim and you'll have all the essentials, including climate control and parking sensors.

A leather interior is desirable, and helps protect resale values, so look for cars with it fitted. Our judges opted for the SE over the Sport model, because the Sport's bigger wheels and stiffer suspension make the ride too firm.

Running costs
Servicing intervals are determined by the car's electronics and by how and where you drive. BMW dealers are notoriously expensive for servicing, but it's worth sticking with them to protect the resale value on newer cars.

However, there are big differences in prices at different dealers, so travelling a reasonable distance to get the best deal should still save you money.

Power: 161bhp
Fuel economy: 47.9mpg (average)
0-60mph/top speed: 8.6sec/144mph
Insurance: Group 15
CO2: 136g/km
Service intervals: Variable

Runners-up
Bentley Continental GT '04/54 £51,595
BMW 730d SE '05/05 £20,240
Jaguar XJ6 3.0 SE '04/04 £12,595
VW Phaeton 3.0 TDI '05/05 £19,000