Civic duties

9000 was one of those cars I never quite understood or appreciated. I had one as a loan car, which I covered a few hundred miles in, when my 900 was in for service. It felt more FIAT than SAAB (and I've had 5 FIATs). Maybe one of those cars like the two Volvos I've had, creeps up on you rather than immediately grabs you.

Curveball:

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401316077870

Fine until he prangs it in France and needs a new radiator. 520i is a good shout, though. Unlike Mercedes, BMW never got out of the habit of making petrol engines.

The BMW has a moderately high mileage for the age which is reflected in the price. Nice 17" wheels so hopefully a comfy ride. Looks decent enough.

It's not brown though..

Is it big enough at the rear?

Once bought a 72,000 mile Volvo XC90 which was only three years old. Big mistake. Thought it would have had an easy life on the motorway but in reality had been hammered and not looked after.

Got rid after three months.

That's the thing with cars (used) you never know the history. Ignore the badge, buy the newest you can afford that does what you want and look after it.

The Focus estate I have is brilliant at taking everything we throw at it, been to Italy a couple of times, Cornwall and Islay plus a few trips to Scotland. Gets serviced at a main dealers as it is still under warranty until next year.
My Volvo I have had coming up 11 years, in that time it has cost me a new aircon compressor, turbo boost valve, return pipe from the intercooler and Oxygen sensor. I'd still chose it over the Ford for a long distance journey, like a comfy pair of shoes. If I had sold it last year and the next owner had to pay for the aircon compressor and Oxygen sensor that might have been seen as bad by them, after 11 years I don't think that list of exceptional items is bad. Servicing at a specialist costs about the same as the Ford at a main dealers.

It could be argued to swap the S60 for a V60 and get rid of the Focus but seeing how other people drive and look after their cars not a chance. I would not touch a new one, Chinese owned which reflects in the ownership experience if you read the forums, Volvo used to be so helpful, four cylinder engine which has very well documented issues.

Do your research and buy what you need not a badge.

Poorly serviced cars, probably.