Compact executive car: Audi A4
Just £4,800 could buy this classy and efficient Audi A4
What £4,800 buys: Audi A4 2.0 TDI S line
(80,000 miles, 06 plate)
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 138bhp
0-62mph/top speed: 9.7 secs/138mph
Economy/CO2/tax: 49mpg/153g/km/£185
Executive cars come in two sizes: compact and full-sized. The latter tend to depreciate especially heavily, which is why buying a larger exec can cost you less than a smaller model. Typical monthly repayments of £320-£500 mean a PCP deal would cost around £4,800 a year, and for that you can stretch to a 2006 example of Audi's A4 compact exec.
Go for a 2.0 TDI SE, and you'll get powered door mirrors and windows, climate control, remote central locking, 16-inch alloys and heated washer jets. The S line adds a multifunction steering wheel and sports suspension.
Also consider:
2005 BMW 320d: With class-leading driving dynamics and excellent build quality, the 3 Series is extremely desirable, although it's hardly an exclusive choice.
2006 Lexus GS 450h: A leftfield option, but the hybrid GS is reliable and well equipped. Even so, it's a bit dull to drive.
