Executive: BMW 730d

The diesel 7-Series was always the smart choice of BMW’s limo line-up, yet its value has still plummeted. The 730d is now around five grand cheaper than it would have been based on CAP’s original predictions. From nearly £50k new, this 7-Series with full BMW history is currently bumping up against new Honda Civics.

If you’re feeling brave, ex-airport shuttles with 100,000 miles or more are around £10,000. This might seem risky, but the 7-Series is generally reliable. You’d have thought the price crash would be even better news for thirsty V8s and V12s, but they’re rare; last year, diesel outsold petrol by nine to one. Sure, you’ll lose money buying a 730d, but after a year and 10,000 miles, it won’t have shed as much as an equivalently priced new car.

BMW 730d
Price new in 2005: £49,655
Example we found:
05-reg, 43,000 miles, £14,950
Value drop: 69.9 per cent