LIMOUSINE quality motoring comes very much cheaper second-hand, after the mostly company buyers of big saloons have taken the depreciation hit.
That's just as true of the cars that hold their value best like the BMW 7-Series and the Mercedes S-Class.
The big BMW offers serious performance in all the various models and most will still look marvellous thanks to a life of dealer cosseting.
They are known to be pretty bulletproof and can stand very long mileages as long as the servicing is done.
Handling and road-holding are brilliant for such a big car and they often feel much smaller because they are so agile.
After 2002, the smallest 730i six had 227bhp and the range topper was a 6.0-litre V12 with 428.
The 3.0-litre is not hugely quick but still has a fair turn of speed and could almost be called frugal in its sipping of the amber nectar. There is also a much more sought after 3.0-litre turbo diesel.
All have an automatic gearbox, a marvellous ride and library reading room hush.
Interior
The interior is enormous and very comfortable and the ride is superb, soaking up the very worst roads with ease.
Equipment in all 7-Series includes almost everything you would want with leather, aircon, parking sensors and cruise control on most.
FAST FACTS
BMW 730i
Price: Pay £10,500 for an '03 03-reg 730i, £13,300 for an '04 54-reg SE, or £17,500 for an '05 55-reg Sport
Mechanical: 227bhp, 2,979cc, 6cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via 6-speed automatic gearbox
Max speed: 147mph
0-62mph: 7.8 seconds
Combined mpg: 26
Insurance group: 17
CO2 emissions: 257g/km
Marks: 10/10
Main rival: Audi A8