BMW 5-Series

Now replaced by a newer, more dramatic-looking car, stocks of the current 5-Series are expected to be exhausted by December. Bizarrely, this is great news for car buyers with a soft spot for the model, as BMW has hastily bolted together a series of run-out editions that offer superb value for money. Petrol and diesel versions are available in saloon and estate guise. Just look for the ES badges that mark these editions out from standard.

Our test car, a 525d ES Touring, costs from ΂£26,586. For only ΂£500 more than a standard model, buyers get ΂£4,400-worth of extras, including alloys, an M-Sport steering wheel, metallic paint and free servicing for 60,000 miles. But few cars grow old as gracefully as this 5-Series. Rapid advances in technology, refinement and build quality mean that, while lesser vehicles age quickly, this BMW continues to set standards.

Not only is it rewarding to drive and very well built, the outgoing 5-Series is also practical and reasonably cheap to run, thanks to the torquey diesel. Just remember that it's not going to be worth so much when you come to trade it in a few years down the line.