WHAT WE ALMOST BOUGHT THIS WEEK
BMW 523i
Fives never die; they just grow old gracefully. Here’s one: a 1999 saloon with 150,000 miles for £1299. Pale-green velour seats and walnut trim date it, but it has had only two owners, been serviced every year and been garaged for most of its life. Its 2.5-litre straight six, with single Vanos variable valve timing, produces a relaxed 168bhp.