Good car design is a difficult quality to get down - either a vehicle has it, or it doesn't. But just because a car isn't supermodel-pretty, it shouldn't be dismissed, as this week's used buying guide proves.
1 - BMW 5 Series GT (2009-present)
Just when it seemed as if the major car makers had filled every possible niche, BMW released this mash-up of 5-Series, X5 and 7-Series.
Broadly speaking, the 5 GT was meant to combine a road presence similar to that of the high-riding X SUVs with the versatility of a hatchback and the space of a full-size saloon. But BMW ended up with an ungainly model with looks not dissimilar to those of a pygmy rhino.
See BMW 5 Series for sale on PistonHeads
If you can live with the design, though, there’s a case to be made for a used 5 GT. The cabin is superb, but don’t expect the ultimate driving experience, and look out for air suspension and spring failures and electrical issues. We found a 2009 530d SE for £13,979.
2 - Fiat 500L (2012-present)
It’s only natural that Fiat would seek to replicate the runaway success of its retro-look 500 supermini, but the 500L proves that you can’t repeat your glories simply by putting a model into the photocopier and pressing ‘enlarge’.
See Fiat 500L for sale on PistonHeads
Here, the popular 500’s dinky looks haven’t exactly lent themselves to being pumped up to mini-MPV size, so it’s no coincidence that there are some decent 500L bargains out there. A three-yearold 1.6-litre Multijet 105 Pop Star model with 53,000 miles now costs £6500, which is 63% less than new.
Join the debate
Add your comment
I kinda like the 500L as well
At Least They're Interesting
Me either. I think it looks very friendly.
Fiat 500L