Last week's £9995 Maserati 3200 GT sent a parting wave between you, with half of you considering it a tempting proposition and the others regarding it as a ticking time-bomb.

So, how about this - potentially more reliable and less costly - BMW M5. Besides the fact that the E34 generation of 5-series was one of the manufacturer's best-built cars, this second-generation M5, launched in 1990, also featured what I regard as one of its best engines.

Its 3.5-litre 24-valve straight six, codenamed S38B36, churned out an impressive 315bhp and 266lb ft. It was an engine that loved to rev, howling to the red line with vigour every time you pinned the BMW's floor-hinged accelerator. It was also durable if maintained properly and, barring intermittent valve shimming requirements, easy to care for.

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Despite a hefty 1670kg kerb weight, the M5 could muster a 0-62mph time of 6.3sec and reach an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. Power was sent to a limited-slip differential at the rear via a slick five-speed manual transmission, allowing for suitably heroic-feeling tail-out action if so desired.

BMW's M5 was more than just a fast car though; it was also practical, with seating for four adults, a refined cabin, a large boot and a 90-litre fuel tank that granted a sensible touring range.

This 1990 example looks to be in superb condition and it ticks a lot of the right boxes. It's got the desirable extended leather option, climate control and, more poignantly, it benefits from a recent comprehensive service that included new bushes and brake discs. Pitched at a tempting £5850, it represents a lot of bang and sheet metal for your money.

Admittedly bright red might not be the best colour for an BMW M5, with their subtle appearance suiting more restrained colours, but it's still a very sharp-looking car. The visible elements of the interior look relatively untarnished too, suggesting care and proper use - although it's somewhat disappointing to see the leather on the driver's seat rucking up.

What's most appealing about this particular example, however, is a claimed mileage of just 76,000 miles. Most M5s are well into triple figures, and it's not uncommon to see examples knocking on the door of 200,000 miles either. Many, particularly those that you see priced anywhere from £2.5k to £5k, can be in need of some overhauling too, helping justify spending more on a good example.

As mentioned, build quality is excellent for these 5-series, but usually by this point they're in need of a general refresh - brake lines, fuel lines, discs, pads, bushes, cooling system, steering box adjustments and so on - through age and mileage alone. Opt for this comparatively low mileage and seemingly well-maintained one, though, and you might avoid a lot of those potential issues.