vw is where it's at, not the quietest engine by any standards, but great power and economy, i have a 53plate bora, got it for £2500 on 128k miles, only needed a clutch and has been spot on, even after a remap taking it to 170bhp from the pretty respectable 130bhp it began with.
for 5k i'd recon on a 55plate passat really, just get one with the gadgets and all that, very smooth cars to be in. the only niggle is suspension is a bit too soft, doesn't like corners at speed, but is very comfortable and i've seen 62mpg on a run sitting around 70mph on cruise control.
so in all perfect for a 60 something bloke that want's comfort and a bit of poke.