BMW

BMW 7 Series (2009-2015)

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The BMW 7 Series cost big money when new, but savage depreciation makes it far more accessible as a used buy. However, while purchase costs can be relatively low, running costs tend to be huge. Despite this, the BMW 7 Series is a wonderful thing to own with its endless equipment list, sparkling dynamics and superb engines, including a wonderfully profligate V12 petrol option. By far the most common powerplant is the 3.0-litre diesel in the 730d and 740d and frankly, they’re all you need. But the massive complexity of the 7 Series means reliability can be an issue – so don’t expect to run one of these luxury limos on a shoestring.

 Key Dates

1/09: The fifth-generation 7 Series arrives, in 740i, 740Li, 750i, 750Li and 730d forms.

3/09: There’s now a 730Ld option.

8/09: The 740d goes on sale. The 730d and 730Ld get a more efficient engine and an M Sport trim option. The 760i and 760Li also appear, with a 6.0-litre V12.

11/11: A Luxury Edition trim joins the range.

06/12: A facelift brings more efficient engines, an LED headlight option, interior upgrades and revised suspension. An eight-speed automatic gearbox is also now standard across the range.

 Checklist

  • The 7-Series is packed with electrics and electronics, which can be very unreliable. So check that everything works – if you can find everything.
  • Rear tyres tend to wear out quickly and replacements are costly, so see how much tread is left.
  • The LED rear lights should last forever, but they can fail.
  • Oil pumps can wear on the 750i, leading to annoying whining noises from under the bonnet.
  • All 7-Series come with an automatic transmission, which can sometimes shift abruptly.
  • The iDrive multi-media system can crash, but software updates can help minimise the chances of this.
  • Some early cars have suffered from problems with the electronic parking brake refusing to release.
  • Check the three recalls have been actioned; two for electrical short circuits and one for potential failure of the brake servo.

We like

  • Build quality
  • Image
  • Driving experience
  • Comfort
  • Standard equipment
  • Excellent engines

 We don’t like

  • High running costs
  • Some reliability issues
  • Too much road noise

 Richard Dredge

 

Vauxhall

Vauxhall Astra (2009-2015)

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The Vauxhall Astra Mk6 was a massive improvement over its predecessor, but it was still only average in most departments – at best. As a used buy the Astra is much easier to recommend though, largely because of the value factor – you get plenty for your money. And with lots of examples to choose from, you won’t struggle to find the best engine, trim and bodystyle for your needs. The three-door GTC looks especially sharp while the capacious estate is ideal for anyone on a budget who needs to cart stuff about.

Key dates

12/09: The Astra Mk6 five-door hatch arrives, with 1.4 or 1.6 petrol engines (normally aspirated or turbocharged), and 1.7 CDTi or 2.0 CDTi diesels.

12/10: There’s now a five-door estate.

7/11: A sharply styled three-door hatch arrives, the GTC.

6/11: The Astra Ecoflex has CO2 emissions of just 99g/km

7/12: The 280bhp Astra VXR goes on sale.

07/12: A facelift brings tweaked styling, a longer options list and the introduction of a twin-turbo 2.0 CDTi engine.

2/14: A 97g/km 1.6 CDTi engine debuts.

Checklist

  • The M32 six-speed manual gearbox can fail; Vauxhall has been known to contribute, even outside the warranty.
  • Look in the boot for signs of water leaks. Make sure you check the spare wheel well while you’re at it.
  • The fit and finish of some of the interior trim can be an issue, while squeaks, creaks and rattles aren’t uncommon.
  • The cruise control can disengage and the brake lights can flicker, because of a known fault with the parking brake sensor.
  • The ball joints in the front suspension wear, leading to knocking as the car is driven over bumps; replacements are cheap.
  • There’s an electronic parking brake on cars with SE trim and above. It can disengage for no apparent reason.

We like

  • Smart design
  • Strong value
  • Wide choice
  • High-quality cabin
  • Generally well equipped
  • Reasonably reliable

We don’t like

  • Disappointing dynamics
  • Low-rent image

 

Richard Dredge

BMW

BMW X1 (2009-2015)

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We’ve come to expect great things from BMW’s SUVs, after the brilliance of its X5 and X3. So when the X1 appeared in 2009 the stakes were high; we expected a great driving experience, an excellent cabin and an array of brilliantly efficient engines. The fact that the X1 is more of a crossover than a proper SUV made BMW’s job easier, so its deft handling was no surprise – although a cramped cabin featuring sub-standard materials was unexpected. Despite this, as classy crossovers go, the BMW X1 can still make a compelling used buy.

Key dates

12/09: The X1 arrives with a four-cylinder, 2.0-litre diesel engine in 18d (143bhp), 20d (177bhp) and 23d (204bhp) forms. The first two came in rear (sDrive) or four-wheel drive (xDrive) guises; the 23d was 4WD only. There’s SE trim only.

01/11: MSport trim joins the range.

09/11: The 163bhp xDrive20d EfficientDynamics appears, rated at 119g/km.

06/12: A facelift brings revised interior and exterior styling, two new trims (Sport and xLine), cleaner engines and an eight-speed auto option. Also, the 218bhp xDrive25d replaces the xDrive23d and the 20d is boosted to 184bhp.

Checklist

  • Some owners have had issues with vibrations through the steering wheel, causing discomfort on long trips.
  • The run-flat tyres are more costly than regular rubber, so see if replacements are due.
  • Some of the cabin materials of early cars didn’t look or feel up to the usual BMW standards, but things improved with the 2012 facelift.
  • If you’re buying an X1 to carry three adults in the rear, you might have to rethink as it’s not very spacious back there; leg room is tight.
  • The N47 2.0-litre diesel can suffer from timing chain failure, which wrecks the engine. Listen for rattles from the back of the unit, indicating wear.
  • Not all cars have bluetooth as standard, but it is possible to fit it retrospectively. However, to have the BMW kit installed is costly. 

We like

  • Image
  • Driving experience
  • Efficient engines

We don’t like

  • Awkward styling
  • Iffy interior quality
  • Cramped cabin
  • Unsettled ride

Richard Dredge

Volvo

Volvo XC90 (2002-2015)

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When it arrived back in 2002, Volvo’s first SUV proved a massive success; long waiting lists quickly formed thanks to this seven-seater 4x4s versatility, discreet styling and keen pricing. More comfortable on the road than off it, the XC90 was one of a new generation of road-biased 4x4s that were good to drive and capable of providing ideal family transport. In the intervening years there’s been no shortage of rivals introduced, and while the XC90 is no class-leader any more, it can still make a great used buy.

Key dates

11/02: The XC90 arrives in 161bhp 2.4 D5 turbodiesel or 272bhp 2.9 T6 turbo petrol forms.

03/03: The XC90 Executive brings rear seat entertainment.

09/04: A turbocharged 2.5 petrol engine appears.

07/05: There’s an all-new 183bhp D5 engine.

07/06: An exterior refresh brings better trim materials, a 4.4-litre petrol V8 and a 3.2-litre engine replaces the previous T6 unit.

07/09:  The R-Design brings a sportier look

07/10: A 2.0-litre D5 is introduced, for better economy.

01/11: There’s now a 197bhp 2.4 D5.

12/11: Another facelift brings LED rear lights, LED daytime running lights, reprofiled bumpers and improved multi-media.

Checklist

  • The Geartronic automatic gearbox works well, but can prove weak, with cars used for towing especially vulnerable.
  • Check the state of all of the interior trim, as it doesn’t always wear very well. The leather trim gets scuffed, while the carpets get tatty easily.
  • If you’re looking at a D5, try to start the car from cold. If it struggles to fire up, it’s probably because of injector problems; repairs are costly.
  • Check the exterior brightwork hasn’t gone cloudy; some chemicals used in car washes can attack the metal and replacement is the only cure.
  • Electrical issues are becoming increasingly common on early cars. Sometimes it’s just a question of securely attaching the battery connections.

We like

  • Safety features
  • Classy design
  • Seats seven (5+2)
  • Versatility
  • Comfy seats

We don’t like

  • Woolly dynamics
  • So-so reliability
  • High running costs

 

Richard Dredge

Jaguar

Jaguar XF (2007-2015)

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For years, Jaguar’s design was stuck in the 1960s, but the arrival of the XF heralded a new era for the British marque. Gone were the old-school design cues introduced in the 1960s, replaced by much more modern lines. But it wasn’t just the looks that changed; here was a car that was class-leading to drive and featured a superb interior, while the build quality was streets ahead of anything Jaguar had built before. The XF is still great to look at as well as to drive; if you’re after a great executive car, don’t assume you have to buy German.

Key dates

04/08: The XF saloon replaces Jaguar’s S-Type, with 3.0 V6 or 4.2 V8 petrol engines, or a 2.7 V6 diesel; the V8 also came in 410bhp supercharged SV8 form.

03/09: A refresh sees a 5.0-litre V8 replace the 4.2-litre unit, the SV8 becomes the XFR and the 2.7 V6 diesel is replaced by a 237bhp 3.0-litre unit.

03/10: A high-power (275bhp) 3.0-litre diesel engine arrives, in the XF S.

09/11: A hefty facelift brings a redesign, a four-cylinder 188bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine.

09/12: The XF Sportbrake estate is launched, along with a 161bhp version of the 2.2D engine. An eight-speed automatic gearbox is also now standard range-wide.

05/13: The 186mph XFR-S reaches showrooms.

Checklist

  • Make sure that the fuel filler opens; it can jam shut, making refuelling tricky.
  • Doors can stick but this is only likely if the ambient temperature is especially high or low.
  • The tyre pressure monitoring system can fail, when the valve-mounted sensors corrode and stop working. You’ll need to check each wheel individually.
  • Some early cars could suffer from a variety of electrical problems, but whatever the car’s age, check all of the equipment works as no car is immune.
  • The rear brake pads tend to wear quickly, and if they’re not replaced in time it’ll lead to the discs being damaged.
  • The particulate filter sensor can fail on the 3.0 TDV6, leading to the car resorting to limp-home mode. Only the sensor needs to be replaced though.

We like

  • Looks good
  • Great to drive
  • Build quality
  • Equipment levels
  • Strong engines

We don’t like

  • High running costs
  • Dated interior

 

Richard Dredge

Tags: XF

Chevrolet

Chevrolet Trax (2013-2015)

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The Chevrolet Trax had barely gone on sale in the UK before its maker announced that it was shutting up shop in Europe. As a result this micro-SUV never really stood a chance, but it didn’t come close to threatening the class leaders anyway, so it was never much of a loss. That’s not to say the Trax is a poor car though. It always offered strong value and a decent level of practicality, along with a four-wheel drive option – it’s just a shame the car was so bland with it. Now Chevrolet has ceased trading in the UK you’re on your own in terms of getting problems fixed, but thankfully reliability seems to be OK, even if it’s short of the class best.

Key dates

8/13: The Trax goes on sale. There are 1.4 or 1.6-litre petrol engines, the former in normally aspirated or turbocharged (1.4T) forms. There’s also a 1.7 VCDi diesel. The 1.6 petrol engine has front-wheel drive only, all other engines are offered with front- or four-wheel drive.

12/13: Chevrolet announces that it’ll stop selling cars in the UK on 31 December 2015. The Trax remains on sale until this point, but unsurprisingly, sales are slow once the car is launched, with dealers already gearing up to close down.

Checklist

  • There’s no spare wheel; just one of those dreaded ‘mobility kits’. Your best bet is to buy a Vauxhall Mokka space saver wheel and keep it in the boot.
  • Vauxhall dealers should be able to maintain your Trax for you, but parts availability could be an issue, although service items shouldn’t be a problem.
  • The MyLink touch-screen multi-media is intuitive but it can be slow to operate and sometimes it crashes for no obvious reason.

We like

  • Good value
  • Looks smart
  • Spacious cabin
  • Efficient diesel engine

We don’t like

  • Defunct brand in the UK
  • Poor refinement
  • Cabin feels cheap

Richard Dredge

 

Fiat

Fiat 500 (2008-2015)

Richard Dredge ·

It’s the Peter Pan of superminis, the car that never seems to age. Despite being launched as far back as 2008 (when it scooped the Car of the Year award), the Fiat 500 still looks fresh and funky and it’s still as desirable as ever. There’s a version for everyone, from the regular editions to an array of Abarth variants offering up to 190bhp. But you don’t need more than a 1.2 Lounge (avoid the lacklustre diesel) – just bear in mind that the fun factor massively outweighs the practicality aspects.

Key dates

Jan 2008: The first 500s arrive, with 1.2 or 1.4-litre petrol engines, or a 1.3 turbodiesel.

Jan 2009: The 1.2 Start&Stop arrives, with CO2 emissions cut from 119g/km to 113g/km.

Mar 2009: The 135bhp 1.4 turbo Abarth appears

Jul 2009: The open-topped 500C is launched.

Feb 2010: The 1.3 diesel is boosted to 95bhp (from 75bhp) with better economy thanks to stop/start.

Aug 2010: The two-cylinder 875cc TwinAir debuts.

Jun 2012: A refresh brings new colours, a two-tone leather trim option and fresh alloy wheels – but no mechanical changes.

Sep 2015: A further facelift brings new lights, more efficient engines, improved multi-media and extra safety kit.

Checklist

  • The diesel engine needs top-notch oil when it’s serviced; cheap lubricant will cause problems.
  • The interior trim can be fragile, with bits breaking or falling off. The seat tipping mechanism can also give trouble, so check it works OK.
  • Diesel engines can fail, while the engine management light comes on if there are problems with the particulate filter.
  • The Dualogic automated manual transmission isn’t as reliable as the manual alternative.
  • Diesel engines are less reliable than petrol units, with dual-mass flywheel failures also an issue.
  • The paint can get damaged easily, especially red and black finishes, so look for chips and scratches.
  • Make sure any potential purchase isn’t an ex-driving school car as such cars tend to lead hard lives.

We like

  • Timeless looks

  • Funky interior
  • Fun image
  • Easy to drive

We don't like

  • Average dynamics
  • Poor boot space
  • Cramped rear seats
  • Seats lack support
  • Lacklustre diesel engine


Richard Dredge

Smart

Smart ForTwo (2007-2015)

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Few cars divide opinion like the Smart ForTwo. Brilliant but flawed, this is a city car with a difference thanks to a combination of cute looks, great engineering and astonishing strength, but it’s also costly for a car suited only to urban dwellers. Nippy, potentially cheap to run and surprisingly practical despite its compact dimensions, the Smart makes a lot more sense than you might think. However, the ForTwo is undeniably compromised, as those tiny proportions are both a blessing and a curse. Perfectly sized for zipping around town, the short wheelbase and firm ride can prove uncomfortable and there’s also very little boot space. But when it comes to carrying people in safety, you’ll be amazed at what the Smart can do.

Key dates

08/07: The second-generation Smart ForTwo, codenamed 451, arrives in coupé and cabrio forms. There are 61bhp, 71bhp or 84bhp three-cylinder 999cc petrol engines, Pure, Pulse and Passion trims, plus a 97bhp Brabus.

6/09: The ForTwo CDi reaches UK showrooms, with a 799cc diesel engine.

9/10: A facelift cuts CO2 emissions for most petrol engines, adds kit and there are new colours inside and out.

3/12: A further refresh brings LED daytime running lights, a reprofiled nose and improved cabin materials.

4/13: Edition21 special goes on sale.

Checklist

  • Harsh braking can be caused by corrosion around the rear driveshaft ABS rings, causing them to crack.
  • The detachable roof bars on cabriolets can corrode, but any damage tends to be hidden by the seals.
  • Make sure you can live with the jerky gearbox; there’s no way of smoothing things out. It’s worst in auto.
  • Heaters can blow hot air whatever setting you’ve chosen. A new control module is needed, but restarting the car can fix things temporarily.
  • Many owners are disappointed with their car’s fuel economy; short journeys and very low-mileage engines can really increase fuel consumption.
  • The rear window washer pipe can come adrift, leading to leaks into the car. Putting things right is an easy DIY fix though.
  • Some early cars suffered from problems going into reverse, because of sticking clutches. Most cars were fixed under warranty.

We like

  • Build quality
  • Ease of parking
  • Potential economy
  • Quirky design

We don’t like

  • Jerky transmission
  • High purchase costs
  • Only two seats
  • Harsh ride

 

Richard Dredge

Audi

Audi A4 (2008-2015)

Richard Dredge ·

The Audi A4 has always been desirable, but the Mk4 (internally known as the B8), launched in 2008, represented a quantum leap over its predecessors. Much better to drive than any previous edition, it also came with arguably the best cabin in the segment, sharp looks and a range of brilliant engines offering power and refinement with impressive economy. It’s no wonder the A4 was so popular, but that’s a double-edged sword as while there are plenty to choose from, the A4 is no longer exclusive. However, owners love them thanks to their brilliant build quality, refinement, spacious cabins and good dynamics. Buy one and you’re unlikely to be disappointed.

Key dates

2/08: An all-new A4 saloon arrives, with 1.8 TFSi or 3.2 FSi petrol engines along with 2.0 TDi, 2.7 TDi or 3.0 TDi diesel options.

6/08: The Avant estate appears, with the same engine, transmission and trim choices as the saloon. At the same time, a 2.0 TFSi engine arrives along with a 134g/km 120bhp 2.0 TDi option.

5/09: A pumped-up Avant reaches showrooms; the four-wheel Allroad, with 2.0 TFSi, 2.0 TDi or 3.0 TDi engines.

10/09: The 134bhp 2.0TDie arrives; with CO2 emissions of just 120g/km.

1/12: A facelift brings minor styling changes, extra colour choices, range-wide standard stop/start plus revised suspension and steering – along with an improved MMI system.

Checklist

  •  The alloy wheels are easily kerbed, which often knocks the steering out of alignment. Not all cars come with parking sensors and visibility isn’t great, so check for poorly touched-in bumpers. 

  • Large wheels are popular. With firm suspension already giving a hard ride, make sure things aren’t too uncomfortable. 

  • Build quality is generally excellent, but some owners have found their cars suffer from squeaks and rattles that are hard to fix. 

  • Automatic gearboxes can be unreliable, especially the Multitronic continuously variable transmission. 

  • Some engines suffer from high oil consumption, especially the four-cylinder units. They can use up to a litre of oil every 1,000 miles. 

  • Clutches and gearboxes can prove short-lived, with dual-mass flywheels disintegrating, oil getting onto clutch plates, and gearboxes failing. 

  • Some tall drivers find it difficult to get comfortable, with the pedals offset. You might need a thorough test before this becomes an issue though.

 We like

  • Strong image
  • Build quality
  • Sharp looks
  • Cabin design
  • Spacious interior
  • Great engines
  • Refinement

We don’t like

  •  High repair cost
  • So-so dynamics

 

Richard Dredge

 

Tags: A4

Ford

Ford Mondeo (2007-2015)

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The only problem with modern Fords is the low-rent image – the product itself is generally superb. Take the Mondeo for example. It’s got loads of space, it’s comfortable and it’s excellent to drive. Build quality is generally very good, and so too is reliability. There are loads of them about so prices are keen, while it’s a smart-looking car too. But less practical German rivals have become the default choice in the segment, proving that sometimes car buyers don’t know when they’re onto a good thing.

Key dates

2/07: The third-generation Mondeo debuts with 1.6, 2.0, 2.3 or 2.5-litre petrol engines, along with 1.8 or 2.0 TDCi turbodiesels. There are four-door saloon, five-door hatchback or five-door estate bodystyles, with Edge, Zetec, Ghia or Titanium X trims.

8/07: A Titanium trim level arrives.

3/08: The low-CO2 1.8 TDCi Econetic and diesel range-topping 2.2 TDCi debut.

5/08: A new top-spec trim is unveiled, the Titanium X Sport.

9/10: A facelift brings a fresh nose, higher quality interior and extra kit, a 1.6 Ecoboost petrol engine plus a 197bhp 2.2 TDCi option.

06/11: A refresh brings more efficient engines, including a 114g/km 1.6 TDCi Econetic.

 Checklist

  • Some owners have found that the diesels don’t like cheap supermarket fuel; it can lead to misfiring.
  • Some cars feature 18-inch wheels, which produce a ride that’s too harsh for some; 16-inch items are best.
  • The windows can open by themselves when the car has been left locked for a while, but there’s no way of testing for this fault.
  • The air-con condensor can fail prematurely on early cars; many have been replaced under warranty by now, but check it anyway.
  • Some of the interior fittings are proving fragile, especially cubby hole lids. Icons can also wear off the stereo buttons.
  • Remote central locking fobs can be temperamental, so lock and unlock the car several times to see if it works intermittently.

We like

  • Value
  • Comfort
  • Spacious cabin
  • Driving experience
  • Huge boot

We don’t like

  • Low-rent image

 

Richard Dredge

BMW

BMW X6 (2008-2014)

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When BMW launched the X6 it proved to be one of the most controversial cars ever released. Few could understand its purpose yet it would go on to be a big success story for BMW. It’s easy to see why; get past the ungainly looks and there’s a luxurious, fast SUV that’s refined, beautifully built and as good to drive as you’d expect. Purchase and running costs tend to be high because this is a luxury car after all, but don’t be too quick to judge the X6 – it’s much more accomplished than you might be prepared to admit.

Key dates

05/08: The X6 arrives in showrooms in 30d, 35d and 35i forms, all with xDrive four-wheel drive as standard. All have a turbocharged six-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.

11/08: There’s now an X6 xDrive50i, with a 408bhp twin-turbo V8 petrol engine.

04/09: The even more ludicrous X6 M arrives, with a 555bhp twin-turbo V8 petrol engine. It can do 0-62mph in just 4.7 seconds.

08/11: There’s now an even more extensive options list, a wider range of colours and the more luxurious Exclusive Edition goes on sale.

03/12: A facelift brings optional LED headlights, a tweaked nose design, a wider choice of interior and exterior colours plus an optional EU6-compliant 3.0-litre diesel engine. There’s also now a triple-turbo 3.0-litre diesel option; the 381bhp M50d.

Checklist

The electrics and electronics can play up, especially the head-up display and the multi-media system.

Uneven tyre wear can be a problem, but this is often because of wheels being clouted against kerbs.

The X6 features run-flat tyres as standard, which are costly to replace and they don’t do the ride any favours.

Practicality isn’t the best, and despite its size there’s seating only for two in the back.

We like

  • Performance
  • Handling
  • Luxurious cabin
  • Relative economy
  • Build quality
  • Equipment levels

We don’t like

  • Awkward styling
  • High running costs
  • Seats four only

Richard Dredge

 

Tags: X6

Fiat

Fiat Bravo (2007-2014)

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If good looks alone were enough to guarantee strong sales, Fiat would have been on to a winner with its Bravo. But sadly they’re not, which is why this sharp-looking small hatch never captured buyers’ imaginations. With its low profile and a lack of development the Bravo was never going to compete with big sellers such as the Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra, but the Fiat’s lack of visbility can now make it a good buy thanks to low prices and few takers.

Key dates

6/07: The Fiat Bravo goes on sale in the UK. There are 1.4 petrol or 1.9 Multijet diesel engines. The trim levels (in order) are Bravo, Active, Active Sport, Dynamic and Sport.

9/07: There’s now a 1.4 T-Jet petrol engine available with either 120bhp or 150bhp.

3/08: A 1.6 MultiJet diesel engine joins the range in 105bhp and 120bhp forms.

12/08: A 165bhp 2.0 Multijet engine replaces the previous 1.9-litre unit.

Checklist

  • The 2.0 MultiJet engine comes with a diesel particulate filter; make sure it’s not clogged up from constant short journeys.
  • The cabin doesn’t feel that well screwed together, so look for broken or missing bits of trim, which might be tricky to replace.
  • Rear and rear three-quarter visibility is poor, so look for evidence of touched in scrapes on the bumpers and rear wings.
  • The Bravo does well in the safety stakes; it scored five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests and ESP was standard across the range from the outset.
  • Knocking from the front suspension when driving over speed bumps is usually down to worn anti-roll bar drop links, which are a weakness.
  • Some early cars came with a ‘tyre mobility kit’ instead of a spare wheel; from August 2007 a space saver was fitted. Officially. But some later cars got a mobility kit instead.

We like

  • Sharp looks
  • Strong value
  • Refinement
  • Diesel engines

We don’t like

  • Iffy build quality
  • Uncertain reliability
  • Stodgy dynamics
  • Lumpy ride

Richard Dredge