Hyundai i20 (2009-2015)

Flushed with the success of its i10 city car and i30 supermini, Hyundai launched another small car in 2009 – the i20. From the outset it was clear the titchy Hyundai was aimed at those who saw their car as little more than transport, but that doesn’t make the i20 a poor buy – just one that’s unlikely to excite you. With its Vauxhall Corsa-esque styling and keen pricing, the i20 was a success for Hyundai in the UK, and thanks to it being a pensioners’ favourite, low-mileage, cherished i20s aren’t rare, which only makes it an even more appealing second-hand buy.

Key dates

1/09: The five-door i20 reaches UK showrooms with 1.2 or 1.4-litre petrol engines (the latter with a 4-speed auto option) and a 1.4 CRDi diesel, in 74bhp or 89bhp forms.

4/09: There’s now a three-door i20. 

7/10: A 99g/km 1.4 CRDi Blue eco edition arrives; its introduction coincides with CO2 emissions reductions for all engines, and the fitment of standard bluetooth for all models except the Classic. 

5/12: A facelift brings an overhauled interior, refreshed exterior styling and a new 1.1-litre diesel engine, rated at 84g/km.

Checklist

• The radio can regularly lose all of the presets for some reason.
• If the central locking fails, the transponder unit has probably failed.
• The clutch pedal pivot can dry out and squeak, but a drop of oil is all that’s needed to restore silence.
• Clutches can wear out in under 10,000 miles, with dealers invariably claiming it’s because of the owner’s driving style.
• Some owners have had problems with corrosion around the door handles and rear wiper arm; look for signs of bubbling.
• All of the seats offer little support, so they can be uncomfortable on long journeys.

We like

• Spacious interior
• Easy to drive
• Excellent reliability
• Well equipped
• Cheap to run

We don’t like

• Not cheap to buy
• Mediocre to drive
• Anonymous looks

Toyota Aygo (2005-2014)

When Toyota teamed up with Peugeot-Citroen to launch a new economy car in 2005, it set the cat among the pigeons. Here was a youthful city car that blended low purchase and running costs with a feel-good factor often absent from the segment. Perfect for zipping around town and great fun to drive on the open road, the Aygo is ideal for anyone keen to cut their motoring costs to the bone. The Aygo is far from cutting-edge in terms of safety and refinement and it’s not the most spacious city car around, but few cars are as cheap to run, thanks to the fuel-efficient engine and decent levels of reliability. 

Key dates

7/05: The Aygo arrives in standard, Aygo+ and Sport+ forms, with a 67bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and a choice of three or five-door hatchback bodystyles. 

1/06: A short-lived 1.4 diesel is introduced.

1/09: The high-spec Blue and Black appear and CO2 emissions are cut to 106g/km.

3/12: CO2 emissions are cut further, to 99g/km when the Aygo is facelifted with an improved interior, extra equipment plus a redesigned front end. 

8/13: A final refresh brings new trims and standard ESP.

Checklist

• Catalytic converters fail, so put the car through an MoT for an emissions check.
• Clutches get damp from leaky bellhousings, leading to corrosion and premature wear; check for slipping.
• There’s no temperature gauge, so it’s hard to tell if the engine is running hot.
• The tailgate and rear light seals can leak, allowing water into the boot.
• Water pumps can leak or fail on the petrol and diesel engines; look for signs of coolant leaks.
• Exhaust back boxes can rot out in little more than two years, so listen for blowing.
• The rear wheel brake cylinders can so look for fluid on the brake back plates and check the system’s fluid level.

We like

• Cute styling
• Low purchase costs
• Low running costs
• Reliability
• Ready availability

We don’t like

• Lacks safety kit
• Not that refined
• Cramped cabin
• Tiny boot

Mazda 3 (2009-2014)

If you’re looking for a small family car that’s good to drive and reliable into the bargain, but you don’t want to follow the crowd, Mazda could have just what you’ve been looking for; its Golf-sized 3. Despite its Focus roots, the Mazda 3 has never set the charts alight as Ford’s family car has done. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, as you can enjoy many of the benefits of the Focus while also having something more distinctive on your drive. And while the 3 is class-leading in few areas, as an all-rounder it’s a great small family hatch. We’d avoid the MPS though, as while it’s enjoyable to drive, there are plenty of alternatives that do a better job.

Key dates

5/09: The Mazda 3 Mk2 is introduced. There are four-door saloons or five-door hatchbacks in S, TS, TS2 or Sport trims, with 1.6-litre petrol or diesel engines, a 2.0-litre petrol or 2.2 diesel, the latter in 148 or 182bhp forms. There’s also a 256bhp 2.3-litre petrol option, in the MPS.

3/10: The 1.6D engine is upgraded and gets a six-speed manual gearbox for better efficiency.

2010: The Tamura and Takuya special editions arrive in February and June respectively.

3/12: A facelift brings a reprofiled nose, improved refinement and extra standard equipment. The steering is also improved to provide more feedback and two new trim levels are introduced: the Sport and Sport Nav, the latter featuring standard navigation.

Checklist

• Servicing can be expensive thanks to short intervals and high costs.
• Saloons are rare and unloved, so can be tricky to sell on.
• The diesel particulate filter on 2.2 diesels can cause problems which require a dealer visit to change the oil.
• Diesel-powered cars tend to get through front tyres quickly, thanks to the extra weight of the engine.
• The Bluetooth sometimes play ups, but a software update usually fixes things.
• The rubber boot button can crack, letting water in, leading to reliability issues.
• While the headlamps are great on main beam, they’re poor when dipped. Upgraded bulbs don’t seem to help.
• The front seats could be more supportive, so you might suffer back ache after a long journey.

We like

• Distinctive looks
• Sharp dynamics
• Good value
• Strong engines
• Reliability
• Equipment levels
• Build quality

We don’t like

• So-so MPS
• Unrefined 1.6D
• Busy dash design
• Thirsty petrol engines

Daihatsu Materia (2007-2010)

If you’re looking for a small car that really stands out from the crowd, the Daihatsu Materia could be just the job. With its distinctive design and generous equipment levels the Materia is a left-field option for anyone who wants to avoid the obvious supermini choices such as the Ford Fiesta or Vauxhall Corsa. With typically Japanese levels of reliability the Materia can be an easy car to own, although Daihatsu no longer sells new cars in the UK so there’s no longer any dealer network. Not many Materias were sold new either, so you might have to search to find the right one, but there aren’t many choices to make thanks to the Materia coming with just one engine and trim level; the only choice is between gearboxes and colours.

Key dates

4/07: The Materia is introduced with a 1.5-litre petrol engine and a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions. There’s just one trim level, with standard equipment including alloy wheels, electrically adjustable door mirrors, remote central locking, air-con plus electric windows front and rear.

2010: The final Materias are sold in the UK, as Daihatsu announces that it’s quitting Europe.

Checklist

• Daihatsu sold its last car in the UK in 2010, so parts availability is patchy at best.
• The original wipers aren’t great. The driver’s side was 500mm long and the nearside 475mm; swapping them for 550mm and 500m items is worthwhile.
• The factory-fit headlights also aren’t highly regarded. Fitting Osram Nightbreakers or Philips X-treme Power bulbs helps fix things.
• Brake discs corrode and then warp, so feel for juddering when braking. Aftermarket replacements aren’t costly.
• The rear seat slides back and forth, but when moved forward the boot is still small even though there’s no longer enough leg room for back seat occupants.

We like

• Cheap to buy
• Well equipped
• Looks distinctive
• Seems to be reliable
• Spacious interior

We don’t like

• Dynamically flawed
• No diesel option
• Few to choose from
• Patchy parts availability
• Noisy at motorway speeds
• Sombre cabin design
• Small boot
• Brand now defunct in the UK

Richard Dredge

BMW X3 (2004-2010)

Car buyers love premium brands, and they love compact SUVs too – combine the two and you’ve got a sure-fire recipe for success. That’s what BMW found when it launched its original X3 in 2004. The looks may have been a bit awkward and professional reviewers had reservations, but the X3 proved a success for BMW, with owners generally loving them – and it’s easy to see why. Offering almost as much of everything as its bigger brother the X5, but in a smaller, more usable package, the X3 provides performance with efficiency, and it’s a great car to drive too. X3s with black plastic bumpers have a downmarket feel, but facelifted models have a higher-quality interior and body-coloured bumpers. Buy one of these and you’ll feel as though you’re in a BMW rather than a budget SUV.

Key dates

3/04: The X3 debuts, with 2.5 or 3.0-litre petrol engines. 

1/05: 2.0 and 3.0-litre turbodiesel units arrive.

9/05: A 2.0-litre petrol engine appears, along with M Sport trim. 

8/06: A facelift brings a new grille plus fresh bumpers front and rear. The 2.0-litre petrol engine dies, the 2.5 and 3.0-litre petrol units get extra power and a twin-turbo 3.0 diesel also appears, the 3.0sd. 

7/08: New badging means all X3s carry an ‘xDrive’ tag, the 2.5i becoming the xDrive 25i and the 2.0d being renamed xDrive 20d for example.

Checklist

• All X3s have a firm ride, but cars with sports suspension (M Sports) are even less forgiving.
• The 2.0d can suffer from deposits in the fuel system; regular use of an additive can help prevent this.
• The brushed aluminium roof rails can corrode, especially if a roof box has been clamped to them, damaging the coating.
• The parking sensors can be temperamental, although not all cars are fitted with these.
• Make sure the rear window washer works, as it can come apart under the cabin carpet, leading to floods and a big bill.
• The SE got cloth trim as standard, but some option packs brought leather. Cars with leather stain less easily and are easier to sell.

We like

• Driving experience
• Strong image
• Spacious cabin
• Efficient engines
• Build quality
• Reliability
• Capacious boot

We don’t like

• Low-rent early cars
• High purchase prices
• Firm ride of some models

Richard Dredge

Audi A3 (2003-2012)

When Audi introduced the original A3 in 1996 it created the first successful premium small hatch, and the car would go on to become hugely popular. It was with the second take on the formula though, that Audi really got into its stride. Sharing the Volkswagen Golf’s floorpan, the A3 featured a more upmarket interior and the understated styling for which the German brand is famous. With a lifespan of almost a decade, the second-generation A3 came with a huge choice of engines, trims, transmissions and bodystyles, which is why there’s bound to be one for you.

Key dates

5/03: The A3 Mk2 arrives with a wide choice of petrol and diesel engines.

7/04: A 2.0 TFSi (turbo petrol) joins the range, along with the five-door Sportback. 

5/06: A 2.0 TDi 170 is introduced, with optional quattro 4WD. 

10/06: A 1.8 TFSI debuts, alongside the quick S3.

5/07:  A 1.4 TFSi petrol engine is now available.

10/07: The ultra-frugal 1.9 TDie appears. 

4/08: The A3 cabriolet arrives, as the range is facelifted.

7/09: A 109g/km 1.6 TDi reaches showrooms; six months later its emissions are cut to 99g/km. 

1/10: A 1.2 TFSi engine debuts.

Checklist

• On manual cars, clutch judder suggests the flywheel is falling apart; it can happen after just 40,000 miles.
• A3 radiators can prove fragile, with leaks possible after just 18 months. Look for signs of coolant at the base of the radiator.
• Owners can get locked out of their cars if the door sensor microswitch fails. The doors lock themselves, with the keys left inside the car.
• Steering racks of early cars are prone to failure; replacements are costly but racks to the later design tend to be more durable.
• ECUs, electrics, electronics and associated sensors can all play up, so make sure all the warning lights go out and that everything works.

We like

• Wide model range
• Lots to choose from
• Build quality
• Strong engines
• Strong image
• Refinement
• Comfy seats

We don’t like

• Inert handling
• Less reliable than you think
• They’re everywhere
• Three-door’s cramped rear seats
• Firm ride of some models
• High purchase costs

Richard Dredge

Peugeot 207 (2006-2012)

It’s easy to see why the 207 was one of the most popular cars in its class when new. Keen pricing and a wide choice of engines, trims and bodystyles made it very accessible. Now the 207 is available only as a used buy, nothing has changed; you’re still spoiled for choice. When Warranty Direct claimed in 2011 that the 207 was the most reliable European car, Peugeot’s transformation appeared complete, but online forums suggest not all owners think their cars are so dependable. That’s why you need to check any potential purchase carefully, but a good 207 can represent spectacular value for money.

Key dates

5/06: The 207 hatchback debuts, with three or five-door options and any combination of 1.4 or 1.6-litre petrol or diesel engines. 

1/07: A 120bhp 1.6 VTi petrol engine joins the range, along with the 207CC (Coupé-Cabriolet), the latter with 1.6 petrol (normally aspirated or turbocharged) or 1.6 diesel engines. 

6/07: A 95bhp 1.4 VTI petrol engine and a 175bhp GTi debut. 

7/07: The 207SW (five-door estate) debut, with a pseudo off-roader edition soon after, the Outdoor. 

8/09: A facelifted 207 brings a fresh nose and interior, a higher quality cabin plus standard Bluetooth.

3/10: Allure trim is added to the range.

4/10: The 1.6 HDi is tweaked to comply with Euro 5 emissions regulations. A six-speed gearbox replaces the previous five-speed unit.

Checklist

• Peugeot recommends 10 years between cam belt renewals; six years or 60,000 miles is more advisable.
• Pairing a phone via Bluetooth can be a pain. Disconnecting the battery for a few minutes can fix things.
• The interior trim isn’t very durable, so check for damaged or missing parts.
• The dashboard’s LCD can fail. The only effective cure is replacement, which is costly.
• Anti-pollution warnings lead to the car reverting to limp-home mode. Effective fixes can be elusive.
• Gear selection problems and difficulty getting out of fifth gear is down to the linkage being incorrectly set up. It’s an easy fix.
• The ECU that controls the anti-lock braking module can fail, leading to warnings on the dash. Replacement is costly.
• The 207 has been the subject of a lot of recalls, so make sure any necessary work has been done.

We like

• Wide range
• Lots available
• Looks smart
• Great diesel engines
• Cheap to buy
• Comfortable ride
• Good to drive

We don’t like

• Small boot
• Cramped back seat
• Uncertain reliability

Richard Dredge

Land Rover Defender (1990-2015)

When Land Rover built the final Defender at the end of 2015, it may have looked as though it had driven straight out of the 1940s, but under that boxy skin was a car that had been constantly updated over the years. It was still noisy, slow, thirsty and agricultural, but if you’re looking for a weekend toy or a tow vehicle which can traverse even the most demanding terrain, the Defender is in a class of its own, while its relative simplicity makes DIY maintenance a breeze. However, you’ve got to be committed to buy a Defender as just about any rival is more comfortable, refined and high-tech, but somehow the Land Rover’s crudity is a large part of its appeal.

Key dates

1990: The Defender arrives, little different from the 90 and 110 that it replaces. There’s a V8 petrol option or a 200 TDi 2.5-litre diesel.

1992: The V8-powered 110 becomes special order only.

1993: The diesel is now a more muscular 300 TDi 2.5-litre five-cylinder unit, which is cleaner, more refined and smoother. There’s a slicker five-speed gearbox and disc brakes at the rear.

1998: The all-new TD5 engine replaces the 300 TDi, and electronic traction control plus anti-lock brakes are now standard.

2006: There’s an all-new 2.4 TDCi engine, six-speed gearbox and a heavily revised interior. 

2012: A new 2.2-litre diesel engine offers the same power and torque as before, but with far greater refinement.

2015: The last Defender is built, but not until Land Rover has offered three run-out limited editions. These are the Autobiography Edition (80 built), Heritage Edition (400 made) and Adventure Edition (600 produced).

Checklist

• Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are high, so road tax is costly, especially for post-2006 cars.
• More Defenders are stolen each year than any other car, so check you can get insurance before you buy.
• Corrosion can be a real issue. Check the bodywork and chassis, especially the rear crossmember; replacing this can take 10 hours.
• Knocking from the transmission as you take up drive is usually wear in the gearbox or transfer box. Effective repairs are expensive.
• Waterlogged footwells are common, because of leaks through the windscreen seal, sunroof or the panel joint above the windscreen.
• If buying a 200 or 300 TDi check the head gasket hasn’t blown, and that the engine doesn’t overheat.
• Starting and running problems can be caused by a faulty fuel injection loom or ECU connector, a tired fuel pump or a blocked fuel filter.

We like

• Iconic design
• Appreciating asset
• Off-road abilities

We don’t like

• Lack of refinement
• Low-rent interior
• Not very comfortable
• Poor security
• Corrosion issues
• Poor on-road dynamics
• High purchase costs
• High running costs

Richard Dredge

Nissan Note (2006-2013)

With downsizing very much in vogue, it’s cars like the Nissan Note that make the trend so understandable. Combining a cleverly designed interior with discreet good looks, the Note is one of those cars that’s inconspicuous but very talented, leaving you wondering why you don’t see a lot more of them. Compact yet spacious, the Nissan Note is good to drive and surprisingly versatile, plus it looks smart too. Now the earliest cars are getting old, the Note still scores strongly for reliability. And with plenty of cherished low-mileage cars available, this ultra-practical Nissan is as appealing as ever.

Key dates

3/06: The Note arrives as a five-door hatchback only, with 1.4 or 1.6 petrol engines or a 1.5-litre turbodiesel. 

1/09: A facelift brings a fresh nose and a higher quality interior with more standard equipment.

8/10: Further revisions bring more tweaks to the exterior detailing plus extra standard equipment – significantly more, for the high-spec N-Tec. 

2/12: A final facelift means extra standard kit for the Acenta and N-Tec, plus a new range-topping N-Tec+ trim.

Checklist

• Squeaks and creaks from the front suspension suggest fresh anti-roll bar bushes are needed.
• Cars with 16-inch wheels and 55-profile tyres have a ride that you might find too firm.
• The engine auxiliary drive belts can wear quickly.
• The windscreen suffers from chips and cracks in the lower corners, which then spread throughout the screen.
• Steering racks aren’t very durable, so feel for play.
• Waterlogged footwells suggests the air-con system is leaking; repairs can be involved.
• The electrics can be unreliable, so ensure they all work. Pay particular attention to the powered windows and stereo; check the CD player too.

We like

• Versatility
• Practicality
• Smart looks
• Keen prices
• Reliability
• Driving experience
• Low running costs

We don’t like

• Bland cabin design
• Basic entry-level cars
• Cramped for five

Richard Dredge

Chrysler Grand Voyager (2008-2015)

Chrysler invented the people carrier in 1983 when it launched the Voyager, so it knows a thing or two about making MPVs. While some rivals are better all-rounders, when it comes to all-out practicality, little can touch the cavernous Grand Voyager. Even with all seats in place there’s a 756-litre boot; fold the various chairs flat and this jumps to a huge 3,296 litres, making even the biggest estate car seem small. Buy a Grand Voyager with the neat Stow ‘n’ Go system, which adds a DVD-based entertainment system and centre seats that can swivel through 180 degrees, and you’ve got the perfect family carry-all. But running costs can be high and reliability can be poor, so buy with care.

Key dates

2/08: The fifth-generation Grand Voyager reaches UK showrooms, with 3.8 V6 petrol or 2.8 CRD diesel engines and seating for seven. 

5/09: The Special Edition celebrates 25 years of the Voyager (a year late); just 100 were made, each with leather trim, DVD player and metallic paint. 

7/10: Revisions cut CO2 emissions and fuel consumption by 10%. Anti-whiplash head restraints are now standard too. 

7/11: A facelift brings revised lights, badging and grille along with improved seating and extra standard equipment. At the same time, the petrol engine is dropped.

Checklist

• Diesel-powered models are thirsty; petrol editions are very costly to run.
• All cars have powered side doors and tailgate as standard; the former can sometimes open for no reason.
• The paint gets chipped around the sat-nav screen, making the dash look tatty.
• Base models don’t get parking sensors as standard, yet they’re essential.
• The brakes have to work hard and can wear quickly, so check the discs and pads aren’t tired.
• Make sure all the electrical items work, such as central locking, windows, seats, doors and lights; these can all be unreliable.
• The quality of some interior plastics isn’t great, so look for marks in the fittings, and broken trim.
• The paintwork gets damaged easily, with the sills and leading edge of the bonnet the most likely to chip.

We like

• Space
• Practicality
• Comfort
• Refinement
• Equipment levels

We don’t like

• High running costs
• Poor build quality
• Heavy depreciation
• Chrysler defunct in the UK
• Poor safety rating
• Mediocre to drive

Richard Dredge

Suzuki Swift (2005-2010)

When the Suzuki Swift arrived in the mid-1980s, it failed to make much of an impact. But when the fifth-generation Swift was unveiled in 2005, Suzuki had really nailed it. Now, this left-field supermini is a used car bargain. Suzuki may not have got carried away with the choice of engine and trim options, but that doesn’t stop the Swift from being an enticing used buy thanks to the value, style and performance on offer. There are plenty of low-mileage cherished examples out there as the Swift is a popular private buy. With zesty handling and decent economy there’s plenty of fun to be had – at keen prices. 

Key dates

4/05: The fifth-generation Swift hatchback debuts, with 1.3 or 1.5-litre petrol engines and three- or five-door bodystyles. There’s an automatic gearbox option, but only with the 1.5-litre engine. 

1/06: A turbodiesel (badged 1.3 DDiS) appears, with a Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre engine; it comes in five-door guise only. 

9/06: A new flagship model joins the range; the 125bhp 1.6-litre Swift Sport, which comes solely in three-door form. 

1/10: The GL and GLX trims are replaced by SZ2, SZ3 and SZ4.

Checklist

• Go up and down through the gearbox several times, as a notchy gearchange is common.
• There’s no reach adjustment for the steering wheel, so the ideal driving position can be hard to find.
• The Sport’s suspension is very firm; if you’re considering one of these, give it an extended test drive.
• Dampers can be weak, so sharply push the car down at each corner and see if it quickly settles. If it doesn’t, the shock absorbers need replacing, in pairs.
• All sorts of squeaks, creaks and rattles can emanate from the cabin. Many come from behind the dash, which means they need major surgery to fix.
• Watch for uneven tyre wear, as the wheel alignment is usually thrown out if the car has been jacked up by its suspension at the rear.
• Listen out for a noisy gearbox on high-mileage cars, as the bearings can fail. Once this happens, an expensive gearbox rebuild is the only solution.

We like

• Sharp looks
• Keen prices
• Economical engines
• Reliability
• Sharp handling

We don’t like

• Low-rent cabin
• Limited engine/trim line-up
• Unrefined
• Firm ride
• Small boot

Richard Dredge

MINI hatch (2006-2012)

BMW struck gold with its first MINI (the German owners chose to capitalise the name, Ed.), so it was no surprise when the second take retained the qualities and looks of the original. Looking just as chic and offering the same opportunities for personalisation, the second MINI was a smash hit just like the first. However, despite its popularity and resultant ubiquity, you need to ensure the MINI is right for you as some rivals offer better value and practicality. There are so many combinations of engine, trim and options that it can be hard to pin down exactly what a MINI is worth, so don’t pay over the odds. As a premium small car you’ll pay for the privilege of buying a MINI but a good reliability record, sharp dynamics plus great styling inside and out mean there are plenty of reasons to opt for this baby BMW. 

Key dates

11/06: The MINI Mk2 is launched in 120bhp Cooper and 175bhp Cooper S forms, with 1.6-litre engines. 

3/07: A 1.6-litre Cooper D diesel and entry-level 1.4-litre 95bhp MINI One join the range. 

8/07: Stop/start becomes standard.

3/09: The 211bhp John Cooper is introduced.

7/09: The 1.4-litre MINI First becomes the new entry point and the One gets a 1.6-litre engine. 

9/10: A facelift brings new diesel engines and revised petrol units, even more personalisation options and mildly revised styling. 

9/12: The 218bhp John Cooper Works GP appears.

Checklist

• The windscreen glass is unusually thin and gets damaged easily; check for chips and cracks.
• The Getrag six-speed manual gearbox can be weak; play in the change signifies trouble ahead.
• Diesel MINIs can suffer from failure of the dual-mass flywheel, requiring costly replacement. Listen for rattling.
• If you’re looking at a MINI with an upgraded sound system, check the speakers work properly; sometimes they don’t.
• Weak starter motors can be a problem, so make sure what’s fitted will spin the engine over happily.
• The paintwork isn’t that tough, so look for chips, scratches and evidence of bird lime problems, especially on the roof.
• Electrical problems arise when the battery earthing strap fails; the electrics can be lost altogether.

We like

• Chic looks
• Strong image
• Sharp handling

We don’t like

• Cramped cabin
• Tiny boot
• Hard ride
• High purchase prices