Renault

Renault Vel Satis (2002-2007)

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Poor Renault; it tries to offer something a little different in the executive sector and ends up getting a bloody nose. However, Renault's misfortune is your gain; the Vel Satis is all but unsaleable on the used car market, thanks to its unusual styling and downmarket image. However, it offers a fascinating alternative to more established German execs, so if you're after something plush on the cheap, this could be just what you've been looking for.

Key Dates

3/02: Vel Satis debuts, with a choice of turbocharged 2.0-litre or 3.5 V6 petrol engines, plus the option of 2.2 or 3.0 V6 turbodiesel units.

8/03: There's now a five-speed automatic option for the 2.2 dCi.

Renault Vel Satis (2002-2007) Checklist

  • The 2.2dCi engine can suffer from turbochargers and intercoolers throwing in the towel prematurely - and repairs are very costly.
  • Tyre wear can be frustratingly rapid - less than 10,000 miles per set is not unheard of, at £500 per time.
  • The interior trim is generally okay, but rattles and creaks often crop up and can be hard to eradicate.
  • Exhaust systems on the 2.2dCi can fracture towards the downpipe (at the engine end), so look for evidence of bodges.
  • The factory-supplied sat-nav is very poorly detailed, so bank on buying a TomTom if you're keen to be led to your destination.

We Like

  • Value
  • Space
  • Comfort
  • Equipment levels
  • Crash safety
  • It's uncommon

We Don't Like

  • Exterior styling

Renault

Renault Megane (2002-2008)

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You could buy it as a saloon, a hatch, a convertible or an estate, with a choice of engines and a multitude of trims - Renault really did aim to have a Megane for everyone. However, more people hated the exterior styling than liked it and build quality could be patchy, ensuring savage depreciation. Which only makes the car an even better buy - as long you find a good one.

Key Dates

8/02: The second-generation Megane debuts in three and five-door hatchback forms.

7/03: A five-door estate and four-door saloon join the range, along with a coupé-cabriolet.

2/04: The first RenaultSport model arrives; the 225.

4/05: The RenaultSport 225 Trophy reaches showrooms.

6/05: The RenaultSport 225 Cup debuts.

4/06: The 225bhp RenaultSport F1 Team edition arrives.

7/06: A 2.0T (turbocharged petrol) engine appears, with 165bhp.

10/06: The RenaultSport 230 F1 Team R26 debuts.

Renault Megane II (2002-2008) Checklist

  • Water can get into the fusebox of early cars, wreaking havoc with the electrics. A sealing kit is available.
  • Even cars with a sound fusebox can suffer from temperamental electrics, so check everything.
  • The headlight bulbs blow readily and replacing them isn't straightforward - even if you follow the official instructions.
  • The 225's catalytic converter can be wrecked through misfiring, so have an emissions check carried out;.
  • On turbodiesels, the exhaust gas recirculation valve can be unreliable, leading to a rough-running engine.
  • Cars with 17-inch wheels can suffer from premature tyre wear because of the suspension set-up.

We Like

  • Value
  • Safety credentials
  • Refinement
  • Diesel engines
  • Estate practicality

We Don't Like

  • Uncertain reliability
  • Patchy dynamics

Suzuki

Suzuki Alto (2003-2008)

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If ever there was a car to divide opinion between professional road testers and owners, this is it. Usually slated by journalists keen to get into something more powerful, you'll struggle to find an owner who has a bad word to say about Suzuki's city car. Pretty much unfailingly reliable and ludicrously cheap to buy and run, the Alto is an unusual alternative to some far more well known machinery - which is invariably more costly to buy and run but not necessarily much more effective.

Key Dates

1/03: The sixth-generation Alto goes on sale, as a 1061cc petrol-engined five-door hatch only.

4/04: A facelift brings standard anti-lock brakes, an upgraded interior and a radio/CD player.

1/06: The Alto's 1.1-litre engine is now Euro IV compliant.

Suzuki Alto (2003-2008) Checklist

  • The fuse for the cigarette lighter can blow, leading to failure of the radio and clock. The fuse isn't in the under-bonnet fuse box though; it's under the dash.
  • Starter motors can stick, leading to whirring instead of starting, as though the battery is dead. The fix is simple; remove the starter, clean and lubricate it then refit it.
  • The Alto is definitely a city car, so watch out for scraped paintwork and uneven panel gaps from poorly repaired crash repairs.
  • All that city driving may well have taken its toll on the steering and suspension, so look for damaged suspension from speed bumps and knocked-out tracking from kerbed wheels.

We Like

  • Economy
  • Reliability
  • Handling
  • Comfort
  • Equipment levels
  • Agility

We Don't Like

  • Rear seat space
  • High-speed refinement
  • Performance

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Colt (2004-2009)

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Sometimes the most obvious cars aren't necessarily the best. Take the Mitsubishi Colt for example; it's a cracker of a car, with reliability, equipment and flexibility all as standard, along with decent performance - yet it's a red-letter day when you see one. As a result, used values are lower than for more obvious superminis - so jump in before word gets out.

Key Dates

9/04: An all-new Colt arrives, in five-door form only.

2/05: A three-door edition appears, along with the 147bhp turbocharged 1.5-litre CZT.

12/05: The previous Equippe, Mirage and Elegance trims are replaced by CZ1, CZ2 and CZ3 badges.

3/06: The CZC coupé-cabriolet arrives, with 1.5-litre petrol power only - but a choice of normally aspirated or turbocharged units.

10/08: Replaced by an extensively facelifted version.

Mitsubishi Colt (2004-2008) Checklist

  • The Colt's battery isn't maintenance free, so the level drops over time. Check that it's been topped up in the last month or so.
  • The engine coolant reservoir bottle top may not seal properly, so the level may drop; check it's up to the mark and that the engine hasn't overheated.
  • Interior trim is flimsy, so check it's not damaged; the glovebox lid is especially prone to problems because its catch fails.
  • A free ECU software upgrade at the dealer should cure problems with the AMT autoclutch gearbox.
  • The Colt is popular as an urban runabout, so check the wheels for kerbing and the tyres for uneven tread wear, suggesting the tracking has been knocked out.

We Like

  • Economy
  • Reliability
  • Cabin flexibility
  • Spacious interior

We Don't Like

  • Lack of seat comfort
  • Poor forward visibility
  • Small boot

Nissan

Nissan Murano (2005-2008)

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Over 90 per cent of 4x4 buyers choose diesel power, so when Nissan introduced the petrol-only Murano there were many who questioned the Japanese car maker's judgement. Sure enough sales proved hard to come by, but the Murano's used values are on the low side, so if you don't mind the 20mpg thirst and costly road tax (CO2 emissions are 295g/km), this could be just the car for you. If you're partial to a bit of towing, the Murano is especially worth a look - but be warned, the fuel consumption will plummet even further...

Key Dates

10/04: The Murano is introduced with a 3498cc V6 petrol engine only, mated to a six-speed CVT gearbox.

6/06: The Murano gets a Euro IV-compliant engine.

Nissan Murano (2005-2008) Checklist

  • Check that the gear ratios engage smoothly, as CVT belt failures have occurred in some cars, although this generally affects Muranos sold overseas.
  • Check that the tyres aren't worn; they're 225/65 R18 items and only Dunlop and Toyo make this size, so finding stocks can be tricky.
  • The Murano makes an excellent tow car; if it's already been used as one, make sure the transmission and brakes haven't been overloaded.
  • Few Murano owners will have taken their car off-roading, but check the underside for scrapes, just in case.

We Like

  • Interior space
  • Handling
  • Build quality
  • Equipment

We Don't Like

  • No diesel option
  • High running costs
  • Rear visibility
  • Road noise

Toyota

Toyota Previa (2000-2007)

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If you're looking for a truly capacious people carrier, your choices aren't as wide-ranging as you might think. However, one car that should definitely be on your list is the Previa, which offers room aplenty, along with excellent build quality and decent kit levels too. However, it's not the best MPV to drive - especially in automatic petrol form - but as an overall ownership package this is one people carrier that's well worth a closer look.

Key Dates

7/00: An all-new Previa is launched with a 2.4-litre petrol engine only.

5/01: A 2.0-litre turbodiesel is introduced, the 2.0 D-4D.

8/01: All cars get climate control with separate controls for the rear.

6/03: A facelift brings new nose and tail design plus extra standard equipment. Also, the GS, GLS and CDX trims become T2, T3 and T Spirit respectively.

Toyota Previa (2000-2007) Checklist

  • There are lots of independent imports about, so make sure you know what you're buying. Check specifications carefully.
  • If the engine intermittently cuts out and the fault cannot be diagnostically traced it may be due to a faulty safety fuel cut-off solenoid switch.
  • Diesel-engined Previas can suffer from cutting out which is caused by a build up of salts on a hot wire in the airflow sensor.
  • The 2.4 petrol Previa can suffer from lambda probe failures, which can get expensive because the exhaust system has four of them.

We Like

  • Sharp styling
  • Space
  • Reliability
  • Practicality

We Don't Like

  • Indifferent dynamics
  • Too many grey imports
  • Petrol engine

Volkswagen

VW Golf Mk5 (2004-2008)

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The car that bridges mainstream and premium, VW's evergreen Golf is a cracker in Mk5 form. Some earlier editions of the Golf proved fragile, but this marked a return to form for VW - although complete reliability is still not assured. However, the Golf is great to drive, spacious and comfortable, while it's got a rock-solid image too. But the Golf is also a relatively costly car compared with its rivals, so expect to pay for the privilege of owning one.

Key Dates

2/04: The fifth-generation Golf goes on sale.

1/05: The GTi reaches showrooms.

1/06: The 247bhp R32 joins the range.

6/05: A high-roofed Golf arrives, called Golf Plus.

6/06: The 138bhp 1.4TSi replaces the 2.0 GT.

6/07: The Golf estate is launched and a 170bhp edition of the 1.4TSi engine appears.

8/08: The sixth-generation Golf is unveiled.

Volkswagen Golf Mk5 (2004-2008) Checklist

  • Check the stereo and climate control work properly, as they can prove temperamental.
  • Get the engine up to temperature then leave the car idling to see if the radiator's electric fan cuts in; it sometimes doesn't.
  • The rear light lenses can fill up with condensation, as their seals can fail, allowing water in.
  • The door seals can fail, allowing rainwater to get into the cabin, rotting the carpet.
  • On turbodiesels the turbocharger's oil seals can fail; repairs are very costly.
  • Air conditioning compressors and condensors can fail on the Golf GTi.
  • The FSi engine likes high-octane fuel; using 95-octane petrol can lead to running and starting problems.

We Like

  • Strength
  • Image
  • Dynamics
  • Cabin

We Don't Like

  • High prices

Fiat

Fiat Idea (1998-2007)

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The Fiat Idea came and went so quickly that the chances are you didn't even know it existed. Overshadowed by siblings the Panda and Punto, the Idea was Fiat's rival to the Vauxhall Meriva and Honda Jazz, as it was a high-roofed supermini with a focus on practicality. Idea stood for Intelligent Design, Emotion and Architecture, and while there was a healthy dose of usability and flexibility, this isn't a car to excite the senses. Still, it wasn't a bad Idea.

Key Dates

2/04: The Idea goes on sale with a choice of 1.4 petrol or 1.3 JTD turboodiesel engines.

8/04: A Dualogic automatic transmission is introduced; the 1.4 gets a five-speed unit and the 1.3JTD a four-speeder.

2/06: Both engines are now Euro 4 compliant and the 1.3JTD's Dualogic gearbox gains an extra ratio.

Fiat Idea (2004-2007) Checklist

  • Head gaskets have proved weak, so check the oil and water haven't mixed by looking for white emulsion on the underside of the oil filler cap.
  • The interior is full of hard plastics, which haven't proved very durable. Make sure everything is present and intact.
  • The earth lead can rust through between the battery and bodywork.
  • The paint on the bonnet damages very easily; check it isn't peppered with chips.
  • The Idea's interior can suffer from all sorts of squeaks and rattles, some of which can be a nightmare to fix.

We Like

  • Value
  • Space
  • Practicality
  • Equipment levels
  • 1.3JTD engine

We Don't Like

  • Can be fragile
  • Hard to find

Toyota

Toyota Verso (2002-2007)

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If you want to carry seven people but you don't want a full-sized MPV, your options are surprisingly limited - but not as much as you might think. One seven-seater compact MPV which has been around for years, but which is still largely unknown, is Toyota's brilliantly practical Verso. Well equipped, safe, dependable, flexible and spacious, it's also very easy to use and own. It's also far less common than its rivals; perhaps it's time to look beyond the obvious?

Key Dates

12/01: Toyota launches the five-seater Corolla Verso with 1.6 or 1.8-litre petrol engines plus a 2.0 turbodiesel.

5/04: An all-new seven-seater Corolla Verso arrives; it looks like its predecessor and has the same engine range as before.

11/05: A 2.2-litre D-4D turbodiesel engine replaces the 2.0-litre unit; it's also offered in sporty 175bhp form.

2/07: A mild facelift brings fresh front and rear lights plus extra standard equipment.

Toyota Verso (2002-2008) Checklist

  • The optional DVD player can get bashed, leading to reliability problems.
  • The front brake discs are prone to scoring.
  • An actuator problem can leave MMT (CVT automatic) cars with no usable gears.
  • Petrol engines can use a litre of oil every 600 miles, so make sure it hasn't been running on empty.
  • The paintwork chips easily, particularly on the leading edge of the bonnet.
  • Some of the interior plastics aren't very durable; the steering wheel can delaminate.
  • The light cluster seals can fail, leading to water getting in. Look for condensation inside.

We Like

  • Reliability
  • Practicality
  • Refinement
  • Equipment levels

We Don't Like

  • Dull design
  • High used prices

Chrysler

Chrysler Crossfire (2003-2008)

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The first fruit of Chrylser's ill-fated merger with Mercedes-Benz, the Crossfire was based on the first-generation SLK, which was nice. Not so nice though was what Chrysler's engineers did with the chassis, which was to give the car an unbearably crashy ride. However, the looks are distinctive, it's cracking value and there's also a convertible edition available which works very well. It's generally solidly built too, and the handling isn't at all bad, so despite what you may have read when the Crossfire was new, as a used buy it's a cracker.

Key Dates

7/03: The Crossfire goes on sale in coupé form only. All cars have a 215bhp 3.2-litre V6 petrol engine and a six-speed manual gearbox as standard; a five-speed auto is optionally available.

5/04: A convertible edition is introduced, which is mechanically the same as the coupé.

2/05: There's now a supercharged Crossfire available, carrying SRT-6 badges and packing 330bhp. Both convertible and coupé editions are offered.

Chrysler Crossfire (2003-2008) Checklist

  • The 18-inch alloys are kerbed very easily and expensive to replace; check they're not wrecked.
  • Electrical gremlins can strike, so check the lighting works as it should along with the electric windows.
  • The standard stereo is poor, but it can also prove temperamental. Make sure it works properly.
  • Convertible roofs are very costly to replace, so look for evidence of vandals having struck.

We Like

  • Value
  • Smooth V6
  • Distinctive design
  • Cheap servicing
  • Handling
  • Reliability

We Don't Like

  • Firm ride
  • Thirsty 3.2 V6
  • Low-rent interior

Suzuki

Suzuki Wagon R (2000-2007)

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It's got practicality and reliability too, but unless you're the sort of person who sees things from a seriously alternative perspective, there's not much chance of loving the Wagon R's looks. However, that bizarre roof line comes into its own when it comes to cabin space; this is one supermini in which you won't need to remove your top hat before you set off each journey. How marvelously useful.

Key Dates

5/00: The second-generation Wagon R is unveiled, with a 75bhp 1298cc petrol engine only. There are just two trim levels:GA or GL.

4/02: The range-topping Special is introduced.

7/02: The Special is now offered with an automatic transmission.

10/03: There's now an all-new 1328cc engine, giving 91bhp.

1/04: A facelift brings a revised nose and fresh interior trim.

Suzuki Wagon R (2000-2007) Checklist

  • The automatic transmission can prove fragile, as an internal lug can fail, leading to the whole transmission failing when the gears are damaged.
  • The switchgear isn't especially robust; ham-fisted drivers can break it without really trying.
  • The 1.3 auto is well suited to urban driving, but with this use the fuel consumption can be as much as 30mpg; not impressive for such a small engine.
  • The clutch is sharp, leading to jerky progress in stop/start traffic.
  • As with most urban runabouts, watch out for speed bump damage, plus kerbed wheels and tracking that's out of alignment as a result.

We Like

  • Practicality
  • Reliability
  • Interior space

We Don't Like

  • Exterior design
  • Interior plastics

Jaguar

Jaguar XJ8 & XJR (1997-2003)

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Jaguar's slogan was always 'Grace, Space and Pace', and nowhere is this more evident than here - this is one of the most comfortable cruisers around. However, thanks to a reputation for occasionally patchy reliability, Jaguars have always depreciated more heavily than their German rivals. These cars are generally well-built though, and you'll have to search hard to find a more accomplished or better value long-distance tourer.

Key Dates

9/97: XJ8 arrives in 3.2 and 4.0 guises, along with the 370bhp supercharged XJR.

9/00: Sport and Executive editions of the XJ8 3.2 are introduced, and equipment levels are increased on all cars.

8/01: 100 special edition arrives, with BBS alloys, metallic black paint and sat-nav.

12/01: A long-wheelbase 4.0 car is now offered, along with SE versions of the 3.2 and 4.0

Jaguar XJ8 & XJR (1997-2003) Checklist

  • ZF automatic gearbox is sealed for life, which can lead to problems.
  • Pre-2000 cars can suffer from damaged cylinder bores through high-sulphur fuel eroding the Nikasil coating. Check if a replacement engine has already been fitted.
  • Timing chain tensioners can fail, leading to the chain coming off, wrecking the engine.
  • Front wishbone bushes wear, leading to erratic handling and uneven tyre wear.
  • Cars with a VIN between 812256 and 878717 should have had a replacement engine, indicated by a special tag on the nearside of the engine block.
  • Rear dampers are prone to failure, particularly on cars equipped with CATS suspension.

We Like

  • Comfort
  • Styling
  • Value

We Don't Like

  • Patchy reliability
  • Thirst