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

Skoda Fabia (2007-2014)

The original Skoda Fabia represented a turning point for Skoda as it was the first supermini from the VW subsidiary that couldn’t just take on desirable rivals – it could beat them at their own game. But while the Fabia Mk2 is both practical and comfortable, it’s never offered much to those who enjoy their driving. Used values can also be surprisingly high so make sure you’re not paying over the odds for a car that’s no class leader. The Fabia’s excellent reputation means some sellers are asking inflated prices for a car that’s still a great used buy, but not as far ahead of competitors as some think it is.

Key dates

5/07: The Fabia Mk2 debuts with 1.2, 1.4 or 1.6-litre petrol engines, along with 1.4 or 1.9-litre turbodiesels.

1/08: The high-spec Sport arrives, alongside a five-door estate. 

4/08: The ultra-economical 1.4 TDI Greenline arrives.

7/08: The Fabia Scout pseudo off-roader appears. 

3/10: A facelifted Fabia arrives with more efficient engines, a revised nose plus S, SE and Elegance trim levels in place of the previous 1, 2 and 3 trims. 

5/11: The high-spec SE Plus brings climate control, privacy glass, powered rear windows plus a multi-function steering wheel.

Checklist

• Panel alignment isn’t always perfect, so if things don’t line up properly, don’t assume the car has been crashed.
• Squeaks and rattles can crop up, particularly from things like the dashboard rubbing against the windscreen surround and the pedals needing lubricating.
• Some engines come with a choice of low or high power outputs, so establish exactly what you’re getting.
• From 2009 there was no spare wheel fitted as standard, although it is possible to buy and fit one.
• The interior trim can be fragile as some of the plastics are cheap. Watch for trim coming apart and the electric window switches popping out of their sockets.
• Oil consumption can be an issue, especially on some of the more stressed (small capacity, high output) engines – up to as much as 1000 miles per litre.
• Many Fabia owners are disappointed with the standard headlights; swapping to Osram Nightbreaker or Phillips Xtreme bulbs is the preferred solution.

We like

• Reliability
• Spacious cabin
• Decent boot
• Strong engines

We don’t like

• High used values
• So-so dynamics
• Uninspiring cabin

Richard Dredge

Skoda Superb (2008-2014)

The original Skoda Superb pushed Skoda further upmarket than it had ever been before, and while it was a great car, buyers didn’t really latch onto its brilliance. So when the second take on the formula was launched in 2008, Skoda had to come up with something really special to be noticed – and that’s exactly what it did. This time round there was a novel tailgate arrangement, more space and equipment than before plus a great range of engines. You can now buy one of these brilliant cars for peanuts, making it one of the biggest – in every sense – bargains around. 

Key dates

9/08: The Skoda Superb Mk2 arrives with 1.4 TSI, 1.8 TSI or 3.6 V6 petrol engines, or 1.9 TDI (Greenline) and 2.0 TDI diesels, the latter in 140bhp or 170bhp guises. The 1.8 TSI, 2.0 TDI 170 and 3.6 V6 engines are offered with 4WD. 

2/10: A Superb estate appears, with the same engine options, and the 2.0 TDI 140 engine gets common rail fuel injection to make it smoother, more refined and more frugal than the previous PD unit. Later in the year the Greenline gets a 1.6 TDI engine.

5/11: The high-value SE Plus trim joins the range.

6/13: A facelifted Superb brings an overhauled interior, reduced emissions and a refreshed exterior.

2/14: The Superb Outdoor 2.0 TDi brings off-road styling and optional four-wheel drive.

Checklist

• The badges can corrode and look tatty after just a year. Dealers have replaced many under warranty.
• The leather trim can wear on the driver’s seat bolster. Again, dealers have fixed this under warranty.
• If buying a Superb that’s been used for towing, check its suspension, clutch and brakes aren’t worn out.
• Cars with the DSG transmission can suffer from jerky changes between first and second; software ‘fixes’ can make things worse.
• Superbs with the ‘KESSY’ keyless entry system can suffer from the car refusing to acknowledge the proximity of the key, so it won’t start.
• ABS sensors can fail, leading to the ESP, ABS and tyre pressure warning lights coming on. Fixes are cheap though.
• All Superbs have alloy wheels which can corrode under the lacquer. Dealers have replaced many wheels under warranty.

We like

• Reliability
• Practicality
• Comfort 
• Low running costs
• Spacious cabin
• Affordability
• Good engines
• Refinement

We don’t like

• Low-rent image
• So-so dynamics
• Awkward styling

Richard Dredge

Porsche Boxster (2005-2012)

Ever since the original Boxster appeared in 1996, rivals have struggled to keep up; Porsche’s entry-level model has always provided sublime handling, strong performance and excellent build quality, with a cast-iron image. This is a car that’s so good, it’s easy to wonder what the point of a 911 is – or any number of costly supercars. Fabulous to drive, fast, sharply styled and superbly built, the Boxster is one of those rare cars that’s so good, you wonder how it can be improved. So while the Boxster can cost a chunk of cash to buy and run, it’s still a bargain.

Key dates

1/05: The second-generation Boxster, codenamed 987 (the original was the 986) debuts in 240bhp 2.7 (Boxster) and 280bhp 3.2-litre (Boxster S) forms. 

7/06: The 2.7-litre engine is boosted to 245bhp, while the Boxster S gets a 295bhp 3.4-litre unit. 

1/09: A facelift brings improved steering, more standard kit and the option of Porsche’s brilliant PDK dual-clutch gearbox. There’s also a 2.9-litre engine for the Boxster while the S is boosted to 310bhp.

2/10: The Boxster Spyder is introduced. With more power (now 320bhp) and less weight (just 1275kg) the Spyder is the most involving Boxster of all to drive.

Checklist

• Transmissions are strong, but hard-driven cars may be suffering from a tired rear axle, so listen for whining.
• On very early 3.2-litre cars, a weak intermediate shaft (IMS) can lead to premature gearbox failure.
• Water pumps can fail in less than 40,000 miles, so check for coolant leaks and inspect the fluid levels.
• The roof mechanism can suffer from failed ball joints. Poor repairs can damage the roof, so check no water has leaked into the cabin.
• Stick with 17-inch wheels for general road use; larger wheels spoil the ride. Whatever is fitted, kerbing is common so check for damage.
• Pre-facelift cars (built before the end of 2008) can suffer from stonechipped paint all too readily.
• The standard seats are excellent, but the optional sports seats take comfort to a whole new level.

We like

• Build quality
• Refinement
• Performance
• Handling
• Usability
• Value
• Reliability

We don’t like

• Running costs can be high

Richard Dredge

Ford S-MAX (2006-2014)

When the Ford S-MAX arrived in 2006 it cut a dash like no other car in its segment. Seen by some as the world’s first seven-seater sportscar, thanks to its handling prowess, the S-MAX was capable enough to secure the 2007 European Car of the Year award. For many, having a family means an end to enjoying driving, but thanks to Ford, you don’t have to make such compromises. The S-MAX also makes a brilliant tow car when fitted with one of the larger engines; even when you’re not towing, some of the smaller units can feel a bit weedy. As an all-round family car however, the S-MAX is up there with the best of them, proving that the best things don’t always come in small packages.

Key dates

6/06: The S-MAX reaches UK showrooms in 2.0 and 2.5T petrol forms, alongside 1.8 and 2.0 diesels. 

5/07: ESP becomes standard range-wide 

8/07: A 2.3-litre petrol engine joins the range. 

3/08: A 175bhp 2.2 TDCi (in high-spec Titanium form only) debuts, alongside a 1.8-litre flex-fuel Econetic version that can run on E85 petrol; it’s badged FFV (FlexiFuel Vehicle). 

3/10: A facelifted S-MAX arrives, with a redesigned nose, new safety technologies, an upgraded interior plus new 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines, along with a new dual-clutch transmission badged Powershift.

Checklist

• There’s no spare wheel and no provision for one; instead you have to use a tyre sealant.
• If the car has front parking sensors, make sure they work; they sometimes don’t.
• Some versions have hydraulic power steering, some electric. Both systems can be unreliable.
• The S-MAX is a heavy front-wheel drive car. As a result, the front tyres tend to wear quickly.
• The 1.8 and 2.2 diesel engines can be hesitant and suffer from poor economy if the ECU software hasn’t been updated since it left the factory.
• Electrics and electronics can play up, so make sure everything works. Focus on the climate control, rear window demisters, active lighting systems and stereos.
• Blocked ventilation drains can lead to the interior flooding, potentially the wiring loom. Fixing this properly is then very costly.

We like

• Value
• Choice
• Dynamics
• Practicality
• Smart design
• Spacious cabin

We don’t like

• Unreliable early cars
• Small boot seven-up

Peugeot 308 (2007-2013)

When it was launched in 2007, the 308 Mk1 was praised for its comfort, refinement, frugal engines and much-improved interior quality over the outgoing 307. Few small family hatchbacks offered the same sort of value as the 308, and as a used buy you get even more for your money. The 308 is safe too, with a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating. Rear seat space isn’t great though and the 308 isn’t polished dynamically, but with decent fuel economy available from the diesel engines and very low purchase prices, the 308 can be just the job for a budget-conscious family.

Key dates

9/07: The 308 replaces Peugeot’s 307 in five-door hatch form in September; a three-door option arrives three months later. There are 95bhp 1.4 and 120 or 150bhp 1.6-litre petrol engines; diesels are 90/110bhp 1.6 or 136bhp 2.0 HDi units. 

6/08: The seven-seater 308SW arrives, along with the fleet-focused 308 SR which comes with standard navigation and bluetooth. 

4/09: The 308CC coupé-cabrio appears.

5/11: A facelifted 308 brings a revised nose and tail design, extra standard equipment and reduced CO2 emissions, including a 98g/km e-HDi model which arrives a few months later.

Checklist

• From January 2010 ESP became standard on all 308s, apart from entry-level Urban editions.
• If you don’t do many miles, cars with a diesel particulate filter are likely to give costly problems.
• The electrics can be erratic, with the engine cutting out and the column stalks packing in. Starting can also be a problem, so check everything works.
• The instrumentation can be troublesome, with trip computers and service indicators failing. The odometer can also over-read; the cure is a software update.
• The interior trim is sometimes weak, with squeaks and rattles common. Seats can also split, while carpets have been known to come adrift.
• Look for evidence of water leaking in through the windscreen seals, which can prove ineffective. Also check for cracks in the windscreen.

We like

• Strong diesel engines
• Low purchase prices
• Lots to choose from
• Wide range of engines and trims
• Five-star Euro NCAP rating
• Excellent refinement

We don’t like

• Patchy reliability
• Cramped rear seats
• Stodgy handling
• Unsettled ride
• Poor rear visibility
• Offset driving position

Richard Dredge

Honda Jazz (2008-2015)

There’s nothing quite like the Honda Jazz in the supermini segment, with its brilliantly packaged interior, class-leading reliability and efficient petrol engines. Strong demand means you’ll have to dig deep to buy one, but you’ll be rewarded with low running costs and an ability to carry things that simply shouldn’t fit into such a small car. Hardly the last word in driving enjoyment, the Jazz tends to be overlooked by anyone below 60 but whether you’re a student, transporting a family or you’re looking for something to carry bikes and camping gear for a life of outdoor pursuits, the Jazz is worth a closer look.

Key dates

11/08: The second-generation Honda Jazz arrives with 1.2 or 1.4-litre petrol models with a manual gearbox only.

1/09: The 1.4 engine is now offered with an unlovedi-shift semi-automatic transmission. 

2/11: A facelift brings fresh bumpers, tweaked suspension, a continuously variable transmission in place of the previous i-shift gearbox, and upgraded cabin trim. Also a hybrid edition is introduced with its own trim options (HE, HS, HX), similar to those of the regular Jazz.

Checklist

• No Honda Jazz comes with free road tax – even the hybrid is rated at more than 100g/km
• Rear suspension creaks in cold weather are likely to be down to the bushes needing a smear of silicone grease.
• Rattles from the rear of the interior are normally down to the back seat’s retaining bar having worn.
• Engines can sound surprisingly tappety, especially when cold. Once warmed up things get quieter, but don’t expect complete silence.
• There are various tyre issues; they can perish, wear quickly, and some cars have unusual tyres sizes fitted, which pushes up the cost of replacing them.
• Clicking sounds from the brakes when cold is down to the pads moving in the callipers. Once warmed up the noise usually disappears.
• There’s no spare wheel as standard, but you can order one as a spare part.

We like

•  Reliability
• Spacious cabin
• Brilliant packaging
• Efficient engines

We don’t like

• So-so dynamics
• High purchase prices
• No diesels
• Unsettled ride
• i-shift gearbox
• Below-par refinement

Richard Dredge

Fiat Bravo (2007-2014)

NewCarNet says:

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

Chevrolet Trax (2013-2015)

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