Fiat

Fiat Panda (2004-2012)

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Fiat's forté has long been producing great small cars, so it came as no surprise when its Panda claimed the 2004 Car of the Year award. Even now the Panda looks fresh and continues to impress owners with its wide-ranging talents such as its agility, economy and practicality. It's also far better built than some cars from the Fiat stable, so reliability tends not to be much of an issue. In short, the Panda makes a brilliantly affordable runabout.

Key Dates

1/04: The Panda arrives with 1.1 or 1.2-litre petrol engines and front-wheel drive.

2/05: There's now a 4x4 option, with the 1.2-litre petrol engine only. A 1.3 Multijet turbodiesel also appears.

12/06: The 1.4-litre Panda 100HP is introduced

8/08: The Panda Cross debuts in 1.3 Multijet form only, with more aggressive SUV styling.

9/08: The 119g/km Panda Eco arrives, with a 1.1 petrol engine.

9/09: A facelift brings a redesigned dash, revised grille and fresh door mirrors.

Fiat Panda (2004-2012) Checklist

  • The tailgate release mechanism can jam.
  • Not all cars came with a lockable fuel cap.
  • While 1.2-litre cars are the most plentiful, the 1.1 is fine for cars used mainly around town.
  • The windscreen seal can leak, leading to water getting into the cabin. Look for water in the footwells.
  • All Pandas have electric power steering, which has been known to fail.
  • Clutch master cylinders wear out, leading to baulking when changing gear.
  • The Multijet diesel engine is great, but some owners aren't happy with its fuel or oil consumption.

We Like

  • Comfort
  • Spacious cabin
  • Practicality
  • Agility
  • Economy
  • Reliability

We Don't Like

  • Some are very basic
  • Small boot
  • Leisurely performance

BMW

BMW 1 Series (2004-2011)

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Years after the debuts of key rivals such as the Audi A3 and Mercedes A-Class, BMW unleashed its own posh small hatch with the 1-Series. In true Bavarian fashion there were superb engines and a great rear-wheel drive chassis, while the 1-Series was also beautifully built and brilliant to drive. But while the 1-Series proved controversial with its challenging styling and high prices, the car was a success for its maker and now makes a great used buy.

Key Dates

5/04: The 1-Series five-door hatch arrives, in 116i, 118i, 120i, 118d and 120d forms.

9/05: The first hot 1-Series appears; the 265bhp six-cylinder 130i.

3/07: A three-door hatch debuts, along with a high-power 2.0-litre diesel (the 123d). At the same time, all models get reprofiled bumpers and lights.

7/07: A 1-Series coupé arrives, in 135i, 120d and 123d guises.

3/08: A Convertible 1-Series is introduced, with a choice of petrol engines; the 125i coupé and convertible also debut.

7/08: There are now 118d and 123d convertibles.

1/09: The 116d debuts.

9/09: 118d and 120i versions of the coupé are now offered.

12/10: The 340bhp 1-Series M Coupé now tops the range.

BMW 1 Series (2004-2011) Checklist

  • Optional run-flat tyres means the ride is firm; M Sport editions are even firmer.
  • Manual diesel cars suffer from failure of the dual-mass flywheel; it's a costly fix.
  • Some early petrol-powered cars suffer ECU failures, requiring a new unit.
  • The run-flat tyres are costly, so make sure what's fitted doesn't need to be replaced in the near future.
  • Steering racks can wear quickly; many have already been replaced. Check for fluid leaks from the gaiters.
  • The 120d's turbocharger can prove short-lived; watch out for excessive oil smoke from the exhaust when accelerating.

We Like

  • Dynamics
  • Build quality
  • Efficient engines
  • Engine choice
  • Lots of bodystyles

We Don't Like

  • High purchase and running costs
  • Cramped rear seats
  • Awkward styling

Mazda

Mazda RX-8 (2003-2010)

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When Mazda introduced the RX-8, it made the rotary engine mainstream once more. Buyers lapped up this neatly styled family coupé-cum-saloon with its rear-hinged back doors and curvy bodywork, to revel in its cocooning cabin and to enjoy its brilliant rear-wheel drive handling. The shine has now dulled somewhat; low values have led to many examples being neglected, which is why you have to have your wits about you when buying. But source a good example, and you'll be rewarded with one of the most engaging family cars of the past decade.

Key Dates

1/03 :The RX-8 arrives, in 189bhp and 228bhp forms.

2/06 :The 228bhp Evolve limited edition appears.

9/06 :The 189bhp Nemesis special reaches showrooms.

1/07 :The PZ and Kuro debut, each with 228bhp.

7/08 :A facelifted RX-8 is here, now badged R3, in 228bhp form only.

Mazda RX-8 (2003-2010) Checklist

  • The RX- gets through fuel and oil at quite a rate, so if you're a high-mileage driver, running costs will quickly add up.
  • The anti-roll bar links fail, leading to the car leaning in corners more heavily.
  • The rotary engine is designed to use oil; fail to top up regularly and the engine will seize.
  • A compression test is essential, to check the engine's health. Also see how old the plugs and leads are.
  • Make sure the clutch isn't slipping, as premature failures aren't unknown.
  • The pipe from the oil cooler corrodes, leading to the engine losing its oil, then seizing.
  • Ensure the xenon headlights work properly, as water gets in then wrecks everything.
  • It's worth having an emissions test, as the catalytic converters are prone to failure.

We Like

  • Styling
  • Handling
  • Smooth engine
  • Relative practicality
  • Cabin design
  • Affordability
  • Reliability

We Don't Like

  • Rear seat access
  • Thirst for oil and petrol
  • Lack of torque

Mercedes

Mercedes CLK (2002-2010)

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When it comes to relatively attainable premium cars, nothing can top a Mercedes. Generally seen as a cut above posh rivals, that three-pointed star is very appealing, and when a car looks this good it's easy to see why. But the CLK was introduced when Mercedes was at its lowest, and it's a model that was frequently not as well built as it should have been. So while it's highly desirable in many ways, it can also be frustrating to own - which is why you need to buy with caution.

Key Dates

4/02: The second-generation CLK debuts, in 200K, 240K, 320 and 500 petrol forms, plus the diesel CLK270 CDi.

9/02: The CLK55 AMG coupé arrives.

5/03: The second-generation CLK cabriolet appears.

6/05: A facelift brings a three-louvre radiator grille, revised front bumper and redesigned tail lights. The CLK200K is boosted from 163bhp to 184bhp, while the CLK280 and CLK350 replace the CLK240K and CLK320 respectively. The CLK220 CDi and CLK320 CDi also debut.

9/06: The crazy CLK63 AMG arrives, in coupé and cabriolet forms.

11/06: The entry-level CLK 200K arrives.

Mercedes-Benz CLK (2002-2010) Checklist

  • The interior trim is disappointingly fragile; check it's all intact.
  • Squeaks, creaks and rattles are also likely; some can be hard to eradicate.
  • The electrical system can throw up numerous problems, so ensure everything works as it should.
  • The absence of a B-pillar means wind noise can be intrusive if the windows don't seal properly - which they often don't.
  • The alloy wheels can corrode badly, so check the lacquer isn't bubbling.
  • Tyres can wear rapidly and unevenly, so see how much tread is left.

We Like

  • Image
  • Cruising abilities
  • Diesel engines
  • V6 petrol engines

We Don't Like

  • Costly to buy
  • 4-cylinder petrol engines
  • Weak trim
  • Manual gearboxes

Tags: CLK

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Ford

Ford Focus (2004-2011)

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The second-generation Focus didn't create the same stir its predecessor did. Introducing significant improvements was always going to be tough, but Ford pulled it off somehow; the Mk2 Focus was sleeker, better to drive, more reliable and more refined than its predecessor. Thanks to it being the UK's best-selling new car month after month, there are huge numbers available - with an engine, trim and bodystyle for everyone.

Key Dates

9/04: The second-edition Focus arrives in three or five-door hatchback, saloon and estate forms. Engine options span 1.4 petrol to a 2.0-litre diesel.

3/06: A 1.8-litre petrol engine arrives.

9/05: The 221bhp Focus ST appears,

7/06: A coupé-cabriolet is introduced.

12/07: A facelifted Focus brings sharper looks, a much better interior and cleaner engines. The 1.6 TDCi Econetic is introduced.

1/09: The 301bhp Focus RS appears.

Ford Focus (2004-2011) Checklist

  • Clicking noises on the 1.6 auto requires re-routing of the gear shift's control cable.
  • Coupé-cabriolets can suffer from sealing issues.
  • Estates can leak because of poor sealing around the tailgate hinges.
  • Diesel engines can revert to limp-home mode when the intercooler pipe cracks or through throttle butterfly faults.
  • The dipstick on 1.6 diesels can fall apart.
  • Replacing the passenger side headlamp bulb isn't easy.
  • The windscreen can leak in the top centre while the front door seals also work loose.
  • The trailing edge of the front wheelarches can corrode.
  • Windscreen washer pipes leak, allowing water to drain into the spark plug holes, leading to the plugs seizing in place.
  • Starting and running problems can be due to the battery draining overnight; the only fix is a software update.

We Like

  • Value
  • Dynamics
  • Practicality

We Don't Like

  • Ubiquity
  • Breathless 1.4 petrol

Subaru

Subaru Tribeca (2006-2010)

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Occasionally car makers come up with models that make no commercial sense at all. Take Subaru's B9 Tribeca; a full-sized SUV with five or seven seats, and 3-litre petrol power only - in a market that demands diesel almost exclusively. The car bombed, and as a result, used values are on the floor and will stay there. However, if you can live with its thirst and awkward styling, the Tribeca is worth a closer look, as it has lots to recommend it too.

Key Dates

11/06: The B9 Tribeca reaches showrooms, with a 3-litre flat-six petrol engine and five-speed automatic gearbox as standard. There are five (SE5) or seven-seat (SE7) options, priced between £29k and £34k.

5/08: There's now a factory-fitted LPG option, with a 61-litre tank as well as the 64-litre petrol tank.

Subaru Tribeca (2006-2010) Checklist

  • Go for a seven-seater and those in the back will struggle to get comfy; there really isn't enough space for more than five.
  • With a 64-litre fuel tank, and such a raging thirst (22mpg is typical), the Tribeca's range can be woefully short.
  • The Tribeca has a 2000kg towing capacity, but as the car is so heavy on its own, performance really suffers. And don't mention the even greater fuel consumption.

We Like

  • Well equipped
  • Very safe
  • Unusual
  • Reliable
  • Solidly built
  • Smooth and refined
  • Good value used
  • Comfortable

We Don't Like

  • No diesel option
  • Awkward exterior design
  • Seven-seaters are cramped
  • Detached driving experience

Lexus

Lexus SC430 (2001-2009)

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The Lexus SC430 came and went, and nobody noticed. On sale in the UK for almost a decade, the SC430 is one of those cars that never made an impact, despite being very desirable for a number of reasons. While it was no looker and it left driving enthusiasts cold, the SC430 featured that legendary Lexus build quality and reliability, with silky smooth performance and surprising usability. Used values are now on the floor, ensuring Lexus' first coupe-cabrio is well worth a look if you want something quirky for the summer.

Key Dates

3/01: The SC430 goes on sale with a 4.3-litre V8 only.

9/04: A facelifted SC430 comes with suspension revisions and upgraded multi-media.

11/05: A more comprehensive facelift brings restyled grille, bumpers, lights and wheels. There's also a new electronically controlled six-speed automatic gearbox, while adaptive front lights provide better illumination.

Lexus SC430 (2001-2009) Checklist

  • The SC430 is extremely well built, so despite the car having been introduced in 2001, few fault patterns have emerged. The problems that seem to crop up the most frequently, but which are really down to age, wear and tear or lack of use are...
  • Batteries go flat, and jump starts can be tricky.
  • Tyre pressure monitors can go AWOL.
  • Front tyres can wear unevenly, while rears can wear quickly.
  • Replacing bulbs can be difficult, so check they're all working.
  • Rattles from the roof when up is probably down to a loose cable within the operating mechanism.

We Like

  • Refinement
  • Power and performance
  • Build quality
  • Standard kit
  • Neat roof design

We Don't Like

  • Mediocre handling
  • Pointless rear seats
  • Awkward styling

Citroen

Citroen C4 (2004-2010)

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Some car makers are just rediscovering interesting car design, but Citroen started a while ago - its C4 is the proof. Always strong on value, with low prices and lots of kit as standard, the original C4 came practical five-door or stylish three-door coupé forms. With a raft of engines and trim levels, there's something for everyone, but reliability can be an issue.

Key Dates

10/04: The Citroën C4 arrives in five-door hatchback and three-door coupé forms, with 1.4 or 1.6 petrol engines, or 1.6 or 2.0HDi (turbodiesel) powerplants. The smaller diesel engine comes in 90bhp or 110bhp guises.

7/06: The Cool special edition debuts, and the 1.6 HDi is now available with a semi-auto gearbox.

1/07: The By Loeb special appears, with 1.6 or 1.8 petrol engines.

3/08: The Cachet limited edition debuts.

9/08: A facelift brings a revised nose and tail, extra standard equipment, fresh colours and wheel designs plus two new 1.6 petrol engines; 120bhp and 150bhp turbocharged units.

1/09: The Airdream+ limited edition arrives.

3/09: Another By Loeb special arrives, with 1.6 petrol or diesel power.

Citroen C4 (2004-2010) Checklist

  • Wiper blades come adrift, then scratch the windscreen.
  • The electrics and electronics play up, especially the dash displays, radio and electric windows.
  • Look for loose or broken interior trim. Glove box lids fail too.
  • Air-con compressor drive belts fail.
  • Dual-mass flywheels eventually fail; cars used in the city suffer most.
  • The rear shock absorbers can prove short-lived.
  • The paint can peel off the rear spoiler.
  • Water gets into the front and rear lights.

We Like

  • Comfort
  • Style
  • Refinement
  • Standard kit
  • Affordability

We Don't Like

  • Iffy build quality
  • Numb steering
  • Uncertain reliability

Tags: C4

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Hummer

Hummer H3 (2007-2010)

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Just the name 'Hummer' conjures up images of an SUV the size of an aircraft carrier, but the H3 was the smallest car ever made by GM's now defunct 'lifestyle' brand. With petrol power only, the H3 is thirsty, but despite its size this is a car that isn't as bad to drive on the road as you might think, although refinement is poor and some more power wouldn't go amiss. But if your aim is to drive it in the rough, the H3 excels.

Key Dates

9/07: The H3 goes on sale in right-hand drive form, equipped only with a 244bhp five-cylinder 3.7-litre petrol engine mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox. Three trim levels are offered:SE, Adventure and Luxury, the cheapest priced at £26,500. All cars have permanent 4WD, air-con, cruise control and electric windows. The diesel edition that's promised never arrives.

Checklist

  • The interior plastics are of dubious quality in many places, so check all is intact.
  • The electronics can play up, especially things like the traction control.
  • Paint quality isn't all that great, so look for bubbling, blistering and lifting, especially around the panel seams.
  • The ECU can throw a wobbly and instruct the engine to idle too slowly, so it runs roughly. A software patch can fix this though.
  • Exterior trim can come adrift, leading to lots of wind noise; it can usually be clipped back into place.

We Like

  • Off-road ability
  • They're uncommon
  • Well equipped

We Don't Like

  • Unrefined
  • Underpowered
  • High running costs
  • Low-grade interior

Tags: H3

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Peugeot

Peugeot 407 (2004-2011)

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Peugeot has long offered great-value cars, and the 407 is no exception. Spacious, well-equipped and comfortable, these saloons, coupes and estates offer a huge amount of car for the money. But such value can come at a price; the 407 can prove frustrating to own, with some examples hit by a variety of faults, which dealers aren't always able to fix. So the 407 makes a great buy only if you get a good one.

Key Dates

5/04: The 407 replaces the 406, in saloon form only, with 1.8, 2.0, 2.2 and 3.0 V6 petrol engines or 1.6 and 2.0HDi turbodiesels.

9/04: An estate (SW) debuts, with the same engines as the saloon.

10/05: A 407 coupé appears, with 2.2 or 3.0-litre petrol engines or a 2.7 V6 turbodiesel.

6/06: A 2.2-litre and 2.7 V6 turbodiesel are offered in the saloon. Range revisions bring enhanced specifications.

7/07: A 2.0HDi turbodiesel is offered in the 407 coupé.

9/08: A facelifted 407 brings exterior design revisions, extra equipment and chassis tweaks.

5/09: The eco-friendly 1.6HDi 110 arrives.

Peugeot 407 (2004-2011) Checklist

  • Clonks from the front is usually down to worn front suspension ball joints.
  • 1.6 and 2.0 diesels go into limp home mode because the throttle butterflies stick, usually because the spindles have worn, requiring new ones.
  • The central dash display can fail.
  • The electrical management system plays up, leading to constant warnings.
  • Diesel 407s with a six-speed auto can cut out because of a faulty ECU.
  • Warnings of ABS and ESP faults can be down to faulty sensors, genuine problems, or because a wheelbearing needs replacing.
  • Clutches are short-lived because of weak release bearings.

We Like

  • Great diesel engines
  • Smart looks
  • Equipment levels
  • Spacious cabin
  • Safety kit
  • Refinement

We Don't Like

  • Awkward driving position
  • Unsettled ride
  • Temperamental electronics

Tags: 407

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Nissan

Nissan Micra (2002-2010)

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Ever since the first examples appeared in 1983, the Nissan Micra has proved itself one of the best superminis around. With its sliding rear seat for extra cabin versatility, stand-out exterior design plus a huge choice of engines and trim levels, there are plenty of reasons to buy a Micra. Another is that typical Nissan reliability - but you can't always take this for granted.

Key Dates

11/02: The third-generation Micra debuts in three and five-door hatch forms, with 1.0, 1.2 or 1.4-litre petrol engines, plus a 1.5dCi turbodiesel.

3/05: A 1.6-litre petrol engine appears, in the 108bhp Micra SR.

6/05: A facelift brings a revised nose and tail, overhauled interior and extra standard equipment.

9/05: The Micra C+C (coupé-cabriolet) arrives with a 1.6 petrol engine.

9/06: The Micra C+C gets a 1.4-litre engine.

9/07: Another facelift brings further interior and exterior changes plus more standard kit and revised trim levels.

Nissan Micra (2002-2010) Checklist

  • The tailgate lock can fill up with water leading to the mechanism failing.
  • Clonks from the front suspension can be because the system was misaligned when the car was built. This can be fixed though.
  • The electrics aren't always reliable and batteries can go flat for no apparent reason, but a software update can cure this.
  • Poor starting or running is often due to a faulty crankshaft sensor because of deposits on the flywheel.
  • Timing chains fail on petrol engines, because of poor quality oil being used.
  • ABS modules fail; dealers charge less to fix cars with a Nissan FSH.

We Like

  • Reliability
  • Build quality
  • Good value

We Don't Like

  • Cramped rear seat
  • Unrefined
  • Dull handling

Mercedes

Mercedes CLS (2004-2010)

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Until the CLS arrived, if you wanted a luxury saloon and a sporting coupé, you had to buy one of each. But since its debut, the CLS has allowed well-heeled buyers to enjoy the best of both worlds - a luxurious four-seater, four-door saloon with superb coupé-like styling. Great to drive, beautifully built and truly luxurious, the CLS makes a great long-distance cruiser.

Key Dates

9/03: The Vision CLS concept debuts at the Frankfurt motor show.

3/04: The production car appears at the Geneva motor show.

10/04: The first cars are delivered. Initially there are CLS350 and CLS500 editions only.

3/05: The CLS55 AMG debuts.

6/05: The CLS320 CDi joins the range.

4/06: The hard-core CLS63 AMG appears, eventually replacing the CLS55 AMG.

4/08: A subtle facelift brings new lighting front and rear, redesigned alloy wheels, minor interior revisions and upgraded multi-media. The 292bhp CLS350 CGi also replaces the 272bhp CLS350.

4/09: The 224bhp CLS320 CDi evolves into the 272bhp CLS350 CDi.

Mercedes CLS (2004-2010) Checklist

  • Parking sensors aren't standard; without them you will scrape the paintwork...
  • All CLSs come packed with gadgets, many electrical. They don't always work properly though, so check everything.
  • There are four seats only, so while it's fantastically cosseting for a quartet, there's no way of accommodating any more.
  • That interior is beautifully screwed together and feels incredibly solid - usually. But squeaks and rattles aren't unknown.
  • The swooping roofline towards the rear means getting in and out can be tricky for anyone really tall.
  • Cars with big alloys invariably suffer badly kerbed rims, which are costly to fix.

We Like

  • Style
  • Comfort
  • Image
  • Performance
  • Build quality
  • Reliability
  • Safety kit

We Don't Like

  • Limited rear head room
  • Four seats only

Tags: CLS

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