Toyota

Toyota Avensis (1997-2002)

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Toyota doesn't have a great reputation for creating enthusiasts' cars, but this car took the principle of car-as-white-goods to the extreme; it's terminally bland to drive, as well as to look at and live with. However, aside from some glitches with the petrol engines, the cars are generally superbly reliable - although throwing a wobbly is often the only thing of interest that an Avensis can offer.

Key Dates

11/97: Avensis introduced in saloon, estate and hatchback forms, with a choice of 1.6, 1.8 or 2.0 petrol engines or a 2.0 turbodiesel.

10/99: The excellent 2.0 D-4D turbodiesel engine arrives.

8/00: The whole range is facelifted, with a revised nose and more generous equipment levels, plus a new petrol engine design.

10/01: Revised 1.8 and 2.0 D-4D SR join the range; they're mechanically the same as the GS editions.

Toyota Avensis (1997-2002) Checklist

  • Early cars (1997 and 1998) can suffer from leaking power-assisted steering racks. They can also sound clunky, but greasing will usually fix this.
  • These early examples can also suffer from leaky fuel tanks.
  • Some clutches have proved to wear prematurely, while the gearbox bearings can prove weak, so listen for whining or rumbling when cruising.
  • Some reports of premature clutch and gearbox failures. Isolated report of problems with immobiliser.
  • The rear wheel cylinders can leak brake fluid.
  • Diesel engines can suffer from a slipping alternator drive belt.
  • Pre-facelift (August 2000) cars can use a lot of oil; as much as a litre every 1000 miles.

We Like

  • Reliablility
  • Value

We Don't Like

  • Styling
  • Dynamics
  • Bland interior

Ford

Ford Puma (1997-2001)

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It may be little more than a Fiesta in drag, but that's not a bad thing because Ford's familiar supermini has long been a cracker. However, because the less practical Puma often appeals to those who regularly drive it on the doorhandles, you need to make sure that you don't end up with a lemon because of a previous owner's abuse.

Key Dates

6/97: Puma launched with a 1.7-litre engine only

2/98: There's now a 1.4-litre engine available

10/99: The Racing Puma arrives, with 152bhp; just 500 are made. The 1.7 Millennium limited edition also appears

10/00: A 1.6-litre engine replaces the 1.4-litre unit and the special edition 1.7 Black goes on sale

11/01: The limited edition 1.7 Thunder debuts

Ford Puma (1997-2001) Checklist

  • Look for evidence of abuse; Pumas are often driven 'enthusiastically'
  • Ford recommended fresh oil every 10,000 miles, but twice as often is better
  • Fully synthetic oil is bad news, so ask what's been put in
  • A misfiring 1.7-litre engine is usually down to leaking core plugs dropping coolant onto the spark plugs
  • Make sure the heater works properly; the valves are unreliable
  • Look for uneven front tyre wear, suggesting the front wheels have been kerbed; it can be tricky to get the tracking right after this
  • That uneven front tyre wear can also point to worn suspension bushes - clonks will usually be in evidence too.

We Like

  • Handling
  • Affordability
  • Low running costs
  • Performance

We Don't Like

  • Abused examples
  • Firm ride
  • Visibility

Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf (1997-2004)

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Whether you want an unassuming shopping hatch or a race car for the road, there's a Mk4 Golf for you. With a wide choice of engines and bodystyles, there was a bewildering array of Golfs available. Considering its ubiquity, the Golf's image is strong (sometimes undeservedly so), meaning residuals are high. Despite this, there's no shortage of examples - but with frequently high parts costs don't buy an example that needs lots of fixing.

Key Dates

11/97: Mk4 Golf arrives with 1.4, 1.6, 2.0, 2.3 V5, 1.8T petrol engines. Also 1.9-litre diesel with turbo (TDi) or without (SDi). 3 or 5-door hatches available.

11/98: 2.3 V5 on sale.

8/99: Estate launched.

1/00: 2.8-litre V6 4Motion on sale.

5/02: ESP now standard. 25th Anniversary Edition GTi 1.8T appears.

11/02: R32 on sale.

5/03: 1.4, 1.8T, 2.0 get Euro 4 engine

Volkswagen Golf Mk4 (1997-2004) Checklist

  • Check headlight condition; they're pricey to replace
  • Leather interiors are durable, but costly to fix; watch out for plastic coating coming off the door armrests.
  • TDi 110 ECU can fail - make sure the engine doesn't stall when coming to a halt.
  • Interior trim often fragile.
  • Front windows come out of their carriers.
  • Pipe for rear wash/wipe can come adrift, staining headlining and filling boot with water.
  • 1.4-litre water pumps leak - which can lead to cam belt failure and destruction of the engine.
  • Rear brake calipers hoses fail.

We Like

  • Strong image
  • Solid and safe construction
  • Superb TDi engines

We Don't Like

  • Build quality isn't always great
  • Not great to drive
  • Equipment levels often poor

Kia

Kia Sportage (1995-2003)

Richard Dredge ·

There are some cars that will never go down in history as all-time greats, and the Sportage is just such a vehicle. Bland in every way, it's hardly a landmark car - but it does redeem itself by offering reliability and a reasonable level of towing ability. However, refinement isn't great and it's dynamically tedious too. But with Sportages now worth little more than yesterday's newspapers, buy a good one and you can at least enjoy some top-notch reliability on a budget.

Key Dates

7/95: The Sportage arrives, in 2.0 petrol form only, with a choice of SLX, GLX or GLX SE trims.

6/96: The Executive and Executive SE join the range.

6/99: The old trim levels are replaced by S, SX and GSX derivatives.

7/00: A four-speed automatic transmission is now offered.

Kia Sportage (1995-2003) Checklist

  • With only a 2.0-litre petrol engine, the biggest problem is the Sportage's thirst.

  • Spare parts costs can be very high; if you're looking at a Sportage that needs any work, first investigate how much it'll cost to put right.

  • Front wheel bearings can be fragile, so listen for rumbling and chattering as you turn corners at speed; the noise will come from the outside of the bend as the weight is transferred to the duff bearing.

We Like

  • Reliability

  • Elevated seating position

We Don't Like

  • Lack of diesels

  • Lack of refinement

  • Lack of pace

  • Extremely dull dynamics