Subaru

Subaru Impreza (2000-2007)

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Subaru's Impreza is an icon, and for good reason, thanks to its apparent ability to defy the laws of physics. Fast, sure-footed, practical and astonishingly reliable for such a performance machine, the Impreza makes a great used buy if you're an enthusiast. But buying one on the cheap isn't recommended, because running costs are high thanks to frequent service intervals, the engine's thirst and costly insurance for the performance versions.

Key Dates

10/00: The second-generation Impreza arrives, with a 'bug-eye' look and a choice of 1.6 or 2.0 petrol engines.

1/02: The new WRX arrives, in saloon form only.

2/03: A facelift rids the Impreza of its bug-eyed front end.

10/06: Another facelift gives the Impreza a more aggressive nose. An economy Impreza also arrives; the 1.5R.

5/07: The third-generation Impreza goes on sale.

Subaru Impreza (2000-2007) Checklist

  • The factory-fitted battery often doesn't last very long; a decent aftermarket item is a worthwhile investment.
  • Cars with Sigma immobilisers can prove susceptible to interference; the only cure is to replace the immobiliser with an upgraded one.
  • Turbos are very thirsty and if you buy an STi it has to be run on super-unleaded, so fuel costs are very high.
  • Servicing costs are steep and the annual road tax bill is going to be costly too.
  • Reliability is exceptionally good usually, but hard-driven Turbos suffer from worn brakes and suspension, which is expensive to fix.

We Like

  • Reliability
  • Performance
  • Handling
  • Value
  • 4WD security

We Don't Like

  • No diesel engines
  • Interior plastics
  • High running costs

Mercedes

Mercedes CL (2002-2007)

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Tourers come no more grand than here, with this stylish coupe from Stuttgart. Packed with tech to make every journey as comfortable as possible, the CL is fast, refined, comfortable and amazing value on the used market. Even better, running costs can be a lot lower than you might expect, thanks to decent reliability and economy; CL500 owners can easily get 25mpg. But the first thing that goes wrong could cost you plenty, even through a decent independent specialist. Buy very carefully...

Key Dates

9/02: An all-new CL arrives, in CL500 and 500bhp CL55 AMG guises.

10/02: The twin-turbo 5.5-litre V12 CL600 joins the range.

9/03: The CL500 gets a seven-speed automatic transmission.

4/04: The 603bhp twin-turbo 6-litre V12 CL65 AMG appears.

Checklist

  • Despite its size, the CL's cabin isn't that spacious, so don't expect to carry four tall adults in comfort for long distances.
  • Being such a big and heavy car, the brakes have to work hard, so make sure they're not worn out.
  • The car's size also takes its toll on the suspension, so check the car's handling isn't all over the place.
  • Corrosion isn't unheard of; check the wheelarches and doors in particular.
  • The CL is packed with electronics, and they don't always work. Check that everything functions properly; chances are you'll overlook lots of things because there's so much.

We Like

  • Discreet styling
  • Performance
  • Comfort
  • Safety kit
  • Image
  • Refinement
  • Value

We Don't Like

  • Some parts costs

Fiat

Fiat Croma (2005-2007)

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Available for less than two years in the UK, Fiat's second take on the Croma proved as forgettable as its first, offered from 1985. Half-way between a conventional estate and an MPV, the Croma is hard to pigeonhole, but that's not to say it's talent-free. Indeed, as a used buy you won't get more carrying capacity for your money; just make sure you focus on the diesels only. And while you won't revel in the car's dynamics, you'll love the value that it offers.

Key Dates

8/05: The Croma goes on sale with a choice of three engines. Buyers can choose from a 2.2-litre petrol unit, or 1.9 and 2.4-litre JTD turbodiesel powerplants. Trim levels range from Dynamic to Prestigio, with Eleganza in between.

2/06: There's now a new entry-level engine in the form of a 1.8-litre petrol unit.

3/07: The Croma becomes special order only, due to very poor sales. Nobody orders it specially...

Fiat Croma (2005-2007) Checklist

  • Electrics can be unreliable, so make sure the windows, radio and air-con work.
  • As soon as the Croma became special order only, parts supply could be an issue - so make sure nothing is needed.
  • The rear light cluster seals can fail, leading to the lights misting up.
  • The interior trim isn't that durable, so check it's all present and intact.
  • Alarms can work only sporadically.
  • Fuel economy can be poor, even with the diesels.
  • This is a surprisingly big car - will it fit in your garage?

We Like

  • Space
  • Value
  • Comfort
  • Diesel engines

We Don't Like

  • Stodgy handling
  • Patchy parts supply
  • Petrol engines

Honda

Honda NSX (1990-2005)

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Until the NSX, supercars were impractical, temperamental things that cost a fortune to run. But Honda changed all that, with a car that's stunning to look at, fast and handles superbly - yet it's also docile, reliable and needn't cost an arm and a leg to run. Many owners are hanging onto their cars, unable to find anything comparable as a replacement. Try one - even briefly - and you'll immediately see their predicament.

Key Dates

12/90: Honda NSX arrives in UK.

11/92: Japan-only NSX Type R is produced.

4/94: Passenger airbag and seven-spoke alloy wheels now standard.

3/95: NSX-T arrives plus the F-Matic with auto gearbox.

2/97: Manual cars get 3.2-litre engine, six ratios and bigger brakes. The auto retains the 3.0 V6 powerplant. Japanese market gets Type-S and Type-S Zero.

5/02: Facelifted NSX gets fixed headlights, while Japan gets NSX-R.

7/05: Official announcement that the NSX is about to die.

Honda NSX (1990-2005) Checklist

  • The window winder mechanisms break, entailing a door stripdown.
  • The three hi-fi amps burn out; repairs are very costly.
  • Make sure a new cam belt isn't needed; replacements are expensive.
  • Clutches wear out in as little as 30,000 miles.
  • Anything less than perfect panel fit means the car has been crashed. Alloy panels are easily dented.
  • Rear tyres typically wear out in less than 6000 miles.

We Like

  • Great to drive
  • Reliable
  • Relatively cheap to run
  • Looks fantastic

We Don't Like

  • Eats rear tyres
  • Dull Honda image

Porsche

Porsche 911 (1997-2004)

Richard Dredge ·

On more than one occasion the 911 has been tipped to die, yet more than 40 years after its introduction, the range is going stronger than ever. While many thought the idea of water cooling for the rear-mounted flat-six was the end of the world, the 996 has proved to be more usable than any of its predecessors - yet it's still one of the all-time great driver's cars. Just don't expect to buy one on a budget.

Key Dates

10/97: New 911 launched, known as the 996.

10/98: Carrera 4 introduced with four-wheel drive. Cabriolet also goes on sale.

12/01: GT2 and Targa models arrive.

10/03: 40th Anniversary special edition appears.

5/00: Turbo reaches the showroom.

Checklist

  • It's not Porsche's first water-cooled engine, yet this version of Porsche's flat-six can suffer from the oil and water mixing. Check the underside of the oil filler cap for white emulsion; if there's any there, just walk away.
  • Wet-sump models (which is most of them) can suffer from oil starvation if cornered especially hard.
  • Four-wheel drive editions tend to suffer from a disappointing amount of transmission noise.
  • Rear brake discs can rust if the car isn't driven hard every so often.
  • Turbos have been recalled no fewer than five times - has everything been done to the car you're looking at?

We Like

  • Excellent build quality
  • Image
  • Driving experience
  • Strong residuals

We Don't Like

  • Pricey to buy
  • Pricey to run

 

Rover

Rover City Rover (2003-2005)

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Anybody who bought a City Rover new needed their head looking at - this was a poorly built city car with an inflated price tag. However, now the market has done its worst and decimated values, you can pick a City Rover up for virtually nothing. And let's face it, that's all these cars are worth. It's not all bad though, because many City Rovers came with a fair bit of kit, even if you have to go for a range-topper before the passenger gets an airbag.

Key Dates

10/03: The City Rover is introduced, with an 83bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine only. There's a choice of Solo, Select, Sprite or Style trim levels.

Rover City Rover (2003-2005) Checklist

  • Rear door seals can leak, letting water into the cabin.
  • The engine can leak oil, as can the transmission.
  • The interior trim is poorly put together, so expect squeaks, creaks and rattles.
  • The door locks can fail, especially those in the rear doors as well as the tailgate.
  • Air conditioning units pack up when the compressor or its control unit fails; it can be fixed cheaply though if you can find the right specialist.
  • Fuel consumption can be poor - some owners are getting little more than 30mpg.

We Like

  • Cheap
  • Nippy
  • Spacious

We Don't Like

  • Harsh ride
  • Poor refinement
  • Poor build quality
  • Lack of safety kit
  • Awkward driving position

Vauxhall

Vauxhall VX220 (2000-2004)

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Built on the same production line as its Elise cousin, the Vauxhall VX220 never enjoyed the same cachet as the Lotus, thanks to the Griffin on the nose. Yet not only is the VX220 more usable in some ways, it also offers just as great a drive while also being more affordable. The VX220 shared just 10 per cent of its components with the Elise, but it offered every bit as much fun.

Key Dates

8/00: The VX220 goes on sale, with a normally aspirated 2.2-litre four-pot.

11/01: There's a special edition unleashed, called the Lightning Yellow. Just 100 are built, with yellow paint, anthracite alloys and a colour-coded hard top.

12/02: The VX220 Turbo arrives, with a blown 2-litre engine giving 197bhp.

5/04: The ultimate VX goes on sale, the VXR220. It packs a 2-litre turbocharged engine offering 220bhp.

Vauxhall VX220 (2000-2004) Checklist

  • The 2.2-litre engine can snap its timing chain when the lubrication jet gets blocked, because the oil hasn't been changed frequently enough.
  • Stone chips in the paintwork are par for the course.
  • The ignition control unit of the 2.2-litre engine is prone to burning out.
  • Check the car's floorpans, chassis and suspension components for rippling, cracks and dents, from poor crash repairs.
  • Suspension bushes wear out after 35,000 miles or so.
  • If the wheels vibrate at speed, it's probably because the outer wishbone ball joints need replacing.

We Like

  • Dynamics
  • Performance
  • Build quality
  • Reliability
  • Value

We Don't Like

  • Vauxhall badge

Renault

Renault Avantime (2002-2003)

Richard Dredge ·

Only the French would produce something as outlandish as the Avantime - a two-door coupé with the profile and dimensions of a full-sized MPV. However, while Renault should be applauded for being so bold, it turned out to be a sales disaster; with a near-£30,000 price tag, buyers instead flocked to their local Audi, BMW or Mercedes dealer to buy a posh saloon. It's not hard to see why, if you look independently at the Avantime; its packaging is hopelessly flawed, the interior plastics are shocking and let's face it - buyers in this segment are notoriously conservative. But the Avantime is guaranteed to attain classic status - there's even an owners' club already.

Key Dates

4/02: The Avantime is introduced with a choice of just two models; the 2.0T Dynamique or the 3.0 V6 24v Privilege. Both are high-spec models with plenty of standard equipment.

Renault Avantime (2002-2003) Checklist

  • Those doors are big and heavy, which is why they can drop on their hinges.
  • Automatic transmissions can be unreliable, as the gearbox's cooler is mounted in the radiator. If the cooler fractures (which it can), the coolant gets into the transmission and wrecks it.
  • Parking sensors can be unreliable.
  • The power steering can fail; check there are no heavy spots.
  • The headlining can sag, especially towards the rear, over the luggage bay.

We Like

  • Style
  • Equipment levels
  • Rarity

We Don't Like

  • No diesels
  • Interior packaging
  • Interior plastics

Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo 166 (1999-2005)

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If you’re after an executive car but you also want to be an individual, nothing will mark you out like a 166 on your drive. More charismatic than any of its rivals, the Alfa is also good to drive and well-specced. But sometimes that equipment stops working and rigid adherence to the service schedule is essential if the car isn’t to fall apart altogether. So while the 166 is great value for money, you must tread very carefully before buying.

Key Dates

1/99: 166 replaces 164

4/00: There’s now a Lusso trim available

4/04: Car gets a facelift with new nose and tail plus more equipment; at the same time, the 3.2 V6 replaces the 3.0 edition

Alfa Romeo 166 (1999-2005) Checklist

  • Suspension bushes deteriorate, to the point where the tyres start to wear unevenly; check for odd tread wear patterns
  • The rear suspension may also be out, due to poor quality control on the production line. Look for evidence of them scrubbing
  • Xenon lights fail, and replacements are big money
  • The brightwork can pit badly so check it's all in good condition
  • The four-cylinder twin spark engines need a fresh cam belt and tensioners every 36,000 miles or three years; it's often left much longer
  • The 2.0 litre Twin Spark engine's oil pump fails, leading to the bottom end disintegrating; listen for knocking on start up
  • If you're buying a manual, make sure the clutch pedal is okay; they often develop significant play

We Like

  • Value
  • Driving experience
  • Design - inside and out
  • Equipment

We Don't Like

  • Patchy reliability
  • Fidgety Ride
  • Thirsty VS

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