It may be the new kid on the block in the luxury car arena, but that hasn't stopped this Toyota offshoot from quickly gaining a seriously enviable reputation for superlative quality. With unsurpassed reliability, astonishing equipment levels and peerless dealer service, owning a Lexus is guaranteed to be painless. Even better, thanks to heavy depreciation, you can get into an LS430 for less than you'd think - it's just running the thing that might cripple you financially...

Key Dates

11/00: Second-generation LS launched, now with a 4.3-litre petrol V8, mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox. There are two trim levels; standard or Premium, the latter with air suspension, air conditioned front seats, rear seat air-con and audio controls plus electrically operated massaging rear seats

10/03: A revised LS430 arrives, with a six-speed automatic transmission, air suspension, facelifted interior and adaptive headlights

Lexus LS430 (2000-2007) Checklist

Even minor problems are unlikely, as Lexus dealers have to nip anything in the bud before it develops into a problem. However, you can think about:
Get an insurance quote before purchasing; buying an LS is usually only the start of the expense.
Also work out what you'll be paying in fuel and road tax costs; the LS430 has a CO2 rating of 276g/km.
Alloy wheels can corrode, although dealers will sometimes replace them for free as a goodwill gesture.
It's a big car, so check the corners for scrapes; there isn't always a Lexus-sized space available when parking up.

We Like

Dealer service
Refinement
Equipment
Reliability
Low used values

We Don't Like

Looks
Lack of diesels

Nissan

Nissan 350Z (1998-2007)

· April 13, 2008

The original Z cars were all-time greats; while the brand went off the boil for a while, this masterpiece made sure it didn't wither on the vine. With a free-revving V6 up front there's power aplenty while handling is an enthusiast's dream - oversteer is available on demand. Despite superb performance credentials, the 350Z is easy to drive and reliable too - and although there's no prestige badge in evidence, you're not paying premium prices to buy or run one either.

Key Dates

3/03: The 350Z coupé goes on sale with a 276bhp 3.5-litre V6 only.

10/04: A roadster joins the range, powered by the same V6 as the coupé.

1/05: The Gran Turismo 4 limited edition arrives, with a 296bhp V6 and special wheels.

3/06: A facelift for both the coupé and roadster brings new headlamps and tail lights, extra power (now 296bhp) and a revised dash.

Nissan 350Z (2003-2008) Checklist

Clutches can fail in under 10,000 miles, especially on hard-driven cars, so check for slipping.
Don't be put off by a noisy gearbox in neutral - they all do that.
Gunmetal cars can suffer from the paint blistering or discolouring on the various plastic components.
The paint is also generally not especially durable, as it stone chips easily; look for damage on the nose particularly.
The final cars offer more power, but the engines don't feel as free-revving or powerful as earlier units.
Exhausts can fracture near the rear silencer, leading to blowing.

We Like

Performance
Styling
Dynamics
Reliability

We Don't Like

Thirsty engine
Cheap plastics
Nissan badge
No 2+2 option

Kia Cerato (2004-2007)

· April 10, 2008

If you want exclusivity, forget about buying a Ferrari or Porsche; there's one of those on every street corner. No, what you want is one of these - have you ever even heard of the Cerato, never mind seen one? An interim model that lasted less than two years in the UK, the Focus-sized Cerato isn't a bad car, but it's also not as good as the vehicles this Korean company is now churning out. At the right price though, the Cerato is well worth a look.

Key Dates

9/04: The Cerato is launched in five-door hatch or four-door saloon forms, with a 1.6-litre petrol engine only

1/05: There's now a 2.0-litre petrol engine available

4/05: A 1.5-litre turbodiesel joins the range

5/06: Zapp! special edition goes on sale, based on 1.6 GS

Kia Cerato (2004-2007) Checklist

Don't pay over the odds; these cars were heavily discounted when new and are worth even less now.
Make sure all the gadgetry works, especially items such as the central locking, which can be unreliable.
Be wary of premature engine wear. Petrol editions are often bought by elderly drivers who cover hardly any miles each year, so the engine is always running cold.
Ceratos are usually bought as urban runabouts, so check for bodywork scrapes, kerbed wheels and uneven tyre wear that points to the tracking having been knocked out.

We Like

Value
Reliability
Equipment
Diesel's cruising ability

We Don't Like

Image
Interior plastics

Subaru

Subaru Impreza (2000-2007)

· March 10, 2008

Subaru Impreza (2000-2007)

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)

· February 15, 2008

Mercedes CL (2002-2007)

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)

· February 6, 2008

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)

· February 16, 2007

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 · December 22, 2006

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)

· December 4, 2006

Rover City Rover (2003-2005)

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)

· November 22, 2006

Vauxhall VX220 (2000-2004)

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 · October 12, 2006

Renault Avantime (2002-2003)

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)

· September 18, 2006

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