Fiat

Fiat Ulysse (2003-2006)

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If you don't want a Citroen C8 or Peugeot 807, how about a Fiat Ulysse? They're all the same car of course, but while the others are occasionally spotted, the Fiat is already almost extinct. That's because the car sold badly thanks to a reputation for poor reliability - a reputation that isn't entirely undeserved. Indifferent dealers did little to help Fiat's reputation, but find a good specialist and this could be just the cheap MPV you've been looking for.

Key Dates

1/03: The second-generation Ulysse goes on sale with a 2.0-litre petrol engine plus a choice of 2.0 or 2.2-litre turbodiesel engines.

Fiat Ulysse (2003-2006) Checklist

  • The balljoints in the front suspension can fail, so listen for creaks and check if there have already been any replacements fitted.
  • ECUs play up, so check for rough running, poor cold starting and misfires.
  • Electrics can be very troublesome, so ensure everything works - sliding doors, central locking, air-con, radio, sat-nav - the lot. Then check again.
  • Interior trim gets broken easily, especially if boisterous kids have been on board.
  • Tyres wear rapidly; swapping to 16-inch items with lower profile rubber can make the difference.
  • Handbrakes can fail, refusing to hold the car.
  • Power steering systems fail; see how heavy the system is.
  • Cam belts can corrode after water gets into the engine compartment, leading to premature failure of the belt.

We Like

  • Cheap
  • Spacious
  • Comfortable
  • Great diesels
  • Well kitted out
  • Unusual

We Don't Like

  • Poor reliability

Chevrolet

Chevrolet Kalos (2002-2008)

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It started out as a Daewoo and ended up as a Chevrolet - but whatever the logo on the nose, this wasn't one of GM's finest. Not what you'd call a real howler, the Kalos wasn't so much a bad car as one that was completely overshadowed by much more capable rivals - so only buy one if the price is right or you're desperate to make an anti-style statement.

Key Dates

10/02: Daewoo Kalos launched, with a 1.4-litre petrol engine only.

4/03: A 1.2-litre petrol engine is now offered, while there's a new engine for the 1.4 SX.

1/05: The Kalos is a Chevrolet from here on, and it's still offered with 1.2 or 1.4-litre petrol engines.

8/05: The engines are now Euro IV compliant, plus the Ikon special edition arrives, with the 1.4-litre engine only.

Chevrolet Kalos (2002-2008) Checklist

  • The interior plastics are of poor quality and bits come adrift all too easily; check it's all intact.
  • Engines can coke up, so check for misfiring, exhaust smoke and rough running.
  • Scraped bodywork and knocked-out tracking are common, as these are popular urban runabouts.
  • The engines emit more CO2 than you'd think (153-169g/km) so don't expect cheap road tax.
  • The seats aren't very supportive, so make sure you're going to be comfortable on a long journey.

We Like

  • Low purchase costs
  • Equipment levels

We Don't Like

  • Poor crash safety
  • Rubbish handling
  • Firm ride
  • Flimsy interior trim
  • Weak performance
  • Poor fuel economy

Renault

Renault Vel Satis (2002-2007)

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Poor Renault; it tries to offer something a little different in the executive sector and ends up getting a bloody nose. However, Renault's misfortune is your gain; the Vel Satis is all but unsaleable on the used car market, thanks to its unusual styling and downmarket image. However, it offers a fascinating alternative to more established German execs, so if you're after something plush on the cheap, this could be just what you've been looking for.

Key Dates

3/02: Vel Satis debuts, with a choice of turbocharged 2.0-litre or 3.5 V6 petrol engines, plus the option of 2.2 or 3.0 V6 turbodiesel units.

8/03: There's now a five-speed automatic option for the 2.2 dCi.

Renault Vel Satis (2002-2007) Checklist

  • The 2.2dCi engine can suffer from turbochargers and intercoolers throwing in the towel prematurely - and repairs are very costly.
  • Tyre wear can be frustratingly rapid - less than 10,000 miles per set is not unheard of, at £500 per time.
  • The interior trim is generally okay, but rattles and creaks often crop up and can be hard to eradicate.
  • Exhaust systems on the 2.2dCi can fracture towards the downpipe (at the engine end), so look for evidence of bodges.
  • The factory-supplied sat-nav is very poorly detailed, so bank on buying a TomTom if you're keen to be led to your destination.

We Like

  • Value
  • Space
  • Comfort
  • Equipment levels
  • Crash safety
  • It's uncommon

We Don't Like

  • Exterior styling

Renault

Renault Megane (2002-2008)

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You could buy it as a saloon, a hatch, a convertible or an estate, with a choice of engines and a multitude of trims - Renault really did aim to have a Megane for everyone. However, more people hated the exterior styling than liked it and build quality could be patchy, ensuring savage depreciation. Which only makes the car an even better buy - as long you find a good one.

Key Dates

8/02: The second-generation Megane debuts in three and five-door hatchback forms.

7/03: A five-door estate and four-door saloon join the range, along with a coupé-cabriolet.

2/04: The first RenaultSport model arrives; the 225.

4/05: The RenaultSport 225 Trophy reaches showrooms.

6/05: The RenaultSport 225 Cup debuts.

4/06: The 225bhp RenaultSport F1 Team edition arrives.

7/06: A 2.0T (turbocharged petrol) engine appears, with 165bhp.

10/06: The RenaultSport 230 F1 Team R26 debuts.

Renault Megane II (2002-2008) Checklist

  • Water can get into the fusebox of early cars, wreaking havoc with the electrics. A sealing kit is available.
  • Even cars with a sound fusebox can suffer from temperamental electrics, so check everything.
  • The headlight bulbs blow readily and replacing them isn't straightforward - even if you follow the official instructions.
  • The 225's catalytic converter can be wrecked through misfiring, so have an emissions check carried out;.
  • On turbodiesels, the exhaust gas recirculation valve can be unreliable, leading to a rough-running engine.
  • Cars with 17-inch wheels can suffer from premature tyre wear because of the suspension set-up.

We Like

  • Value
  • Safety credentials
  • Refinement
  • Diesel engines
  • Estate practicality

We Don't Like

  • Uncertain reliability
  • Patchy dynamics

Suzuki

Suzuki Alto (2003-2008)

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If ever there was a car to divide opinion between professional road testers and owners, this is it. Usually slated by journalists keen to get into something more powerful, you'll struggle to find an owner who has a bad word to say about Suzuki's city car. Pretty much unfailingly reliable and ludicrously cheap to buy and run, the Alto is an unusual alternative to some far more well known machinery - which is invariably more costly to buy and run but not necessarily much more effective.

Key Dates

1/03: The sixth-generation Alto goes on sale, as a 1061cc petrol-engined five-door hatch only.

4/04: A facelift brings standard anti-lock brakes, an upgraded interior and a radio/CD player.

1/06: The Alto's 1.1-litre engine is now Euro IV compliant.

Suzuki Alto (2003-2008) Checklist

  • The fuse for the cigarette lighter can blow, leading to failure of the radio and clock. The fuse isn't in the under-bonnet fuse box though; it's under the dash.
  • Starter motors can stick, leading to whirring instead of starting, as though the battery is dead. The fix is simple; remove the starter, clean and lubricate it then refit it.
  • The Alto is definitely a city car, so watch out for scraped paintwork and uneven panel gaps from poorly repaired crash repairs.
  • All that city driving may well have taken its toll on the steering and suspension, so look for damaged suspension from speed bumps and knocked-out tracking from kerbed wheels.

We Like

  • Economy
  • Reliability
  • Handling
  • Comfort
  • Equipment levels
  • Agility

We Don't Like

  • Rear seat space
  • High-speed refinement
  • Performance

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Colt (2004-2009)

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Sometimes the most obvious cars aren't necessarily the best. Take the Mitsubishi Colt for example; it's a cracker of a car, with reliability, equipment and flexibility all as standard, along with decent performance - yet it's a red-letter day when you see one. As a result, used values are lower than for more obvious superminis - so jump in before word gets out.

Key Dates

9/04: An all-new Colt arrives, in five-door form only.

2/05: A three-door edition appears, along with the 147bhp turbocharged 1.5-litre CZT.

12/05: The previous Equippe, Mirage and Elegance trims are replaced by CZ1, CZ2 and CZ3 badges.

3/06: The CZC coupé-cabriolet arrives, with 1.5-litre petrol power only - but a choice of normally aspirated or turbocharged units.

10/08: Replaced by an extensively facelifted version.

Mitsubishi Colt (2004-2008) Checklist

  • The Colt's battery isn't maintenance free, so the level drops over time. Check that it's been topped up in the last month or so.
  • The engine coolant reservoir bottle top may not seal properly, so the level may drop; check it's up to the mark and that the engine hasn't overheated.
  • Interior trim is flimsy, so check it's not damaged; the glovebox lid is especially prone to problems because its catch fails.
  • A free ECU software upgrade at the dealer should cure problems with the AMT autoclutch gearbox.
  • The Colt is popular as an urban runabout, so check the wheels for kerbing and the tyres for uneven tread wear, suggesting the tracking has been knocked out.

We Like

  • Economy
  • Reliability
  • Cabin flexibility
  • Spacious interior

We Don't Like

  • Lack of seat comfort
  • Poor forward visibility
  • Small boot

Nissan

Nissan Murano (2005-2008)

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Over 90 per cent of 4x4 buyers choose diesel power, so when Nissan introduced the petrol-only Murano there were many who questioned the Japanese car maker's judgement. Sure enough sales proved hard to come by, but the Murano's used values are on the low side, so if you don't mind the 20mpg thirst and costly road tax (CO2 emissions are 295g/km), this could be just the car for you. If you're partial to a bit of towing, the Murano is especially worth a look - but be warned, the fuel consumption will plummet even further...

Key Dates

10/04: The Murano is introduced with a 3498cc V6 petrol engine only, mated to a six-speed CVT gearbox.

6/06: The Murano gets a Euro IV-compliant engine.

Nissan Murano (2005-2008) Checklist

  • Check that the gear ratios engage smoothly, as CVT belt failures have occurred in some cars, although this generally affects Muranos sold overseas.
  • Check that the tyres aren't worn; they're 225/65 R18 items and only Dunlop and Toyo make this size, so finding stocks can be tricky.
  • The Murano makes an excellent tow car; if it's already been used as one, make sure the transmission and brakes haven't been overloaded.
  • Few Murano owners will have taken their car off-roading, but check the underside for scrapes, just in case.

We Like

  • Interior space
  • Handling
  • Build quality
  • Equipment

We Don't Like

  • No diesel option
  • High running costs
  • Rear visibility
  • Road noise

Toyota

Toyota Previa (2000-2007)

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If you're looking for a truly capacious people carrier, your choices aren't as wide-ranging as you might think. However, one car that should definitely be on your list is the Previa, which offers room aplenty, along with excellent build quality and decent kit levels too. However, it's not the best MPV to drive - especially in automatic petrol form - but as an overall ownership package this is one people carrier that's well worth a closer look.

Key Dates

7/00: An all-new Previa is launched with a 2.4-litre petrol engine only.

5/01: A 2.0-litre turbodiesel is introduced, the 2.0 D-4D.

8/01: All cars get climate control with separate controls for the rear.

6/03: A facelift brings new nose and tail design plus extra standard equipment. Also, the GS, GLS and CDX trims become T2, T3 and T Spirit respectively.

Toyota Previa (2000-2007) Checklist

  • There are lots of independent imports about, so make sure you know what you're buying. Check specifications carefully.
  • If the engine intermittently cuts out and the fault cannot be diagnostically traced it may be due to a faulty safety fuel cut-off solenoid switch.
  • Diesel-engined Previas can suffer from cutting out which is caused by a build up of salts on a hot wire in the airflow sensor.
  • The 2.4 petrol Previa can suffer from lambda probe failures, which can get expensive because the exhaust system has four of them.

We Like

  • Sharp styling
  • Space
  • Reliability
  • Practicality

We Don't Like

  • Indifferent dynamics
  • Too many grey imports
  • Petrol engine

Volkswagen

VW Golf Mk5 (2004-2008)

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The car that bridges mainstream and premium, VW's evergreen Golf is a cracker in Mk5 form. Some earlier editions of the Golf proved fragile, but this marked a return to form for VW - although complete reliability is still not assured. However, the Golf is great to drive, spacious and comfortable, while it's got a rock-solid image too. But the Golf is also a relatively costly car compared with its rivals, so expect to pay for the privilege of owning one.

Key Dates

2/04: The fifth-generation Golf goes on sale.

1/05: The GTi reaches showrooms.

1/06: The 247bhp R32 joins the range.

6/05: A high-roofed Golf arrives, called Golf Plus.

6/06: The 138bhp 1.4TSi replaces the 2.0 GT.

6/07: The Golf estate is launched and a 170bhp edition of the 1.4TSi engine appears.

8/08: The sixth-generation Golf is unveiled.

Volkswagen Golf Mk5 (2004-2008) Checklist

  • Check the stereo and climate control work properly, as they can prove temperamental.
  • Get the engine up to temperature then leave the car idling to see if the radiator's electric fan cuts in; it sometimes doesn't.
  • The rear light lenses can fill up with condensation, as their seals can fail, allowing water in.
  • The door seals can fail, allowing rainwater to get into the cabin, rotting the carpet.
  • On turbodiesels the turbocharger's oil seals can fail; repairs are very costly.
  • Air conditioning compressors and condensors can fail on the Golf GTi.
  • The FSi engine likes high-octane fuel; using 95-octane petrol can lead to running and starting problems.

We Like

  • Strength
  • Image
  • Dynamics
  • Cabin

We Don't Like

  • High prices

Fiat

Fiat Idea (1998-2007)

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The Fiat Idea came and went so quickly that the chances are you didn't even know it existed. Overshadowed by siblings the Panda and Punto, the Idea was Fiat's rival to the Vauxhall Meriva and Honda Jazz, as it was a high-roofed supermini with a focus on practicality. Idea stood for Intelligent Design, Emotion and Architecture, and while there was a healthy dose of usability and flexibility, this isn't a car to excite the senses. Still, it wasn't a bad Idea.

Key Dates

2/04: The Idea goes on sale with a choice of 1.4 petrol or 1.3 JTD turboodiesel engines.

8/04: A Dualogic automatic transmission is introduced; the 1.4 gets a five-speed unit and the 1.3JTD a four-speeder.

2/06: Both engines are now Euro 4 compliant and the 1.3JTD's Dualogic gearbox gains an extra ratio.

Fiat Idea (2004-2007) Checklist

  • Head gaskets have proved weak, so check the oil and water haven't mixed by looking for white emulsion on the underside of the oil filler cap.
  • The interior is full of hard plastics, which haven't proved very durable. Make sure everything is present and intact.
  • The earth lead can rust through between the battery and bodywork.
  • The paint on the bonnet damages very easily; check it isn't peppered with chips.
  • The Idea's interior can suffer from all sorts of squeaks and rattles, some of which can be a nightmare to fix.

We Like

  • Value
  • Space
  • Practicality
  • Equipment levels
  • 1.3JTD engine

We Don't Like

  • Can be fragile
  • Hard to find

Toyota

Toyota Verso (2002-2007)

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If you want to carry seven people but you don't want a full-sized MPV, your options are surprisingly limited - but not as much as you might think. One seven-seater compact MPV which has been around for years, but which is still largely unknown, is Toyota's brilliantly practical Verso. Well equipped, safe, dependable, flexible and spacious, it's also very easy to use and own. It's also far less common than its rivals; perhaps it's time to look beyond the obvious?

Key Dates

12/01: Toyota launches the five-seater Corolla Verso with 1.6 or 1.8-litre petrol engines plus a 2.0 turbodiesel.

5/04: An all-new seven-seater Corolla Verso arrives; it looks like its predecessor and has the same engine range as before.

11/05: A 2.2-litre D-4D turbodiesel engine replaces the 2.0-litre unit; it's also offered in sporty 175bhp form.

2/07: A mild facelift brings fresh front and rear lights plus extra standard equipment.

Toyota Verso (2002-2008) Checklist

  • The optional DVD player can get bashed, leading to reliability problems.
  • The front brake discs are prone to scoring.
  • An actuator problem can leave MMT (CVT automatic) cars with no usable gears.
  • Petrol engines can use a litre of oil every 600 miles, so make sure it hasn't been running on empty.
  • The paintwork chips easily, particularly on the leading edge of the bonnet.
  • Some of the interior plastics aren't very durable; the steering wheel can delaminate.
  • The light cluster seals can fail, leading to water getting in. Look for condensation inside.

We Like

  • Reliability
  • Practicality
  • Refinement
  • Equipment levels

We Don't Like

  • Dull design
  • High used prices

Chrysler

Chrysler Crossfire (2003-2008)

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The first fruit of Chrylser's ill-fated merger with Mercedes-Benz, the Crossfire was based on the first-generation SLK, which was nice. Not so nice though was what Chrysler's engineers did with the chassis, which was to give the car an unbearably crashy ride. However, the looks are distinctive, it's cracking value and there's also a convertible edition available which works very well. It's generally solidly built too, and the handling isn't at all bad, so despite what you may have read when the Crossfire was new, as a used buy it's a cracker.

Key Dates

7/03: The Crossfire goes on sale in coupé form only. All cars have a 215bhp 3.2-litre V6 petrol engine and a six-speed manual gearbox as standard; a five-speed auto is optionally available.

5/04: A convertible edition is introduced, which is mechanically the same as the coupé.

2/05: There's now a supercharged Crossfire available, carrying SRT-6 badges and packing 330bhp. Both convertible and coupé editions are offered.

Chrysler Crossfire (2003-2008) Checklist

  • The 18-inch alloys are kerbed very easily and expensive to replace; check they're not wrecked.
  • Electrical gremlins can strike, so check the lighting works as it should along with the electric windows.
  • The standard stereo is poor, but it can also prove temperamental. Make sure it works properly.
  • Convertible roofs are very costly to replace, so look for evidence of vandals having struck.

We Like

  • Value
  • Smooth V6
  • Distinctive design
  • Cheap servicing
  • Handling
  • Reliability

We Don't Like

  • Firm ride
  • Thirsty 3.2 V6
  • Low-rent interior