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

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

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

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

Volvo

Volvo S60 (2000-2010)

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The original Volvo S60 has been overlooked ever since its arrival, even though it's a great car in many respects. One of the most comfortable cars around, the S60 is also strong, supremely safe, well-equipped and excellent value. Sure it now looks dated, but when it comes to executive value for money, the S60 is virtually unbeatable.

Key Dates

10/00: The S60 arrives with 2.0, 2.3 or 2.4 turbo petrol engines.

6/01: Two 2.4-litre bi-fuel options appear (LPG or CNG) alongside the D5 turbodiesel.

3/03: A 210bhp 2.5 turbo petrol engine arrives.

5/04: A facelift brings a new nose and lights, revised bumpers and interior upgrades. The T5 gets a new 260bhp engine.

4/05: The 300bhp 4WD S60R debuts. The previous D5 is now badged 2.4D, and an all-new 185bhp D5 turbodiesel engine debuts.

4/06: Another facelift brings a new grille and posher interior.

7/08: The S60 is revised, with extra standard equipment.

Volvo S60 (2000-2010) Checklist

  • An uneven idle can be down to the air cleaner box lid being bent out of shape, which damages the air mass sensor.
  • Early cars can suffer from stalling because of wiring loom damage.
  • The Geartronic transmission can be unreliable - especially on cars used for towing.
  • Front tyres can wear quickly.
  • The paintwork can easily be damaged by bird droppings.
  • Poor starting on D5s suggests faulty injectors, especially on pre-2003 cars.
  • Misfiring can be down to a failed ECUs; repairs are costly.
  • The clutch hydraulics can leak.

We Like

  • Strength
  • Comfort
  • Equipment levels
  • Value

We Don't Like

  • Patchy reliability
  • Average dynamics
  • Dated looks

Kia

Kia Sportage (2004-2010)

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After the mediocre first-generation Sportage, Kia's second take on the model was a massive improvement. Chunkier looks, a decent diesel engine, OK dynamics and plenty of standard kit made the Sportage a tempting proposition. It wasn't class leading, but when it came to reliability, few 4x4s had a better reputation. It's handy in the rough too, and offers plenty of cabin space, so if you're looking for a 4x4 and you're not out to impress anyone, check out the Sportage.

Key Dates

12/04: The second-generation Sportage reaches showrooms with 2.0 or 2.7 V6 petrol engines, or a 2.0CRDi diesel.

1/06: There's now a high-output 2.0CRDi available, with 138bhp instead of 111bhp.

4/07: The limited-run Titan arrives.

7/07: The Xi special edition debuts.

10/07: There's now a two-wheel drive option, with an automatic gearbox only. From here, all 2.0CRDi editions have the 138bhp engine and a six-speed manual gearbox (previously a five-speed).

4/08: The XR limited edition appears.

8/08: A facelift brings a redesigned grille, headlamps, tail lights, alloys plus modified wheelarches. There's extra standard equipment too.

Kia Sportage (2004-2010) Checklist

  • The brake pad wear sensor doesn't always work, leading to the brake discs getting damaged. Listen for untoward noises when braking.
  • The gearchange can become very stiff, with gear selection frustratingly difficult.
  • Be wary of a noisy gearbox too; complete failure is not unknown.
  • Diesel injectors can seize and/or fail.

We Like

  • Value
  • Ample kit levels
  • Spacious cabin
  • Reliability

We Don't Like

  • Lacklustre image
  • So-so dynamics
  • Cheap cabin plastics

Volkswagen

Volkswagen Sharan (1995-2010)

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The first-generation Sharan was on sale for an astonishing 15 years, so it was inevitably long in the tooth by the time it went out of production. A relative lack of cabin flexibility, little in the way of cutting-edge technology or safety features plus a cramped cabin for seven all betray the Sharan's age. But for value, strength and surprisingly good dynamics the Sharan is still well worth a closer look - especially as there are plenty to choose from.

Key Dates

8/95: The Sharan debuts, with 2.8 V6 petrol or 1.9 turbodiesel engines.

10/97: Two new petrol engines appear; a normally aspirated 2.0 and the 1.8T.

5/00: A facelifted Sharan brings a redesigned nose, tail and interior, plus slightly increased track and wheelbase.

1/03: A 130bhp 1.9TDi engine is now available.

11/03: Another facelift brings a new grille, bonnet and tail lights.

11/04: A 4WD Sharan 1.9TDi debuts.

2/07: A 2.0TDi engine is now offered.

5/08: The 2.0TDi Bluemotion appears.

Volkswagen Sharan (1995-2010) Checklist

  • Some early cars were personal imports; check they're to UK spec.
  • Wiper motors get waterlogged, so the wipers won't switch off. Repairs are costly.
  • Some earlier cars suffer from water leaks into the cabin. Water gets in through the ventilation system and wrecks the ECU/electrics.
  • Turbochargers can fail on TDi models; look for black exhaust smoke and check the service history for signs of regular oil changes.
  • Five and six-speed manual gearboxes on TDi models can be weak.
  • Cam belts are best replaced after 60-70,000 miles, or they snap and wreck the engine.
  • Oil pumps can fail on 2.0TDi engines.

We Like

  • Seats seven
  • Strong
  • Good to drive
  • Excellent diesels
  • Plenty about

We Don't Like

  • Cramped interior
  • Inflexible cabin

Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo GT (2004-2010)

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You can always count on Alfa Romeo to serve a hefty slice of style, and that's exactly what the GT provides. Far more characterful than rivals like the BMW 3-Series or Audi A5, the front-wheel drive GT is one of the most distinctive sporting coupés around, with eye-catching lines courtesy of Bertone. Based on the Alfa Romeo 156, the GT is a genuine four-seater that's more reliable than you might think and great value too.

Key Dates

4/04: The GT arrives, with 2.0 or 3.2 V6 petrol engines, or a 1.9 turbodiesel.

1/07: The 2.0 JTS appears with direct injection. The limited edition Blackline features 18-inch alloys, metallic black paint and a sportier interior. The 1.9 JTDm gets Multijet injection and is available with a Q2 limited-slip diff.

7/08: The special edition Cloverleaf (in 2.0 JTS or 1.9 JTDm guises) has 18-inch alloys, sporty exterior highlights plus a leather-trimmed interior.

Alfa Romeo GT (2004-2010) Checklist

  • Electrics and electronics can be temperamental; the central locking, stereo and boot release are the most commonly affected areas. They can also be tricky to fix too.
  • All GTs get alloy wheels as standard, measuring up to 18 inches in diameter; watch out for kerbing damage as repairs can be expensive.
  • Uneven front tyre wear is common; a four-wheel alignment is essential if problems aren't to crop up.
  • Water pumps fail on diesels; a new one is recommended every 60,000 miles.
  • The GT can struggle to put its power down, so go for a car with the Q2 limited-slip diff.

We Like

  • Looks
  • Image
  • Interior
  • Value
  • Great diesel engine
  • Space for four

We Don't Like

  • Poor visibility
  • 3.2 V6 is thirsty

Tags: GT