If you want a small hatch that stands out from the crowd, the Civic is for you. Even now, this eighth-generation Civic's futuristic lines still look the part, and the dash is every bit as cutting-edge. Throw in generous equipment levels, a strong structure, lots of safety kit and a spacious, flexible interior and you've got a great family car. Some early examples aren't as well built as you might expect however, so you can't always take that legendary Honda reliability for granted.

Key Dates

9/05 :The eighth-generation Civic debuts, with 1.4 or 1.8 petrol engines or a 2.2 diesel.

1/06 :The Civic IMA hybrid saloon appears, without the radical styling of the hatch.

1/07 :A three-door car arrives, along with the Type S, the latter with 1.8 petrol or 2.2-litre diesel powerplants.

3/07 :The three-door 198bhp Type R goes on sale, along with the high-spec GT.

3/09 :A facelift brings a new 1.4 petrol engine.

9/09 :The high-spec Si joins the range.

3/11 :The BTCC-inspired Civic Ti arrives, with 1.4 or 1.8 petrol engines.

Honda Civic (2005-2012) Checklist

Door handles can fail, so check each door from inside and out.
Headlight seals fail, leading to condensation inside.
If the grille badge isn't intact, you have to replace the whole grille assembly.
Rear visibility is poor, so check for damage to the rear wings and bumper.
There's no spare wheel, so check the car isn't being driven on damaged tyres filled with sealant.
Diesels have no low level warning light and oil consumption can be up to 600 miles per litre.
The front foglamps, in the front bumper, get damaged from stones.
The rear window seals fail, letting water into the cabin.

We Like

Distinctive styling
Cabin flexibility
Safe construction
Equipment levels
Strong 2.2 diesel engine
Big boot

We Don't Like

So-so handling
Busy dash
Early cars' fragility
No small diesel

Mercedes

Mercedes B-Class (2005-2012)

· November 1, 2012

The B-Class is a spacious family hatch with that famed Mercedes build quality, a healthy dose of practicality and a strong image, yet many buyers were unaware of this overgrown A-Class. Of those who knew about it, many couldn't afford it. Easier to recommend used than new, the B-Class has the silhouette of an MPV, but doesn't offer that level of versatility. So while it's not an alternative to established MPVs, think of it as a posh family hatch at keen prices, and you won't go far wrong.

Key Dates

9/05 :The B-Class arrives in B150 (1.5-litre), B170 (1.7-litre) and B200 Turbo (2-litre) petrol forms. There's a 2-litre diesel in B180 CDi or B200 CDi guises too, plus SE or Sport trims. The B150 and B180 CDi also come in an un-named entry-level trim.

4/08 :A facelift brings more efficient engines and a tweaked nose along with a few minor interior revisions.

6/09 :The B160 and B180 petrol engines are introduced, with fuel-saving BlueEfficiency technology.

Mercedes B-Class (2005-2012) Checklist

Sunroofs can leak in heavy rain; look for damp patches in the cloth surrounding the aperture.
That extra height means the suspension is firm to counter body roll; make sure it's not uncomfortably firm.
High-mileage diesels can get very smoky and clattery, and big bills almost certainly loom.
Rear brake discs rust, especially on cars used sparingly. It's down to the front brakes doing most of the work.
The rear screen washer pipe detaches, allowing water to short the electrics that control the tailgate release.
Central locking problems can occur in cold weather, while the electric windows can play up; synchronising them usually fixes things.
Many owners find the heating and air-con system inadequate.

We Like

Image
Practicality
Reliability
Build quality
Spacious cabin
Diesel engines

We Don't Like

Fidgety ride
Vague steering
Lack of versatility
Awkward styling
Five seats only

Citroen

Citroen C6 (2006-2012)

· November 1, 2012

Citroen C6 (2006-2012)

Citroen didn't expect to sell many C6s in the UK, which is just as well because in the half-dozen years it was available, fewer than 1,000 examples found homes. The C6 offered executive car buyers an alternative to the mainstream, but potential owners were put off by the spectre of reliability issues and horrific depreciation. The C6 has proved to be reasonably reliable, and while you won't enjoy the cast-iron build quality of German rivals, if you're looking for an unusual executive saloon, you don't get less predictable than here.

Key Dates

5/06: The C6 debuts with 3.0 V6 petrol or 2.7 V6 diesel engines. Trim levels are C6, Lignage or Exclusive.

10/06: There's now a 2.2HDi option.

8/09: The new range-topper is a 3.0HDi engine.

8/10: A wi-fi option is now available.

Citroen C6 (2006-2012) Checklist

Front suspension ball joints fail on early cars, when water gets in. A new design was fitted from 2009.
Listen for chattering on cornering, signifying worn wheelbearings; they can be weak.
ABS warnings aren't necessarily because of brake problems; the sensors can be faulty.
The fuse box in the engine bay can play up, although replacements are rarely needed.
On high-mileage cars suspension spheres can fail, affecting the ride quality.
A 'depollution error' message doesn't mean the DPF is at fault; the message can cover an array of other potential issues.
The 3.0HDi is noticeably smoother, torquier and more frugal than the already excellent 2.7HDi, but these later cars are very rare.

We Like

Exclusivity
Ride
Equipment levels
Value
Safety kit
Spacious cabin

We Don't Like

Vague steering
Jerky auto transmission
Poor body control
Small boot

Vauxhall

Vauxhall Zafira (2005-2012)

· September 24, 2012

Vauxhall Zafira (2005-2012)

Although Vauxhall didn't introduce the compact MPV, it did revolutionise the breed with its pop-up third row of seats. While rivals have now caught up, the second take on this compact MPV still offers brilliant family transport thanks to low purchase and running costs, and in most cases decent reliability too, especially in petrol-engined form. Throw in surprisingly good dynamics plus lots of choice, and you've got ideal family transport.

Key Dates

4/05: The second-generation Zafira is launched with a choice of 1.6, 1.8, turbocharged 2.0 or 2.2-litre petrol engines, plus a 1.9 turbodiesel.

9/05: The 237bhp Zafira VXR arrives, with a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine.

1/06: The 1.8-litre engine is now offered with Vauxhall's Easytronic semi-automatic transmission.

6/07: A high-spec Elite trim level becomes available with some engines.

12/07: The 1.6-litre engine is boosted from 103bhp to 113bhp.

3/08: A refresh brings cosmetic changes inside and out.

3/09: The 1.7CDTi Ecoflex arrives.

Vauxhall Zafira (2005-2012) Checklist

Diesel autos have a heat exchanger in the radiator; coolant can get into the gearbox, wrecking it.
Six-speed autos can be jerky, because of an incorrect internal pipe not allowing the box to be properly filled.
Some electrical items aren't that robust, so make sure that the interior lights all work, plus the wipers.
The spare wheel sits underneath the boot floor, so it's easily stolen.
Radios can switch themselves on when the car is left standing, draining the battery.
Turbos can fail, and so can alternators, oil pumps and flywheels on the 1.9CDTi engine.
Make sure the central locking works properly; the tailgate release can be particularly temperamental.

We Like

Value
Reliability
Versatility
Comfort
Practicality
Choice

We Don't Like

Dowdy image
Base models spartan

Kia

Kia Picanto (2004-2011)

· September 24, 2012

Kia Picanto (2004-2011)

If ever there was a car that turned round a company's fortunes it was the Picanto, which proved Kia was capable of producing genuinely great cars. With its relatively generous equipment levels, spacious cabin and generally excellent build quality, the Picanto is surprisingly good to drive too, while running costs are commendably low. Most Picanto owners have also enjoyed excellent reliability too; it's no wonder the Picanto is so sought after.

Key Dates

5/04: The Picanto arrives in five-door hatch form only and with a choice of 1.0 or 1.1-litre engines, the latter with an automatic or manual transmission.

1/08: A facelifted Picanto debuts, with a new nose, revised tail plus column stalks that were switched so the indicators were now on the left.

The designations were also revised, with 2, Ice and 3 sitting above the entry-level model known simply as Picanto.

Kia Picanto (2004-2011) Checklist

Handbrakes can fail once the car has been left; the rear discs cool and contract.
The Picanto is popular with driving schools, so look at who has owned the car before.
Crankshaft retaining bolts can wear or break, wrecking the engine.
There's a canister of foam instead of a spare wheel, but the well in the boot floor can accommodate a full-sized wheel.
If the idle speed is all over the place when the car is started, it's usually a sticking idle speed control or faulty throttle positioning sensor.
Anti-roll bar bushes dry out, leading to creaking from the steering.
No chassis number in the bottom of the windscreen? The screen has been replaced.
Oil on the underside of the engine suggests the crankshaft oil seal has failed.

We Like

Spacious cabin
Value
Reliability
Looks
Agility

We Don't Like

Sluggish
Tiny boot

Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo 159 (2006-2012)

· September 24, 2012

Alfa Romeo 159 (2006-2012)

Just because you want an executive car you don't have to buy something sober and Germanic - instead you could opt for something Italian, with much more flair. Don't be put off by Alfa's reputation for shoddy build quality; the 159 is from a newer breed of cars which are better built than ever before. But reliability can still be variable, so while you must check very carefully before buying, get the right car and you'll love driving something that bit different.

Key Dates

1/06: The 159 saloon replaces the 156, in 1.9, 2.2 or 3.2 V6 JTS (petrol) forms; there are also 1.9 or 2.4-litre JTDm (turbodiesel) options.

5/07: The entry-level 1.8MPi petrl-engined 159 debuts, along with the Sportwagon five-door estate, with the same engine options as the saloon.

10/07: The Q-Tronic automatic transmission appears, with the 3.2 V6, 1.9JTDm and 2.4JTDm. Also, the latter engine gets a power boost to 210bhp (previously 200bhp).

8/09: Two new engines appear; the 200bhp 1750i turbo petrol and the 170bhp 2.0JTDm.

4/11: A facelift brings a revised interior, extra equipment and a 136bhp 2.0JTDm engine option.

Alfa Romeo 159 (2006-2012) Checklist

Big wheels easily suffer from kerbing or pothole damage.
On the 1.9JTD engine, the waterpump fails, throwing the timing belt off, wrecking the powerplant.
A rattling 1.9JTD engine signals that the dual-mass flywheel needs replacing; they typically last 80,000 miles.
Clutch pedals can get sticky and squeaky; a shot of silicone grease is the cure.
Uneven and rapid tyre wear is a trait of 159s fitted with 19-inch wheels.
Steering racks can wear out in just 60,000 miles, yet still feel OK. Put the car through an MoT.
Some 159s suffer from a notchy gearchange, for which there's no cure. The transmission itself is strong though.

We Like

Exterior styling
Dynamics
Engines
Value
Cabin design

We Don't Like

Below-par reliability
So-so dealers
Cabin build quality

BMW

BMW 3 Series E90 (2005-2012)

· September 18, 2012

BMW 3-Series E90 (2005-2012)

If a car maker was to create the perfect model range from scratch, the chances are they’d come up with something like the BMW 3-Series. Beautifully built and brilliant to drive, the 3-Series comes in almost any bodystyle, there’s a huge range of engines and you can have pretty much any piece of equipment you like. Those who have never driven one can be keen to dismiss the 3-Series’ many talents; try one and you’ll soon see what all the fuss is about.

Key dates

1/05: The fifth-generation 3-Series (E90 in BMW code) arrives, in saloon form only.

9/05: An estate (or Touring) is introduced, alongside new entry-level 318i and 318d models.

9/06: A 3-Series Coupé debuts, along with a 335i, 325d and 335d.

3/07: A superbly engineered coupé-cabrio joins the range.

9/07: Most models get more power, lower emissions or a completely new engine.

9/08: A facelifted 3-Series brings Efficient Dynamics fuel-saving technologies as standard, slightly revised design details and an improved iDrive interface.

7/09: The 316d saloon arrives, with CO2 emissions of 118g/km.

9/09: The 320d Efficient Dynamics saloon cuts CO2 emissions to just 109g/km.

Checklist

The 320d can suffer from a failed turbocharger; look for a smoky exhaust under acceleration.
If a towbar is fitted, check the electrics work as BMW’s multiplex wiring can be damaged easily.
Run-flat tyres are standard; they’re costly to replace, produce a firm ride and can wear unevenly.
Timing chains can fail – very expensively – on the 320d.
The tyre pressure monitoring system can be temperamental.
The steering rack can leak fluid into the track rod end gaiter; check the level in the fluid reservoir.
The rear door handles can stick in the open position, preventing the doors from being closed and latched properly.
Flat spots just above idle aren’t rare. A software update usually puts things right.

We like

Driving experience
Wide range
Lots to choose from
Build quality

We don’t like

High running costs
Firm ride

Richard Dredge

Ford

Ford C-Max (2003-2010)

· September 12, 2012

Ford C-Max (2003-2010)

Sold as the MPV for those who didn't want one, Ford's C-Max has always been a car that put the fun back into transporting the family. With its great engines, neat looks and excellent dynamics, the C-Max offers fun in a segment where it's often sadly lacking. However, for a segment that should major on practicality, the C-Max isn't as versatile as it could be, but that doesn't stop it from being a desirable family hold-all.

Key Dates

10/03: The Focus C-Max debuts with 1.6 or 1.8-litre petrol engines, plus 1.6 or 2.0 TDCi (turbodiesel) units.

7/04: A high-power 115bhp 1.6-litre petrol is introduced.

1/05: A 90bhp entry-level 1.6 TDCi appears

10/05: The 1.6 TDCi gets a diesel particulate filter

7/06: A 113bhp 1.8 TDCi turbodiesel engine joins the range

8/06: The 1.8 petrol engine gets a flexi-fuel option, badged FFV, allowing the car to run on petrol or bio-ethanol.

3/07: A facelifted brings a new nose plus LED rear lights and extra equipment. Any Focus references are dropped, the car now known simply as the C-Max.

Ford C-Max (2003-2010) Checklist

The front suspension can creak and groan.
Xenon lights can go awry; repairs are expensive.
Some people find the seats uncomfortable on long journeys.
Standard bulbs are a pain to replace - it's best done by a dealer.
Check that the clutch isn't slipping; premature wear can be an issue.
Air-con systems can be temperamental.
The interior trim isn't always especially durable, with many C-Maxes suffering at the hands of small children.

We Like

Great engines
Excellent dynamics
Strong value
Low running costs
Practicality

We Don't Like

Versatility could be greater
Variable build quality

Fiat

Fiat Panda (2004-2012)

· September 6, 2012

Fiat Panda (2004-2012)

Fiat's forté has long been producing great small cars, so it came as no surprise when its Panda claimed the 2004 Car of the Year award. Even now the Panda looks fresh and continues to impress owners with its wide-ranging talents such as its agility, economy and practicality. It's also far better built than some cars from the Fiat stable, so reliability tends not to be much of an issue. In short, the Panda makes a brilliantly affordable runabout.

Key Dates

1/04: The Panda arrives with 1.1 or 1.2-litre petrol engines and front-wheel drive.

2/05: There's now a 4x4 option, with the 1.2-litre petrol engine only. A 1.3 Multijet turbodiesel also appears.

12/06: The 1.4-litre Panda 100HP is introduced

8/08: The Panda Cross debuts in 1.3 Multijet form only, with more aggressive SUV styling.

9/08: The 119g/km Panda Eco arrives, with a 1.1 petrol engine.

9/09: A facelift brings a redesigned dash, revised grille and fresh door mirrors.

Fiat Panda (2004-2012) Checklist

The tailgate release mechanism can jam.
Not all cars came with a lockable fuel cap.
While 1.2-litre cars are the most plentiful, the 1.1 is fine for cars used mainly around town.
The windscreen seal can leak, leading to water getting into the cabin. Look for water in the footwells.
All Pandas have electric power steering, which has been known to fail.
Clutch master cylinders wear out, leading to baulking when changing gear.
The Multijet diesel engine is great, but some owners aren't happy with its fuel or oil consumption.

We Like

Comfort
Spacious cabin
Practicality
Agility
Economy
Reliability

We Don't Like

Some are very basic
Small boot
Leisurely performance

BMW

BMW 1 Series (2004-2011)

· September 6, 2012

BMW 1 Series (2004-2011)

Years after the debuts of key rivals such as the Audi A3 and Mercedes A-Class, BMW unleashed its own posh small hatch with the 1-Series. In true Bavarian fashion there were superb engines and a great rear-wheel drive chassis, while the 1-Series was also beautifully built and brilliant to drive. But while the 1-Series proved controversial with its challenging styling and high prices, the car was a success for its maker and now makes a great used buy.

Key Dates

5/04: The 1-Series five-door hatch arrives, in 116i, 118i, 120i, 118d and 120d forms.

9/05: The first hot 1-Series appears; the 265bhp six-cylinder 130i.

3/07: A three-door hatch debuts, along with a high-power 2.0-litre diesel (the 123d). At the same time, all models get reprofiled bumpers and lights.

7/07: A 1-Series coupé arrives, in 135i, 120d and 123d guises.

3/08: A Convertible 1-Series is introduced, with a choice of petrol engines; the 125i coupé and convertible also debut.

7/08: There are now 118d and 123d convertibles.

1/09: The 116d debuts.

9/09: 118d and 120i versions of the coupé are now offered.

12/10: The 340bhp 1-Series M Coupé now tops the range.

BMW 1 Series (2004-2011) Checklist

Optional run-flat tyres means the ride is firm; M Sport editions are even firmer.
Manual diesel cars suffer from failure of the dual-mass flywheel; it's a costly fix.
Some early petrol-powered cars suffer ECU failures, requiring a new unit.
The run-flat tyres are costly, so make sure what's fitted doesn't need to be replaced in the near future.
Steering racks can wear quickly; many have already been replaced. Check for fluid leaks from the gaiters.
The 120d's turbocharger can prove short-lived; watch out for excessive oil smoke from the exhaust when accelerating.

We Like

Dynamics
Build quality
Efficient engines
Engine choice
Lots of bodystyles

We Don't Like

High purchase and running costs
Cramped rear seats
Awkward styling

Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo Brera (2005-2011)

Tony Orsi · July 11, 2012

Jaw-dropping looks normally come with a massive price tag, but buy an Alfa Romeo Brera and you get one of the most distinctive cars on the road, for peanuts. Even better, running costs needn’t be high and the interior looks almost as good as the exterior – even if it offers limited practicality. Best of all though, as a Brera owner you shouldn’t dread every drive, as this is an Alfa of the new generation, and it’s all the better for it. There was a time when you’d buy an Alfa Romeo only with your heart; with the Brera you can buy with your head.

Key Dates

4/06: The Brera arrives with a choice of 2.2 or 3.2-litre petrol engines, the latter a V6 unit available in front-drive or Q4 (four-wheel drive) forms. There's also a 2.4 turbodiesel.

10/07: A semi-auto transmission is introduced on the Brera 3.2 V6; the 2.4 JTD becomes the JTDm, with an extra 10bhp (now 210bhp).

5/08: The Brera S, developed with Prodrive, features a chassis tailored to UK roads. Limited to just 500 examples, it's available with 2.2 or 3.2 petrol engines only.

Alfa Romeo Brera (2005-2011) Checklist

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.
Petrol-engines are chain-driven; diesels have a belt.
The rear seats are very cramped.
Electrics and electronics can be temperamental, so check the central locking, stereo and boot release.
All Breras come with 18-inch alloy wheels as standard; watch for kerbed wheels as repairs can be expensive.

We Like

Distinctive looks
Image
Great engines

We Don't Like

Limited practicality
Thirsty (but characterful) V6

Audi

Audi A6 (2004-2011)

Richard Dredge · February 25, 2012

Audi A6 (2004-2011)

Beautifully built, ergonomically perfect and good (if not necessarily great) to drive, the A6 makes a great used buy; it also looks smart and is ultra-capacious in avant (estate) form. With a choice of great engines and the availability of quattro four-wheel drive, the A6 also makes an excellent tow car. Running costs can be steep on high-mileage cars though, thanks to high parts and labour costs, so buy with care.

Key Dates

3/04: The third-generation A6 saloon arrives with 2.4, 3.2 and 4.2-litre petrol engines, or a 3.0 TDi turbodiesel.

6/04: There's now a 2.0 TDi powerplant.

10/04: A 2.7 TDi engine joins the range.

1/05: The estate, or Avant, goes on sale.

12/06: The 2.4 is replaced by a 2.8FSi powerplant.

9/08: A facelift brings extra standard equipment, a revised nose and tail while a 3.0 TFSi engine supersedes the 3.2 and 4.2 FSi units. The eco-friendly 2.0 TDie also arrives.

Audi A6 (2004-2011) Checklist

The dual-mass flywheel can fail on 2.0 TDIs, leading to stalling and a failed clutch.
Manual-gearbox 2.0 TDis suffer from rough running, through injector seals melting because of poor-quality fuel being used.
The pollen filter seal can fail, leading to water leaking into the footwells.
A6 2.0TDis with the Multitronic gearbox can stall, because the transmission can't cope with engine braking.
Fuel gauges can read empty even when the tank is full.
A software upgrade might be needed to fix a fault with the electronic parking brake refusing to release.
The TDi engines can use a litre of oil every 1,000 miles.
Rear light cluster seals can fail, allowing water to get in.

We Like

Image
Build quality
Used value
Great engines
Refinement
Equipment levels
Capacious estate
quattro 4WD option

We Don't Like

Potentially high running costs