Richard Dredge

Honda

Honda Jazz (2008-2015)

Richard Dredge ·

There’s nothing quite like the Honda Jazz in the supermini segment, with its brilliantly packaged interior, class-leading reliability and efficient petrol engines. Strong demand means you’ll have to dig deep to buy one, but you’ll be rewarded with low running costs and an ability to carry things that simply shouldn’t fit into such a small car. Hardly the last word in driving enjoyment, the Jazz tends to be overlooked by anyone below 60 but whether you’re a student, transporting a family or you’re looking for something to carry bikes and camping gear for a life of outdoor pursuits, the Jazz is worth a closer look.

Key dates

11/08: The second-generation Honda Jazz arrives with 1.2 or 1.4-litre petrol models with a manual gearbox only.

1/09: The 1.4 engine is now offered with an unlovedi-shift semi-automatic transmission. 

2/11: A facelift brings fresh bumpers, tweaked suspension, a continuously variable transmission in place of the previous i-shift gearbox, and upgraded cabin trim. Also a hybrid edition is introduced with its own trim options (HE, HS, HX), similar to those of the regular Jazz.

Checklist

  • No Honda Jazz comes with free road tax – even the hybrid is rated at more than 100g/km
  • Rear suspension creaks in cold weather are likely to be down to the bushes needing a smear of silicone grease.
  • Rattles from the rear of the interior are normally down to the back seat’s retaining bar having worn.
  • Engines can sound surprisingly tappety, especially when cold. Once warmed up things get quieter, but don’t expect complete silence.
  • There are various tyre issues; they can perish, wear quickly, and some cars have unusual tyres sizes fitted, which pushes up the cost of replacing them.
  • Clicking sounds from the brakes when cold is down to the pads moving in the callipers. Once warmed up the noise usually disappears.
  • There’s no spare wheel as standard, but you can order one as a spare part.

We like

  •  Reliability
  • Spacious cabin
  • Brilliant packaging
  • Efficient engines

We don’t like

  • So-so dynamics
  • High purchase prices
  • No diesels
  • Unsettled ride
  • i-shift gearbox
  • Below-par refinement

 

Richard Dredge

Fiat

Fiat Bravo (2007-2014)

Richard Dredge ·

NewCarNet says:

If good looks alone were enough to guarantee strong sales, Fiat would have been on to a winner with its Bravo. But sadly they’re not, which is why this sharp-looking small hatch never captured buyers’ imaginations. With its low profile and a lack of development the Bravo was never going to compete with big sellers such as the Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra, but the Fiat’s lack of visbility can now make it a good buy thanks to low prices and few takers.

Key dates

6/07: The Fiat Bravo goes on sale in the UK. There are 1.4 petrol or 1.9 Multijet diesel engines. The trim levels (in order) are Bravo, Active, Active Sport, Dynamic and Sport.

9/07: There’s now a 1.4 T-Jet petrol engine available with either 120bhp or 150bhp.

3/08: A 1.6 MultiJet diesel engine joins the range in 105bhp and 120bhp forms.

12/08: A 165bhp 2.0 Multijet engine replaces the previous 1.9-litre unit.

Checklist

  • The 2.0 MultiJet engine comes with a diesel particulate filter; make sure it’s not clogged up from constant short journeys.
  • The cabin doesn’t feel that well screwed together, so look for broken or missing bits of trim, which might be tricky to replace.
  • Rear and rear three-quarter visibility is poor, so look for evidence of touched in scrapes on the bumpers and rear wings.
  • The Bravo does well in the safety stakes; it scored five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests and ESP was standard across the range from the outset.
  • Knocking from the front suspension when driving over speed bumps is usually down to worn anti-roll bar drop links, which are a weakness.
  • Some early cars came with a ‘tyre mobility kit’ instead of a spare wheel; from August 2007 a space saver was fitted. Officially. But some later cars got a mobility kit instead.

We like

  • Sharp looks
  • Strong value
  • Refinement
  • Diesel engines

We don’t like

  • Iffy build quality
  • Uncertain reliability
  • Stodgy dynamics
  • Lumpy ride

Richard Dredge

Chevrolet

Chevrolet Trax (2013-2015)

Richard Dredge ·

The Chevrolet Trax had barely gone on sale in the UK before its maker announced that it was shutting up shop in Europe. As a result this micro-SUV never really stood a chance, but it didn’t come close to threatening the class leaders anyway, so it was never much of a loss. That’s not to say the Trax is a poor car though. It always offered strong value and a decent level of practicality, along with a four-wheel drive option – it’s just a shame the car was so bland with it. Now Chevrolet has ceased trading in the UK you’re on your own in terms of getting problems fixed, but thankfully reliability seems to be OK, even if it’s short of the class best.

Key dates

8/13: The Trax goes on sale. There are 1.4 or 1.6-litre petrol engines, the former in normally aspirated or turbocharged (1.4T) forms. There’s also a 1.7 VCDi diesel. The 1.6 petrol engine has front-wheel drive only, all other engines are offered with front- or four-wheel drive.

12/13: Chevrolet announces that it’ll stop selling cars in the UK on 31 December 2015. The Trax remains on sale until this point, but unsurprisingly, sales are slow once the car is launched, with dealers already gearing up to close down.

Checklist

  • There’s no spare wheel; just one of those dreaded ‘mobility kits’. Your best bet is to buy a Vauxhall Mokka space saver wheel and keep it in the boot.
  • Vauxhall dealers should be able to maintain your Trax for you, but parts availability could be an issue, although service items shouldn’t be a problem.
  • The MyLink touch-screen multi-media is intuitive but it can be slow to operate and sometimes it crashes for no obvious reason.

We like

  • Good value
  • Looks smart
  • Spacious cabin
  • Efficient diesel engine

We don’t like

  • Defunct brand in the UK
  • Poor refinement
  • Cabin feels cheap

Richard Dredge

Lexus

Lexus IS (2005-2013)

Richard Dredge ·

Designed to take on compact executives from Audi, BMW and Mercedes, the IS is well-equipped, comfortable and reliable, but refinement and economy can be disappointing, while there are few engines to choose between. In Japan the IS was sold as a Toyota, and in some ways it’s more deserving of that badge than the Lexus one, as this doesn’t feel like the premium car that it’s supposed to be. The dynamics aren’t as polished as some rivals’, but as an ownership experience any Lexus is hard to beat, as the dealer network offers unrivalled levels of service. So while driving an IS probably won’t raise your pulse, neither should owning one.

Key dates

11/05: The IS Mk2 arrives in 2.5-litre petrol (IS250) saloon form.

1/06: The first ever diesel-engined Lexus appears; the IS220d.

4/08: The 417bhp 5.0-litre V8 IS-F debuts.

11/08: A facelift (but not for the IS-F) brings a revised nose, an overhauled dash and a new trim structure (now SE, SE-I, SE-L).

7/09: The IS250C coupé-cabriolet hits showrooms, in 2.5-litre petrol form only. 

12/09: There’s a new HDD navigation system and an F-Sport trim.

8/10: The IS200d replaces the IS220d.

Checklist

  • The diesel engine can take an age to warm up; bad news if your journeys are usually short.
  • IS220ds built before the November 2008 facelift can suffer from turbo lag and a lack of power below 2000rpm.
  • Water pumps fail after 60,000 miles or so on the IS250. Listen for rumbling from the engine bay.
  • Alloy wheels are prone to bubbling and blistering of the lacquer, as well as corrosion, especially if not cleaned regularly.
  • The interior trim isn’t always as well screwed together as you’d hope; listen for rattles from the door trim panels and dashboard.
  • The rear brake callipers can seize up and it’s not always possible to free them off. Fitting replacements is a costly job.
  • The power steering can be unreliable, so make sure there’s a consistent feel as you turn the wheel; check for leaks too

We like

  • Reliability
  • Value
  • Equipment levels
  • Excellent dealers
  • Lots of safety kit

We don’t like

  • Inert dynamics
  • No estates
  • Noisy diesel
  • Manual gearchange
  • Small boot
  • Cramped rear seats

Richard Dredge

Audi

Audi TT (2006-2015)

Richard Dredge ·

One of the most distinctive cars on the road, the Audi TT has been hugely sought after ever since the first edition arrived in 1999. It’s easy to see why; superbly built, great to drive, surprisingly practical and with some superb engines, the TT is one of the easiest sportscars to own. While most of its rivals are incredibly compromised, with the Audi TT you don’t have to make too many sacrifices. In coupé form the hatchback configuration provides a surprising amount of carrying capacity while many cars come with four-wheel drive, so the fun can continue, whatever the weather.

 Key dates

4/06: The TT Mk2 arrives in 2.0 TFSi and 3.2 V6 coupé forms.

1/07: A roadster appears, with the same engines and no rear seats.

1/08: The TTS coupé and roadster debuts with a 268bhp 2.0 TFSi engine.

2/08: The 168bhp 2.0 TDi coupé and roadster appear.

4/09: The front-wheel drive 1.8 TFSi represents the new entry point.

9/09: The 335bhp 2.5-litre TT RS goes on sale.

4/12: The 355bhp TT RS Plus appears.

8/10: Revisions bring reduced CO2 emissions, a tweaked exterior design and more options.

 Checklist

  • Initially, the TT got leather/Alcantara trim as standard. Later, entry-level cars got cloth-trimmed seats.
  • The 2.0 TDi, TTS and TT RS have quattro four-wheel drive. Some 2.0 TFSi editions and all 1.8 TFSi models are front-wheel drive only.
  • Steering racks rattle and clutch pedals vibrate; some cars were fixed under warranty.
  • Cars on 19-inch wheels have a hard ride; 18-inch rims give the best balance of ride and looks.
  • The window regulator mechanism can break, especially on early cars. Sometimes it just creaks; other times it breaks.

  • Front seat bases can sag, especially on cars with leather trim. Some seats were replaced under warranty.

  • Some TTs have factory-fit parking sensors, some have aftermarket and some have none at all. Factory-fit items are the ones to go for.

  • The headlamp units can mist up – especially xenon units after the car has been washed.

We like

  • Sharp looks
  • Build quality
  • Efficient engine. 
  • Hatchback usability
  • Stylish cabin
  • 4WD security.

We don’t like

  • High purchase costs
  • Coupe’s useless rear seats

Richard Dredge

 

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Fiat

Fiat 500 (2008-2015)

Richard Dredge ·

It’s the Peter Pan of superminis, the car that never seems to age. Despite being launched as far back as 2008 (when it scooped the Car of the Year award), the Fiat 500 still looks fresh and funky and it’s still as desirable as ever. There’s a version for everyone, from the regular editions to an array of Abarth variants offering up to 190bhp. But you don’t need more than a 1.2 Lounge (avoid the lacklustre diesel) – just bear in mind that the fun factor massively outweighs the practicality aspects.

Key dates

Jan 2008: The first 500s arrive, with 1.2 or 1.4-litre petrol engines, or a 1.3 turbodiesel.

Jan 2009: The 1.2 Start&Stop arrives, with CO2 emissions cut from 119g/km to 113g/km.

Mar 2009: The 135bhp 1.4 turbo Abarth appears

Jul 2009: The open-topped 500C is launched.

Feb 2010: The 1.3 diesel is boosted to 95bhp (from 75bhp) with better economy thanks to stop/start.

Aug 2010: The two-cylinder 875cc TwinAir debuts.

Jun 2012: A refresh brings new colours, a two-tone leather trim option and fresh alloy wheels – but no mechanical changes.

Sep 2015: A further facelift brings new lights, more efficient engines, improved multi-media and extra safety kit.

Checklist

  • The diesel engine needs top-notch oil when it’s serviced; cheap lubricant will cause problems.
  • The interior trim can be fragile, with bits breaking or falling off. The seat tipping mechanism can also give trouble, so check it works OK.
  • Diesel engines can fail, while the engine management light comes on if there are problems with the particulate filter.
  • The Dualogic automated manual transmission isn’t as reliable as the manual alternative.
  • Diesel engines are less reliable than petrol units, with dual-mass flywheel failures also an issue.
  • The paint can get damaged easily, especially red and black finishes, so look for chips and scratches.
  • Make sure any potential purchase isn’t an ex-driving school car as such cars tend to lead hard lives.

We like

  • Timeless looks

  • Funky interior
  • Fun image
  • Easy to drive

We don't like

  • Average dynamics
  • Poor boot space
  • Cramped rear seats
  • Seats lack support
  • Lacklustre diesel engine


Richard Dredge

Tags: 500

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Audi

Audi A4 (2008-2015)

Richard Dredge ·

The Audi A4 has always been desirable, but the Mk4 (internally known as the B8), launched in 2008, represented a quantum leap over its predecessors. Much better to drive than any previous edition, it also came with arguably the best cabin in the segment, sharp looks and a range of brilliant engines offering power and refinement with impressive economy. It’s no wonder the A4 was so popular, but that’s a double-edged sword as while there are plenty to choose from, the A4 is no longer exclusive. However, owners love them thanks to their brilliant build quality, refinement, spacious cabins and good dynamics. Buy one and you’re unlikely to be disappointed.

Key dates

2/08: An all-new A4 saloon arrives, with 1.8 TFSi or 3.2 FSi petrol engines along with 2.0 TDi, 2.7 TDi or 3.0 TDi diesel options.

6/08: The Avant estate appears, with the same engine, transmission and trim choices as the saloon. At the same time, a 2.0 TFSi engine arrives along with a 134g/km 120bhp 2.0 TDi option.

5/09: A pumped-up Avant reaches showrooms; the four-wheel Allroad, with 2.0 TFSi, 2.0 TDi or 3.0 TDi engines.

10/09: The 134bhp 2.0TDie arrives; with CO2 emissions of just 120g/km.

1/12: A facelift brings minor styling changes, extra colour choices, range-wide standard stop/start plus revised suspension and steering – along with an improved MMI system.

Checklist

  •  The alloy wheels are easily kerbed, which often knocks the steering out of alignment. Not all cars come with parking sensors and visibility isn’t great, so check for poorly touched-in bumpers. 

  • Large wheels are popular. With firm suspension already giving a hard ride, make sure things aren’t too uncomfortable. 

  • Build quality is generally excellent, but some owners have found their cars suffer from squeaks and rattles that are hard to fix. 

  • Automatic gearboxes can be unreliable, especially the Multitronic continuously variable transmission. 

  • Some engines suffer from high oil consumption, especially the four-cylinder units. They can use up to a litre of oil every 1,000 miles. 

  • Clutches and gearboxes can prove short-lived, with dual-mass flywheels disintegrating, oil getting onto clutch plates, and gearboxes failing. 

  • Some tall drivers find it difficult to get comfortable, with the pedals offset. You might need a thorough test before this becomes an issue though.

 We like

  • Strong image
  • Build quality
  • Sharp looks
  • Cabin design
  • Spacious interior
  • Great engines
  • Refinement

We don’t like

  •  High repair cost
  • So-so dynamics

 

Richard Dredge

 

Tags: A4

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Nissan

Nissan Qashqai (2007-2013)

Richard Dredge ·

When Nissan gave up on mainstream family cars such as the Almera and Primera, many thought the company had lost the plot. But Nissan knew what it was doing; its new British-built crossover offered an elevated driving position, a comfortable ride and decent interior packaging that its predecessors couldn't match, while a clever part-time four-wheel drive system kept fuel consumption to a minimum. The Qashqai quickly became Nissan's most popular model; now there's an all-new second edition, the original is even more of a bargain.

Key Dates

3/07: The Qashqai debuts, with 1.6 or 2.0 petrol engines or a 1.5 dCi diesel.

4/07: A 2.0 dCi is added to the range. 

10/08: There's now a seven-seat Qashqai+2 option, with the same engine and trim options.

3/10: A facelifted Qashqai appears, with a 129g/km 1.5 dCi Puredrive option, a redesigned nose, revised dash and suspension plus extra soundproofing.

9/11: The 2.0 dCi is superseded by the cleaner, smoother, more refined 1.6 dCi.

Nissan Qashqai (2007-2013) Checklist

  • The front brake discs can wear within 20,000 miles.

  • The seal for the front windscreen can leak; look for rainwater in the footwells. 

  • The wheel size makes a big difference to the ride; anything with 18" rims will be very crashy.

  • The fixings for the parcel shelf are fragile; some owners simply remove the shelf altogether.

  • The key fob for the remote locking can fail, because of poor contacts in the key or mobile phone interference.

  • Rattles from the rear suspension are common, along with premature failure of the rear shock absorbers.

We Like

  • Comfort

  • Handling

  • Equipment levels

  • Value

  • Choice

We Don't Like

  • Limited rear headroom

  • Dated dash

  • Poor rear visibility

 

Audi

Audi A6 (2004-2011)

Richard Dredge ·

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

Tags: A6

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Porsche

Porsche Cayman (2006-2010)

Richard Dredge ·

Porsche shot itself in the foot when it released the Cayman. Here was a car so good that for many, it made the mighty 911 somewhat redundant. After all, the Cayman was just as quick in the real world and arguably even more of a looker, while it was also just as well made but just half the price. Used values are high because the car is just so capable, but try one on just the briefest of test drives and you'll see why the car commands such high prices - and why the 911 really is unnecessary.

Key Dates

1/06: The Cayman arrives, with a 245bhp 2.7-litre flat-six; selling alongside is the Cayman S, with a 295bhp 3.4-litre engine.

8/08: The Sport limited edition reaches showrooms, with a 303bhp engine. Based on the Cayman S, it features black 19" alloys and details, xenon lights, sports exhaust and more.

11/08: A revised Cayman goes on sale, with a 265bhp 2.9-litre engine; the Cayman S gets a 320bhp 3.4-litre unit.

Porsche Cayman (2006-2010) Checklist

  • The side windows can close outside their seals, leading to wind noise and - in the worst cases - water leaks too.
  • Stick with 17-inch wheels for general road use; larger wheels compromise the ride too much.
  • Facelifted cars are more substantially built than earlier examples, so even less likely to suffer from squeaks and rattles.
  • Pre-facelift cars can suffer from stonechipped paint all too readily.

We Like

  • Image
  • Build quality
  • Driving experience
  • Looks
  • Usability

We Don't Like

  • Used prices are high
  • Some cars are spartan

Audi

Audi A8 (2003-2010)

Richard Dredge ·

If you want value for money, nowhere will you find more of it than in the luxury segment - something the Audi A8 demonstrates only too well. Available at astonishingly low prices, the A8 offers everything at ridiculously low prices - and running costs needn't be high either. Offered with some fantastic engines, including some amazingly frugal diesels, the A8's aluminium construction helps when it comes to agility and fuel efficiency, while the standard fitment of quattro four-wheel drive also ensures the A8 is more sure-footed than most rivals too. What's not to like?

Key Dates

7/03: The second-generation A8 arrives, with 3.7 or 4.2 V8 petrol engines, or a 4.0 V8 turbodiesel.

4/04: There are now 3.0-litre petrol and diesel options plus a 6.0 W12 short-wheelbase A8.

3/05: All cars get extra standard kit, plus the full-depth grille of the W12.

6/05: There's now a 3.2 FSi engine available, along with a long-wheelbase option for most engines. A 4.2 V8 TDi supersedes the previous 4.2 unit.

3/06: W12 now offered with ceramic brakes

8/07: A 2.8 FSi option appears, plus the whole range gets revised lighting, grille and extra equipment

Audi A8 (2003-2010) Checklist

  • There's a lot of electrical and electronic kit fitted, so make sure it all works - even the bits that aren't immediately obvious.
  • The electric boot lids are especially temperamental, so try opening and closing the boot a few time.
  • The MMI is also particularly prone to glitches, but it can be rebooted.

We Like

  • Equipment
  • Build quality
  • Ergonomics
  • Reliability
  • Comfort
  • Value
  • Diesel engines
  • Four-wheel drive
  • Cabin space
  • Boot space

We Don't Like

  • Dynamically bland

Tags: A8

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Honda

Honda S2000 (1999-2008)

Richard Dredge ·

Two-seater open-topped sportscars will always be compromised, but some are less compromised than others. Take the S2000 for example; capable of delivering so much, including peerless reliability, yet it asks for relatively little in return. However, the Honda is definitely an enthusiast's machine, so you need to ensure you can live with the ride/handling balance as well as the high-revving VTEC powerplant before committing to purchase.

Key Dates

9/99: S2000 debuts.

10/00: Hard top now offered.

10/01: Fascia upgrade brings silver-finished switchgear.

3/02: There's now a glass rear screen, while the S2000 GT arrives, with a removable aluminium hard top as standard.

10/03: Revised S2000 gets more power (236bhp); it's still offered in Roadster and GT (removable hard top) forms though.

2/08: Suspension revisions are introduced, in line with the Japan-only S2000 Type-S. There are also new wheels and fresh colour options.

Checklist

  • Kerbed wheels are common, with rims easily damaged.
  • Tracking and even the suspension can be knocked out of true by hard kerbing; look for uneven tyre wear.
  • Cars built before February 2002 featured a plastic rear window, which can go opaque.
  • Glass rear windows can get damaged, although it's rare.
  • Ensure the alarm works properly; it can have a mind of its own.
  • Ensure the air conditioning doesn't leak; it can.
  • Rear brake discs can warp; feel for juddering under braking.

We Like

  • Performance
  • Handling
  • Reliability
  • Design
  • Fast electric roof
  • Rarity
  • Cheap to buy

We Don't Like

  • Rear roof-up visibility
  • Lack of low-down torque