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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BMW

BMW 7 Series (2009-2015)

·

The BMW 7 Series cost big money when new, but savage depreciation makes it far more accessible as a used buy. However, while purchase costs can be relatively low, running costs tend to be huge. Despite this, the BMW 7 Series is a wonderful thing to own with its endless equipment list, sparkling dynamics and superb engines, including a wonderfully profligate V12 petrol option. By far the most common powerplant is the 3.0-litre diesel in the 730d and 740d and frankly, they’re all you need. But the massive complexity of the 7 Series means reliability can be an issue – so don’t expect to run one of these luxury limos on a shoestring.

 Key Dates

1/09: The fifth-generation 7 Series arrives, in 740i, 740Li, 750i, 750Li and 730d forms.

3/09: There’s now a 730Ld option.

8/09: The 740d goes on sale. The 730d and 730Ld get a more efficient engine and an M Sport trim option. The 760i and 760Li also appear, with a 6.0-litre V12.

11/11: A Luxury Edition trim joins the range.

06/12: A facelift brings more efficient engines, an LED headlight option, interior upgrades and revised suspension. An eight-speed automatic gearbox is also now standard across the range.

 Checklist

  • The 7-Series is packed with electrics and electronics, which can be very unreliable. So check that everything works – if you can find everything.
  • Rear tyres tend to wear out quickly and replacements are costly, so see how much tread is left.
  • The LED rear lights should last forever, but they can fail.
  • Oil pumps can wear on the 750i, leading to annoying whining noises from under the bonnet.
  • All 7-Series come with an automatic transmission, which can sometimes shift abruptly.
  • The iDrive multi-media system can crash, but software updates can help minimise the chances of this.
  • Some early cars have suffered from problems with the electronic parking brake refusing to release.
  • Check the three recalls have been actioned; two for electrical short circuits and one for potential failure of the brake servo.

We like

  • Build quality
  • Image
  • Driving experience
  • Comfort
  • Standard equipment
  • Excellent engines

 We don’t like

  • High running costs
  • Some reliability issues
  • Too much road noise

 Richard Dredge

 

Vauxhall

Vauxhall Astra (2009-2015)

·

The Vauxhall Astra Mk6 was a massive improvement over its predecessor, but it was still only average in most departments – at best. As a used buy the Astra is much easier to recommend though, largely because of the value factor – you get plenty for your money. And with lots of examples to choose from, you won’t struggle to find the best engine, trim and bodystyle for your needs. The three-door GTC looks especially sharp while the capacious estate is ideal for anyone on a budget who needs to cart stuff about.

Key dates

12/09: The Astra Mk6 five-door hatch arrives, with 1.4 or 1.6 petrol engines (normally aspirated or turbocharged), and 1.7 CDTi or 2.0 CDTi diesels.

12/10: There’s now a five-door estate.

7/11: A sharply styled three-door hatch arrives, the GTC.

6/11: The Astra Ecoflex has CO2 emissions of just 99g/km

7/12: The 280bhp Astra VXR goes on sale.

07/12: A facelift brings tweaked styling, a longer options list and the introduction of a twin-turbo 2.0 CDTi engine.

2/14: A 97g/km 1.6 CDTi engine debuts.

Checklist

  • The M32 six-speed manual gearbox can fail; Vauxhall has been known to contribute, even outside the warranty.
  • Look in the boot for signs of water leaks. Make sure you check the spare wheel well while you’re at it.
  • The fit and finish of some of the interior trim can be an issue, while squeaks, creaks and rattles aren’t uncommon.
  • The cruise control can disengage and the brake lights can flicker, because of a known fault with the parking brake sensor.
  • The ball joints in the front suspension wear, leading to knocking as the car is driven over bumps; replacements are cheap.
  • There’s an electronic parking brake on cars with SE trim and above. It can disengage for no apparent reason.

We like

  • Smart design
  • Strong value
  • Wide choice
  • High-quality cabin
  • Generally well equipped
  • Reasonably reliable

We don’t like

  • Disappointing dynamics
  • Low-rent image

 

Richard Dredge

BMW

BMW X1 (2009-2015)

·

We’ve come to expect great things from BMW’s SUVs, after the brilliance of its X5 and X3. So when the X1 appeared in 2009 the stakes were high; we expected a great driving experience, an excellent cabin and an array of brilliantly efficient engines. The fact that the X1 is more of a crossover than a proper SUV made BMW’s job easier, so its deft handling was no surprise – although a cramped cabin featuring sub-standard materials was unexpected. Despite this, as classy crossovers go, the BMW X1 can still make a compelling used buy.

Key dates

12/09: The X1 arrives with a four-cylinder, 2.0-litre diesel engine in 18d (143bhp), 20d (177bhp) and 23d (204bhp) forms. The first two came in rear (sDrive) or four-wheel drive (xDrive) guises; the 23d was 4WD only. There’s SE trim only.

01/11: MSport trim joins the range.

09/11: The 163bhp xDrive20d EfficientDynamics appears, rated at 119g/km.

06/12: A facelift brings revised interior and exterior styling, two new trims (Sport and xLine), cleaner engines and an eight-speed auto option. Also, the 218bhp xDrive25d replaces the xDrive23d and the 20d is boosted to 184bhp.

Checklist

  • Some owners have had issues with vibrations through the steering wheel, causing discomfort on long trips.
  • The run-flat tyres are more costly than regular rubber, so see if replacements are due.
  • Some of the cabin materials of early cars didn’t look or feel up to the usual BMW standards, but things improved with the 2012 facelift.
  • If you’re buying an X1 to carry three adults in the rear, you might have to rethink as it’s not very spacious back there; leg room is tight.
  • The N47 2.0-litre diesel can suffer from timing chain failure, which wrecks the engine. Listen for rattles from the back of the unit, indicating wear.
  • Not all cars have bluetooth as standard, but it is possible to fit it retrospectively. However, to have the BMW kit installed is costly. 

We like

  • Image
  • Driving experience
  • Efficient engines

We don’t like

  • Awkward styling
  • Iffy interior quality
  • Cramped cabin
  • Unsettled ride

Richard Dredge

Volvo

Volvo XC90 (2002-2015)

·

When it arrived back in 2002, Volvo’s first SUV proved a massive success; long waiting lists quickly formed thanks to this seven-seater 4x4s versatility, discreet styling and keen pricing. More comfortable on the road than off it, the XC90 was one of a new generation of road-biased 4x4s that were good to drive and capable of providing ideal family transport. In the intervening years there’s been no shortage of rivals introduced, and while the XC90 is no class-leader any more, it can still make a great used buy.

Key dates

11/02: The XC90 arrives in 161bhp 2.4 D5 turbodiesel or 272bhp 2.9 T6 turbo petrol forms.

03/03: The XC90 Executive brings rear seat entertainment.

09/04: A turbocharged 2.5 petrol engine appears.

07/05: There’s an all-new 183bhp D5 engine.

07/06: An exterior refresh brings better trim materials, a 4.4-litre petrol V8 and a 3.2-litre engine replaces the previous T6 unit.

07/09:  The R-Design brings a sportier look

07/10: A 2.0-litre D5 is introduced, for better economy.

01/11: There’s now a 197bhp 2.4 D5.

12/11: Another facelift brings LED rear lights, LED daytime running lights, reprofiled bumpers and improved multi-media.

Checklist

  • The Geartronic automatic gearbox works well, but can prove weak, with cars used for towing especially vulnerable.
  • Check the state of all of the interior trim, as it doesn’t always wear very well. The leather trim gets scuffed, while the carpets get tatty easily.
  • If you’re looking at a D5, try to start the car from cold. If it struggles to fire up, it’s probably because of injector problems; repairs are costly.
  • Check the exterior brightwork hasn’t gone cloudy; some chemicals used in car washes can attack the metal and replacement is the only cure.
  • Electrical issues are becoming increasingly common on early cars. Sometimes it’s just a question of securely attaching the battery connections.

We like

  • Safety features
  • Classy design
  • Seats seven (5+2)
  • Versatility
  • Comfy seats

We don’t like

  • Woolly dynamics
  • So-so reliability
  • High running costs

 

Richard Dredge

Jaguar

Jaguar XF (2007-2015)

·

For years, Jaguar’s design was stuck in the 1960s, but the arrival of the XF heralded a new era for the British marque. Gone were the old-school design cues introduced in the 1960s, replaced by much more modern lines. But it wasn’t just the looks that changed; here was a car that was class-leading to drive and featured a superb interior, while the build quality was streets ahead of anything Jaguar had built before. The XF is still great to look at as well as to drive; if you’re after a great executive car, don’t assume you have to buy German.

Key dates

04/08: The XF saloon replaces Jaguar’s S-Type, with 3.0 V6 or 4.2 V8 petrol engines, or a 2.7 V6 diesel; the V8 also came in 410bhp supercharged SV8 form.

03/09: A refresh sees a 5.0-litre V8 replace the 4.2-litre unit, the SV8 becomes the XFR and the 2.7 V6 diesel is replaced by a 237bhp 3.0-litre unit.

03/10: A high-power (275bhp) 3.0-litre diesel engine arrives, in the XF S.

09/11: A hefty facelift brings a redesign, a four-cylinder 188bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine.

09/12: The XF Sportbrake estate is launched, along with a 161bhp version of the 2.2D engine. An eight-speed automatic gearbox is also now standard range-wide.

05/13: The 186mph XFR-S reaches showrooms.

Checklist

  • Make sure that the fuel filler opens; it can jam shut, making refuelling tricky.
  • Doors can stick but this is only likely if the ambient temperature is especially high or low.
  • The tyre pressure monitoring system can fail, when the valve-mounted sensors corrode and stop working. You’ll need to check each wheel individually.
  • Some early cars could suffer from a variety of electrical problems, but whatever the car’s age, check all of the equipment works as no car is immune.
  • The rear brake pads tend to wear quickly, and if they’re not replaced in time it’ll lead to the discs being damaged.
  • The particulate filter sensor can fail on the 3.0 TDV6, leading to the car resorting to limp-home mode. Only the sensor needs to be replaced though.

We like

  • Looks good
  • Great to drive
  • Build quality
  • Equipment levels
  • Strong engines

We don’t like

  • High running costs
  • Dated interior

 

Richard Dredge

Tags: XF

Chevrolet

Chevrolet Trax (2013-2015)

·

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

 

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