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choosing used car

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Which cars are best for comfort?

Hi,

Can you tell me which SUVs offer a driver's/seating position most like a standard car's? My wife and I currently both use her Opel Zafira and I find the seating position very upright and uncomfortable as the seats will not move back far enough. Effectively it means I have to lift my feet completely to operate the pedals instead of just pivoting on my heels as with a more reclined position. I have recently had a hip replaced and the other one is painful if I drive any reasonable distance.

We test drove a secondhand C-Class Estate and I wanted to buy it but she finds the seating position very cramped (in particular did not like the large console between the seats). We sat in a Honda CR-V after and she much preferred the space and lack of clutter between the seats but I found the seating position uncomfortable. Essentially we are looking for something that has the high ceiling, big windscreen and lack of clutter of most SUVs/MPVs,  but with a seating position that gives good enough leg room for somebody over six-foot like me to pivot my feet on my heels rather than having to lift them to operate the pedals. Maybe we need two cars, which is a waste given we are city dwellers and do very small annual mileage between us.

Thanks

Kevin

Which of these cabriolets to go for?

Hi,

I'm looking at three secondhand folding roof hard top coupes for my partner (Ford Focus CC, Astra cabriolet and Volkswagen Eos). Leaning towards an Eos. Can you advise of any potential pitfalls to this regarding reliability or known issues, insurance costs etc? Plus, which in your opinion is the more usable vehicle for everyday use? Also as a curve ball can you suggest an alternative to the above?

Cheers, Alan

Tell me about the 2012 Nissan Qashqai+2...

I am looking to buy a 2012 Nissan Qashqai+2 SVE petrol version; can you please let me know what are the spec differences between SV and SVE for the year 2012?

Does this model have timing chain or belt and what would be the replacement interval?

What would be the mpg on this particular model?

Thanks.

Looking at a 2003-2009 Toyota Avensis.

Hi there, I was thinking of buying a 2009 Toyota Avensis diesel hatchback with 67k miles from the UK. It is the old 2003-2009 shape. Has satnav, don't see any reversing sensors, full Toyota service history. Are they a good car or would you say 2009 version is better?

Thanks,

Walter

Volkswagen Passat CC or Volvo S60?

Hi,

I am considering two cars at the moment: 1) 2011 Volkswagen Passat CC 2.0-litre diesel (140hp) with 62,000 miles, €18,950; 2) 2011 Volvo S60 D3-R 2.0-litre diesel (163hp) with 41,500 miles, cost €17,950. Which would you consider the best car in terms of reliability, fun driving, value and resale value? The Passat has a slightly better trim (brown leather heated seats, satnav...), but I liked the extra power of the Volvo!

Thanks

Barry