choosing used car

Hi there,

I need to buy a mid-sized family car that has to do me for about five years. Both my wife and I cycle to work so it would be in the driveway most of the time though I'd say we still clock up about 10,000 km a year.

My budget is between €9,000 and €10,000 and I was hoping to buy a 2007 car. I had been looking at the Ford Focus diesel estate as it is economical, roomy and decent to drive, but any out there in my price range tend to have a lot of miles on the clock.

I'm now looking at petrol Jettas, which are nice cars but the fuel economy concerns me as I know petrol cars are falling out of favour. Any advice?

Mark

Hi lads,

Any thoughts on the Peugeot 407 1.6-litre diesel? Seems to be great value. Looking at that or either a 2007 Volkswagen Passat or Mazda6.

I have heard mixed reports on all at this stage. Budget is tight so swaying to the 407 as seems to be a lot of spec etc.

Thanks,

Mick

Hi Complete Car,

I am upgrading my car. My budget is around the €25k mark. First off, I'm no expert, but I do know I'm not much into speed and performance; I'm more into comfort and style and I prefer European cars over Asian ones (Honda and Lexus being possible exceptions). I'm a big person myself, over six-foot three so leg- and head room are important.

For the last few years I have had a BMW 5 Series and have always liked BMW so I'm leaning that way. Currently thinking about a BMW 6 Series: there are some '05s floating around that fit the bill.

Question: is the 6 any good? Should I stick to the 5 Series (although I'm not a fan of the recent models in terms of looks)?

I'd be interested to know if you think there are other makes and models I should be looking at. I have tried a few Alfas - 159, Brera and GT - but they didn't grab me, were generally too small and always have that 'rep' associated with them (rightly or wrongly).

I'm not keen on hunting for cars in the UK (the hassle), but is that actually a no-brainer I'd be stupid to ignore?

Should I be looking at a brand new car?

Thanks for your time, and a great car website; the best in my opinion,

Stephen

Can you tell me anything about the reliability and safety of the Mercedes-Benz Viano? NCAP results are from a test on the 2008 model and we are looking at an 06 or 07. Also I've read about recalls on the Viano so wondering if they are likely to cause trouble or what should be check before buying. Thanks very much!

I am thinking of a 05/06 diesel Passat, but am worried about reliability issues. I have heard about clutch problems and bulbs blowing constantly on these cars. What is your opinion? Also is there any other car you would recommend in this category? Mondeo, Octavia, A4?

What should I watch out in a 2006 Mercedes-Benz E 200K with 77,000 miles on the clock for €16,950? The car has just one owner, has a full NCT and come with full service history.

I am thinking of a 2005 BMW X5 3.0d Sport Auto. I don't like the ride of the new version and think this one is better. What do you think of this car? Have you any review on it or can you direct me to one please? I'm not concerned about economy, tax or insurance, as I do only 15,000 miles per annum.

Thanks

What are the most reliable mid-range diesel cars on the market and cheapest to run? I hope to buy in the UK and import.

We are looking for a seven or eight seater MPV for a family with four small kids so we will be using four rear seats daily and often five. Worried that the standard seven seaters don't have enough boot space with all seats in use. Driving in the city mostly so wary of large minibus type vehicles. Also safety and reliability are priorities.

Our budget is about €25K (less if possible!). We are changing from a large estate so are used to a large boot, hence most of the seven seaters I've looked at just don't measure up in terms of boot space.

What would you recommend? Thanks

My wife wants to change to a car with automatic gears as she has broken her leg and now her ankle has plates in it and recently she fractured a bone in the same foot, the left foot.

She does not put up much mileage and drives only local, no country or even cross-city. She has a 2006 Fiat Grande Punto with 18,000 miles on the clock. She wants a four-door and carries a few grandkids quite often. What would you recommend in an 08 or 09?