Expert answer

Hi Lynda,

Yup, by and large Suzukis are very reliable and if you're going to get a Vitara, then the petrol model is the one to go for - Suzuki's record with diesels is patchy at best until quite recently. There are no major reported recurring problems but just make sure that the previous owner has had it serviced properly - the service intervals are quite short and many owners have been tempted to skip scheduled services. Walk away from anything that doesn't have a full and complete history.

Expert answer

Hi Sharon,

The price gap between the RAV4 and the Vitara is simply explained by the fact that the Toyota is a more popular model. There's nothing much wrong with the Suzuki - I guess you could say it's a bit less sophisticated than the RAV, but it's a decent, reliable 4x4. 

However, I'm going to throw my lot in with the CR-V. Of all the compact 4x4s, it's the most spacious, smoothest to drive, is hugely reliable and really comfy.

A cracking car.

Expert answer

Hi William,

Both of those are really good options, but with that budget there are some others worth considering. Given your low mileage, you might want to take a look at (shock, horror) some petrol alternatives. Both the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage are plentiful on the second-hand ground with petrol engines and they're well worth considering.

From personal family experience, I can tell you that a CR-V with the 2.0-litre VTEC petrol engine gets a sold 38mpg in daily use and has been close to faultlessly reliable. Or, if you need an occasional seven-seater, the second-generation Hyundai Santa Fe falls within your budget and is a cracking car, well worth a look.

What do you think?

Expert answer

Hi Susan,

Values seem to range from just over €8,000 to just over €13,000 - a pretty big variation. To be honest, the big numbers are being asked by dealers and we think they may be on the optimistic side. Probably around €10,000 is a fair valuation, maybe €9,000 as a trade-in.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Ann,

Generally speaking, yes. The C4 Picasso is better built than Citroen's reputation would have you believe and it's spacious and economical to run.

In terms of problems to look for, check the cabin carefully for any bits of detaching trim or family-related damage. As it's the EGS auto, see if it's had the software upgrade that improved the shift quality and check to see if the clutch has been replaced - some early EGS models used to eat up their clutches.

Expert answer

Hi John,

Clearly no car is utterly immune to breakdowns or component failures, but the Lexus LS 430 comes closer than probably any other. It is staggeringly reliable. We have heard tales of people buying the (older) LS 400 model from the '90s for under a grand and still finding every single electrical item working perfectly. Try that with a 7 Series or S-Class...

The Lexus is also hugely comfortable and deeply luxurious and actually better to drive than you might think. No hot hatch, obviously, but still more capable than the roly-poly reputation would have you believe.

Downsides? Colossal motor tax costs and it helps if someone else is paying for your fuel...

Expert answer

Hi Des,

As with all Suzukis the Grand Vitara is impressively well bolted together and there are very few reports of any major reliability issues. The only recurrent problems seem to be glitches in the electrical system, but as long as the car you're looking at has a full service history, you should be OK. There are only two major downsides: the interior looks and feels pretty cheap and old-fashioned compared to some rivals, while the 1.9-litre diesel engine (which Suzuki actually bought in from Renault) can be very thirsty, as the Vitara is no lightweight.

Expert answer

Hi Bryan,

I'd say about €15,000 on average, perhaps slightly below the €14,000 as a trade-in.

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

The more recent versions of the Renault Grand Scenic are at least reasonably reliable, and the commonly-seen 1.5-litre diesel engine is a sold enough old lump, and well proven in various Nissans and Renaults. The recurring nightmare is that of electrical problems. Renaults, older ones at any rate, just seem to eat through their cabling and wiring and everything from electric windows to engine management and injection problems can crop up. Buy very, very carefully if you're looking at  anything older than 2008.

Expert answer

Hi John,

You know what? Just avoid the lot of them. In the early 2000s Renault was going through a period of very poor build quality that wasn't really resolved until the launch of the current Mégane in 2008. Older Renaults are generally just to be avoided. Electrical problems are commonplace and frustrating, and just because they're working now doesn't mean they'll stay working. These cars are marked down in price for a reason.

Hope we were in time to stop you buying!