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Hi Liam.

Suzuki knows how to build a solidly reliable car (indeed the old Baleno saloon holds a decent claim to being the world's only truly indestructible car) and the Jimny is no different. It's also been in production since 1998, so all the bugs should have been worked out by now. The only weak point seems to be minor electrical grumbles, and apparently the passenger electric window motor and switch are both on the fragile side. Other than that, just watch out for Jimnys that have had a hard life off-roading or as farm hack-abouts. 

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Hi Alan,

Quite a few niggling faults really, although it's worth pointing out that the Galaxy shares all its mechanical bits with the generally-very-reliable Ford Mondeo. The main issues seem to revolve around electrical faults, which can affect the wipers, windows, lights and the anti-lock brake (ABS) system. Check carefully to make sure all are working and don't ignore a warning light. Then there's the interior trim, which many owners describe as fragile and some have even reported cabin parts coming off in their hands!

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Hi James,

The official fuel test rating for that model of Civic (it is a Civic you're talking about, right?) was 44mpg, but in daily use we'd expect you'd get closer to 35mpg, especially if you're using it in town a lot. 

As for reliability, generally Honda is one of the best car makers when it comes to longevity and solidity, but we have heard tales of this generation of Civic eating its way swiftly through brake pads and discs and there are the usual minor electrical maladies to check for too. We have also heard of suspension wear and tear issues, but those don't seem to be widespread.

Hope that helps

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Hi Aleksandrs,

The most common fault with the RX 400h, as with any hybrid, is that the fuel economy won't be half as good as you think it will. The last RX model we tested returned just 29mpg overall, a figure we've equalled in both a Land Rover Discovery 3.0 diesel and a Porsche 911 Carrera 4S!

That apart, they're incredibly solidly built, as are pretty much all Lexus models. The high-tech in-car entertainment system, with its touch-screen controller, can throw up an occasional glitch but the only other serious concern lies in the hybrid electric drivetrain. Generally, it's totally reliable but we have heard of an occasional one having an AC/DC power convertor fail, which is a massively expensive job to fix if it does go wrong. As we say, it seems to be an isolated problem but one worth bearing in mind.

Let us know how you get on

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Hi Tony,

No, no such car exists. They all, when a problem occurs, need a trip to a diagnostic rig. Of the three you’ve mentioned though, the Octavia is by far the best, and yes even better than the Jetta with which it shares its mechanical bits and pieces.

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Hi Joe,

Not even slightly. I mean, they’re not as bad as you might think, and if properly cared for you can get plenty of use out them, but be prepared for all manner of electrical issues and problems, and plenty of visits to the dealer.

Got a Haynes manual handy?

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Hi Paul,

The manual gearbox on the E46-generation M3 is fine, as long as it’s not been abused and the car in general has been properly looked after. The SMG on the other hand is a nightmare of potential problems. Quite aside from being awkward and jerky to use even when it’s in perfect health, it develops frequent problems with the hydraulic pumps, solenoids and electrical relays. Avoid the SMG at all costs.

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Hi Wayne,

Depends on the age and on the condition. The 1.5 dCi diesel is a pretty solid engine (look for turbo problems though) and if a Scenic is properly cared for and serviced on the button, they can be fine. Beware of electric gremlins on older cars and don’t buy anything that doesn’t come with a full service history.

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Hi Eugene,

Lots. Mercedes was going through a major dip in build quality and reliability in the mid-2000s, and the electrical system, braking system and the gearbox are all deeply suspect. Make sure it comes with a fully-stamped-up service history and lots and lots of receipts for previous work done. Be suspicious of everything, and if you see any signs of excessive wear and tear, or of items that aren’t working properly, walk away. Also, make sure you do a history and background check with Cartell.ie and make sure it hasn’t been used as a taxi in the past.

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Hi Jimmy,

Good or bad? 911? Depends on your expectations, but the 1981 911 - the SC, which ran from 1978 to 1983 - was a fine example of Porsche’s iconic model. Losing the slightly prettier, slimmer bumpers of the 1960-70s cars a 1981 911 will feature the ‘impact’ bumper as part of Porsche’s homologation for USA production. They still look fabulous, though; indeed, after a period looking a bit sketchy the nicest, unmodified 911s of this vintage look great, slim hipped, and in the right colour with all the contrasting black rubber trim pieces and period Fuchs or cookie-cutter alloys they’re lovely. Personally, I’d avoid the whale tail look, many having been fitted with them after the fact, but it’s an easy replacement if it comes so specified.

Interiors are robust, if slightly austere, though the large glasshouse and slim pillars make it a fine driving environment. Gearboxes are fine, the 3.0-litre engine solid too, though like any car that’s over 30 years old they’ll need a bit more fettling than a modern car. Thankfully it’s all largely mechanical (rather than electrical), so it can be maintained by a competent home mechanic, though if you’ve bought a great condition, properly serviced car it’s best to keep it that way. Performance will feel brisk rather than outrageous if you’ve been used to modern performance cars, but then the immediacy of the responses, feedback through the wheel et.c will be on a different level to anything newer.

Perhaps not a daily driver, but as a weekend toy it’s a good choice, which if looked after should be worth everything you paid for it, and more in time. Rust shouldn’t be an issue, as all these cars are galvanised, but do check the inner front and and rear wings, and fore of the rear wheels, any potential water traps around the doors, windows and engine/bonnet lid locks, the battery box and under the carpets inside. Bad rust will point to poor accident repairs. Take a good look underneath for oil leaks from both the engine and gearbox. 1981 cars deliver 204hp. Do a bit of internet digging; it’s an enthusiast car so there’s lots of info out there. If in doubt speak to a club/specialist and take them along for a viewing - they may charge but it could save you in the long run... Jealous? A bit, the 3.0 SC is a lovely thing...