Skoda Fabia common problems

Skoda FabiaFast, nippy and full of fun. The Skoda Fabia is one of those little cars that everyone wants and with good reason too. First appearing on our roads back in 1999 it is the natural evolution of the Felicia and gives you affordable, super-mini style motoring, perfect for those on a budget. All of the models available have a definite slant towards fuel economy over top speed and power making this a true quality urban run-around.

Renowned in the industry for its reliability, there’s not too much for us to put into this common problems article, but then no car is completely immune to faults, and the Fabia is certainly no exception. Use this article to make sure you have all the information before you go ahead and start looking at second hand Fabias. Continue reading

Dodgy Car Dealer and Seller Tricks

Car sale handshake

The used car salesman is a social stereotype that simply won’t die. Because some people will always try to sell you dodgy motors. Even though the used car lot is now a place where you’re more likely to find a good car due to online reviews and testimonials curtailing some of the more outrageous behaviour, many of the dodgy selling practices have migrated into private sales.

What are some of the more common nefarious practices? What should you avoid and what’s a big no-no sign? In this article we go through all the danger signs that come coupled with a whole load of distraction and mistruth.

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Vauxhall Zafira common problems

Vauxhall ZafiraThe Vauxhall Zafira is a popular large multi-purpose vehicle that’s more about size and support than good-looking motoring. It first featured on the UK’s roads back in 1999 and has been a common sight on city streets and motorways ever since.

There have been three main generations of the Zafira featuring a range of engines including 1.6L, 1.8L, 2.0L and 2.2L petrol version and 2.0L and 2.2L diesels giving you a good choice of fuel economy and on the road power.

Unfortunately when it comes to looking out for a second hand Zafira that’s worth both your time and money, there are many well-documented potential pitfalls. Keep your eyes peeled for all the common problems in this article and you should however be able to avoid purchasing a dud motor that ends up costing you more in the long run. Continue reading

Our Top 10 New Year’s Driving Resolutions

new years resolutions

Christmas is out of the way and New Year is upon us. As you hold your dram of whiskey in the air and sing out your allusions to the great Robert Burns, the next thing on the seasonal list is making a resolution. Whilst most people like to make a commitment to personal change – we thought you might want to try something different this year, and look at the way you use your car and drive it around.

We have taken the top ten New Year’s resolutions that are commonly made by residents of the UK, and put our own automotive spin on these self-made promises. See if any of them take your fancy, and allow you to pile on the pies, whilst you put all the emphasis on a change in motoring.

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Peugeot 307 Common Problems

Peugeot Logo

The Peugeot 307 is a top-notch production from this well-respected French manufacturer. It instantly turned heads on its release, catching the attention of the judges on the Car of the Year panel who awarded it with the top prize in 2002. Available with 7 different petrol engines, including 3 16-valve editions and a meaty 2.0 litre diesel variant, this car gives you a lot of choice when it comes to fuel economy and power.

Notable for its reliability and quality motoring, the Peugeot 307 tends to be a solid buy that’s hard to fault. However, many second-hand cars are plagued by a few issues that occur across the range. Make sure that you don’t fall fowl of a poor purchasing decision with our common problems list.

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Toyota Corolla Common Problems

Toyota Logo

If you want reliability, then you can always go for a Toyota. And one of the most steadfast vehicles in their entire range is the awesome Corolla.  Compared to some of the cars we have profiled in our common problem articles, this one is a real legend with a history that stretches back all the way to 1966 with 11 generations to date.

Named after a small crown, the Corolla was named the best-selling car in the world in 1974 and has even surpassed the numbers produced by the ever-so popular Volkswagen Beetle. With an estimated 40 million cars in existence you should have no trouble tracking down a second-hand vehicle for your use. And even though faults on this car are few and far between, you can make double sure your purchase is a good one with another one of our winning guides.

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Suzuki Vitara Common Problems

Suzuki VitaraMany manufacturers have jumped on the SUV bandwagon, but one car with a real legacy is the Suzuki Vitara. A mainstay of Suzuki’s range, this vehicle has been in production since 1988 across many different generations, with the latest release coming in 2015.

If you want a good second hand SUV then make the Suzuki Vitara one of your first options. There’s a reason why this vehicle has stayed in the public eye for so long – and that’s due to its strong on-road handling, attractive features and durability. However, it is not completely destruction-proof, so when you are checking out a potential purchase, use our common problems list to avoid any issues. Continue reading

Peugeot 207 Common Problems

Peugeot 207ccThere are mini motors. Then there are super-minis. One of these, hailing from the continental construction factories of the French, is the awesome Peugeot 207. With a production run that started in 2006 and finished in 2014, this is a good value car that has what it takes to wear the big trousers created by the very popular 206.

Using a modified platform originally created for the Citroen C3, the 207 was built for city motoring with 3 engine sizes on offer, including 1.4 and 1.6 litre engines, with the option to go turbo-charged and inter-cooled if you want high end motoring in a short-frame car.

Even though this little car is very reliable, it doesn’t get away without any problems. Before you part with your money for a second-hand vehicle, consider our list of faults to ensure you don’t end up with a lemon. Continue reading

Common Problems with the Chrysler Voyager

Chrysler Voyager

The Chrysler Voyager is a popular vehicle that’s great on the road and offers seven seats of passenger space with an ample boot at the rear. It’s not going to win any prizes for good looks, but when it comes to carrying power it’s up there with some of the best.

First introduced by Chrysler in 1984, this model became a stalwart of the range in the US before it was released in the EU in 1988 and has undergone a slight rebrand in recent years as the Grand Voyager. It is a well-engineered car that makes a great second-hand purchase. However, you should be aware of several known faults with the car. Continue reading

Renault Laguna Common Problems

Renault LagunaLarge, relaxed, fit for a family. Spacious motoring is available in the form of the Renault Laguna, which gives you ample room for everything from hauling hardware from the DIY store to taking the dogs down to the forest for a day. This great French motor had facelifts in 2001 and 2008, giving you a choice of styles if you want a vintage or retro flavour.

Buying any second-hand car can be a process fraught with difficulty, especially if you have very little or no mechanical knowledge. Fortunately we have compiled a listing of the most common issues, giving you a suspect problems cheat sheet that you’ll want to avoid when looking for a decent buy. Continue reading