Buying a used small car with lots of headroom - what do you recommend?

I need to get used small car with an automatic ‘box up to three years old. Already have Audi Q5 for long trips, so will use the small car for small runs (5-80 miles) totalling about 7000 miles year. I’m...

Is it OK to negotiate over the phone?

I am interested in buying a used Kia Optima. I have a specific budget, so is it reasonable to ask the dealer on the telephone if there is any movement on the price? (If I have seen something similar, or...

Replacing Xsara Picasso - what should I buy?

I am thinking about buying a used car to replace a 2008 Citroen Xsara Picasso 1.6 HDI. Due to numerous problems with turbo seals and injectors, the car has become too expensive to run. I average 20,000...

Best £5k car for economy?

I need to buy a car to get me to work and back. I travel around 20,000 miles (mainly on the motorway) a year so fuel economy is important and I also have to give clients a lift occasionally so want something...

Best used estate for under £4?

We want to buy a used estate for £4000. We have two medium sized dogs, two grandchildren and need something that will be reliable and have around 40,000 miles on the clock. We’d also prefer a manual, what...

What's the best family car for £18,000?

I am looking to trade in my 2006 Skoda Fabia for a new family car – I have £18,000 to spend. I drive about 11,000 miles a year (mainly rural A-roads, but some motorways) and intend to keep the car for...

Trading in Jazz for Picanto

I am thinking of trading in my 58 reg Honda Jazz auto (33000 miles) for a Picanto auto on a 63 plate. The Picanto is owned by the Kia garage for demos etc has done 1000 miles and is listed at £10650. I...

Kia Sportage - how often should I service it?

I have just bought a second hand kia Sportage 1.6 petrol in Spain and have been told by a Spanish kia dealer that the service is every two years or 30,000km. This seems a large interval to me. A UK Kia...

Buying a new 4x4 which would you recommend?

I am, finally, looking to change my 2006 Nissan X-Trail diesel which has given me years of trouble free motoring. The new SUV will need to be able to tow a caravan, carry a gundog and equipment, with occasional...

Best small car for fuel economy?

I drive a lot for work, often on motorways, clocking up 20,000 miles a year. I currently drive a petrol Honda Jazz, but want something similar with improved fuel efficiency. What do you suggest with a...