the-complete-what-car-guide-to-buying-a-used-car

Hatchback

Nissan turned up early to the SUV party, with its Qashqai paving the way for the countless models we see today. The Qashqai continues to sell in big numbers in the UK, too, and was also our overall Car of the Year in 2014.

Don’t think Nissan is just about SUVs, though. As well as the Qashqai, the smaller Juke and the larger X-Trail, the Japanese brand has the Micra hatchback, GT-R sports car and Navara pick-up truck.

Nissan was also one of the first big car makers to launch a fully electric car, with its latest Leaf being one of the best on the market.

Despite being based in Japan, Nissan has long committed to building cars in the UK, making several of its best-selling models at a huge factory in Sunderland.

NISSAN

LEAF

Buying a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-reviews/">used car</a> can be a stressful experience because of the possibility of buying something that’s been abused, stolen, crashed or is simply worn out.

But there’s a huge amount that you can do to protect yourself when buying a used car, as you’ll discover if you read this authoritative What Car? guide.

The key is to be methodical when buying and not to rush things. If you cut corners you’re opening yourself up to problems further down the line, so work your way through our checklist to make sure that you buy a great used car instead of a lemon.

The complete What Car? guide to buying a used car

Because there are two peaks in the British new car market (1 March and 1 September, when the registration plates change), there are lots more used cars around at these times. Consequently, dealers are keen to sell these trade-ins as quickly as possible, so think about buying your used car at one of these times when supply is usually greater than demand.

When to buy

Estate

Volvo is now a true rival to the likes of Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, offering an alternative take on premium executive cars to a rapidly growing fanbase.

After a string of strong launches – notably with the Mk2 XC90 and XC60 SUVs – it struck gold in early 2018 when it launched its smallest SUV, the XC40. When our testers compared the car with its rivals, they concluded that it was the best launch of the previous 12 months, earning it our coveted overall Car of the Year Award.

The good news is that, like many car makers, Volvo now uses the same structure underneath most of its cars – so if they get it right on one model, it usually bodes well for the rest. That’s the case here, with Volvo’s subsequent saloon and estate launches complementing the SUVs and making for a generally extremely appealing line-up.

VOLVO

XC40

The older the car, and higher the mileage, the more maintenance it’ll probably need. Parts wear out, so don’t expect the car to just keep working without regular servicing. Before buying any used car establish what the insurance premium will be and how much it’s likely to cost to get it serviced.

How old?

Do you want an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/which-type-of-automatic-gearbox-should-i-buy/n17022">automatic</a> or manual gearbox? Self-shifting gears can be a real bonus with today’s traffic levels, but cars with an automatic gearbox are often less reliable and can be more thirsty. Also, some autos are less pleasant to drive than the manual equivalent – although some cars are better suited to an automatic. The key is to undertake a thorough test drive to ensure you get on with which gearbox is fitted.

Automatic or manual?

If you do lots of short journeys a petrol car makes most sense because it doesn’t have a diesel particulate filter (DPF), which gets clogged up on short trips. If you do long-distance journeys or tow a lot a diesel might make more sense, but the big unknown at this stage is what restrictions might be introduced against diesel cars, especially in urban environments in future. That said, they do make sense for some drivers&nbsp;– indeed, our 2018 Car of the Year, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc40/estate/review/n119">Volvo XC40</a>, is recommended in D4 diesel form.

All-electric cars like the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/leaf/hatchback/review/n17338">Nissan Leaf</a> are increasingly viable but due to their nature and usually lower driving range, you must ensure they will fit into your life smoothly. Hybrid-powered cars feature both electric motors and, usually, a petrol engine that recharges the electric motor’s battery at cruising speeds, and are especially suitable for cars who spend most of their time on local journeys with occasional trips further afield.

Petrol or diesel or electric or hybrid?

Don’t be put off by a high-mileage ex-company car, because it should have been cared for mechanically (you can check the bodywork and interior easily enough), but for most of the miles it’s racked up the engine will have been up to temperature. A low-mileage car that's covered lots of short journeys may actually have less life left in it.

High-mileage cars

There are lots of places to buy a used car; the more legwork you put in, the greater the savings. The lowest prices are usually at auctions, but it’s easy to buy a heap as you don’t get the opportunity to undertake a test drive, plus there’s very little comeback in the event of problems.

Where to buy

You can also land a bargain when buying privately, especially if the owner is in a hurry to sell, but beware of over-optimistic pricing. Private sellers are required by law to describe the car honestly and accurately, but that’s the only requirement, because the car only has to be ‘as described’ and you have no redress if things then go wrong.

Getting your money back from a private seller or sorting out a problem will be difficult, so check the car thoroughly before buying.

Buying privately

The most expensive cars are usually to be found at a franchised (official) dealer, because the cars tend to be fairly new and will have covered a low mileage. If buying through a manufacturer’s approved used scheme you could even get a comprehensive warranty.

Some used cars for sale at a franchised dealer will have been used as demonstrators for test drives, or come direct from the manufacturer, whose staff will not have put any miles on the clock.

Buying from an franchised dealer

Independent dealers usually offer the same facilities as a franchised dealer, such as finance and warranties, but the cars tend to be slightly older. These cars must come with a warranty (although it can be a short one), but you are protected by the Consumer Rights Act in the event of problems.

Buying from an independent dealer

These are effectively independent dealers but with a much wider choice of cars. As a result you can expect a warranty and usually relatively low prices, because supermarkets sell lots of cars and make a small profit on each one. They tend to focus on mainstream cars only, but there’s usually lots of choice – maybe even hundreds of cars on one site.

However, because prices are lower to start with there’s usually less room to haggle. Indeed, some have an explicit ‘no haggling’ policy. However, as many consumers dislike haggling – and equally dislike the idea that enthusiastic hagglers may get a better deal - this restriction might actually be attractive for some.

Car supermarkets

There are plenty of dodgy cars out there masquerading as good ones and you need to make sure that you don’t get landed with one. To minimise the risks, if you’re buying from a dealer of any sort try to contact the previous owner and ask them about their old car – its mileage and history. They should be honest if they’re not selling the car as they have no vested interest in hiding anything.

Previous owner(s)

You should never buy any car – new or used – without taking it for a test drive first. Make sure you’re insured before taking a test drive, either on your own insurance or by taking out one-day cover. This should be relatively cheap, but most importantly it ensures you’re legal and covered in the event of a mishap.

The test drive

Try to start the car from cold, and make sure it ticks over happily. Let the engine warm up and ensure its electric cooling fan cuts in before taking the car for a decent run that will allow you to try out all of the gears as well as the major controls, brakes, steering and suspension.

Getting started

Does the car drive well, with no pulling to one side under braking? Are there any clonks, rattles or other untoward noises as the car is driven, especially around corners or over poorly surfaced roads? Is the exhaust chucking out soot or clouds of smoke? If so the engine may have had it, although some diesels can be pretty sooty even when reasonably healthy.

On the drive

Ensure all the electrics work – try everything. It’s the same with the instrumentation – does it all read as it should and do any warning symbols stay lit on the dash when the engine is running? If so it might mean an automatic MOT failure. Make sure the Bluetooth pairs with your phone (if fitted), that the infotainment works (if fitted) and that every lock, window, heating element and motor does what it should. Trying to fix electrical or electronics problems can be a nightmare.

Electrics

Look closely for dents and scrapes in the bodywork; also check panel fit. If the panels don’t line up properly the car might have been in a collision and then poorly repaired. Any dents in the panels or scrapes in the paint will probably be costly to put right, so haggle accordingly or walk away. Check for rust that’s been painted over, or wonky-looking surfaces that could point to cheap body repairs with filler. Once rust arrives, it’s very hard to eradicate.

Bodywork

Have the steering wheel and gearknob been worn smooth? Does this tally with the mileage? Is the interior undamaged, along with all the glass? Are there any stickers on the windows which may have been put on to cover an old registration number etched onto the glass? Split seats, holed carpets, cracks in the dashboard and cigarette burns in the upholstery won’t be cheap to fix, and the same goes for a sagging headlining.

Interior

Are the tyres okay, with no uneven wear? If they’re worn out altogether you’ll need to budget for new tyres, and depending on the car this can easily cost several hundred pounds for high-quality rubber. If the tyres have worn unevenly it could be poorly aligned tracking or something more serious – such as a twisted bodyshell because of poor accident repairs.

Tyred out?

If the odometer is an analogue item, do all the digits line up properly? Is there any evidence of the odometer having been removed to wind back the mileage? Most modern cars have a digital odometer which can be clocked easily with a laptop. This is why it’s worth looking at the car’s online MOT history at the government website and reading through the service history to see if the mileage recorded on these forms tie in with what’s displayed.

Check the mileage

Invest in a car data check, which will tell you whether the car is subject to any outstanding finance. It will also tell you if the registration is the original one and whether or not the car has ever been involved in a major accident. There are several providers including HPI, the AA, and the RAC.

Get a Car Data check

Does the chassis number (usually at the base of the windscreen on the passenger side) tie up with the one on the registration document? Also check the engine number, which is usually stamped on the side of the main part of the engine. If they don’t match, the car may be stolen.

Chassis number

Are all the keys available with the car? Most cars should come with at least two keys. Lose the only key and you may have to have everything reprogrammed – which can cost hundreds of pounds.

Get all the keys

If you buy from a dealer you’ll have a warranty, even if it’s just for a few months. However, any dealer has overheads so you’ll always pay more if you take this route. Depending on the car’s age and mileage, the warranty may not be a very good one so read the small print and make sure that you know what’s covered.

Peace of mind

When it comes to buying privately, you need to have your wits about you. There are plenty of dealers masquerading as private sellers and working from home. When you phone up, ask about ‘the car for sale’ without specifying which one. If they need clarification, they’ve clearly got several vehicles up for grabs.

Spot the trader

Don’t look at a car in the rain or at night – the paintwork always looks great in these conditions. Insist on visiting the seller’s house or if they’re a trader, their premises, Not only will you be able to tell a lot about the vendor, but you’ll know where to find them if something goes wrong.

Trust your instincts

Cars are becoming increasingly complicated, and even people who are happy poking about under the bonnet can easily be daunted by modern vehicles. That’s why it can be worth calling in the professionals; a qualified engineer with all the right tools and test equipment will give a written report on how good a car is.

Such checks aren’t cheap – they’re usually more than £100, but you could end up saving a lot more than that if you’re considering buying what turns out to be a heap.

Professional inspections

While such inspections are comprehensive, not all vehicles are eligible. Imports, cars more than seven years old or particularly expensive cars are typical exemptions, so you may need to call in a local mechanic to look over one of these instead. If you do call in the experts but then have a major problem, you can claim against the company that did the inspection and there should be some form of financial redress available.

A cheap alternative which looks at all the key areas is an MOT. You can put a car through an MOT at any time, and for relatively little money you can establish if there are any serious faults with the vehicle.

Inspecting on the cheap

The older the car, the more documentation should come with it. By reading through this paperwork (some of which is easily avilable online) you’ll be able to get an idea of how well the car has been looked after, so take your time to make sure that the car is all that it seems.

Sorting out the paperwork

This tells you the basics about the car’s history such as how many owners it has had and who it is currently registered to. Bear in mind though that the person named on this form is not necessarily the legal owner of the car. Don’t buy a car without one of these and make sure it’s a genuine document by holding it up to the light and looking for the watermark.

The V5C is the most important document of the lot; the name on this piece of paper is the person to whom any speeding tickets or other motoring fines will be sent to. If that person doesn’t deserve them, they have to prove why this is the case – and not telling the DVLA of a change in vehicle ownership is an offence.

Registration document (V5C)

Cars more than three years old must have an annual MOT test, which checks a car’s roadworthiness. But just because a car has an MOT certificate it’s no guarantee that it’s still in good condition – especially if the test was performed several months ago, so look for a car with as recent as possible a test.

With the system now fully computerised, everything is logged centrally and can be looked up instantly at www.gov.uk/check-mot-history, so you can see if a potential purchase has racked up lots of failures and advisories in recent years, suggesting that it’s been neglected.

MOT certificate

What you’re after here is proof of regular servicing. You can also ensure the mileage goes up in the right stages. If the engine is fitted with a cam belt see when it was last replaced; 60,000-80,000 miles is typical, along with every four or five years. It tends to be a costly job and if the belt breaks the engine will be wrecked, potentially writing off the car. Also check if the air-con has been serviced recently because if this fails it usually costs a lot to put right.

Service history

When it comes to sealing the deal, try to ensure that you pay less than the initial asking price. Any seller should set the price above what they’re prepared to accept – so don’t pay a penny more than you have to. Any discount on the initial asking price is a victory, so don’t be too greedy. Once you’ve settled on a price, remember these points when handing over your money.

In terms of paying, most dealers will accept a debit or credit card; paying the latter route might be safer if you're not physically taking possession there and then, as you'll be protected by the Consumer Credit Act if the dealer then goes bust, and certain other protections. Just make sure you pay down the debt quickly, as credit card interest rates can be ruinous.

In terms of buying privately, the best way is online via bank transfer, ideally on your phone; the Faster Payments system delivers money nearly instantaneously for amounts under £10,000. To avoid accidents, send a payment of £1 first to ensure it goes through and is received correctly. When confirmed this is is the case, then transfer the rest.

Doing the deal

Before driving off into the sunset, make sure you have everything you need, including all the keys, the service book, the user guide, the right tool to undo any locking wheel nuts and any fobs to activate any security systems.

And one last thing...

What Car?’s current recommendations – the 2018 What Car? Used Cars of the Year winners – in each segment are:

CITY CAR: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/i10/hatchback/used-review/n820">Hyundai i10 (2014-present)</a>

SMALL CAR: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/used-review/n340">Ford Fiesta (2008-2017)</a> (pictured)

FAMILY CAR: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/leon/hatchback/used-review/n805">Seat Leon (2013-present)</a>

SMALL SUV: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/qashqai/hatchback/used-review/n17397">Nissan Qashqai (2006-2013)</a>

LARGE SUV: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/cx-5/estate/used-review/n835">Mazda CX-5 (2012-2017)</a>

LUXURY SUV: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q7/4x4/used-review/n813">Audi Q7 (2015-present)</a>

MPV: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/c3-picasso/mpv/used-review/n17404">Citroën C3 Picasso (2009-2017)</a>

ESTATE CAR: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/mondeo/hatchback/used-review/n17386">Ford Mondeo Estate (2007-2015)</a>

HOT HATCH: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta-st/hatchback/used-review/n17883">Ford Fiesta ST (2012-2017)</a>

CONVERTIBLE: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/z4/sports/used-review/n788">BMW Z4 (2009-2017)</a>

COUPE: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/tt/coupe/used-review/n246">Audi TT (2006-2014)</a>

SPORTS CAR: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/r8/coupe/used-review/n816">Audi R8 (2007-2015)</a>

GREEN CAR: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/zoe/hatchback/used-review/n817">Renault Zoe (2013-present)</a>

EXECUTIVE CAR: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/used-review/n801">BMW 3 Series (2012-present)</a>

LUXURY CAR: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/saloon/used-review/n763">BMW 5 Series (2010-2017)</a>

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a>

Which cars to buy?

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test </li> <li>Quick charging times and compatibility with the most ubiquitous types of public charging points </li> <li>Priced to be within the grasp of more than just the privileged few </li> <li>As with any car, ride comfort, practicality and ownership costs can’t be ignored</li></ul>

We define an electric car as one that runs purely on battery power and has no tailpipe to puff out nasty chemicals. These cars qualify for the maximum plug-in car grant (PICG) of £1500.

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/zoe/hatchback/review/n152">Renault Zoe</a> is one of the most affordable options and has a surprisingly long range of between 120 and 180 miles (depending on the weather and the road type). However, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/leaf/hatchback/review/n17338">Nissan Leaf</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/id3/hatchback/review/n21832">Volkswagen ID.3</a> are more practical and more accomplished to drive, even if the latter doesn't have a particularly long range between charges.

At the other end of the scale, Tesla’s ground-up EV philosophy – and the American brand’s network of super-fast chargers – makes the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-s/hatchback/review/n150">Model S</a> a tempting choice. It has a classy interior, loads of tech and a long enough real-world range to make inter-city travel a real possibility.

Electric

The expert What Car? guide to safely and easily buying your next used car

The complete What Car? guide to buying a used car        

A former motorsport team and independent tuning company, Abarth is now owned by Fiat and responsible for the firm’s sportiest cars.

In recent years, Fiat has even tried to establish Abarth as a standalone brand – in the same way that Citroën has split off its DS luxury division. However, the major difference is that DS cars look completely different from the Citroëns on which they’re based, whereas Abarths rely on bodykits and big wheels to mark them out.

The Abarth 595, for example, is a beefed-up Fiat 500 hatchback, while the Abarth 124 Spider is a hotter version of its Fiat namesake.

ABARTH

Alfa Romeo now has one of its strongest-ever model line-ups, after years of living off past glories.

The BMW 3 Series-rivalling Giulia executive saloon is one of the best cars in its class to drive and has performed very well in the annual What Car? Reliability Survey, while the closely related Stelvio competes in the booming SUV class.

Smaller and larger SUVs are planned, as is a two-door coupé version of the Giulia that will take on the Audi A5, BMW 4 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé.

It’s all a long way from the days when Alfa Romeo just had a couple of dated hatchbacks (the Mito and Giulietta) and the niche 4C sports car in its range.

ALFA ROMEO

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV have all won their classes at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards in recent years, while the TT coupé is the most decorated car in the history of the ceremony.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, which costs more than £100,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has six in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition, featuring paintwork-protecting ‘Airbumps’ and eschewing the sporty looks favoured by most rivals.

Indeed, Citroën tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.

Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from small hatchbacks (such as the C1 and C3) to big, family-friendly seven-seaters (the Spacetourer and Grand C4 Spacetourer).

The C3 Aircross SUV is another of its popular models, while a larger C5 Aircross is planned.

CITROEN

The sportiest Seats have long used the&nbsp;Cupra name, but it's now been turned into a standalone sub-brand, in much the same way as Fiat's sportiest models are badged as Abarths.

There's just one car in the line-up at the moment: the Cupra Ateca SUV. However, Cupra versions of the Ibiza and Leon hatchbacks are also planned, as is a bespoke model which –&nbsp;initially, at least –&nbsp;won't be offered in regular Seat from.

Don't think that the first Cupra is just an Ateca with a bit more power and a sporty bodykit, either. Its&nbsp;engine, gearbox and four-wheel drive system are actually very similar to what you'll find in Volkswagen's flagship Golf R hot hatch, and the car can hit 62mph in just 5.4sec.

CUPRA

If you want a new car but would rather not spend much, Dacia is a great place to start your search.

This budget brand builds Britain’s cheapest new car, the Sandero hatchback. And don’t think cheap automatically means nasty, because the Sandero has been commended at the annual What Car? Car of the Year awards on numerous occasions.

Other Dacia models include the Logan estate and Duster SUV. And while these cost slightly more than the Sandero, they’re still priced aggressively enough that they’re really only competing directly with used cars.

Dacia manages this by borrowing platforms and technology from its owner, Renault, to minimise development costs.

DACIA

DS has only existed as a standalone manufacturer since 2015&nbsp;(prior to that the badge was used on upmarket&nbsp;Citroëns), but it is now the premium brand in the PSA Group, which also includes&nbsp;Citroën, Peugeot and Vauxhall.

In 2018, DS stated that it planned to launch a new model every year, with all of these influenced by the French fashion industry and&nbsp;designed&nbsp;to take on the ubiquitous offerings of Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

First to arrive (that same year) was the&nbsp;DS 7 Crossback – a large SUV that competes with the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. Then in 2019 this was followed by the smaller DS3 Crossback SUV, which is not only available&nbsp;with petrol and diesel engines, but also in fully electric E-Tense form.

More recently, DS&nbsp;unveiled its answer to the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class luxury saloons. And while this DS 9 won't now go on sale until 2021, when it does arrive it will be offered with a choice of petrol, hybrid and fully electric power.

Modern Fiats fall into two categories: the retro models and those with more functional designs.

Cars in the first camp appeal to the heart and include the 124 Spider sports car and the 500 series: a hatchback, a convertible, an SUV and two MPVs.

By contrast, the remaining models rely on their practicality and attractive pricing, with the Panda city car, Tipo hatchback and Fullback pick-up truck all prime examples.

Fiat can trace its roots back to the 19th century but is now part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group, along with Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep and Maserati.

FIAT

Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.

This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.

The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.

FORD

Honda is a company that doesn’t like to follow the crowd. So, while it competes in most of the traditional sectors of the car market, in each case it does something a little bit different.

The Jazz, for example, might look like just another rival to Britain’s best-selling car, the Ford Fiesta, but it’s actually much more practical than its rivals, with a flexible boot and Tardis-like interior.

The bigger Civic is also a practical choice, but it’s mainly distinguished by having eye-catching, love-it-or-hate-it styling, despite competing in a sector of the market that’s usually more conservative than a blue rosette.

And while it may not seem so radical now, Honda’s large SUV, the CR-V, was one of the first to forego any pretence of being an off-roader and instead focus on on-road driving dynamics.

HONDA

Hyundai has transformed itself from a maker of oddball hatchbacks that sold in small numbers in the UK, to a major rival to the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

The Korean firm’s Ioniq Hybrid is particularly impressive, having beaten the trend-setting Toyota Prius when we tested the cars back to back.

Meanwhile, at the extremes of the Hyundai range you find the tiny i10 city car – a four-time What Car? award winner – and the stylish yet family-friendly Santa Fe SUV.

As a bonus, all of these cars come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas most of Hyundai’s rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

HYUNDAI

Infiniti is to Nissan what Lexus is to Toyota: the premium arm of a mainstream car maker.

Infiniti’s current model range includes the Q30 hatchback, Q50 executive saloon and Q60 coupé, all of which go head to head with cars from the likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. There’s also the QX30, a small SUV.

The brand has so far struggled to make a big impact on British buyers due to high prices, but most of the time that’s partially offset by a long list of standard equipment.

Future plans include a new range of electric vehicles and a smart petrol engine that is said to offer diesel-like fuel economy.

INFINITI

Buyers seeking value for money should have Kia towards the top of their shopping list.

Although once a niche brand in the UK, today Kia outsells many more established brands, helped by its market-leading seven-year warranty and a strong reputation for reliability; in fact, Kia regularly finishes towards the top of our reliability surveys.

There are plenty of models to choose from, too, ranging from the small Picanto city car to the Ceed family hatchback and the Sorento large SUV. The Picanto was the first Kia to win its class at the What Car? Car of the Year awards.

In the same way that Infiniti acts as Nissan’s premium arm, Lexus has a similar tie-in with Toyota. And since most of Toyota’s models are offered as hybrids, it’s no surprise to see the same from Lexus, although there are some traditional petrol engines, too.

The brand focuses heavily on SUVs – namely the NX and RX – but also has the CT hatchback, ES executive saloon and LS luxury car among its portfolio. More small and large SUVs are expected in the future.

Like Toyota, Lexus has built a very strong reputation for reliability and regularly finishes very close to the top of our annual Reliability Survey.

LEXUS

Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.

MAZDA

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

MG has a long heritage in the UK, and while these days it is owned by Chinese firm SAIC, it is slowly but surely beefing up its model range.

Kicking things off is the MG 3, a rival for affordable hatchbacks such as the Dacia Sandero and Skoda Fabia. Then there’s the ZS small SUV, which faces off against the likes of the Renault Captur and Seat Arona. And at the top of the range is the GS, which goes up against Dacia’s Duster and the Ssangyong Tivoli.

While any future MG products are likely to be introduced in China before coming to the UK, design work is still undertaken in the UK. MG’s design studio is based at Longbridge, where the brand made its name with models such as the MGB GT.

MG MOTOR UK

Talk about taking an idea and running with it. The big-selling Mini hatchback is still at the core of the firm’s range, but its cute styling and relatively compact dimensions have been spun off into an estate (the Clubman) and an SUV (the Countryman), as well as a convertible.

Despite its small size, the Mini is a firmly premium product, and the three-door hatchback counts the Audi A1 and Volkswagen Polo among its key rivals.

The fact that Mini is owned by BMW brings some big advantages –&nbsp;not least the fact that its infotainment system is based on BMW’s industry-leading iDrive.

MINI

While Mitsubishi sells both the Mirage hatchback and the L200 pick-up truck in the UK, the core of its range is in SUVs – handy, since this is one of the largest markets worldwide.

There’s an SUV to suit everyone, too. If you’re a company car driver, the Outlander PHEV mixes low fuel bills with a spacious interior. The ASX, meanwhile, is attractively priced against key rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai and Seat Ateca. Or, if you prefer mud to asphalt, the Shogun offers genuine off-road ability.

More SUVs are on the way, too, including one that’s rumoured to bring back the ‘Evo’ name made famous in rallying.

MITSUBISHI

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

PEUGEOT

POLESTAR

Porsche is best known as the quintessential sports car maker, but its line-up is increasingly diverse, interesting and successful, from its SUV family to the Panamera hatchback and shooting brake and, in time, a planned family of electric vehicles.

Whatever your choice, What Car?’s testers rate the cars highly; Porsche has an unusually high percentage of five and four-star cars.

Without exception, its sports cars are class leaders or among the class leaders, standing out for combining driving thrills with surprising luxury and comfort. Likewise, its SUVs are among the sharpest handling, as well as offering high levels of practicality and quality. Meanwhile, the Panamera is a true rival to the very best large executive saloons.

Porsche also sees itself as an electric car pioneer and has already enjoyed sales success with its plug-in hybrid range. Its first all-electric sports car is imminent, signalling the firm’s intent to stay relevant for many years to come.

PORSCHE

Hatchbacks, SUVs, fast cars, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.

From the roadside, the standout feature of them all is the design, with its cars now having a distinctive look that has won the firm a legion of fans for its flair and charm.

To drive and to own, the line-up is typically decent rather than outstanding. Best of the cars when they are rated against rivals are the Kadjar SUV, the fast RS models and the electric Zoe.

With new and used pricing also keen – and Target Price discounts through our New Car Buying marketplace usually more generous than most – there is the opportunity to negotiate an appealing price.

RENAULT

Today, the resurgent Seat brand is selling better cars than at any time in its history.

In large part, that’s because it is one of the brands owned by the VW Group. Underneath, all of the cars it sells are strongly related to similar models sold by Volkswagen itself, or the likes of Skoda and even Audi. If you are buying a Leon, for example, the hardware will be similar to that of the Golf, Octavia and A3.

But while Seat makes the most of this tie-up to offer everything from city, small and family cars, including estates, through to a full range of SUVs, it also adds in its own slice of character, both with its distinctive styling approach and because its engineers generally tune the cars to deliver sportier handling.

While all of its cars are decent, it is the SUVs that stand out. The Arona and Ateca are among the class leaders and have enjoyed triumphs at the What Car? Awards.

SEAT

One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.

Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.

The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.

As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

SKODA

Owned by Mercedes-Benz and with a reputation for making small, clever cars, Smart offers a striking, upmarket alternative to more conventional rivals.

It currently has a two-car line-up, the smaller of the two being the distinctive Fortwo, which, as its name suggests, is an ultra-short two-seater that uses an unusual rear-engined configuration to deliver the sort of turning circle that even London taxis can only dream of. It's a doddle to park in small spaces, too.

Smart's 'family car' is the Forfour, which is little more than a stretched version of the Fortwo, with a second row of seats and a larger boot. It's more of a natural rival for cars like the Hyundai i10 or Kia Picanto.

On paper, both cars come at a considerable price premium when compared with rivals, something it says is justified by its badge appeal and the technology in the cars.&nbsp;However, sales have been slow and there are often keen Target Price deals to be found.

SMART

Ssangyong has made giant strides in recent years, after it was taken over by a new owner and given a injection of investment to help its bid to become a credible car maker.

The result so far is a range of cars dominated by SUVs (as well as a single pick-up), most of which are below the class average standard but all of which have merits, including the amount of space and practicality they offer for the money.

The highlight in the range is currently the Korando, a Nissan Qashqai rival that offers all the space of that car but for a price closer to the much smaller Nissan Juke’s. It is very roomy and has decent engines, but it’s let down a bit by interior quality, high running costs and poor resale values.

SSANGYONG

Once best known for its flame-spitting, rally-bred Imprezas, Subaru’s focus now is on cars that will appeal to a far wider audience, and especially one that values go-anywhere ability and no-nonsense values above all others.

The result is a mixed bag of offerings, none of which rise beyond being average in their class but most of which have facets that make them stand out from their rivals. Core to its range are the Forester and Outback SUVs, while the Levorg is a more conventional estate.

At other extremes, there’s also the BRZ, an entertaining coupé that is let down by its price and resale values, and of course the Impreza, which comes in a variety of forms, including a hot model.

SUBARU

Suzuki is well known as a motorcycle manufacturer, but the car brand has been enjoying decent success in recent years, thanks to a line-up of neat, well-equipped and keenly priced models.

Its expertise focuses on smaller cars, although its high-riding SUV range is also hugely credible, especially the Ignis and Vitara, which are both rated highly by What Car?’s testers and which have enjoyed success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

Well priced, decent to drive and full of useful tech, Suzuki’s cars also generally stand out for delivering good fuel economy. The Ignis, Celerio and Baleno have all stood head and shoulders above the competition during our True MPG testing.

SUZUKI

Tesla is the company that changed the car industry, putting electric cars at the forefront of public conscious – helped by the personality and profile of boss Elon Musk.

Today, Tesla has a wider line-up than ever, with the BMW 3 Series-rivalling Model 3 set to make its products more accessible. Alongside the Model 3, the larger Model S saloon and the Model X SUV continue to turn heads, while a new roadster, complete with supercar-beating acceleration, is in the works.

However, while the cars are all impressive, and for all that Tesla has acted as a catalyst for the more traditional car firms to develop electric vehicles, it’s a firm that continues to attract criticism, most notably for the reliability of its vehicles – a fact verified in the latest What Car? Reliability Survey.

TESLA

Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.

That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.

However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.

TOYOTA

Vauxhall has an incredibly diverse range of cars on sale, a few of which stand out above the class average. Add in the fact that it still offers some of the largest Target Price discounts in the market (something it is trying, without huge success, to cut back on), and there are very good reasons to consider buying one of its better models.

However, you need to choose carefully, because it is also a brand in transition. It has a newish parent company – the same one that owns Citroën, DS and Peugeot. And while Vauxhall’s newer models tend to be competitive, some of the others feel dated; a quick check of our star ratings will reveal which is which.

Still, given the recent success of sister brands Citroën and especially Peugeot, each new launch should make its range more appealing to buyers.

VAUXHALL

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

ARIYA

JUKE

MICRA

QASHQAI

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