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Year
Mondeo family car
80%
2003 Ford Mondeo Diesel Manual Hatchback by Richard Chambers • 24th December 2011
A great car to drive with superb handling and ride comfort. Great space in the back and boot (can fit three sets of golf clubs). Had some problems with coil springs and starter motor was affected by flywheel problems which was expensive to fix. A good family motor.
Did you find this review useful? Yes  No (105/17)
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reliable safe car
100%
2005 Volvo XC90 Diesel Semi-Automatic 4x4 by padraig212 • 28th December 2011
Ideal family car, well built plenty of space. Great for long journeys and you can expect up to 45mpg at an average speed of 68mph. I have owned an xc90 for 3 year, i also have a toyota land cruiser but the volvo is by far a more comfortable jeep to drive.
Did you find this review useful? Yes  No (82/5)
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EXCELLENT FORD
100%
2011 Ford Fiesta Diesel Manual 5 speed Hatchback by jk • 8th March 2012
Just recently purchased a 1 year old Fiesta Zetec 1.4 TDCI from Lindsay Ford - Ballymena, for my wife. I rate the salesperson I dealt with very highly, with the few minor issues agreed on at purchase all being dealt with to my complete satisfaction. My wife is really very pleased with the way the car drives, all round visibility, well laid out controls, and excellent economy 58 mpg+ on longer journeys and 52mpg+ for town driving. Even better still, only £20 road tax per year, due to the low co2 emissions, and group 7/8 for insurance, which is really good. My wife was initially slightly distracted by the front heated windscreen lines but now, she does not notice them at all, and she has indeed appreciated the benefit already. I would advise all Fiesta drivers to get mud flaps fitted, as I did after purchase, and I have also purchased a spare wheel and associated items - I am an old traditionalist - and just do not like the idea of the tyre repair kit that the car came with. I know a lot of manufacturers follow the same rationale ie fuel saving etc, but I feel Ford have really hit the mark now with the majority of their new models. I believe this is evidenced by the upsurge in the number of new Ford cars on the road. I feel Ford should give us traditionalists peace of mind by putting a spare wheel, even spacesaver, and all the associated items - jack, wheelbrace etc in the boot. Overall, extremely well pleased both with the Lindsay Ballymena dealership, and the vehicle. I have only reduced the "love rating" mark, as I drive BMW and, this is superior in all respects. However, you certainly pay for this privilege. On the few occasions I have driven my wife's car, the more I like it. I may even consider changing my allegience in a year or so, when I change my car. High spec Kuga/ Focus (both diesel new models) look favourite.
Did you find this review useful? Yes  No (94/20)
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2015 Honda CR-V 160 SE AWD 1.6 (twin turbo) Diesel Manual 129g CO2
100%
2015 Honda CR-V Diesel Manual Estate by Aidy K • 27th July 2017
Great driving jeep with car like handling thanks to the all wheel drive system, plenty of torque and more powerful than the older 2.2 Dtec engine, very comfortable with loads of room inside with simple to use Honda connect system and new stylish looks outside, Highly Recommended
Did you find this review useful? Yes  No (66/7)
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A better ford experience
80%
2012 Ford Kuga Diesel Manual 4x4 by shatter • 3rd January 2014
I have the 163 titanium. Last of the old shape. A pleasant car to drive with the basic creature comforts. Reversing sensors are extra and personally the key-less starting is annoying with nowhere to set the keys. Opening the bonnet is a key splitting broken nail effort. Why it needs to be opened with a key defies me. The split tailgate is perhaps a nice touch but unnecessary. Averaging 39 mpg over the last 4000 miles is the best i have managed.From 2nd gear on this is a reasonably quick car. It pays to shop around for servicing as there is quite a difference in the various Ford dealers.
Overall a very pleasing car.
Did you find this review useful? Yes  No (64/7)
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'Love' Rating
Quality car loads of boot space
80%
2016 Peugeot 2008 Diesel Manual Sport utility vehicle by Sid Suttle • 8th September 2018
Quality car very easy run zero tax and loads of miles to the gallon would consider buying another well pleased.
Did you find this review useful? Yes  No (61/4)
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Excellent car, real nice drive, V easy run and maintained
100%
2005 Ford Focus Diesel Manual 5 speed Hatchback by Focus • 2nd January 2012
I've had my 1.6 diesel focus for 2 years now, great car all round. bought this car because of its value for money. Great size diesel engined car for alot less than german or japanese options. Its really grown on me, can not fault it, confortable drive and very easy run I always get 50+ MPG irrespective of how heavy my right foot gets. Parts and service costs are very reasonable. 1.6 TDCI is great engine with smooth acceleration and a boost of power where you need it for overtaking. Cabin has loads of space and loads of headroom and great size boot. The seating position is great all passengers have confortable high seating with great visability drivers seat is heaght adjustable and stearing wheel hieght and distance adjustable to get perfect confortable driving position. The centre arm rest is a nice extra on zetec spec or higher, mine being LX didn't have one but I sourced one from breakers yard for £50. The LX spec cars do not have trip computer with Avg MPG and outside temp meter which is a little missed in winter months but the standard heated front screen is fantastic, great for clearing mist quickly and can even defrost frost and snow from the windscreen at temps where deicing spray or hot water just refreeze.
Did you find this review useful? Yes  No (66/11)
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Freelanders the best
80%
Land Rover Freelander 4x4 by barney • 12th January 2012
I really love these cars built like tanks,excellent in the winter dont get stuck anymore like i did when i drove my bmw 5 series great car really reliable wouldnt change my freelander for the world.
Did you find this review useful? Yes  No (64/11)
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320d SE Touring
100%
2006 BMW 3 Series Diesel Manual Estate by Mocsoft • 14th February 2012
This is a fantastic car, great economy, practical and a pleasure to drive! With combined driving I consistently get 50 mpg on every tank, it doesn't feel like a big estate to drive in fact I don't think you could tell it apart from the saloon. As with all new bmws I would recommend non run flats, I have changed all 4 tyres and it rides much better. My car has over 100 k on the clock now and hasn't missed a beat, BMW condition based service schedule of every 15-20k should be ignored in my opinion, I change oil and filters every 10k and believe the car is much better for it.
Did you find this review useful? Yes  No (66/13)
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Renault Captur Diesel
100%
2013 Renault Captur Diesel Manual Sport utility vehicle by Bjj • 26th February 2019
Lovely seating position very easy on fuel 58 - 60 mpg very reliable - no faults or trouble in 5 1/2years.
Did you find this review useful? Yes  No (56/3)
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x type 2.5 v6 awd
100%
2001 Jaguar X-Type Saloon by jag man • 13th December 2011
The x type is a fantastic car to drive, its sharpe steering, responsive V6 engine and the overall build quality are simply class leading. As an all wheel drive its very economical giving around 35mpg. Best to buy is the 2.5 v6 awd manual. The car is easy to run and well finished and the v6 engine roars when pushed. Try to buy with the 18" alloy wheels.
Did you find this review useful? Yes  No (54/2)
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GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY
100%
2014 Dacia Duster Diesel Manual MPV by graeme67 • 17th April 2014
Owned the duster since Jan and i am very suprised , the car is running great , im getting 45mpg and lots of room for the kids school bags plus more . Hard to beat for the price.
Did you find this review useful? Yes  No (58/6)
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LAND ROVER DEFENDER 90 200Tdi
80%
1990 Land Rover Defender Diesel Manual Pickup by Mick • 20th September 2013
I found mine to have a very spartan interior and drive like a small lorry but with a bit of care and attention it just goes on and on.

They have a very generous towing limit of 3.5 tonnes and are very capable of towing it, something which nearly all of competition just cannot do, legally.

I found that spares are readily available both new and secondhand.

In my opinion the 200Tdi engine, which has a proven record of reliability, is probably the best of the bunch, as it doesn't have any niggling electronic control units to worry about. This results in an engine which is easy to repair by any competent mechanic as a computer is not required to reset or setup the engine.

The four wheel drive system is a direct implant from the Range Rover, with high and low gear ranges, a total of 10 forward and 2 reverse gears are available as well as a diff lock in all gears.

If you are thinking of buying one be sure to check out the following:

Make sure that the high/low gear selector and diff lock are all working as they should.

Also make sure you get under and check the chassis is not rotten especially the section just behind the front wheels, and just in front of the rear wheels. The rear crossmember is prone to rust as well. These are all MOT fails. A chassis which has been professionally welded will be OK but check for a bodged job and be prepared to walk away. A replacement chassis would not be a consideration.

Check out the steering box, engine, and gearbox/transfer box for oil leaks. You will usually find these are all leaking, a small amount of oil is acceptable but a drip will cost money and may be a MOT fail.

Look at the swivel joints on the ends of the front axle on the inside of the wheels, you will have to get underneath again. Make sure that the shiney silver swivels are not pitted with rust and are not leaking oil as these are expensive to repair and are an MOT fail.

Check the interior seats are OK and not badly worn or torn, they are an easy fix but expensive to replace.
Did you find this review useful? Yes  No (55/4)
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Honda CR-V 2.2 i-CTDi EX
80%
2007 Honda CR-V by kiely • 9th December 2011
We purchased our 2007 Honda CRV to tow a caravan and provide a spacious family vehicle. After a 3 week trip to France the CRV passed with flying colours. Fuel consumption is adequate for the vehicle specification and the vehicle kit is impressive. One issue I would highlight is a squeaking clutch pedal, this was replaced under warranty by Honda and is a common problem with this model.
Did you find this review useful? Yes  No (49/3)
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Audi A3 Sportback
100%
2005 Audi A3 Diesel Manual Hatchback by Patrick Conway • 4th May 2012
I bought my Audi A3 in December 08 with 64,000 on the clock, almost 3 and a half years later there is 126,000 on the clock. It still has the original battery and exhaust.

The only unplanned expenditure has been a rear wheel bearing and a brake caliper. The car needed front suspension arms for MOT last year. It now needs an ABS pump.
It has been a very reliable car in the time I have owned it and has never let me down.
The single most annoying thing about the car is the function where the doors lock when the car is drtiven, this really annoys me. Having said this it is avery comfortable car to drive and to sit in.
Did you find this review useful? Yes  No (54/9)
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It may be Korean, but it's winner for me. Even my friends like it
100%
2008 Hyundai i30 by S,Clarke • 7th December 2011
Bough a 2008, 1.6 CRDi(115bhp) 2nd hand. with only 21k. Its a premium spec so comes with full black leather, heated from seats, climate control, rear parking sensors, ipod connection, 4 e/w, too much to list.
The insurance is expensive, but I'm only 20, so this is expected, and road tax is a respectable £90 per year (2009+models are only £30!)
Faults wise the starter motor went after 25k on it, however the well backed up 5 years warranty helped sort this issue. I have owned this car since March 2010, and since then have racked up over 24k miles. Every last one has been a joy. And the car has lasted well. A very smooth driving car, and a comfortable ride for all.Handles very well(i Installed sports springs, still rides very well, and handles even better, with less body roll and understeer).

Compliments are even given from my friends, who are impressed with the quality and finish of the car.

I would definitely buy another Hyundai as I love the reliability and standard equipment on them.
Did you find this review useful? Yes  No (48/4)
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V8 sport
100%
2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Diesel Automatic Estate by AP McCoy Not! • 8th February 2012
I bought my sport with 40000 miles done and it now has 125000. Only needed suspension work at 90000 (£845) and new compressor at 110000 (£795), both jobs done in LR garage, apart from that it has been faultless! MPG is 25 when driving normally and 21 when towing my horsebox so economy isn't bad for a powerful V8! I love my sport and won't consider anything else when changing next year.
Did you find this review useful? Yes  No (51/7)
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NO PROBLEMS AS YET!
100%
2007 Nissan Qashqai Hatchback by bobbymoore • 12th December 2011
Bought a 2007 Qashqai 1.6 Acenta a couple of years ago, my wife gets 33mpg on average and i dont think shes ever been over 40mph, so i am very happy with economy. Very comfortable and plenty of leg room for the kids in the back. All in all, i recommend it for anyone looking a good reliable and spacious family car.
Did you find this review useful? Yes  No (48/5)
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TOYOTA AVENSIS 1.8 VVTI
100%
2001 Toyota Avensis Petrol Manual Hatchback by joe • 10th January 2012
I've had my 1.8 VVTI for 7 years now, it has 254789miles on it and is all 100% great car all round. bought this car not because i fell in love with it but because of value for money. Great size engined car for alot less than other german options. Its really grown on me, can not fault it, confortable drive and very easy run and service costs not unreasonable
Did you find this review useful? Yes  No (63/20)
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Peugeot 308 1.6 hdi
100%
2008 Peugeot 308 Diesel Manual 5 speed Hatchback by Con • 12th April 2015
For the last 3 years I have owned a Peugeot 308 and I have nothing to complain about, in that time I have clocked up 200,000 kms, not one ounce of trouble, great to drive, loads of room
Did you find this review useful? Yes  No (44/1)
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