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Used Car Comparison: Citroen C3 vs Nissan Micra
Feb 292016
Which Supermini is better? The stylish French C3 or the Brit built Japanese tiddler?
Why Buy?
The C3 has always been well equipped, and in more recent years it has become much more like a tiny people
carrier than a small hatch. By contrast the Micra is a traditional, hardworking small car beloved of first time
drivers and older motorists who want a car that won’t let them down.
Which models?
There are two distinct C3 models, the one built from 2002 to 2010 and the revised people carrier style one from
2010 onwards. Buy the most recent. Micras, also from 2002
Are they reliable?
The older C3s seem cheaply built inside and it is electrical issues that give owners the most trouble. Warranty
Direct’s figures bear this out. It is a similar story with the Micra, electricals are again the problem even if the price
of fixing a Nissan is fractionally cheaper.
How much do they cost?
Safer to pay around £950 for a 2003 example. £3000 a tidy 2006 example and £8000 for a 2012 Picasso model if you
want a small van. Again, £1000 is the lowest price to buy at, a £3000 Micra is a 1.2 2009 3 door model. The
restyled 2012 five door from 2012 from a dealer is £6000.
Sum Up
It comes down to style and the Citroen looks funkier, whilst the Micra is just odd to some. Regardless, Nissan’s
reputation for reliability is strong.
Citroen C3
Average Repair Cost: £280.43
Axle and Suspension: 23.61%*
Gearbox: 13.89%*
Electrical: 25.00%*
Warranty Direct Rating: Above Average
* failure rate
Nissan Micra
Average Repair Cost: £272.82
Axle & Suspension: 29.85*
Electrical: 32.84%*
Steering: 17.91*
Warranty Direct Rating: Above Average to Good
* failure rate
Tagged with: Citroën, comparison, Nissan, reliability index, Superminis, test, used cars, Warranty Direct
How to Pass the MOT
Feb 282016
The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has come up with some easy ways to increase your car’s chances of
passing its MOT test. Many people don’t prepare their car for an MOT at all, when a set of simple checks could
save you time, money and inconvenience.
Many cars fail the MOT on the basic items we’re about to highlight, leaving you rushing around attempting to fix
them at late notice and possibly great expense.
Mark Lewis, IAM director of standards, says start on the outside:

Wash your car. This will allow you to see any damage, especially to wheels

Check tyres. Make sure there is no damage and there is there is a tread depth of at least 1.6mm across the
central three-quarters of the tyre width and around the whole circumference of the tyre

Clean your windscreen so you can see any cracks

Make sure all lights are working and get someone to help with brake lights or look at a reflection in a shop
window or garage door

Lift the wipers and check the feathered edge (the thin part of the blade that touches the screen) for any
damage. Then wipe them with a damp cloth

Look under the car to see if there are any fluid leaks
Now let’s talk fluids!

Make sure all fluids under the bonnet are topped up – these areas are often marked in yellow

Make sure the windscreen washer nozzles are working and aim at the windscreen

Don’t forget about the rear wash-wipe if your car has one
Moving inside

Make sure the horn works

Does the parking brake hold the car?

Pull all the seat belts out the entire way and make sure they retract.

Unwind if necessary
Mark said: “These basic checks will help make your chances of passing an MOT much greater. So many fails are as a
result of these issues.
“But what I have suggested should not just be a once-a-year activity – these are checks that should be part of a
weekly routine to ensure your car is safe to be driven day in, day out.”
Tagged with: Car Maintenance, car repair, MOT, MOT Checks, passing the mot, Warranty Direct
Beware: flood damaged cars for sale
Feb 272016
There will be more flood damaged vehicles on the used car
market as a result of the treacherous weather conditions recently seen in the UK. So private buyers need to be on
their guard and to know exactly what to look out for.
If a vehicle has been driven into a serious flood or submerged for a period of time, water can overcome the intake
manifold, causing the engine to hydraulic lock and this may require total replacement. So, if a replacement engine
or new steel wheels have been fitted are signs they have been flooded.
Other tell-tale signs of a potentially flood-damaged vehicle are random or strangely placed scrapes and dents to
the bodywork, which may have resulted from debris carried by fast running water.
To help spot potentially flood-damaged vehicles, Manheim Auctions has developed a ten point inspection plan:
1.
Lift the flooring – rust, mould, dampness and/or silt under all carpets and mats are a sign that a vehicle may
have taken an early bath.
2.
Open the doors – tide marks staining upholstery in a vehicle are possible warning signs.
3.
Sitting comfortably – rust on all seat-retaining bolts and seat frames could indicate that a vehicle has been in
prolonged contact with water
4.
Lift the bonnet – silt and mud deposits on the engine and associated components is a possible danger sign
5.
Get on your knees – pay attention to any recent surface corrosion and body damage on lower sills and
floorpan, including axles and component brackets
6.
Exhausting checks – look at the full exhaust system, sometimes the rear box is changed to disguise flood
damage
7.
Time to dash – a combination of intermittent electrical problems, dash warning lights and inoperative
electrical components could spell major repair bills for flooded vehicles
8.
In recession – take a good look at internal recesses, including cup holders, ashtrays, cubby holes and door
pockets for signs of silt and mud
9.
Fits like a glove – check the glovebox manuals, paperwork and information packs – they may show signs of
water damage
10. Sense of smell – while some cars smell damp if they have been deep cleaned, be aware of the ‘atmosphere’ in
the car as it could alert you to a flood-damaged vehicle.
Tagged with: car check, Car Maintenance, damaged vehicles, flood damage, floods, Warranty Direct
Honda Named Most Reliable Manufacturer
Feb 262016
A survey carried out by the Organisation of Consumers and
Users (OCU), of over 30,000 European drivers focusing on the reliability of over 178 different models has found
that customers rate Honda as the most reliable car brand.
Overall, Honda ranked top of the survey, receiving a reliability rating of 93/100 and with further 79% of survey
respondents saying that they would recommend a Honda vehicle. The Honda Jazz was rated as the top car in terms
of reliability in the “utility” vehicles category. Other Honda models were also highly rated with the Civic, CR-V and
Insight placing in the top 10 of most reliable cars in their respective categories.
Price, fuel consumption, practicality and reliability are key considerations for consumers when buying a car. The
OCU survey focused on reliability to find out if owners had experienced breakdowns in the past year and to find
out the type of problems drivers had experienced. From this data they established a reliability index which can be
used to compare the likelihood of a breakdown between different makes and models on the market.
“Reliability and quality are synonymous with the Honda brand,” says Honda Motor Europe’s senior vice president,
Philip Ross. “The results of the survey highlight the importance of the quality commitments Honda has made to its
customers. It is important for Honda to ensure that customers can experience the joy of owning a Honda vehicle
and enjoy driving them with the peace of mind that the cars are among the least likely to experience
breakdowns.”
Tagged with: consumer survey, Honda, OCU, reliability index, reliable, Warranty Direct
Used Car Comparison: Suzuki SX4 vs Land Rover Freelander
Jan 302016
If you want a small 4 x 4 shaped car to get to shops, but off road ability is not essential, then there are two
extremes to choose from.
Why Buy?
You will go for the Suzuki SX4 because it is great value for money and it is tough and practical rather than being
stylish. It’s the sensible choice. The Freelander is the one that everyone wants because it is made by Land Rover,
it looks the 4 x 4 part and if they needed to go off road it is brilliant.
Which models?
The SX4 was introduced in 2006. It is well equipped and the 1.6 petrol model is cheap to run and more than
adequate for buyers who don’t do many miles. Although the Freelander has been around for some time this is a
revised 2006 model. The diesel versions are the most sought after.
Are they reliable?
Suzuki has a reputation for reliability, rather than excitement, not only that they rarely break down and the
Warranty Direct figures bear this out. By contrast, the Land Rover is expensive to fix and is well known for being
more of a financial drain.
How much do they cost?
The Suzuki starts at £1700 for a 2006 model and it will be in mint condition. £5500 buys a 2012 example from a
dealer, which is great value.
Freelander’s from 2006 start at around £2500 for a three door Td4 example. The best 5 door though will be £5500,
so prices vary hugely.
Sum Up: It’s obvious, money to burn, but you want to make a statement: Freelander. Meanwhile, the realist will
buy a Suzuki SX4.
Suzuki SX4
Average Repair Cost: £192.90
Axle and Suspension: 57.69%*
Transmission: 11.54%*
Electrical: 11.54%*
Warranty Direct Rating: Above Average
* failure rate
Land Rover Freelander
Average Repair Cost: £403.14
Transmission: 22.14*
Electrical: 26.97%*
Engine: 12.47*
Warranty Direct Rating: Below Average
* failure rate
Tagged with: comparison, land rover, ratings, reliability, reliability index, suzuki, used cars
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Used Car Comparison: Citroen C3 vs Nissan Micra
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How to Pass the MOT

Beware: flood damaged cars for sale

Honda Named Most Reliable Manufacturer

Used Car Comparison: Suzuki SX4 vs Land Rover Freelander
Recent Comments
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