Tag: used car buying

A tidy row of stamps can hide years of neglect. Here's how to read dates, mileages and invoices the way a mechanic does, so you know exactly what you're buying.

The Qashqai's Renault-sourced 1.5 dCi is economical and everywhere, but high-mileage examples often hide turbo actuator and DPF trouble. Here's what to check, what it costs, and how to buy well.

Clean air zones can add thousands to your running costs overnight. Here's how to check whether a used car is compliant before you hand over any money.

The Mercedes A-Class W176 diesel is a great car if you do long runs, but short journeys can clog the DPF and lead to costly repairs. Here's how to spot the warning signs before you buy.

Before you hand over any money, a few cheap checks can save you thousands. This guide walks through HPI, MOT and service history in plain English, with a practical pre-purchase checklist.

The 1.4 TSI and 1.2 TSI engines from VW Group are punchy and frugal – but early versions had a nasty habit of snapping their timing chains. Here's what you need to listen for, what it costs to fix, and how to avoid a horror story.