When advertising a used car for sale, good photos can make a big difference. Here are some tips based on what we have seen recently. Make sure your photos are orientated correctly.....
Many reports of 1.4-litre (TSI) engine failures. This engine has a timing chain but it has been known to stretch so may require replacement. FSI (1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol) engines are susceptible...
Often suffer frequent minor and some not so minor problems. Can be expensive to maintain and repair. 4-speed automatic transmission fitted to the 2.9-litre model can fail even at relatively low...
Generally, fairly reliable but electrical problems are common. Automatic transmissions can be unreliable and require expensive replacement. Engine uses a timing belt but replacement intervals...
Many reports of unreliability due to electrical issues, and some reports of automatic transmission problems. All engines have a timing belt which need regular replacement, although Volvo interval...
Engine mounts are a regular fail item. Turbo models can suffer problems with oil feed to the turbocharger. All engines have a timing belt that needs replacement every 120,000 km or 5 years....
The Yaris is a reliable vehicle with no common mechanical problems. Some owners dislike the electronic throttle as it makes it hard to maintain speed and controls the engine revs at times....
The Prius and hybrid engine have proven to be reliable but not without problems like any other vehicle. If something does go wrong it can be expensive to repair. Battery packs generally live...
Like most Toyotas, the Echo has proved to be reliable with no common mechanical problems. Common owner complaints are only heavy steering and blind spots. All engine options use a timing chain...
Basic but reliable transport. Engines have a timing chain that does not require regular replacement. Image credit: OSX, Public domain, via Wikimedia...
By all reports a very reliable model with no major common problems. Some reports of brake and gearbox issues, but these are not common. Engines use timing chains so no regular replacement is...
An under-rated car that most owners seem to love. Some issues with CVT transmissions with isolated reports of total failure requiring replacement, and also some criticism of the way the CVT...
These models have a good reuptation for longevity and reliability. WRX models may have lead a hard life and have been modified or raced. Some reports of head gasket failure on 2.5-litre models...
Build quality can be poor. No shortage of common problems, including electrical problems and general fit and finish. Automatic transmissions can be problematic. Parts and servicing can be...
Build quality can be poor. No shortage of common problems. Parts and servicing can be expensive. Image credit: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via...
Suspension parts wear out. Interior can be noisy, and parts rattle. Timing belts need regular replacement. Image credit: OSX, Public domain, via Wikimedia...
This model has above average reports of reliability. There were some problems with very early models catching fire due to a fuel leak, and some reports of engine failure caused by a screw in the...
By all reports a very reliable model with no major common problems at all. All engines use a timing belt that requires replacement every 110,000 km. Image credit: OSX, Public domain, via...
An underrated car that is generally very reliable and compares favourably to Commodores and Falcons. Some common issues which are fairly minor such as problems with power windows. Some...
Many owners love their Mini but they can be expensive to run and have some serious common problems. The CVT transmissions are not at all reliable and should be avoided. Manual transmission...
Four-cylinder petrol engines (M271) use a single row timing chain that can stretch and ultimately cause major engine damage. These can need replacing at around 160,000 km. Listen for rattling on...
Early four-cylinder models up to 2002 used the M111 engine which are long-lasting and reliable. Later models used the M271 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine which have a single row timing chain that...
Available as a 4-door sedan or 5-door wagon. The model received a facelift in 1997. Early pre-facelift models (1997) had problematic wiring harnesses which degrade over time and require...
Expect a lifespan of around 100,000 km for the rotary engine, but many examples will already have had multiple engine replacements by now. Engines may last longer if maintenance is increased above...
Diesel models are cheaper on fuel but if used mainly for short trips they can require expensive maintenance. These are best suited to regular longer journies and not to regular city and suburban...
2.0-litre petrol engine models are generaly very reliablewith few common problems. SP23 model with 2.3-litre petrol engine are prone to sudden engine failure and are best avoided. Image...
The 2.3-litre turbo models should be avoided due to many complaints about engine and turbo failures. Fuel economy is poor. Later 2.5-litre engine is more reliable, better on fuel but not very...
Owners report that these models are very reliable. As the engines use direct-injection, they can suffer from carbon build-up that can cause poor running. This mostly affects the IS250 as the...
A mostly reliable model. The smaller-engined IS200 needs revs to move briskly, the IS300 is more powerful. Front suspension components can wear and require routine replacement. Uneven and...
The quality was not great on early models but improved over time. Automatic transmissions can be problematic and require expensive replacement. The transfer box on all-wheel-drive models is...
Generally a reliable model. Some reported problems with steering system and automatic transmission failures, although these do not appear to be too common. The 2.0-litre petrol engine has a...
Automatic transmissions are problematic and must be serviced frequently to avoid problems. Differentials also need frequent oil changes. Air conditioner compressors are a common failure item....
Eighth generation Civic manufactured in Thailand. No common major mechanical problems. Some paint colours suffer from clear coat peel. Owners report that this model is generally very...
Mostly a very reliable model but alternators, starter motors and power steering pumps failures are not uncommon. Air conditioning problems are common, and is more likely to be due to compressor...
A 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine was available on some models, and uses a timing belt which requires regular replacement. There are significant reports of 3.5-litre engines failing. They suffer from...
Similar story to the earlier JG series, but with more engine choices to go wrong. Some reports say that the JH series fixed many of the problems of the JG, but there's no shortage of unhappy...
Possibly one of the worst used car buys around. Common problems include engine failure, transmission failure, problems with turbos, engine computers, oil and fuel leaks, electrics, air...
Although build quality is not great and these models are not without common problems, parts are plentiful and cheap. The old-tech Ecotec V6 engine fitted to the VT, VX and VY is strong and...
There is an endless list of common problems with this model and it is best avoided. Many reported total engine failures with diesel engines. They also require an expensive major service at 90,000...
No shortage of common problems and complaints from owners about unreliability. Timing belt interval is a short 60,000 km and there is many reports of the belt not even lasting that long, often...
Build quality does seem to vary greatly. Common reports of problems with rust, brakes and suspension, some solved by recalls. Also some reports of transmission failure. Plenty more faults...
Generally a reliable model but most models are made in South Africa and let down by minor faults due to parts and assembly quality issues. 2.0-litre engine has a timing chain. Common problems...
The dual-clutch automatic (PowerShift) transmission has been a great source of problems for owners and for Ford, including a large fine and class action lawsuit. Any vehicle with this transmission...
The dual-clutch automatic (PowerShift) transmission has been a great source of problems for owners and for Ford, including a large fine and class action lawsuit. Any vehicle with this transmission...
The dual-clutch automatic (PowerShift) transmission has been a great source of problems for owners and for Ford, including a large fine and class action lawsuit. Any vehicle with this transmission...
Four-cylinder petrol engines suffer from many problems, mostly due to too long service intervals. Problems include oil consumption due to worn valve stem seals, oil leaks, ignition coil, variable...
Available as a 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible, and 5-door wagon. 4-cylinder engines feature variable valve timing/lift system and can be problematic. They also suffer worn valve...
Available as a 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible, 3-door hatchback and 5-door wagon (320i only). N42 engine can suffer from problems with timing chain tensioners, variable valve...
Early models were criticised for poor quality interior, somewhat improved in later models. Initially available as 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe introduced 1992, 2-door convertible, and 3-door...
