Hyundai Problems

I'm not aware of anyone doing a bar for the Sonata. I would suggest you call the bar manufacturers directly, they might be able to point you in the right direction.

It's most likely to be a sticking tappet or tappets and it takes time to pump up once you start the engine. In the three days the car was sitting the oil has had time to drain back into the sump, so it will take a short time for the oil to be pumped up through the engine again. Have a mechanic listen to the engine for you to determine where the knock is coming from, or change the tappets.

The XC90 is a very old design and one at that price might be a bit doubtful. Your best choice would be a Kia or Hyundai, which are far better than you might think and may even have some factory warranty at your budget.

The BMW GT has a brilliant boot but, if I were doing what you're doing, I'd get a Hyundai Genesis. Perhaps not as prestigious, but the same interior and boot space as the Benz. And there is a five-year free service deal and a five-year warranty, as well as talk of a guaranteed future value scheme.

You should drive and compare the CX-5, the long-term leader in its class, and the new Tucson. Don’t go for seven seats unless you really need them because of the extra price and ongoing penalty in running costs.

If safety is important you should order it and be prepared to wait because it is worthwhile. Don't let the dealer try to get you to buy something in stock instead.

Of those you have been looking at I would rule out the Cruze on the basis of its transmission troubles. The Focus and the Hyundai are good cars and would do what you want nicely. Others to consider would be the Mazda3 and the Kia Rio.

Definitely not the Captiva. The Kluger will cost more because of the Toyota badge. I'd favour a Territory — but make sure it's had necessary upgrades to the ball joints. As an alternative, a Hyundai Santa Fe would be a good choice.

The prices we quote are a guide, but you should be able to find a 2012 Ford Fiesta for $8000 on the private market. A 2012 Hyundai i20 would be a smidgeon cheaper at $7500. Continue looking and haggle hard when you find a car that suits.

It sounds as if you are Yaris fans but the Mazda2 gets The Tick and is best in the class. The i20 will give you better value and, with a five-year factory warranty, it's holding its value well on the second-hand scene.