Subaru XV Problems

As a private sale it would be worth $21,000-$23,500, but as a trade-in it would be valued at $17,000-$19,500.

The shudder on take-off suggests a transmission problem, but the other issues are unlikely to be related to the gearbox. Get it to a Subaru dealer or specialist and have it checked out.

I would use the factory recommended oil, at least while the car is under warranty. Once the warranty has expired you could use the Mobil oil and shouldn’t experience any problems.

Both would be well suited on the basis of what you have told us. The top Sportage is more expensive than the top XV, but it’s more economical, the service intervals are a little longer, and it comes with a 7-year warranty compared to the XV’s 3-year deal. If you planned to keep the car for a number of years I would suggest the Sportage is the better choice, but if you turn your cars over regularly I would probably go for the XV.

The Trax is good value for money and stacks up well against all comers in the class. The 1.4 turbo is the best engine, and it has a conventional auto instead of a CVT that most of its rivals have. Others to look at are the Suzuki S-Cross, Ford Kuga, Nissan Qashqai, Mazda CX-5 and Subaru XV.

Boxer engines are known to use oil because of their design and the Subaru mechanic we spoke to said the consumption you are claiming isn't alarming. He isn't aware of a problem with oil consumption, but told us that it is important to have the car serviced as per Subaru's schedule and to use the recommended oil.

The XV is underpowered, as well as having a very dozy CVT. If you are that worried I would definitely suggest a brand swap to something with a regular automatic.

My choice would definitely be the Golf, for comfort and the range and economy on the highway. The XV is all right but not great, with a tiny boot, so the VW gets The Tick.