Used Car Reviews

Daihatsu Sirion is a well-built Japanese car with an excellent reputation for reliability and low running costs. It wasn’t as successful as big brother Daihatsu Charade.So there are some bargains in Daihatsu Sirions as they are regarded as orphans and have suffered in resale value because of this. Despite this they can be kept on the road with a minimum of expense if you choose a good one and look after it correctly.A new Daihatsu Sirion released in April 2002 was more of a facelift, and although longer and given a freshened face, did not offer anything different in the way of drivetrain. For that we had to wait until the all-new Sirion launched here 2005 -- infortunately not long before Daihatsu exited the Australian market altogether. It was substantially bigger than the first-generation model that was launched in Australia in 1998. There’s decent interior room and a boot that can handle a fair amount of luggage. The older models are smaller and probably best left to couples and singles, but the 2005 model can work as a family car if the children are in their pre-teen stage.Daihatsu Sirion is well equipped, coming with air conditioning, a four-speaker CD stereo, power door mirrors, lap-sash safety belts in all five seats and dual airbags. A model worth chasing down is the Sirion Sport, with alloy wheels, a front body kit that includes foglights, a sportier design of rear lights, colour-coded door handles and ABS brakes it provides a lot of small car for a pretty reasonable price.The first series Daihatsu Sirion used an interesting three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine of the type the Japanese marque had made famous for many years. It continued with the larger model of 2002, but in the 2005 Sirion power came from a more conventional four-cylinder, twin-cam unit displacing 1.3 litres. The latter produced a relatively modest 64 kilowatts, but variable valve timing meant it has strong torque throughout most of the rev range, peaking at 120 Nm at a reasonably low 3200 rpm.Transmission choices are five-speed manual and four-speed automatics. Autos don’t take as much out of the performance as you might expect as the Sirion is relatively light. But our gearbox of choice would be the manual unless you’re doing a lot of commuting in traffic. The manual’s gearshift is light and easy so it’s not a hardship to do your own shifting.Handling is competent without being in any way exciting – definitely not a car for the enthusiast. There’s a reasonably neutral feel at everyday road speeds, but understeer comes in too early. A good set of tyres can give it a better feel and provide grip.Daihatsu has been controlled by Toyota since the early 2000s after getting into financial trouble. Toyota Australian stocks spare parts for most models younger than about 10 years. Check with your local dealer and/or check out parts recyclers in your neighbourhood.As it’s a relatively small car the Sirion doesn’t have a lot of underbonnet space so can be annoying to work on. Workshop manuals are available and are recommended. Don’t tackle any safety related items unless you’re an expert.Insurance costs are generally towards the bottom end of the scale and we don’t know of any major company that charges extra for the Sirion Sport, probably because it’s a dress-up variant not a real sporty design.WHAT TO LOOK FORLook for sun damage on the dash top and rear shelf. Check for tears in the seats and damage to floor and boot mats.Rust is rare but if it does get a hold it can run through very quickly due to the light construction of the Sirion. Look in the lower body areas, as well as the doors and hatchback. The corners of these panels are usually the first to suffer. Check the floor of the cabin and the boot for rust. Repairs there can be expensive.Look for signs of crash repairs, minor repairs correctly executed are to be expected in older cars that spend a lot of time in city/suburban driving, but if you think a Sirion has been in a major crash have it inspected by a professional as sub-standard cars can be dangerous.The engine should start quickly even when cold and should have a relatively smooth idle from start-up. Four-cylinder engines are smoother than the threes.Check there is no smoke from the exhaust tailpipe when the engine is accelerated hard after idling for a while. Gearchanges should all be light and easy, with the clutch taking very little effort to operate.If the gearbox baulks or crunches when you do a fast change down, there could be expensive troubles. The third to second change is usually the first to suffer. If the clutch is heavy or sticks during its movement it could be due for an overhaul.Drive the car at low speed with the steering on full lock in one direction and then the other and listen for a clicking sound of worn universal joints.CAR BUYING TIPBuying an ‘orphan’, a car that’s no longer imported, can save you money. But do your homework on parts and knowledgeable mechanics before getting in too deep. 

Graham Smith reviews the 1998-2008 BMW 3-series E46 as a used buy.

Britain’s Range Rover had the luxury 4WD market all to itself for many years until the Germans finally entered the arena. Led by the M-Class, Mercedes’ first luxury SUV, this market segment has become highly competitive. There are now also entrants from Mercedes’ biggest rivals, BMW and Audi.Mercedes-Benz M-Class arrived in Australia in September 1997 and has sold well since then thanks to a combination of image, price (more about this in a moment) and genuine 4WD ability. While the M-Class is used by most owners as a luxury station wagon rather than a 4WD, if you choose the right off-road packages it is pretty competent on unsealed surfaces.You wouldn't tackle Jeep’s Rubicon Trail in an M-Class, but it will cope with far tougher conditions than likely to be attempted by 99 per cent of owners. Why mention the famed ultra-tough Rubicon Trail? Because the Mercedes SUV was primarily aimed at the American market - and is made in the USA.Build quality was poor in the early days, but following some serious overhauls in the factory systems things improved greatly. Vehicles from the early 2000 update are noticeably better than the original units. The body on the original vehicle had a fair bit of movement, even squeaks and rattles in the really rough stuff, but was stiffened up for the year 2000 model.The high centre of gravity when compared to a car reduces the cornering ability of the big Mercedes 4WD on sealed roads. But electronic aids in the form of traction and stability controls make it cling to the road remarkably well. Amazingly, the big Merc M-class corners safely at speeds far higher than are likely to be attempted by the average owner.The generation-two models (W164) replaced the original W163 in October 2006 and the gen-three (W166) came to us in April 2012. Each version increased the stylishness of the vehicle, but put ever more emphasis on on-road performance. However, the Off-Road Pro packages are there for those who want to get down and dirty in the serious stuff.There's good interior space and the boot is a good size. As is the norm in the car business each model was larger than the previous, came with more a luxurious finish - and sold in greater numbers. Mercedes-Benz offers a staggering range of V6 and V8 petrol and engines. Diesels come with five or six cylinders, with the great majority featuring the V6 powerplants.Automatic transmissions are fitted to all vehicles, with five forward ratios in the early days and seven since the introduction of the W164 in 2006. At the top of the performance tree are the AMG variants of the M-Class. Improbable as they may seem, the ML 55 AMG and later the ML 63 AMG rocketships are much loved in Australia and ours is one of the world’s biggest market on a population basis.The Mercedes-Benz dealer network is very well established in Australia. Spare parts aren't overly expensive for what the vehicle is. Insurance charges are surprisingly moderate for an imported German luxury vehicle, reflecting some of the cost cutting that has gone into the manufacture of the M-class.Few vehicles are more popular on the Australian used-car market than Mercedes-Benzes with full service records. You will usually be asked to pay more, but wise men say they are well worth the additional money.If you don’t want to be seen driving a large 4WD why not consider a Mercedes-Benz R-Class. These are much more conventional-station wagon in appearance than the M-Class, but are driven by all four wheels and share many major components under the skin.WHAT TO LOOK FORVery few M-Class will have been used in serious off-road conditions; clues are light scratches to the body sides caused by squeezing past bushes and trees, scars on and/or under the bumper corners or scrapes on the underbody protection plates.Carting kids around the suburbs isn't all that easy on a 4WD, either. So have a good look over the interior, particularly at the seats, door pockets and the door controls.Make sure the engine starts easily, even the old-style turbo-diesels in the first models only take a second or two on the glow plugs.Check that the engine idles smoothly from the moment it fires up.On your road test make sure the engine pulls strongly without any initial hesitation, diesels won’t be as responsive as petrols but if you feel one is too slow to react be very careful.The automatic transmission should work almost imperceptibly, even when worked hard by the driver.Try engaging all the 4WD modes to make sure that they operate.Having done your preliminary inspections, always call on the services of a professional before committing yourself.CAR BUYING TIPAnyone buying an upmarket vehicle without a professional inspection - or a large budget on standby - is taking a major risk. 

Convertibles, or cabriolets as they have become known, have had a resurgence in popularity in recent times and for good reason. Where they were basic and offered little refinement they now rival their closed cousins in comfort and convenience. Buy a cabriolet today and you lose almost nothing compared to a coupe.NEWThe Audi A5 cabriolet launched in 2009 delivered open-air motoring with all the closed-car refinement you could wish for. Audi chose to employ a conventional soft-top instead of a folding steel roof that many carmakers now offer, even on cheaper models.The A5's roof was a lightweight fabric one with a flat, clear glass rear window. With the roof up the cabin was quiet and comfortable, there was none of the buffeting or wind noise that was synonymous with convertibles of old. When wanted the roof could be lowered at the flick of a switch mounted on the centre console.A matter of just 15 seconds later it was folded away out of sight in the rear compartment. It was full automatic, and if needed it could be done while on the move at 50 km/h should you need to avoid getting wet.It only takes up a small amount of storage space, leaving plenty for luggage, and if the boot is full and there's insufficient space for the roof when you go to lower it an alarm sounds to warn you and the roof won't open.The A5 is a full four-seater able to accommodate four adults in comfort, and if needed the rear seat can be folded flat to create a large luggage space through to the boot.Audi offered the A5 cab with two petrol engines, a 2.0-litre turbo four and a 3.2-litre V6, and a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6. The entry model came with the 2.0-litre engine, CVT transmission and front-wheel drive; all others came with Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system.All others came with a 7-speed dual clutch auto and the Quattro all-wheel drive system.NOWThe disadvantage of a cloth roof like the Audi's is that it wears and can be affected by the sun, sleet and snow. When checking the roof, run it up and down several times, when stationary and when on the move at slow speed, and make sure it goes up and down smoothly.Check for wear, particularly at the points where the roof folds, and check for rips and tears in the roof fabric. The A5 has a glass rear window, so there's none of the fogging associated with plastic windows of years gone by.Look for evidence on the inside of exposure to the sun, looking for trim that has faded or become brittle. Also pay attention for squeaks and rattles when test-driving a cabriolet. With a less sturdy body structure than a closed car they are more prone to developing body squeaks and rattles.The A5's transmissions also warrant thorough testing. Although they are quite different transmissions, one a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and the other a dual-clutch DSG automatic, they can have issues that can be expensive to rectify.When test-driving your potential purchase put it through its paces at low speed as well as high speed, fast and slow acceleration, and particularly check the take-off to make sure there is no hesitation, no shuddering or jerking, and progress is smooth and uninterrupted.Also give the car a thorough inspection, externally looking for bumps and scrapes, and under the bonnet where you should look for oil or coolant leaks.SMITHY SAYSA great cruiser if you're looking for a cool summer ride.Price new: $79,400 to $116,500Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder, 132 kW/320 Nm: 3.2 V6, 195 kW/300 Nm; 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel, 176 kW/500 Nm.Transmission: CVT, 7-speed DSG; FWD, AWD.Economy: 7.4 L/100 km (2.0T), 8.2 L/100 km (V6), 6.9 L/100 km (TD)Body: 2-door cabriolet Variants: 2.0 TFSi, 2.0 TFSi Quattro, 3.2 FSi Quattro, 3.0 TDi Quattro.Safety: Dual front, side head airbags, rollover protection, ABS, ESP.COMING UPDo you own a Holden Colorado? If so tell us what you think of it by sending your comments to Graham Smith at grah.smith@bigpond.com or Carsguide, PO Box 4245, Sydney, NSW, 2010.

SUVs march unrelentingly through the suburbs at a pace that has left rival vehicle types in the shade.Two questions: Do you need all that space? And aren't SUVs becoming a bit passe?The answer may be the humble wagon. Now freed of the additive "station'' -- implying expansive grazing lands and lazy windmills -- the wagon has matured to cleverly blend leisure with some family duties. Even better, thanks to their popularity in Europe, they are stylish and many share the enthusiastic engines of their sedan counterparts.Wagons are on an equal footing with their sedan sisters in equipment, safety and performance. The Skoda Octavia wagon here, for example, has the same high-output turbo-petrol engine as its sports-oriented RS sedan model -- itself a reskinned Volkswagen Golf GTI. Wagons also share the handling, agility and performance acumen of their sedan equivalents.But the wagon has a more flexible load area and the ability to haul a range of awkward-sized cargo thanks to split and fold-down rear seats. In comparison to an SUV, the wagon also retains the less cumbersome style of the sedan, in effect offering the best of both worlds.Find a good sedan and if there's a wagon equivalent, then generally it will share any of the sedan's advantages and disadvantages. These three examples are very different in origins and execution. All are current models -- though the Holden and Skoda are poised for replacement -- and will have relatively low mileage.The Skoda is the sports model and is more expensive than its rivals, though has more equipment and has a turbocharged petrol engine with a dual-clutch automatic transmission -- all quite expensive stuff.Resale values are strong for the Hyundai (50 per cent retained after three years) and Skoda (49 per cent) but weak for the Holden (41 per cent), indicating that seeking a near-new used model can be more advantageous for the Holden buyer. TOP TIPSWagons are made for work -- but check to see if it hasn't been abused. You may save big fuel money by choosing a smaller engine. A cargo net or barrier is a wise investment2012 Skoda Octavia RS 147TSI Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo petrolTransmission: 6-speed dual-clutch autoThirst: 7.9L/100CARSGUIDE SAYS"These wagons boast an incredible amount of storage space -- there's even an extra cubby hole beneath the boot floor. Skoda makes durable cars and though the Octavia is rather plain in appearance, it has a lot of features and is well built. The RS version adds sporty equipment and gets the upmarket 147kW engine and DSG transmission. There are paddle shifters for manual-mode gearchanges, 18-inch alloy wheels, satnav, sports seats and daylight running LEDs. The car has all the safety equipment including six airbags and electronic stability and traction2011 Hyundai i40 PREMIUMEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrolTransmission: 6-speed automaticThirst: 7.7L/100kmCARSGUIDE SAYS"Hyundai has confirmed the i40 range will continue after it drops the similar i45 models, ensuring the i40 has a strong future. This is a 2.0-litre petrol-engined model -- there is also a 1.7-litre turbo diesel which is better suited to shorter duties such as in the city and suburbs. The Premium model gets a big list of standard equipment including 18-inch alloy wheels, satnav and Bluetooth, cruise control, sunroof and leather seats. There are split-fold rear seats though the available cargo space isn't as generous as the Skoda. Hyundai has a capped-price service schedule and a five-year warranty, which is reassuring for used-car buyers.2012 Holden Commodore SV6Engine: 3.6-litre V6 petrolTransmission: 6-speed automaticThirst: 9.8L/100kmCARSGUIDE SAYS"The Australian is a strong workhorse with plenty of style and ability. It's also a reliable and easy-to-fix wagon. The SV6 version is a more upmarket model that retains the 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine and six-speed automatic transmission but adds 18-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension and a sports body kit. Standard equipment includes six airbags, electronic stability and traction control, a reverse camera, airconditioning and cruise control. It also has a capped-price service schedule and buyers have a portion of the three-year warranty still intact. 

Towing the tools during the week and the toys at the weekend has never been easier or more comfortable. Where once the tradie ute was a two-door three-on-a-bench cabin with a column-shift gearbox and an AM radio that made an alarm clock/radio sound good, 21st century machines are far closer to passenger cars.The venerable Toyota HiLux has come under fire from all sides, copping blows from Japanese, German and even locally developed Thai-built Ford products in recent years. Yet the Toyota workhorse finished 2012 as the second biggest-selling vehicle on the local market, as well as the most popular ute and best-selling four-wheel-drive within a segment that's grown substantially.By the end of 2003, there were 50,670 4WD pick-up/cab-chassis vehicles sold in a market that totalled 909,811 sales. Fast-forward five years and the 4WD ute segment totalled 83,308 with 12 models from nine brands on sale in a total market of 1.01 million.Last year, in a total market of 1.11 million, it speared well past the six-figure mark, recording 124,536 sales for 14 models from 11 brands. The reason: versatility. The more recently released dual-cabs now warrant some design focus to make the rear seat useful for more than short trips to the shop at smoko.Right-angled seat cushions have made way for more comfortable benches, lap-sash seat belts and child anchors. Road manners are far less rudimentary. The features lists have improved -- FM radio, seat adjustment and aircon are no longer considered namby-pamby -- as has the level of safety gear, with airbags, anti-lock brakes and even stability control fitted in recent times.The fleet market was largely responsible for putting the HiLux into the top 10 vehicles list but plenty of user-chooser customers need a more versatile machine. The result of expanded choice in the segment and increased competition has led to a wide range of makes and models, each with plenty of kit.HiLux still rules the roost but the others are gaining, adding features and sharpening prices to get a bigger chunk.2008 Toyota Hilux SR5 4WDEngine: 3.0-litre 4-cyl turbo dieselTransmission: 4-speed automaticThirst: 9.5L/100kmCARSGUIDE SAYSThe HiLux has been the dominant force in dual-cab utes, with the brand's reputation for reliability no small factor in its popularity. The SR5 has dual front airbags, aircon, cruise control, 15-inch alloys, nudge bar and anti-lock brakes, but tilt-only steering2008 Nissan Navara ST-X 4WD D40Engine: 2.5-litre 4-cylinderTransmission: 6-speed manualThirst: 9.8L/100kmCARSGUIDE SAYSNavara has been a sales gem for Nissan and this example has been optioned up to include roof racks and a canopy. It sits on 16-inch alloy wheels and packs more power and torque than the HiLux, as well as a few extra features to give it a look-in for the sales race, such as a rotary switch for the 4WD system.2010 Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R 4WDEngine: 2.5-litre 4-cyl turbo dieselTransmission: 5-speed automaticThirst: 9.9L/100kmCARSGUIDE SAYSExtra kit was also Triton's ticket in, given the HiLux's dominance. It has front and side airbags, a fifth ratio for the auto (HiLux still has four), stability control, 17-inch alloys and neat touches such as the roll-down rear window. The look isn't to all tastes but the bullbar takes care of some of that.

The growing popularity of SUVs has seen many of the breed dilute the off-road skill set to accommodate more civilised road manners -- but not this lot.Certainly less agricultural than their forebears, these three examples still have more than enough gumption to gallop down the Gunbarrel Highway or amble along the Oodnadatta Track.The phrase “King Off The Road'' has long been associated with the Toyota LandCruiser and there's nothing to suggest it's a royal fraud.The Japanese brand has built much of its reputation on the back of this beast -- wags will joke that if you want to get somewhere, take a Land Rover -- but if you want to get home again take a LandCruiser.The Toyota's debut was as a workhorse in the 1960s, covering rough ground around the Snowy Mountains Scheme, and its legend has grown from there. The throne is currently occupied by the 200 Series, updated in late 2009.The pricing was a reflection of the demand and Toyota was charging mid-$80,000 for the entry-level GXL wagon. But for towing a caravan, horse float or a boat, there wasn't much that could touch the Toyota's 3500kg braked towing capacity.New vehicle sales figures reflected that, with the LandCruiser regularly outselling Nissan's Patrol by two to one. The Patrol has a long heritage in Australia as well, stretching as far back as the LandCruiser.In 1962, geologist Reg Sprigg and family travelled across the Simpson Desert in a G60 Nissan Patrol, the first vehicle to complete the journey. The Patrol nameplate took hold in the 1980s and has been a part of the 4WD scene ever since.The brand just launched its new model -- with no sign of a diesel engine -- so we'd be inclined to look back to when it had a turbo diesel under its squared-off snout. A left-field choice in this segment is the Jeep Commander, a model that never took off in Australia but had seating for seven, turbo diesel power and the off-road cred that comes with a Jeep badge.There were petrol six- and eight-cylinder options but the 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6, teamed with a five-speed auto, had ample torque and a reasonable thirst. Not a stellar sales performer for the US brand, it fell victim to belt-tightening brought on by the GFC, but if you're not interested in a Japanese giant it might fit the bill.HOT TIPSCheck for signs of water intrusion and rust, as serious off-road expeditions gone awry (as well as recent floods) can have rusty consequences.Diesels are generally more frugal and a lot easier to feed in the Outback, where PULP and ULP can be in short supply.Check the fine print on the towing details, as some 4WDs make big boasts but fall over in the capacity details.2010 Toyota Landcruiser GXLEngine: 4.5-litre V8 turbo dieselTransmission: 6-speed automaticThirst: 10.3L/100kmCARSGUIDE SAYSThe 200 Series took Toyota's full-size diesel 4WD into the realm of the turbo diesel V8, which meant lots of torque, as well as genuine off-road ability and room for eight. Cloth trim, stability control, dual-zone climate control, six airbags and money-can't-buy heritage.2012 Nissan PatrolEngine: 3.0-litre 4-cyl turbo dieselTransmission: 4-speed automaticThirst: 11.8L/100CARSGUIDE SAYSLife in the shadows of more popular 4WDs has kept Patrol prices sharp. Three rows of seating, 17-inch alloys, cruise control, airconditioning and stability control are among the features in this full-size off-roader. It was much cheaper than the corresponding 'Cruiser when new and remains a cheaper proposition in the used market.2007 Jeep Commander XH WagonEngine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo dieselTransmission: 5-speed automaticThirst: 10.5L/100kmCARSGUIDE SAYSThe brand has long been known for building off-roaders -- its heritage dates from WWII. Jeep is not as adept at ergonomic interiors as the Japanese but the brand's charisma tends to offset niggles. A genuine seven-seater that will get off the beaten track when asked.

Buying a small car doesn't mean you have to forsake some of the pleasures of motoring.NEWThe Citroen DS3 is a case in point. At the upper end of the small car market it's a fun-filled little device that looks good, performs well, has plenty of features, and sets you apart from the run-of-the-mill small car owning population.Most small cars are bought by people wanting economy of transport first and foremost, that's not what the little Citroen is about. It's for people who want to have fun at the wheel and are happy to have it in a small, city-sized package.The DS3 looks like a bundle of fun even standing still, with its zippy looks and sporty stance, large wheels that fill out the guards, and spoilers and blackout panels. It was offered in two versions, the stylish DStyle that put looks ahead of performance, and the DSport that cranked up the go-fast factor.The DStyle came with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with class average output that gave it acceptable performance on the road, while the DSport was powered by a turbocharged version of the same engine and injected it with the zippiness to match its looks.The transmission choices were limited to a four-speed auto if you chose the DStyle, and a six-speed manual if your choice was the DSport. Both were front-wheel drive.On the road the DS3 handled as you might expect with a wheel at each corner anchoring it to the road. It got along well enough on the open highway, but it really came into its own when pushed along a winding road where it hugged the tarmac like a long lost sibling.Small cars like the DS3 are often compromised when it comes to cabin space and the Citroen was no exception. It's best suited to singles or couples, is ok if your kids are small, but it struggles with a full complement of four adults aboard.Some small cars are also compromised when it comes to features, but not the DS3 in this case. It had air, cruise, six-speaker sound, alloy wheels and fog lamps. It was also on the money when it came to safety with ABS braking, ESP stability control, and front, head and side airbags standard, all of which added up to a five star tick from ANCAP.NOWAs we've written before buying a Citroen should be a considered decision, not one taken in haste driven by emotion.While it's an old and well respected brand in its home country, and loved by a few fanatics here, it's had a somewhat chequered history in this country. Over the years it has come and gone, differentdistributers have handled the brand, and dealers have changed. That said it's been relatively stable for some time now, which should give buyers some comfort.Before buying a car check out where you would get it serviced, dealers aren't on every street corner. Consider an independent specialist, hopefully a factory-trained mechanic who has struck out on his own after spending time learning the brand with a dealer.Consider having your potential choice checked by an expert in the brand, one who is familiar with the quirks. Thoroughly test drive it to make sure you're comfortable with the choice, driving it in as many varying situations as possible.Look for evidence of crash damage, making sure repairs are up to scratch. Also look for oil leaks around the engine, check the oil, get down and look at the tyres for even wear and signs of having been thrashed. Make the usual checks for a service record; it's vital for a long life that a car has been serviced as per the recommended service schedule.SMITHY SAYSWorth a look if you want to be different. It's solid, with decent performance and vice-like grip on the road.CITROEN DS3 - 2010-2011Price new: $32,990 to $35,990Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder, 88 kW/160 Nm; 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbo, 115 kW/240 NmGearbox: 4-speed auto, 6-speed man, FWDThirst: 6.9 L/100 km (DStyle), 6.7 L/100 km (DSport)Body: 3-door hatchVariants: DStyle, DSportSafety: 5-star ANCAP

Need a small car but don’t want one that’s so sensible it’s ultra boring? Then iconic Italian automaker Fiat has just the thing for you. The Fiat 500 is as far from being mundane as you can possibly imagine, yet is far more practical than you would guess from its oh-so-cute lines.The original Fiat 500, usually called the Cinquecento (500 in Italian) was a tiny car that was a big hit when introduced in 1957 and remained on the market until 1975. Quite a few reached Australia and are now collectors’ items.When the modern-retro Fiat 500 was introduced in 2007, exactly fifty years after the original, it too grabbed plenty of attention. Styling to match the earlier 500s was admired by all.The new 500 - still called Cinquecento by many lovers of the marque, despite it having a range of engine sizes, none of which displace 500cc - is a couple of sizes up on the old 500, partly to provide crash protection, but also to give it reasonable interior space.Australian imports of new Fiat 500 three-door hatchbacks began in February 2008, with a two-door convertible / cabriolet joining the range two years later. Sales weren’t particularly good as the original importer charged top dollar for the cars - they also imported Ferraris and Maseratis, so are accustomed to charging what the market will bear…The pricing situation changed rapidly when the Fiat factory took over Australian imports in May 2012. A series of price drops - which didn’t exactly please existing owners - saw sales take off in a big way and the cute little Italian machines are now becoming a common sight on Aussie roads.Believe it or not, four adults can fit into this tiny car with more room to move than you would anticipate, that’s principally because they sit tall in the car. The resulting high driving position isn’t initially to all tastes, but owners report they quickly become accustomed to it.Owners say their 500s are great fun to drive and love the way that people smile and even wave to them, particularly when they’re in a convertible with its roof open. Boot space isn’t great, even less so in the convertible, but that’s the price you pay for having a reasonable back seat. Realistically, most Australian owners are singles or couples and use the fold-down back seats to increase luggage space.The diminutive dimensions of the 500 mean it has a short wheelbase, which can result in a choppy ride at times. Around town, it’s natural habitat, the Fiat 500 is great. It buzzes around in the traffic and can be slotted into minute parking spots. On long open-road trips the busy ride and the equally busy little engine means it’s less comfortable.Fiat 500 is sold in several models; Pop, Lounge and Sport. There’s also a hot sports version called the Abarth 500 Esseesse (try saying SS with an Italian accent and the name suddenly makes sense). Technically the Abarth isn’t sold as a Fiat, it should be referred to as an Abarth. Same with the crazily priced ($69,990) Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari that’s crammed with Ferrari type features, though it’s only powered by a 1.4-litre turbo engine.The Fiat 500 has petrol engine capacities of either 0.9, 1.2 or 1.4 litres. The smallest unit has two cylinders (just like the old 500s), and is turbocharged. It has only been imported since 2012. The 1.2 and 1.4 are four-cylinder engines, with the 1.4 coming with or without a turbo - the blown examples being fitted in the hot Abarth tuned machines.There are turbo-diesel options, initially with a size of 1.3 litres, which was upped to 1.4 litres midway through 2011. Given that the petrol engines are pretty economical the diesel seems like a bit of an overkill on the Australian market, but owners say they love the big torque it provides.Transmissions are a five- or six-speed manual or a five-speed automated manual. The latter, like most of its breed, can be rough in its changes in the low gears but becomes much better in the higher ratios. Since Fiat took over importation to Australia the company has spent bulk money on constructing new offices, spare parts warehouses and appointing new dealers.This bodes well for the future, but it’s still wise to check on sales and servicing in your locality before falling for the appealing body shape and the sheer joy of driving. Insurance rates tend to vary more than normal from company to company, something that should settle down now Fiat is again part of the mainstream. Check by clicking and/or ringing around, but make sure you’re comparing apples with apples.WHAT TO LOOK FORThis is primarily a city car so the Fiat 500 may suffer the usual battle scars created by crowded parking areas, tight traffic and silly drivers. Check the body carefully for signs of damage or repairs to the same. Tiny repairs are acceptable, big ones aren’t.Look at the wheels to see if they have been kerbed, the front lefts are usually the first to suffer, but have a look at them all.Boot space is limited, particularly in the convertible / cabriolet so look for damage caused by luggage having been crammed in.Wheels with a lot of brake dust inside them probably indicate a hard driver.The engine should start easily and idle relatively smoothly from the moment it kicks over. The two-cylinder unit has a different note to the typical four- or six-cylinder to which the average Australian driver is accustomed. If you suspect there may be problems call in an expert.The interior is pretty well bullet proof, but we have experienced several cars where a piece of sound absorbing foam has fallen onto the floor beneath the glovebox - strange.CAR BUYING TIPCity cars with low kilometres may suffer from more wear and tear than country cars with much higher readings on the odometer.

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the used Chrysler 300C.