Volkswagen Problems

Buying any car is a gamble when it comes to reliability; no brand is immune from problems.

VW has had some very high profile problems over the last few years that have affected people's perception of the brand. The current and on-going scandal about emissions cheating isn't a reliability problem; it's a corporate thing. The problem with the DSG gearbox was another that knocked the company's reputation, and that was a reliability issue.

It has to be said that the DSG problems were associated with earlier models and don't appear to affect current ones, like the Tiguan. I wouldn't be too concerned about the reliability of VW at the moment.

Honda, of course, has a reputation for quality engineering and reliability, which makes the CR-V a popular SUV. The CR-V gets plaudits for its roomy cabin, practicality, boot space, and dash.

Against that it's 2.4-litre engine is a tad thirsty, and the auto is a five-speed, both of which hold it back. Safety-wise it has five stars with pretty much everything you could want.

All model years 2008-2013 appear to be affected.

We understand a new tensioner was fitted from 2012.

A VW spokesman informed us that the voice function is standard on the Highline, but an accessory with the media unit on the Comfortline. It would explain it if yours is a Comfortline model.

It's probably easier to eliminate those that don't stack up, those being the VW Golf, Holden Cruze and Ford Focus.

All have transmission questions over them.

The best options would be the Mazda 3 and the Hyundai i30.

It's hard to know exactly what you want to know, but briefly the Trendline is the entry level model, the Comfortline the mid-range model, and the Highline is the one with all the gear. The list of standard equipment increases with each model.

All of the cars you name meet your criteria of size, economy, performance and handling.

You could also add the Mazda3 and 6 to the list.

Of all of those I would nominate the Camry as the great all-rounder.

The price is on the high side, but the kays are below the average for that model. There have been problems reported relating to cam timing belt failures that have led to major engine damage. I would avoid early Amaroks like the one you are considering and go for a safer option of a Hilux, Navara, Triton etc. rather than tale the risk.

I would get a second opinion on the Kia's engine before you do anything else. A sludged-up engine suggests a lack of servicing, but if no damage has occurred you might be able to salvage it. I wouldn't recommend either a Multivan or Valente, those you are looking at are too old and potentially too expensive to run and repair. A seven-seat SUV might be a better option.