Costa blanker

I currently own a four-year-old SEAT Altea Stylance 1.9 TDi and am considering a change. I have been very pleased with the car apart from one on going problem that my garage has failed to correct. It is an intermittent fault that can occur when the car is pulling and creates a slight shuddering noise. Various repairs have been carried out including replacing the dual mass flywheel and glow plugs. Is this likely to develop into a more serious problem? The model I have been looking at is the Nissan Qashqai Acenta 1.5dCi. How would you rate this model against my present car in terms of performance and economy? Would you recommend waiting to purchase a new car until 2010 despite the January VAT increase?

Asked on 19 December 2009 by

Answered by Honest John

Presumably the work on the Altea has been done under warranty? Yes, DMF problems can persist. I'd start casting your net wider than the Qashqai now. Include the Skoda Yeti, Peugeot 3008 and forthcoming Hyundai iX30. No point in buying in January on a 59 reg at 2.5% extra VAT. Better to wait until March and get the car on a 10 reg.

Tags: buying small 4x4s crossovers new cars

Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:

Similar questions

5th clear

Thought you might like an update on our hunt for Qashqai +2. We gave up with the idea of 10% discount off a new car where a leasing firm retains the logbook for 6 months; one issue being my present insurers...

A small 4x4 to suit elderly relatives - what would you recommend?

I'm buying a small 4x4 on behalf of elderly, country-dwelling relatives who are finding their Shogun too high to comfortably get in and out of and too clumsy for its occasional trips into town. Problem...

Alternative to Honda CRV?

We need to replace a Honda CR-V with an insurance payout (max £7000). We like the CR-V, but wondered if you could recommend an alternative which was less expensive to run. Need a large boot for carrying...