Hi, I am looking into getting a used Ford Connect as I have previously had several Ford Cars and really rate them. However I have been warned to avoid those with a wet belt, (for reasons I have researched) but I am struggling to find a way to tell which do and which don't. My local garage suggested it is only in the Eco range, is this correct?

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We're looking at getting a 7 seater automatic MPV and I was considering the S Max or Grand C Max but obviously Google has horror stories about the Powershift transmission. Just wondering whether there are any versions that are more reliable, or whether people say it's a blanket no to all. I would only be buying a vehicle with a service history with receipts, and I've had DSGs for years with no issues so am well versed in the importance of maintenance schedules for "problematic" gearboxes. Obviously the risk is not knowing what's come before - would there be recommendations on what to look for in test drives?

We're a family of 5 and often need space for friends/family, and I'm restricted by an automatic license so no real leeway on the requirements (I dislike SUV types). I was originally looking at the Touran and the C4 Spacetourer but have seen a few Fords that looked decent nearby. If it's a definite no to Powershift in all cases then I'll stick with leaning towards the Citroen, which no doubt has its own problems. Read more

Like most people I know I was hanging on to my 10 year old diesel KIA as long as possible having heard how bad the UK car market is today. Sadly someone driving on wrong side of road hit me head on writing the car off and nearly killing me just before Christmas. 4 months and a lot of hospital time later I've received 3K for my old car from the insurers and need to replace it as it was written off. I've had terrible issues with second hand cars in the past and have bought ex demo cars from dealerships to avoid this for the last 20 years with success. However, I visited a few of the cheaper local dealers (Kia, Skoda, Ford) and the prices of new or nearly new budget cars is now insane (30-40k new, not much cheaper for ex demos). All dealers try and push EVs, I don't want an EV. Or they try and push hybrids, see EVs. Most dealers no longer even know the actual price of their cars and instead quote monthly payments under PCP deals that benefit only the dealer not the buyer. Most dealers I visited were empty of customers as a result. I'm desperate for a new car living in a village with no public transport and I need it for work. But it's been so disheartening I've given up trying. My wife and I both work full time on professional salaries and we cant even afford a budget brand, How other people manage I've no idea?

I'd welcome recommendations for any dealer or car make that was different? By different I mean doesn't push what customers don't want, doesn't only offer good deals to PCP customers and welcomes someone who can afford to pay cash by offering them good deals on diesel/petrol cars.... Read more

l know it's a case of test driving however, l would be interested in peoples opinion.

The SX4 S-Cross is a car, on paper, l like. It's not full of technology & seems to have a overall good reputation. Like others, these days l'm not willing to shell out too much on a car & want to keep things relatively simple. l don't want the complications of the Allgrip 4 wheel drive in the later 1.4, so that leaves the older N/A 1.6 & the 1 litre Boosterjet. Both have similar power, mpg etc with the 3 cylinder having the edge on torques. ... Read more

Would the back room members agree with this list of mostly German cars which suffered mostly from emission and fuel problems.

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