You could write a book on this.

Best thing I can recommend is to google "2014 Driver Power" and "JD Power" surveys.

You'll be surprised just how unreliable some of the 'better known' makes of car are.

First you need to decide what you want from a car and what you will use it for. Then you can narrow it down to a body style and engine size etc.

Then read up as much as you can and research prices, owners reviews and problems online. If you're quite young, don't forget insurance, servicing and general running costs like excise duty. Try not to be taken in by brand image, and go and test drive as many cars as feasible before you decide. A shiny Audi A3 with big sports wheels might be attractive but a Kia Rio might actually suit you better (examples only!)

Which? also does noise levels, e.g. 68dcb) on all reviews, under the 'ride' sub-category.

One has to assume and hope that they set out the results to allow a valid comparison to be made. Of course one car may win the dry roads category but not the wet.

My guess is that they use for all cars dry roads on some test track they have access to. They also tend to test models which are in the middle of the range, e.g. 2.0 diesel manual for a BMW 3 Series.

Skidpan is too cynical methinks.

Which tells me that noise level measurements are done by driving at 82 mph on a closed road with all noise off (e.g. aircon), and measuring the noise in two opposite directions to allow for wind, with the device on the centre console of the car. Seems pretty thorough to me.

Edited by Avant on 18/05/2014 at 22:20

Skidpan is too cynical methinks. Which tells me that noise level measurements are done by driving at 82 mph on a closed road with all noise off (e.g. aircon), and measuring the noise in two opposite directions to allow for wind, with the device on the centre console of the car. Seems pretty thorough to me.

Which may carry out noise tests like that but the manufacturers don't.

Which carry out their fuel consumptions tests on real roads as well but manufacturers don't.

Like I said in my previous test, read the magazine tests, they are far more realistic.

Edited by skidpan on 09/06/2014 at 16:50

It all depends on what the warranty covers. Didn't someone say that the Kia Ceed's 7 year warranty was only on certain parts, and that a three year (or less) warranty on other parts of the car?

The fact you can add a 7 year or 100k mile warranty to your Dacia for £895 makes them a very compelling choice and a reliable financial choice.

But with the rusting issues many owners appear to be having a 7 year mechanical warranty is of little use.