It all seems to be luck of the draw although the stats against French (and some German if you look at warranty direct) cars can't be ignored.

I've had 3 Honda's, an S2000 and a 2.4 Accord were fantastic without so much as bulb blowing between them. The 3rd, a 55 plate 1.8 Civic was a disaster, in year 1 numerous faults with voice control and electricals, new gearbox and rear shocks required.

I've had 3 Fords, Mondeo, Fiesta and Kuga, apart from bulbs the only problem was a dpf sensor on the Kuga which has now done over 100k miles.

I once had a Citroen AX GT, which while it felt as if it was made of foil never broke down or went wrong, on the other hand there wasn't much to go wrong.

I don't think any of the above is much help.

The oil supply/turbo charger problems of the Laguna 1.9dci were sorted by 2005 but I would not advise you to purchase one unless someone who knows specifically about 1.9dci MK2 Lagunas had checked it out first and was satisfied that was in good working order for future service. The 1.9DCi engine will go on efficiently for many more miles but you really need some mechanic knowledge/assistance to take on this car. Also the price is far too high - £1250 would be plenty to pay (a bit more if in VG condition). As an aside, they are at their best doing long motorway runs and the Sports Tourer will carry a good load. I have a 2.2 Dci MK2 Sports Tourer that I will be sorry to part with and hope that will not be for some time!

Thank you for that balanced view, Andrew. I had seven reliable Renaults in a row between 1980 and 2001, four of which did over 100,000 miles each. But I had them from new, looked after them and had them serviced according to schedule.

I think the truth of it is that French cars in particular are more vulnerable to abuse and neglect than, say, Japanese cars. Buying secondhand is always something of a gamble: obviously you look for one that's been regularly serviced, but you still don't know how it's been driven.

Britta, if you go for a Toyota Avensis or Mazda 6 (both petrol - don't go near a diesel Mazda) you have a better chance of getting a good one, and either or those two are available as estates if you ened the space.

Edited by Avant on 25/02/2013 at 18:54

I've had many (around a dozen) completely reliable Citroëns into 6 figure milages, a few dodgy Audi's and BMWs, my Jags since the troublesome XJ12 on the mid 80s have been bulletproof. I used to love VWs, now they are over priced and unreliable. After saying all this - I must admit to distrusting Renaults!

.. the cost benefits of diesel.

I realise in these hard times that most drivers will only do the cost accounting to make their choice. But since owning a 205 Dturbo from 1993, then a 306 and now a 207, I have preferred a diesel for my main car, despite doing less than 10K a year. I like to know that I am getting about 20% more miles from my gallon (litre), which for me feels ecologically better. In the longer term there is also the consideration that no plugs need replacing and the exhaust may never rust through.

I manage without a DPF though.

Edited by Andrew-T on 26/02/2013 at 11:05