Ford S-Max
Co2: 159-232
Interesting alternative to the super sized people carriers which is genuinely great to drive, practical and refined. Much better looking than most people carriers. It is safe and sensible too.
Best used eco buy: 1.8 TDCi
Prices: £8,000 is entry-level money for the oldest S-Maxs. Lots have silly-high mileages that are probably best avoided. A sensible buy is a 2006 year car with 40,000 average mileage for £10,000. But there are not a huge number of S-Maxs on the market and the 1.8 TDCi makes up only 20% of the field.
UsedCarExpert.com fault checks: 5
The key check to make is to contact a main dealer and establish if the car you want has had its official recalls. There are 5 recalls relating to a range of different elements of the car.
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Renault Grand Scenic
Co2: 135-184
The Scenic is a clever estate but this is a genuine MPV which is more maneuverable than the Espace. Renault have lead the MPV market for years but this car is playing catch up to the Vauxhall Zafira.
Best used eco buy: 1.5 Dci
Prices: Amazingly used prices for the roomier Grand Scenic are the same as for the standard model. And the brilliant 1.5 Dci engine is not its biggest historical seller. So if you want to get a good deal, you need to shop around for a 1.5 DCi amongst all the 1.6 petrols that have filled the market.
UsedCarExpert.com fault checks: 9
The key check to make is that the front indicators work. If the front indicators do not flash when you turn them on, the entire headlight cluster may need to be replaced. Budget a £100.
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