Best Used MPV
We give you the low-down on the best used people carriers around, and what to watch out for.
Winner: Ford S-MAX
(2005 to date) Prices: £8,000-£24,000
Until now, the Ford S-MAX has always been slightly too expensive to make it on to the shortlist for our best used MPV award. In recent years, it has been eclipsed by cheaper rivals such as the Vauxhall Zafira and Volkswagen Touran.
But after four years in new showrooms, and with the arrival of a facelifted model earlier, the excellent people carrier’s prices have finally tumbled – and now is a great time to buy. The S-MAX stands head and shoulders above the MPV crowd when it comes to driving dynamics. It’s genuinely great fun from behind the wheel, with sharp steering and a sublime chassis, while the TDCi diesels are impressive.
Early 1.8-litre oil-burners are the best budget buys – they promise 45.6mpg fuel economy and emissions of 164g/km. But the 2.0-litre TDCi engine is very common, and achieves similar returns. If your budget stretches – and you can find one – the sumptuous 2.2-litre TDCi engine is worth a look. Running costs are higher, but it’s seriously powerful and silky smooth.
Only the earliest cars with big mileages will be outside their manufacturer warranty and, due to the S-MAX’s relative youth, it’s worth checking out main dealer forecourts. Ford’s approved used scheme is particularly good, so we think it’s worth paying a little bit more for peace of mind.
Electrical glitches are the most common fault with the S-MAX. This makes it essential that you try everything on a potential purchase before you hand over any money – even things like the indicators and window wipers have been known to go wrong. There have been five recalls for minor issues like hard brake pedals and engines cutting out, but most models will have been sorted by now.
Nearly New: Mazda 5
(2005-2010) Prices: £5,250-£16,500
Last year’s class winner, the 5 is still a top used choice. Sliding rear doors make it super practical and Mazda’s fine reliability record means you can buy with confidence. Sharp styling and a great driving experience set this model apart from the majority of bland MPVs on the market, too.
Value Choice: VW Touran
(2003-2010) Prices: £4,500-£18,000
With a new version now on sale, prices of the original Touran are at an all-time low. Early petrol engines are particularly cheap, but we’d spend a few hundred pounds more on one of VW’s superb diesels. Good build and practicality appeal, and the Touran’s popularity makes it easy to find.
