Vauxhall Corsa - Pictures

If you’re thinking about buying a 12-valve 1.0-litre car, check the front section of the exhaust for cracks – it often breaks due to metal fatigue.

The electro-hydraulic steering can fail, and the parts required to fix it cost £600 alone! So, make sure the steering doesn’t feel really heavy.

Rear wheel bearings are disappointingly weak. Listen out for chattering under cornering when the suspension is loaded up.

Without warning, the gearshift linkage can fail, although it’s hard to check. Repairs aren’t too expensive, however, with a kit costing about £100.

Models with the Easytronic automated manual are tempting as the box is great to use. But there are doubts over reliability, so make sure shifts are smooth.