• Summary

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What does this car say about you?

    A little unconventional, practical, likes comfort, can be fast if required.

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    Pretty much everyone likes it, unless we get the space in front of my neighbours house!

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Yes, absolutely. Everything about it is great - the only reason not to buy again is the fact that we now have a campervan!

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Erm, a bigger campervan? Although that said, if I ever need a motorway cruiser again I would look straight at a newer Signum before an Insignia, price is much lower, comfort higher and spec in a different league.

  • Buying experience

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Franchise

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £9,500

    When did you buy the car?

    December 2008

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Yes, PX'd my old car and paid the price I wanted.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    I needed a vehicle with more space as our first child was on her way, I also wanted something more comfortable than my Seat Ibiza for the long motorway journey to work.

    What was the dealer like?

    Very good, probably a bit more expensive than a private sale but I got plenty of freebies, new mats, new satnav disc, free servicing and MOT for a year and dealer support.

  • Driving it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Quick enough for me, smooth, most importantly quiet.

    What's it like to park?

    Relatively easy, although the bumper bears a few scratches (from my better half). Mirrors could be a bit bigger but they are easy to move if necessary. Big nose and deceptively deep rear bumper sometimes mean I find myself a little closer than I expected!

  • Living with it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Both sets (front and rear) of suspension coils replaced - damn potholes! New fuel filter housing after a clumsy mehcnaic broke the old one but nope, nothing else.

    What's most practical about your car?

    Pffrt. What isn't practical about it? Most practical would be the amount of room in the back with the seats down flat.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Heated seats - by a mile.