Thank you.

The windows are difficult to wind down especially when I take my mum with me as she has arthritis in her shoulders, the exhaust keeps sc***ing over bumps in the road (I just paid £300 for a new one with Kwik Fit) and when I took it back to them to tell them this, they said it's fine and they can't lift the exhaust any higher, the A/C is hit and miss, plus it's just too small for my needs now. I must say, touch wood, it starts every time (as it has a Toyota engine), plus I think it's time I had the modern features in a newer model now. I like either the little Aygo or the Aygo X because I've read Toyota are so good.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you so much for your replies. They've helped me a lot.

I had an excellent experience when I bought my Mazda CX-5. By the time I turned up to the outfit in question, I had already driven two examples, had done my homework and knew what to expect.

The salesman I dealt with answered my questions (truthfully) and proposed a test drive. He sat in the back, with SWMBO in the front. I knew the area and chose a route that included motorway as well as minor roads. As I was about to complete what would have been a circular route, we realised the road was closed due to a carnival and had to retrace our steps, so the test drive was about 30 miles - almost double what was intended.

The car was lovely. I got a bit knocked off the asking price by rejecting the paintwork coating, interior anti-stain treatment and extra guarantee (probably worthless anyway). When I picked the car up a few days later, it needed fuel and the salesman went with me to the neighbouring filling station to ensure all went smoothly.

Eight years later, still a satisfied customer.

I have bought from car supermarkets twice in twenty years. And looked without buying at one other. Given what you have said about your nervousness in buying I don’t think they are best for you. They are totally about selling and unless you know your stuff you could end up with a car that’s not suitable.

Of course main dealers are about selling too but they tend to have salesmen who know something about the models that they stock. In my experience they tend to stay a bit longer in the job and may even be interested in having you as a repeat customer. You may pay a little more but your chances of getting a good car are higher.