Capturbuyer's guide

The Mk1 Captur sells well because it looks the part and prices have dropped into genuinely tempting territory. The problem is that neglected examples hide costly drivetrain and cooling faults behind a tidy interior, and sellers rarely volunteer that information. A cold start, an OBD scan and twenty minutes of methodical checks are the difference between a sound buy and an expensive lesson.

This guide covers ten documented issues: timing belt/chain or wet-belt service risk, manual/automatic clutch or gearbox judder, coolant leak or thermostat fault, infotainment/software electrical faults, suspension knocks and tyre wear, brake corrosion or ABS sensor fault, oil leak or PCV fault, boot water leak or accident repair, air conditioning leak, and recall/campaign status. Each fault has a field check and a real repair-cost range.

A Captur with a clean service history, fresh diagnostic scan and no warning lights is a practical, well-priced small crossover. One without those things can carry five-figure repair bills on a four-figure purchase price. This guide tells you which one you are looking at before you commit.