Choosing the right car for a European road trip is as much about budget as it is about motoring. James Max argues that a grand tourer must balance speed, comfort, refinement, and long-distance ability. He advises against buying new cars that depreciate quickly and suggest a budget of £10,000–£25,000 for used models.

Reliability is key, but a reliable car isn't always a good road-trip car. Max shares a lesson from his youth: a Citroën 2CV failed where a Volvo 240 GL succeeded. For a memorable trip, he prefers petrol, a characterful engine, and a convertible.

The car should be driven, not parked in fear of damage.