choosing used car

I've found a 2012 Kia cee'd 1.6 diesel estate for sale for €10,000. It's an import and has about 90,000 miles on the clock. I had a Citroen Berlingo but need to switch to a car now. Do you thimk this would be a good buy? I'm mainly looking for something economical and reliable with plenty of room.

Thanks

Can you advise me on buying a Volvo S40? I do about 1,600 miles to work each month and I am thinking of getting a 2005 S40 diesel. Any problems with this car? Would you recommend it for heavy motorway mileage?

Currently in the market for a used car. Looking for somethining with an engine size 1.3 to 1.6 that is reliable. Can spend up to €11,000. What is your advice on the best value car at the moment? Last car I had was a 2006 Ford Focus, which cost me a mint in repairs.

We're currently looking to buy a second hand diesel estate and are looking at the Toyota Avensis and Opel Insignia. Budget is €14k tops and we're looking at 2010 - 2012 options with varying levels of mileage on the clock. Himself is very excited by the interior and gadgets of the Insignia, but I'm wary of moving from Toyota.

Currently driving a 2005 Avensis Strata, which has never given trouble since I got it and before that had an 02 Corolla that never gave me any problems either. Too many electrical gadgets make me nervous as they seem to be very problematic, particularly in the Insignia from what I've read here. It'll be used as the main family car, which does 30-40,000km a year. Need roof rack for bikes and looking for more spacious boot. Economy and reliability are what I'm looking for.

Which would you recommend? Are there other estate models I should consider?

What do you think of the 2008 Lexus IS 250? I'm looking at one at the moment. Any issues with them?

Can you give me advise about buying the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer? How is this car? What's the resale value like? Thanks

Hi, I'm considering an Audi A5 around 2009-11 or so. Aiming for about 120k kilometres. Are there any issues that I should be aware of? Or particular parts I can expect to be replacing in the next 10-15k km?

What's your opinion of the 2005 Lexus IS 200 automatic? I'm thinking of buying one.

Regards, Joe in Dublin

Hi, I'm thinking of buying a 2002 Mitsubushi Carisma. I don't know anything about them and just wondered if they are worth the risk? It's a 1.3 petrol and has one year of NCT remaining. Not sure of mileage yet; anything I should look out for in particular?

Thanks very much.

Hi,

My wife, daughter Daisy (four years old) and myself are thinking of updating our 2005 Ford Focus C-Max 1.6 with 105,000km in the next few months. We recently test drove a 2012 C-Max 1.6 diesel Titanium with about 40,000km on the clock. It was a nice car at €17,500 with a €2,000 trade in for our own so really €15,500. I said we were paying cash, but we could not get more discount. Do you think that’s a fair offer or do you think I could haggle more, as most websites say Ford will barter with you?

Second question. The Ford B-Max seems to be cheaper than the C-Max. Apart from the sliding doors and height of the cabin on the B-Max, is there any other difference? To a layman they both offer the same inside and out. I have read and seen reviews for both cars and there are no major negatives there.

Third Question. We are thinking of trading up and not spending more than €15,000. What is the best option realistically for us in your opinion? Should we consider a different vehicle altogether? We like the higher ride in these cars because it's easier for both adult and child to get in.

Regards,

Ben O’Connor