choosing used car

Which one is more durable and cheap to run: a Toyota Corolla or Volkswagen Polo?

I'm looking at two 2008 Toyota Corolla diesels; one has 190,000km for €8,000, the second has 125,000km for €8,900. Would the lower mileage be better value?

Thanks

Hi all,

Firstly, thanks for your help back in 2011! We actually bought one of the two cars whose links you sent to me as suggestions! I think I'll be in touch shortly for my own car needs but for now I'm asking for advice for my dad. He is an avid Toyota or Nissan man and currently has a 2008 Corolla 1.4-litre (basic model I think) with 157,000km on the clock. He was initially planing to stick with the Corolla and move up two or three years and his main requirement is that he wants air conditioning in the next car. He spoke to a local second hand car dealer who told him that the equivalent Corolla won't have air conditioning, but that the Auris would, that it has the exact same interior space and only difference is that obviously it is hatchback. Does that point about the air conditioning etc seem right to you?

What would be a rough guide to trade in the 2008 and move to either an Auris or Corolla 2010, 2011 and 2012 models? From what I can see there was a new model Auris released in 2012 and if so would it be worth stretching to that? Any other suggestions of make/model welcome too if you don't mind. He does average to slightly-above-average mileage each year, mostly rural with probably one or two long drives every month so any advice on petrol vs. diesel would be great too.

Thanks again. Enda, Dublin

Hey, I've two questions! Very interested in buying a 160hp Opel Insignia 09-12 and want to trade in a 2003 Renault Laguna 1.6 petrol, all leather, good condition with NCT until Jan 16.

1 - Is that model of Insignia for those years with under 100k mileage worth 12k?

2 - What would you expect to get for that Laguna as a trade-in?

Thanks!

I'm currently driving a 2010 Renault Grand Mégane and wondering what type of car would serve us well over the next three to five years. Do I stick with estate or look at SUV? There's two back seat passengers aged five and two, but would like something that can seat additional passengers from time to time - grandparents, other kids etc. Ideally would like something up to two years old and have budget of €18,000 to €20,000.

2004-2007 Peugeot 407 1.6 HDi: are they a good car?

2008 Volkswagen Passat 1.4 petrol or 2008 BMW 3 Series 2.0-litre diesel?

I'm considering buying an Audi A4, 2009-ish. In everyday driving terms, what's the difference between 118bhp versus 136bhp/143bhp?

Dave

Hi, I am thinking about getting a Honda CR-V, 2007 petrol model as I do little mileage but need some flexability for kids and dirt track capability (nothing too taxing!) as I do some photography. What should I look out for when considering this vehicle?

Thanks in advance.

Rgds Mike

Nissan Qashqai+2 or Toyota RAV4?