choosing used car

2008 Lexus IS 220d Sport: tell me more.

Should I buy a 2006-2007 Volkswagen Golf with the 1.4 petrol engine? I heard that the engine is too small for this car, which gives high fuel consumption and car is not powerful enough, is that true?

I am thinking about changing the car at the moment. Currently have a 2008 mk V Golf GTI and was thinking of upgrading to a mk VI, probably around 2011/2012 reg. Thing is, would I be better waiting a year and picking up one of the mk VII models that came out late last year instead? And also, new GTI instead of new GTD for driving enjoyment?

Is a 2005 Mercedes-Benz E 200 Kompressor with 83,000 miles on the clock ok to buy ?

I will soon need to replace my 2010 Opel Corsa 1.2 SE with a nearly-new similarly economic car but with better acceleration, up to tax band C. I need a five-door hatchback, automatic gearbox, air conditioning and cruise control. What do you recommend?

Oh noble and all knowing oracles, whose driving gloves I am not fit to clean, I beseech thee. How best can I spend my €5k credit union loan to replace the daily hack, given I have many motorway miles to go each morning, and miles to go before I sleep? How much hybrid can I get; are they all knackered by now? Or am I consigned to TDI/HDi/diesel ownership, with the vagaries of DMF grenades and DPF clogginess to contend with? Is there a smart petrol alternative I've missed? It doesn't need to be big, just clever... and frugal, and reliable, and appealing to the lady-folk, and not a complete joyless, soul-sucking experience to drive. I'm not asking for much, am I?

Cian, Ha! (35 1/2)

Hi, we're looking at buying a newer car. Our budget is around €6,000. We've got a baby and toddler so interested in estates or people carriers. Are there any in particular you would recommend or advise to avoid? We want one as low maintenance as possible. We've also got a 2000 Ford Focus Estate with 114,000 miles on the clock. How much could we expect as a trade in?

Thanks!

Hello, I'm thinking of buying a 131 Volkswagen CC 177 GT DSG; can you advise please? I have received a good trade in offer on my 2011 Skoda Octavia RS for the CC.

Thanks.

Hi,

I'm currently driving a Land Rover Freelander TD4 and am looking to change. I am considering a 2008 Honda CR-V EX 1.9 petrol or a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.1 diesel. I am based in Dublin but do a good bit of driving around the country. Can you please let me know about the performance and reliability (potential problems) of these two cars, and point out any other vehicles I should be considering. My budget is a max of €14,000.

Hi guys,

How would you rate a used Volkswagen Scirocco, say 2011/12 model? The majority of cars in the used market seem to be the 1.4 TSI 122hp model; is this engine strong enough for the car, or would I be better going for the 2.0-litre diesel? Majority of my driving is in town with some motorway driving at the weekend.

Thanks

Gary