choosing used car

Anything to particularly look out for when buying a 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS 320 CDI?

How much is my 2006 Toyota Corolla five-door worth? It has alloy wheels, the 1.4-litre engine, was recently serviced, has an NCT until 3/16 and has 89,000km on the clock. One lady owner. I am thinking of downsizing to a Yaris or Auris. What would you advise?

I am looking at either a 2005 Toyota RAV4 or a 2006 Mazda6; how do the cars compare in terms of reliability and fuel efficiency in particular? Both are petrol models.

For years my husband drove Renault Mégane Scenics, and then about six months ago he took a whim and got a Mitsubishi ASX (not the 4WD model). It was a 2013 demo. The good price, the long warranty and the fact that it was diesel all enticed him. It is much cheaper to run and a nice drive, but the interface (is that the word?) is crude compared to the Renault. No 'intelligent' wipers, lights or windows; and the sound system controls are not on the wheel. Plus, the storage space is poor, and the boot is smaller, etc. etc. The main problem, though, is the appearance of the thing. After years of avoiding SUVs, he has somehow acquired a machine that looks like - oops! - an SUV.

We won't dwell on the reasons for not wanting to drive an SUV, or how he managed to actually buy something that looks like the one thing he doesn't want to drive. But, let's just say that he is unhappy enough that he really wants to change it for a (preferably) 2013 or 2014 (demo model) of something less 'assertive'-looking. If we have to pay to change, we will, although obviously we'd prefer not to. We are looking at another Renault Scenic, but are wondering if there might be another MPV-type car that you'd recommend in the same price bracket?

Our requirements are diesel, five doors, a large boot (for work equipment and for dogs), and preferably a highish car (not an ordinary estate).

Thank you!

Desperate in Dublin

Which would you reccomend for a high mileage driver with two small children? I wish to trade in a 2007 Mazda3 1.6 petrol for a diesel. Cars I was looking at include the Volkswagen Jetta, Ford Focus saloon, Toyota Corolla and Nissan Qashqai +2. I like the look of the Nissan Qashqai + 2 and I think the two extra seats may be useful for kids' friends etc, but are running costs high?

In general are MPVs less fuel efficient? Would the Toyota 1.4 diesel be a lower powered car then the one I currently have? How reliable are Volkwagen Jettas? I was hoping to go for something one or two years old with low mileage as I will be doing a lot of miles. I have had quotes of €3,500-4,500 for my own on trade-in as there are 175,000km on the clock.

What would you reccomend?

Hi there,

I was looking at a 2003 BMW X5 Sport diesel with 255,879km on the clock and an asking price of €5,900 or a 2004 BMW X5 3.0d with 252,660km. Are they any good compared to other SUVs and are the asking prices ok (will be negotiating)? Does it make it difference if manual or automatic? How's the fuel efficiency and performance of X5s? Are there any negative aspects I should worry about before considering the X5?

Thanks a mill once again in advance for your help, advice and response.

Best regards,

Tanya

Any comments on 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2008 Honda FR-V?

Thanks

Lisa

Hi,

I have a 2007 Kia Sorento 2.5 GSE diesel in Dublin and I am thinking of buying a BMW 5 Series, the 535d.

i) How much will I get for my Kia?

ii) Is it worth changing? I read a great review of the BMW 5 Series.

iii) If I am trading in how much should I pay for the BMW?

iv) Is it safe to buy the BMW from a dealer (SIMI/non SIMI) or should I only go for BMW showrooms?

Many many thanks in advance for your response

Best regards

Tanya

What recommendations do you have for a used car under €3,000?

Can you tell me about the Rover 45? Would a 2004 example be a good car?