choosing used car

Which is better in your opinion? Low miles or higher years?

I am buying a small automatic hatchback between 2004 to 2008, with a 1.4-litre or smaller engine. This car will be doing low mileage but a good boot that is easy to load is a must.

What do you recommend?

Time to change my Mazda RX8 as I need something bigger for the family. What do you think is my best option from this lot? Mazda6 2.0 diesel, Ford Focus 1.6, Audi A3 1.9 TDI or Hyundai i30? All are 2008-09 and almost same in price.

Which used 4x4 should I buy? I have between six and seven thousand euro to spend on an SUV not more than 2.0-litre diesel for medium tax. I had in mind a Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0-litre diesel 4x4, but I have heard mixed views on these - some good some bad.

What should I look out for in these cars? I have heard of diesel pump/injector trouble and gearbox/clutch problems. Have the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage 2.0 diesel 4x4s the same problems?

Also I have considered a Toyota RAV4 2.0 D-4D 4x4. Would these be underpowered in 2.0 D-4D form? I understand these are full-time 4x4 as opposed to part-time 4x4 in the Santa Fe. Would this make the RAV4 more expensive to mantain with regards to tyre wear, tracking, suspension wear etc? What are all of the above vehicles like to drive on poor roads? Would be open to your views on other 4x4s in this category.

Thank you for your time

Hi guys

Very close to changing, but caught between 2010 Volkswagen Passat Highline with the 1.6 TDI engine or a very good price on a 2009 Opel Insignia 2.0 diesel CTDi. I have seen your review of the Insignia regards a creeking plastic interior. The Insignia is the better looking car but would Passat be better overall?

Hi, I'm pondering a second-hand Volvo XC90 2.5T AWD from a dealer. It comes at a reasonable price, with a clean Cartell.ie report and a three-month warranty. However, it's at the top of my budget. I know as much about cars as the mice know about the moon - it's big and shiny. What can I do to check if the car will drive me for some time without major faults?

Hi, we just had our second kid so in the market for a seven-seater. The Ford S-MAX comes highly recommended from friends. We've been offered a 2.0-litre S-MAX Zetec TDCi with 140hp, registered in March 10, with 28k miles on the clock, privacy glass and rear parking sensors for €24,500 in a straight deal (i.e. no trade-in). It has dual-zone climate control and electric windows so is a decent spec and is a UK import. I'd like your opinion on the S-MAX as a family car and on the price?

Thanks

Hi lads,

Question for you: 2009 Skoda Superb 1.9 TDI, 2008 Saab 9-5 1.9 Tid or 2008 Volvo S80 2.0 D: all similar price. Safety, reliability and economy are what's important and in that order!

Thanks

I'm thinking of buying a 2008 Ford Focus Zetec 1.6 and don't have a car to trade in. How much of a discount do you think I should ask for?

Guys,

Can you recommend a good used (1-2 year0old) small/medium car for my mother? Must be automatic transmission. Currently has an 08 Opel Corsa with an auto box so jerky it'd introduce your forehead to the steering wheel at every change-up. She's in the 60+ age group, but good competent driver. Low tax a priority, performance not an important criteria. Comfortable entry/exit a must and seating not too low due to arthritis - comfort a big factor too.

Any recommendations?