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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.

Are there any known faults with the 141 Toyota Avensis?

Hi,

I am wondering what the difference is between the quattro four-wheel drive systems Audi use and the 4Motion system Volkswagen uses on its cars and SUVs. Also is there any difference between the four-wheel drive system used by Skoda and the two above? As they are manufactured by the Volkswagen Group I am interested to see if there are any differences other than marketing terminology.

Thanks, David (County Kildare)

Is M50 Motors in Tallaght registered with SIMI?

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?

Will the Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio be coming to Ireland? Also, if it is, how much are we looking at?

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

2011 Audi A4 2.0 TDI: does this have a timing belt or a chain?

I wish to trade in my 2010 Kia Rio, looking at a 151 Nissan Pulsar diesel priced at €15,000 with trade in, or 152 petrol at €12,800 with my trade in. Not sure is best to go petrol or diesel. Any other suggestion I should be looking at?