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Hi,

I'm buying my first car and need some advice on what I should get. My budget is about €3,500 and I'm looking for a car with a 1.2- to 1.4-litre engine. At the moment a 10-year old Golf seems like the most reliable option.

Thanks, Conor

Does the Toyota Avensis 1.8 have a timing belt or timing chain?

What's your opinion of the 2005 Lexus IS 200 automatic? I'm thinking of buying one.

Regards, Joe in Dublin

What is a Ford Focus 1.8 diesel with 130,000 miles on it worth as trade in against 2015 diesel 1.6 with 8,000 miles on the clock?

Hi, I'm thinking of buying a 2002 Mitsubushi Carisma. I don't know anything about them and just wondered if they are worth the risk? It's a 1.3 petrol and has one year of NCT remaining. Not sure of mileage yet; anything I should look out for in particular?

Thanks very much.

Hi,

When do you estimate that you will have a review of the new Volvo S90 on your website?

Does a 2007 Toyota Avensis 2.2 D-4D have timing belt or chain?

Hi,

My wife, daughter Daisy (four years old) and myself are thinking of updating our 2005 Ford Focus C-Max 1.6 with 105,000km in the next few months. We recently test drove a 2012 C-Max 1.6 diesel Titanium with about 40,000km on the clock. It was a nice car at €17,500 with a €2,000 trade in for our own so really €15,500. I said we were paying cash, but we could not get more discount. Do you think that’s a fair offer or do you think I could haggle more, as most websites say Ford will barter with you?

Second question. The Ford B-Max seems to be cheaper than the C-Max. Apart from the sliding doors and height of the cabin on the B-Max, is there any other difference? To a layman they both offer the same inside and out. I have read and seen reviews for both cars and there are no major negatives there.

Third Question. We are thinking of trading up and not spending more than €15,000. What is the best option realistically for us in your opinion? Should we consider a different vehicle altogether? We like the higher ride in these cars because it's easier for both adult and child to get in.

Regards,

Ben O’Connor

Will we ever see personalised registration plates becoming available in this country? And please don't tell me they're the sole preserve of the well to do because you can buy a personalised number plate in the UK for as little as three to four hundred pounds, which includes admin.

Considering buying a 2007 Volkswagen Golf. On the Cartell.ie check it showed that the NCT due in 04/15 was not completed until 04/16; should this be a cause for concern?

Sandra, Clonmel