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We are going to avail of the scrappage scheme to buy a new car. Our main needs are:

- great storage: we cart around jogging buggies, bike trailers, hiking back packs etc.

- preferably A tax band (if such cars exist in Band A).

Because of storage needs we have been looking at seven seaters (although we just have one child we love lots of storage capacity) and my husband spotted one we both like (the Ford Grand C-Max). We really like the sliding back doors and the tinted back windows - keeping the sun out of our two-year old daughter's eyes is a constant struggle! It is a bit out of our price range (though if really worth it we could stretch). Just wondering what you would recommend and if there is a something similar to the Ford C-Max but cheaper? 

Is the Hyundai i30 diesel a good buy?

I would like to know what type of automatic gearbox is in the Hyundai ix35 2.0-litre diesel AWD?

I've been driving for the past two months and I have my licence for five. Will I have to do 12 lessons before I do my driving test or is this for new drivers?

I really need help to choose the next right car for my family (me, wife and seven-year-old twin boys). I'm currently driving the Ford Focus (2007). No complaints, but do feel that newer and bigger one would be ideal. My latest shortlist is: Ford Grand C-Max, Toyota Verso and Peugeot 5008. I'm reluctant to spend too much money on power (i.e. big motor capacity etc.) and prefer to use it on comfort elsewhere.

As I'm current a customer of Ford I have to say that its offer is financially the best one out of these three at the moment. Would you recommend Grand C-Max or do you suggest to turn my attention elsewhere? Anything good/bad I should take note of with Grand C-Max?

Thanks, Andres

I am looking for a seven-seat MPV. What do you think of a 2007 Citroen C4 Picasso Grand manual - or a 2008 automatic? Was told Renaults were unreliable, what do you think? Any other suggestions?

Are there any 4x4 diesels that fall into Band B for tax, and if not, what diesel 4x4s have the lowest tax rate?

Hi, what trade-in value should I be getting on a 2002 Suzuki Jimny with 68,000 miles on the clock?

What cars or SUVs are in the lower tax bands and can pull a horse box with two horses inside?

Hi Shane,

I saw your column in the motoring section of the Sunday Independent and I was hoping that you could give me advice on buying a used car. My partner and I have just moved back to Ireland after a stint in Asia and neither of us has ever owned a car so we're pretty inexperienced drivers.

We were wondering what make/model/year you would recommend for a used car. Ideally a five-door, manual car that doesn't stall too easily and with decent boot size (we have a baby). Our budget is around €5,000 (max. €10,000) .

Many thanks and I look forward to hearing from you.

Caroline