Expert answer

Hi Julia,

We wish everyone gave us as much detail in their questions as you have done! You have loads of choice, so we'll pick out a few options that we'd recommend.

1 – You could actually afford a brand-new Hyundai Kona in electric or hybrid guises, and though it's bigger than the previous model, it might be smaller than you're looking for. Worth considering nonetheless as it's a very good car.

2 – The Hyundai Tucson is significantly larger and probably better suited to your needs. For just under €40k you'd get into a very new plug-in-hybrid version or have your choice of plenty of non-plug-in-hybrid variants. It's a solid option.

3 – Same story for the Kia Sportage. It's based on the same underpinnings as the Tucson so really, it's a case of which of them you prefer the look of, or which you can find the best deal on. Loads of them on the market either way.

4 – Now, if you do decide that you want a seven-seater, most of them are larger vehicles, but there are options within budget. The newest and best that come to mind are the Kia Sorento (available with seven seats as a plug-in hybrid) and the Hyundai Santa Fe. Again, they're effectively the same underneath and both are excellent.

5 – There are fewer Volvos about within budget. The newer options are plug-in-hybrid versions of the XC40 or XC60, both decent enough cars, the latter the bigger. To get a seven-seat XC90 you'd have to go back to a 2019 model to stay in budget and we'd suggest that would likely come with big repair bills in the near future so not really what you're looking for.

6 – We're not convinced that available Audis will suit you. You might find a few examples of the Q4 e-tron, which is all electric, though most within budget that are plug-in hybrids are either the Q3 or the Q5. These are fine for your own family size, but limited otherwise, and you'd have to compromise on newness to get into the larger Q5.

7 – Finally, one for the heart rather than the head perhaps, you could afford either a Range Rover Evoque or Land Rover Discovery Sport with plug-in-hybrid power from a few years back. Both of those have five seats, not seven.

Having done all that research for you, we'd suggest that the best options come from either Hyundai or Kia, whether you're going to go for a seven-seater or not. But of course, we'd understand if you're swayed by other factors.

Don't hesitate to come back to us if you want further help narrowing things down.

Expert answer

Hi John,

The early Macan S certainly used a Porsche-developed engine, and even the later examples were hardly just Audi/Volkswagen engines with a different cover. 

Not that every engine Porsche has developed itself is reliable, but that V6 is generally solid so long as it has been maintained properly.

Expert answer

Hi Haris,

It will be difficult to find a car that will fit two large rear-facing child seats and a booster in a single row without going for much larger vehicles. The alternative is an SUV with a third row, but that comes with compromises as well.

Anyway, searching within your budget, there are options. Large SUVs such as the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90 would fit you all in, but at €25,000 you'd be buying relatively old ones with high mileage and likely high maintenance costs. Same for the BMW X5.

The Hyundai Santa Fe would be a better bet, as would the Kia Sorento or indeed the Nissan X-Trail. All of these are large SUVs and well-priced, reliable and decently equipped.

Finally, and I think this might be the best option, there's the Peugeot 5008. It has three separate seats in the middle row, so should fit all the kids in and you can fold away the rearmost seats to maximise boot space. There are petrol and diesel variants within budget with far lower mileage than the premium-badge options mentioned above.

You've not told us about any other preferences in terms of fuel, size of vehicle or anything, so come back to us if you want us to help narrow down the search further.

No matter what you decide, make sure you bring the child seats with you on any test drive and ensure they fit in properly.

Expert answer

Hi Met,

That engine has a timing chain with no set replacement schedule. It is in theory designed for the life of the engine.

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

There are a few options for sure, starting with the plug-in-hybrid Audi A6, if that's not larger than you're looking for. There are plenty around within budget. Most are the less-powerful '50 TFSI e' model, though there are a few sportier editions as well, including the '55 TFSI e' variant. None of them will feel as agile as your BMW, but they're not bad cars at all.

If you've not been put off by your BMW's issues, then the 530e M Sport is a logical next step up. Again, not as agile as the 3 Series, but a fabulous car by any other measure. You could just about afford the Touring estate model as well.

From Mercedes you could get into the C 300 e instead. They're not as common as the others here, but the C-Class is a comparable size to your 330e, yet it has a dramatically more modern interior.

Finally, if you're open to estate cars, the Volvo V60 is an excellent option. It's powerful, great to drive, stylish, well-made and has a decent electric range. It would possibly be the one we'd choose from this selection.

If you want us to help narrow down your search, don't hesitate to come back to us again. Here are a few of our relevant reviews:

Audi A6 50 TFSI e review

BMW 530e review

Volvo V60 review

Expert answer

Hi Edel,

Not many cars have the same windscreen demister that Fords do, so you may have to compromise on that. Most at your budget will have heated seats and auto lights though.

You can afford a 2023 Audi Q3 with a manual gearbox and there are plenty around within budget whether you want a diesel or a petrol engine.

For the same price, you'd get a year newer Mazda CX-5, again with a manual gearbox if you want it, and the option of petrol or diesel power.

The Mazda will be the better-equipped of the two and the more enjoyable to drive.

Then it just comes down to which you prefer the look of (the Mazda wins that one hands down).

Expert answer

Hi David,

First up, the Mokka has comfortable suspension, so it will be good from that point of view. The three-cylinder petrol engine has plenty of go in 136hp guise, and it's mated to a six-speed gearbox so it shouldn't be too audible, even at higher motorway speeds. It can be a little loud getting up to speed, but fine when cruising.

One thing to watch out for is that the GS version you mention rides on bigger wheels than the lesser models in the lineup. That means lower-profile tyres, which are likely wider as well. This can certainly add to road noise at speed.

And, while the Mokka is above average in terms of refinement on the motorway for its class, it is still a relatively cheap-and-cheerful small car, and you can't expect it to be as civil as larger and more expensive ones at higher speeds.

The best advice we can give you is to take one for an extended test drive, including motorway speeds on a variety of road surfaces - and make sure the stereo is off and anyone with you is quiet so you can assess if it meets your needs.

Expert answer

Hi Daniel,

The driver's seat has a lot of adjustment in it, for height as well as everything else, so we believe you'd be ok.

Make sure you go and take one for a test drive to know for sure though.

Expert answer

Hi Malcolm,

Yes it does. All modern electric cars can be plugged into a home charger/wallbox and charged at up to 7.4kW on single-phase AC outlets. 

Expert answer

Hi Dawn,

Most people in your position – i.e. a new driver – consider the cost of insurance when choosing their first car. You'll need to keep the engine size down for that reason, though there are plenty of small-engined cars that should still fit the bill. Just keep it in mind and maybe get insurance quotes before you commit to any car.

I would suggest that you're better off going for a slightly larger car if it's to be used regularly for longer journeys as they are generally more comfortable at motorway speeds. From your list, the VW Golf and Hyundai i30 would be good options, but you could also seek out the SEAT Leon, Peugeot 308 or Mazda3.

I've probably given you more to think about there…

Come back to us with a budget in mind and we'll try to find some specific cars for you to consider.