Expert answer

Hi Shane,

The manual version uses 8.4 litres/100km (33.6mpg) and the automatic 8.5 litres/100km (33.2mpg).

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Jakub,

Right, here’s what we’ve gleaned with a little help from Nissan and a dive into its archives…

There were basically two specifications of Primera from 2002 to 2008. The entry model was an SE, which came with a full colour display in the centre of the dash, trip computer, colour reversing camera (one of the first cars to deploy this tech, as I recall), climate control, power steering, front and rear electric windows, electric mirrors, height-and-lumbar adjustable driver's seat, CD player stereo with six speakers, ABS with EBD and brake assist, six airbags, front pretensioners for the seatbelts, remote central locking, alarm, 16-inch alloy wheels, front fogs, chrome door handles and body coloured mirrors.

The T-Spec model got all of that and added auto dimming rear view mirrors, auto wipers, leather trim, power and heated seats, steering wheel audio controls, premium audio system, active headrests, cruise control (for the 1.8 petrol model) and 17-inch alloys.

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Hi Gareth,

No, more like €5-6k unless it’s in ludicrously good condition and has delivery mileage. The 1.6 engine is pretty underpowered but it’s robust — just watch for problems with the fuel injectors. You’ll need to check the suspension for wear and tear too (listen for nasty clunking noises over bumps) and, for a car of this age, you really need to check everything. It would help if it comes with a full service history, but at that age I doubt that it will.

Expert answer

Hi Robert,

There’s lots of choice in that price bracket for an estate. You could go posh with an Audi A4 Avant TDI (you’ll get into a 2007 model for that budget), or big and practical with a Toyota Avensis (2011 or thereabouts), or sporty with a BMW 3 Series Touring. However, you’re probably best going for a Golf — that budget gets you a 2008 or 2009 Golf Estate, which is roomy, practical, reliable, and nice to drive.

Expert answer

Hi Gillian,

With two small kids myself I completely understand your needs. Really, you're probably after something with a much bigger boot, but I assume you like the premium look and feel of the Audi. People in your situation would often upgrade to a bigger car in the same brand, say an Audi A4 or a compact SUV. I've taken a look through Carzone.ie with your budget and needs in mind and here's a list of potential replacements:

- Audi A4: way bigger inside and in the boot than your A3 and significantly more comfortable on the road. Your budget gets you a clean 2010 model saloon or Avant estate with a 2.0 TDI engine.

- Audi A6: much bigger again than the A4, but for the same money you'll get less equipment or an older model - you could afford the saloon or Avant estate though.

- BMW 3 Series: quite comparable to the Audi A4, though not as spacious inside and few Touring estate examples on the used market. Very efficient engines.

- BMW 5 Series: lovely car in same class as Audi A6, though your budget will probably mean a high mileage example. Insist on full service history.

- Honda CR-V: well made family SUV that was designed more for on-road than off-road use. Not all that common, but hugely spacious and reliable. Make sure you go for the newer model that has only just been replaced.

- Mazda6: I'm not sure if you're attached to the Audi badge, but this car is well worth a look. It's massive inside (especially the estate), good to drive, well equipped and reliable. Your budget gets you a low mileage 2011 example too.

- Skoda Superb: no kids will ever kick the back of your seat in this car such is its rear legroom! The boot is massive too and it comes with a range of different engine options. The 1.6 TDI is especially economical. You can afford a 2010-2011 saloon, though personally I prefer the Combi estate.

- Volkswagen Passat: there are a few 2011-2012 Passat saloons available for your budget and it'd be a sensible purchase in some ways. This car is still on sale now new. There aren't many estates about unless you go for the previous generation model.

- Volkswagen Tiguan: a good option, though supply is limited at you budget to 2008 versions. High driving position and spacious all-round.

If you'd like help narrowing your search further, please do come back to us. Also, with such a low annual mileage, it's worth seriously considering a petrol car if you find a well-priced one.

Expert answer

Hi Paudie,

They certainly are, but getting on a bit now, having not been in production since 2006. They’re based on the MkIV Golf, so build quality is generally excellent, but rear seat space isn’t (the boot’s massive though) and if it’s an original Irish car than chances are the equipment levels are going to be pretty basic. You need to check for regular cam belt changes (every 40,000 miles), that good quality oil has been used at service time, that the clutch isn’t too heavy and that the engine isn’t misfiring (that means a faulty ignition coil). Reluctant engine start means a faulty air mass sensor and you need to check for tapping noises at the top of the engine (which means the head needs work, possibly rebuilding) and poor acceleration could mean a faulty crankshaft sensor.

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

If reliability and part prices are key, I’d go with the Golf. They’re pretty well built, solidly reliable and not too expensive to service. Nothing much wrong with either the Volvo or the Audi, but you will pay a servicing and parts premium for having the posher badges.

Expert answer

Hi Noel,

Runflats weren’t fitted as standard to the 2012 Audi A4, but you can fit them if you want to. Just make sure that your car is fitted with a tyre pressure monitor first, and make sure that whoever fits the tyres sets the monitor up properly. And make sure you buy from a good, recognised brand. Never skimp on tyres...

Expert answer

Hi Gerry,

I'm afraid we've not driven the X3 sDrive. For those not in the know, that's the rear-wheel drive version of the BMW. It's offered in Ireland in '18d' format only, which means a 143hp 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine. It comes in manual and automatic guises and in SE or M Sport trim levels with on-the-road prices starting from €43,690.

Non-quattro Audi Q5s are powered by a 143hp 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine as well. While there are more trim levels offered (base, SE and S Line) this car can not be specified with an automatic transmission. On-the-road prices start from €41,760.

For the record, with a manual gearbox, both cars are in Band B2 for tax purposes though the X3 uses marginally less fuel on the combined consumption cycle (5.1- vs. 5.4 litres/100km) and it's a second quicker accelerating to 100km/h at 9.9 seconds.

Hope that helps in some way

Expert answer

Hi Sindy,

That really does depend on which version of the TT you're trading in and which model MINI Coupé you're interested in. The MINI line-up includes petrol and diesel options with power ranging from 122- to 192hp. None of them are slow, but if your TT is a turbocharged petrol version then you'll need the MINI Cooper S Coupé at least to keep up. The Cooper SD is virtually as quick as well and way more economical.

In terms of comfort, the Audi TT generally is more comfortable than the MINI. The latter has harder suspension settings. However, that does again depend on the model you're looking at, as the lesser Coupés ride on smaller wheels, which enhance the ride quality.

Come back to us with the specific models if you'd like more comment.