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.

Expert answer

Hi Tommy,

First of all a quick list of possibilities we found on Carzone.ie that we would consider wise buys:

- Audi A4 - Good to drive and plenty about, though you'd have to look at 2005 - 2007 within your budget. Not all that spacious either.

- Audi A6 - Hugely spacious and comfortable, but again you'd have to settle for an older car with higher mileage, which could bring unexpected costs.

- BMW 3 Series - Most examples at this price are 2005-2007. Economical diesels and great to drive, but we'd worry about potential bills - and not as spacious as non-premium brands.

- BMW 5 Series - We'd be sorely tempted by this 2005-2007 model as it's such a great car. Seek out a low mileage example with a full service history and a warranty though.

- Citroen C5 - Comfy big car with decent specification and well-proven diesel engines. Not a huge number on the market, though at least you could afford a 2008 car.

- Ford Mondeo - One of the default options here. It's big, comfortable, good to drive and there are loads and loads about. Relatively cheap and easy to maintain too.

- Honda Accord - Relatively unknown here, but the 2.2-litre diesel engine is a gem and the car is very reliable and comfortable. Look for a post-2008 one to keep your tax bill down.

- Mazda6 - This is probably the car we'd put our own money on. Go for a post-2008 diesel example in a decent specification. It's spacious, well-equipped and great to drive. Reliable too.

- Toyota Avensis - Your budget might get you one of the last of the old models from 2009, though taxi drivers tend to snap these up as well. Make sure you check the history and mileage with Cartell.ie.

- Volkswagen Passat - Plenty about and it's a spacious and comfortable car, but there have been a few niggles with the electrics that'd steer us elsewhere.

There you have it. Come back to us if you'd like more help narrowing down your search.

Expert answer

Hi Daniel,

Sorry to hear about the Scirocco - that 2.0 TDI version is great.

A quick browse of Carzone.ie with your budget and needs in mind brought up a few interesting options:

- Audi A3 2.0 TDI 140 - in Sport or S Line guises for maximum style - loads around
- BMW 118d M Sport - quite rare, but great to drive
- BMW 320d Coupé - you'd have to go pre-2008 with your budget, but current style at least
- Honda Civic Type S - 2.2 diesel is great and post-2008 is taxed according to emissions
- MINI Cooper D - loads around in all different colours at your budget

I've picked out the cars I reckon you'll like and I've left out things like the Volkswagen Golf and regular Ford Focus (among others).

What do you think?

Come back to us and let us know if we're on the right track.

Expert answer

Hi Ollie,

Generally speaking, you should be OK, as that 30-min run each day should be enough to keep a DPF hot enough to clean it out, but that’s if and only if that 30 mins is all run at high-ish speeds, say above 80km/h most of the time and in a lower gear. If you’re spending a lot of time in stop-start traffic, I think a petrol option might still be the better one. Mazda’s 2.0-litre petrol engine can be a bit thirsty, but the 1.4 TSI option in the Passat and A4 is a very frugal engine, and still has peppy performance.

Expert answer

Hi James,

As discussed via email:

That generation Audi A6 is in general a reliable car, but not fault-free. Some owners have had no problems, while others have been plagued. The Multitronic transmission is not renowned for being the most trouble-free, though units made pre-2006 have the most problems. Also, the gearbox's fluid should be changed at 55,000 and 115,000 kilometres (or 35,000 and 75,000 miles) so the car you're looking at should have had two changes by now. Check that it has and then look in detail at how the gearbox works. Does the 'PRNDS' indicator on the dash flash? Is there hesitation? Is it easy to get reverse?

No matter what turbodiesel car you look at you'll hear of turbo problems from some owners. Most of the time it's likely to be due to poor oil maintenance. So check the car's service history in terms of oil changes and that the oil level itself is right. They do use a bit of oil.

While you're checking out the car in detail, make sure the air conditioning can produce freezing air in just a few minutes, as these have been known to fail.

I'm probably making this sound worse than it is! I'd buy an A6 for myself - it's a good car - you just need to know what you're looking for and not get caught out by one of the few badly maintained examples out there.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Daniel,

As that car is pre-2008 it is taxed according to its engine size. Following the Budget announcement (December 5, 2012), the cost of taxing that car for a year has risen from €962 to €1,034.

Hope that helps,

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

In general this is a sound purchase, though there are a few things to look out for as ever. We'd advise readers to get as full a service history as possible, even on a relatively old car such as this. On the diesel models check for smooth running and have a look at the condition of the oil. Walk away if it's filthy or there's blue smoke in the exhaust. Black smoke under acceleration shouldn't be an issue though.

The 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol models are known to have issues with their coil packs, while many have air conditioning problems. Just make sure all switches work as you'd expect and check that the air conditioning gets cold within a few minutes. Minor electrical gremlins seem to be this car's biggest problem, but don't let that put you off - just thoroughly check the car you're considering buying.

As ever, we'd advise you to bring along a mechanic to inspect the car before you commit any money.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Andrew,

You're in an enviable position. I'm going to go on the assumption that four-wheel drive is a must-have (though a rear-wheel drive car on winter tyres is as good as a 4x4 without in terms of stopping and changing direction as well as traction...) and given your comment on fuel we'll say it has to be diesel too. Don't worry, there's still fun to be had.

The 3.0 TDI V6 engine found in certain Audi A6s and A8s is a gem and partnered with quattro four-wheel drive seems made for you. The equivalent rear-wheel drive BMWs are a little more engaging, and the 330d/530d's engine is also fantastic, though we suspect you want four-wheel drive. Try a 535d out for size and you might change your mind and invest in winter tyres instead!

As much as we admire the X5 and Touareg, and they're good value on the used market at the minute, we can't help but feel they'll be just as difficult to sell on in a few years.

Another excellent alternative to the (quite common) Audi A6 is the allroad quattro version, based on the A6 Avant. Seems to tick all the boxes.

Let us know if we're on the right track here.

Expert answer

Hi Fergus,

You've not told us the type of engine in the car, but for your information only the 1.6-litre petrol and 1.9-litre TDI diesel units have timing belts. The change interval is 75,000 miles (just over 120,000km) so if the car you're looking at has one of those engines then it should have had a timing belt change by now.

Other than that insist on a full service history and regardless of what the dealer says it's worth getting a car history check on Cartell.ie, as it covers UK and Northern Ireland cars in full.

Hope that's of help.