Expert answer

Hi Jason,

Before we look at the numbers our preference would definitely be the BMW. That A4 was at the end of its life cycle and so the 3 Series is a generation ahead as such. Saying that, you may get more for your money in the Audi making it more tempting.

The numbers back that up. The 316i is considerably quicker with 122hp and 160Nm of torque (vs. 101hp and 148Nm in the Audi). Not only that, but the BMW is way more economical, using 5.9 litres/100km (47.9mpg) on the combined cycle to the A4's 7.7 litres/100km (36.7mpg). That's partly thanks to a six-speed gearbox in the BMW, where the Audi makes do with five ratios.

Our money: the BMW.

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

It's certainly on the high side for the mileage when you look at what else is on the market, especially as it doesn't appear to have leather seats. However, it looks very well presented and those alloy wheels are not cheap. It has a nice long NCT and in general they're robust cars.

This is a private sale so the seller could be chancing their arm with the asking price. Do some haggling!

Before you commit, make sure you get it checked over mechanically and do a full history check through the likes of Cartell.ie. Inspect the hood with it up and down and check for uneven idling, as that could mean the need to change all four ignition coils.

Best of luck - let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Aidan,

Without knowing your budget and what your needs with regards to towing etc. are it's difficult to give a precise answer, but as a starting point, and in alphabetical order:

None of Audi's Q models are really suited to heavy off-road work, though the Q5 and Q7 are fine towing machines. Not that you'll find a Q7 with a manual gearbox.

Same story with BMW's X models. Fine for towing. You'll have to seek out an older X5 if you want a manual transmission though.

Citroen C-Crosser, Ford Kuga, Honda CR-V, Hyundai ix35: fine road cars.

Hyundai Santa Fe: depending on age and spec can be quite good off-road and as a tow car.

Hyundai Terracan: horrible beast of a thing, but it is big...

Hyundai Tucson: more car-like than most 4x4s.

Isuzu Trooper: hard as nails, durable workhorse.

Jeep Cherokee: good workhorse, but raucous on the road.

Jeep Compass: really not that great on the road despite its 'crossover' image.

Jeep Grand Cherokee: surprisingly good depending on age.

Jeep Patriot: a Compass with more upright bodywork...

Jeep Wrangler: tough, great off-road, but not so good on it.

Kia Sorento: first generation a tough tow car; latest more road-biased.

Kia Sportage: fine road car - especially the latest one.

Land Rover Defender: same comments as Jeep Wrangler above.

Land Rover Discovery: one of the very best all-rounders - newer versions way better.

Land Rover Freelander: good mix of on-road behaviour with all-road ability, but others at price better.

Range Rover line-up: luxurious regular model not bad off-road, Sport great to drive on-road and Evoque not really a 4x4 despite the badge.

Mazda CX-5: new SUV in the crossover mould - lovely on the road, where it should stay.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class: see BMW X5 comments.

Mitsubishi ASX/Outlander: very much road cars.

Mitsubishi L200/Pajero/Shogun: durable, strong, tough, but also rough and unrefined - proper 4x4 system though.

Nissan Navara/Pathfinder: see L200 etc. above...

Nissan Qashqai: a road car, even in 4x4 guise.

Nissan Terrano: old-school 4x4.

Nissan X-Trail: pretty good mix of attributes.

Opel Antara: road car - and not a good one.

Peugeot 4007, Renault Koleos, Skoda Yeti: just road cars.

SsangYong Actyon/Kyron/Rexton: rough and ready tow machines.

Subaru Forester: more a road car, though later one pretty good.

Subaru Outback/XV: road cars - nice ones.

Suzuki Grand Vitara: not bad as an all-rounder - relatively cheap and cheerful.

Suzuki SX4: car with 4x4 mechanicals.

Toyota Hilux/Land Cruiser: enviable reputation for toughness and reliability, though not very civilised.

Toyota RAV4: good road car, ok tow car.

Volkswagen Amarok: good all-rounder, though just a pick-up.

Volkswagen Tiguan: lovely road car, but most models so-so off-road.

Volkswagen Touareg: high quality car that's a good all-rounder.

Volvo XC60/XC90: good road cars - not for off-road.

So come back to us with more details and we'll talk you through a purchase.

Expert answer

Hi Sean,

With those options in front of us and no clue to each car's mileage and condition then we'd say there's a strong case for the Mazda6. It's significantly more spacious than all the other cars you listed for a start. That 2.0-litre diesel engine has plenty of grunt and is relatively economical, while the Mazda6 has a great reputation for reliability.

Hope that's of help

Expert answer

Hi Donal,

We spoke to Audi Ireland and the best thing to do is call its customer care team on 1850 812760 with your car's registration number so they can check it out for you.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Rory,

I'm sure you're aware that your budget will get you any number of relatively new regular cars such as the Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus, along with bigger models like the Ford Mondeo and Toyota Avensis.

However, given your current choice of car I'd suspect that you'd like to retain the elevated driving position and your mileage dictates a diesel engine. Most cars can take a tow bar and you don't have heavy towing needs so that's not a major consideration. Likewise, all SUVs etc. will have room for your golf clubs.

So the logical choices based on all that include:

BMW X3: Good diesel engine, spacious, but your budget may only get you an older example.

Citroen C-Crosser: Great 2.2-litre diesel engine; rest of car built on Mitsubishi mechanicals.

Honda CR-V: Bomb-proof reliability, but again may have to settle for older example.

Hyundai Santa Fe: Big and comfortable, though running costs higher than smaller SUV.

Mitsubishi Outlander: Spacious, well made, ok diesel, if loud.

Nissan X-Trail: Strangely forgotten, but plenty around at this price.

Peugeot 4007: Shares its engine and underpinnings with the Citroen above.

Suzuki Grand Vitara: Very reliable.

Toyota RAV4: Another with impressive reliability. Possibly the choice of the lot at this price.

There are loads of older, bigger SUVs for sale at that price too, but they'll cost you more to run for no real benefit.

If you're willing to change body styles completely it's worth checking out something like a BMW 120d Coupé or a diesel 3 Series Coupé. There are also plenty of great estates on the market for that budget, including the Audi A4 Avant and BMW 3 Series Touring. I know you don't need that space for a family, but it's useful for a lot of other things.

Come back to us with more information and we'll help to narrow your search further.

Expert answer

Hi Susie,

Click here to get our news story from the launch of the new Audi Q3 in Ireland. Prices start from €35,180 on-the-road now, following the VAT increase on January 1st. The most up to date prices should be on www.audi.ie and here's the current price list.

You'll find an Audi dealer list on there too.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Denis,

We have experience dealing with Whelans Dismantlers at www.whelansdismantlers.com (or 057 864 6663) in Portlaoise. Give them a call as a starting point and let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Mike,

The only reason you would specifically buy the efficient dynamics version of the BMW 520d is if you want to pay €104 in road tax, you want the best possible fuel economy and you don't mind changing gears yourself. I'd always prefer by luxury saloon car to come with an automatic transmission and in general, the used car market prefers if you do to. 

We could of course, give our opinions as to what is the best of these cars - but the fact is that they are all in and around the same price, they are all very good and they all offer different things. The BMW is regarded as the drivers car amongst the group although increasingly this is being matched by the excellent new Audi A6. The Mercedes is without doubt the most comfortable of these three cars so if have a very relaxed style of driving then the Mercedes might suit best. 

It does really come down to personal choice. The BMW is the best-seller and that probably won't change for some time. Also you have left out the excellent Jaguar XF, and now with a 2.2-litre diesel it is excellent value. That needs to be considered too. 

Expert answer

Hi Lisa,

You've not told us the model year of your A4, but given that mileage we'd guess it's a 2004 version. If so then it's likely to be worth less than €10,000, despite the condition.

Obviously all trade-ins are only worth what the dealer thinks they're worth, so take this as a guideline only.

Please do let us know how you get on with it