Expert answer

Hi Mairead,

Pajeros are exceptionally rugged and reliable cars, as Mitsubishis tend to be. It’s an excellent tow car, with a maximum braked towing weight of 3,500kg, but if you’re towing something that big, remember that you will need a BE category licence if the weight of the car and trailer combined is more than 3,500kg.

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

It certainly sounds like the alternator is not doing its job. Could you have disturbed the wiring from it when you fitted the fanbelt? Easiest way to check is to check the voltage across the battery terminals with a multi-meter while the engine is running. It should be well over 12V if it is charging.

Please be careful doing this though and only if you're confident working under the bonnet. If you're not, best leave a qualified mechanic or auto electrician have a look.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Ronan,

Thankfully the potential glitch list on XC90s seems to be pretty small, especially if you go for the diesel engine and the Asin-Warner automatic gearbox. Apparently most XC90 problems relate to the petrol engined versions, running a GM gearbox.

Make sure that the timing belt has been changed at 100,000-mile intervals. Check for outer-shoulder tyre wear caused by suspension mis-alignment. The top suspension mounts can be weak on the early models, but as the one you're looking at is a 2008, you should be OK, as Volvo replaced many under warranty. Wheel bearings can wear, so listen for rumbling noises and the brakes pads and parking brake mechanism are both prone to early wear.

Hope that helps; let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi John,

Interestingly, you haven't given us a budget to work with here, so that means a whole world of possibilities looked to be opening up, and then you hit us with the sub-2.0 clause, which instantly shut them down again.

So how about these for some suggestions:

Kia Sportage: you'll get a 2.0-litre diesel 4x4 auto for €35k and it's as stylish and good to drive as you could wish for.

Want something a bit more premium? How about an Audi Q3? Very stylish, but a bit more pricey. €41k gets you a 2.0 TDI quattro.

Finally there's the new Ford Kuga. Bigger and more practical than either of the other two mentioned, you'll pay €43k for a 2.0 TDCi diesel with Powershift auto.

What do you think?

Expert answer

Hi Sean,

According to the official figures, the comparison in terms of combined fuel economy is this: the 520i gets 28.8mpg, the 525d gets 36.2mpg and the Lexus IS 250 gets 31.0mpg. A clear win for the diesel 5 Series there, but it's worth remembering that these figures are taken from laboratory samples and you may have to knock off as much as 25% to get the real-world driving figure.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Kay,

Quite a rare car that. In fact, we can only find a handful of other MINI One autos from that year for sale, which means your value should be in the region of €11,500. Possibly a little less if you're trading it in.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Catherine,

OK, so what you need here is something spacious (kids, even just the one, take up a heroic amount of space, as you know), something economical for all that annual mileage and something comfy so that your buttocks survive all that mileage. I think you should stay with the current rough size of car, as some of the best bargains can be found in the mid-size saloon segment.

First up is a Volkswagen Passat. Ideally, you'd get the 1.6 TDI BlueMotion version, a car in which we once managed to drive from Galway to Glasgow and back on one tank of fuel. Or, what about a Ford Mondeo? You'll easily get a 2.0 TDCi model for that money, and there are very few cars quite so comfy on a long journey. Even BMWs and Mercs can't always match the Mondeo for seat comfort.

Of course, if you fancy the high life, and are prepared to compromise on space a little, then there's the BMW 3 Series. You'll get a 320d or 318d for that kind of budget, but shop around to make sure you get one in a dark metallic, with leather and preferably an automatic gearbox.

Finally, there's the Mazda6. Bit of an unsung hero of this segment, it's brilliant to drive, spacious, good looking and you should be able to track one down with Mazda's excellent 2.2-litre diesel engine under the bonnet. Reliable as it gets, it should chomp through your annual mileage with nary a worry. Find the even more handsome estate version if you can.

Come back to us if you need help narrowing this down.

Expert answer

Hi Angela,

Clearly any such warning needs to be taken very seriously and we'd recommend not driving the car until it is fixed.

We do know, however, that the Stilo regularly suffers from damaged wiring under the driver's seat that can lead to such issues. It could be as simple as a single wire that needs replacing. Bring the car to a mechanic or auto electrician and suggest that.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

The low mileage on your car really helps, as most examples of the 325i on sale have considerably more on the clock. I'd say you're looking at a value of between €13,000 and €16,000, depending in spec, colour and whether or not your car has an automatic gearbox. A dealer will most likely pitch you about €12,000 on a trade in.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Tom,

Power steering aside (that's strange...) it really sounds like you might have connected the battery incorrectly or shorted the battery somehow. Have you any way to safely test the battery?

If you're not confident in finding the problem for yourself we'd really recommend you get an auto-electrician or a mechanic to take a quick look for you.

Let us know how you get on.