Expert answer

Hi Lorraine,

There really is a lot of choice out there, but we will try to help you narrow things down.

With your car as a trade-in, and the €16,000 budget on top, we'll look for cars up to about €27,000.

First up, narrowing the search to automatic SUVs post-2021 really limits your options to the Nissan Qashqai, which isn't very powerful, the Peugeot 3008 (which is quite rare) or the Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen Tiguan. The latter two are potentially worth a look as they're built on much the same underpinnings as your Ateca and their 2.0 TDI engines have plenty of go. There aren't many of them about with automatic gearboxes though.

Removing the constraint on that opens up the options considerably and one car that stands out for us right away is the Mazda CX-5. It's perhaps not as common as some others, but it's great to drive in particular and it should tick all your other boxes. Try to get hold of one to test drive for yourself.

A newer Ateca is of course an option, and we're big fans of the SEAT, but all the newer ones we found haven't a very powerful engine.

The Peugeot 3008 is another car we like and would encourage you to try it out for size. There are plenty of them about with a manual gearbox.

All of these should have the niceties you're looking for as well.

Come back to us if you need help narrowing your search further, or if you want our opinions on any other alternative to the above.

Expert answer

Hi John,

One known issue in those hybrid Fits/Jazzes affects the relay for the air conditioning compressor clutch. It can lead to battery discharging, etc. Might be worth investigating that.

Expert answer

Hi Ben,

Ambition is the Skoda Fabia’s mid-level trim, one up from a basic Active. Prices for the cheapest Fabia Ambition start at €17,000 and standard equipment includes 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, leather multi-function steering wheel, front and rear electric windows, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connection, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, front and rear reading lights and an umbrella stashed under the front passenger seat.

A €19,900 Style upgrades all that with extra toys such as 16-inch alloy wheels, manual air conditioning, rear parking sensors, keyless ignition and entry, automatic headlights, a front centre armrest and height adjustable seats. 

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

Possibly, but it will depend on the software that’s in the Skoda. Given that it’s a 2012 car, it’s probably running Bluetooth generation 4.0, which has since been superseded by generation 5.1, which might explain why the older Nokia connects but not the new Huawei . It’s possible that you might be able to upgrade the software in the car, but I think the first port of call should be to your local Skoda dealer. 

Expert answer

Hi Mary,

It’s not standard, so you’ll have to check the specific car. It was available as an option, but there’s not a huge take-up rate on satnav amongst Irish car buyers.

Expert answer

Hi Karen,

We asked Skoda Ireland about this for you and such a kit does indeed exist. It costs €176 plus VAT from your Skoda dealer and all fitted it should be under €300 + VAT. Contact your local Skoda dealer to confirm the availability and pricing. Full list of Skoda dealers here.

Expert answer

Hi Gerry,

I think it's well worth considering a new Octavia, not least because the PCP rates are very tempting and it insulates you from any depreciation (which is pretty mild on an Octavia at any rate - it should retain at least 50 per cent value after three years). Used ones are good too, of course, but it's tempting to have that shiny new one with a full three-year warranty.

As for trims, well spotted - Skoda did indeed shuffle around its trim levels so that Ambition, which used to be the lowest spec, is now actually a well-equipped mid-range. It's worth going for as it comes with items like nice alloy wheels, a 5.8-inch touch screen for the stereo, multi-function steering wheel and Bluetooth.

Read our Skoda Octavia L&K review here

Expert answer

Hi Rita,

The 1.6 is the right choice for city/urban driving right enough and the Tiida is a reliable old thing, and was one of the first cars to come with Bluetooth phone connection as standard. It's not very interesting though...

Expert answer

Hi Adrienne,

OK, let me take that section by section...

(A) Most small crossovers use 1.5- or 1.6-litre diesel engines so you're going to average between 40- and 50mpg in any of them. Ignore the official consumption figures - they're not representative of real-world driving.

(B) Standard spec on most will include at least air conditioning and probably Bluetooth, but the items you've listed will push prices up into the €25-30k region.

(C) Kia, Hyundai and Mitsubishi have the best warranties on the market at the moment - seven, five and eight years respectively. Ford, Renault and Peugeot all offer five-year warranties too, while Fiat offers a four-year one. Most others have three-year cover. In terms of reliability, Japanese and Korean brands will almost always beat their European and American competitors.

Of the cars you're looking at, I'd say the strongest contenders are Honda's new HR-V, the Jeep Renegade, the Peugeot 2008 and the Kia Soul. All well worth a look.

Relevant reviews:

Honda HR-V review

Jeep Renegade review

Peugeot 2008 review

Kia Soul review

Expert answer

Hi James,

I'd say between €8,000 and €10,000 depending on the condition and history. Lower end if it's a trade in, a little higher if the service history is immaculate.

Expert answer

Hi F D,

I'd say on a trade in you'd probably get between €12-13k.

Expert answer

Hi Colm, 

We asked Opel about this and this is what was said:

"It technically could be done, but it would be cost prohibitive to have the unit retrofitted on the Insignia. We used to provide an aftermarket system, but the likes of Parrots are better and is what we would recommend. As always we would advise that the customer takes the car to an Opel garage and they will recommend the best type of Bluetooth set to get and some garages can arrange that for the customer. If the customer needs to find his nearest dealer tell him to check out www.opeldealersireland.ie"

Hope that's of some use to you

Expert answer

Hi Tim, 

We asked Opel about this and this is what was said:

"It technically could be done, but it would be cost prohibitive to have the unit retrofitted on the Insignia. We used to provide an aftermarket system, but the likes of Parrots are better and is what we would recommend. As always we would advise that the customer takes the car to an Opel garage and they will recommend the best type of Bluetooth set to get and some garages can arrange that for the customer. If the customer needs to find his nearest dealer tell him to check out www.opeldealersireland.ie"

Hope that's of some use to you

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

Bluetooth was not standard on that car. Volkswagen introduced it as standard in 2012.

Expert answer

Hi Ruadhan,

That, I'm afraid, is a question with too many variable answers. Second-hand vehicle values are like stock market values - they go up and down and often rather unpredictably. There are a few rules of thumb, though...

1. It's got to be diesel. Yes, we (and others) have tried to educate the motoring populace that diesel power doesn't automatically mean better economy or lower running costs, but right now the market is diesel-crazy and if it doesn't sip from the black pump, it's not going to hold on to its value.

2. The lowest depreciating cars are, obviously, the most popular models. So the likes of the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Santa Fe, BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and so on will always hold on to their value the best. Check the list of the top-ten best-selling cars on the market - these are your depreciation heroes.

3. What about depreciation villains? Anything that the market doesn't trust, really. Estates tend to fare especially poorly, anything with a French badge is suspect and if it's Italian, forget it. You'll lose your shirt on any of these.

4. Spec is king. You can have the most in-demand car going but if it's painted bright yellow and has green seats, you're never going to shift it. So, to keep depreciation at bay, stick with dark metallics and subtle interior tones. Pale cabin colours tend to fare less well when it comes to wear and tear, so the market prefers blacks and greys on the inside too. If it's an executive car, it has to have an automatic gearbox. Anything with factory-fit air conditioning and Bluetooth telephony is looking good, leather is always helpful but other expensive toys don't always help a car hang on to its value.

Hope that's all of interest

Expert answer

Hi Jaro,

Are you talking about the E46 model (1998 to 2006) or the E92 (2007 to 2013)?

If it's the E46, check carefully for any suspension problems - listen for clonking noises from underneath and look closely for uneven tyre wear. There was also a problem with radiator cooling fans failing. It's easily replaced but the problem is that the damage may already have been caused so if the car you're looking at has had a new fan, check carefully for any signs of head gasket damage or overheating.

If it's the E92, then cabin rattles and nosies are your biggest problem. They can be fixed but they can be a nightmare of trial and error to do so. Some electronic systems can also give trouble, especially the optional Bluetooth phone system, but that can usually be fixed with a software patch from a BMW dealer. The petrol 320i version can burn through a lot of oil, so take a long test drive to check for any signs of leaks or a smell of burning oil or blue exhaust smoke. There have been reports of total engine failures for the 320i too, but thankfully they seem to be very rare.

Hope that all helps

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

You’d need to consult a Volvo dealer to get a proper built-in factory spec Bluetooth system fitted, but there are any number of after-market ones that can be slotted in, although you may have to contend with a separate header unit or some such. I’d suggest a visit to your local motor factors or accessories shop should see you sorted.

Expert answer

Hi John,

No major reliability issues with the Tiida - it's a typical Nissan in that regard - and it's also well equipped with standard Bluetooth phone connection on all models. It is a bit deathly dull, though, something that even Nissan admits to. Still, if you're looking for reliable, uncomplicated motoring...

Expert answer

Hi Vinny,

Hmmm. Yes and no. Land Rover quality control has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years, and the Disco 3 was one of the first cars to benefit from a new, higher quality regime. Mostly, they're well built and reliable, but a few 'rogue' cars still seem to slip through the net. The main fault is with the air suspension system, and the air compressor that pumps it up, which can fail, so make sure that the car rises and lowers as it should. Earlier cars had a lot of minor electrical glitches - everything from Bluetooth phone hookups to stereos to the electronic handbrake, but most of these should have been ironed out by now.

Expert answer

Hi Caroline,

In the UK, the SRi is the sporty model in the Insignia range (without going for the full-vat VXR model) and is the third level up from base, ahead of the ES and Exclusiv. It should come with 17-inch alloys, lower and sportier suspension, a leather covered steering wheel, front foglights, sporty bucket seats and, depending on the engine, the brilliant 'Flexride' adaptive damping system.

Bluetooth is an option on the SRi - it only comes as standard when you trade up to the Tech Line model - but you can connect your iPod to any Insignia through the standard aux-in socket. You just need to buy the right cable. They cost around €15-20 from any good electrical retailer, though of course the iPod can't be controlled by the car when connected that way.

Expert answer

Hi Denise,

Go for the Avensis, by a country mile. Both cars are solidly reliable but the Avensis is bigger and comfier. The Tiida's only advantage is that it came with standard Bluetooth, but that's easily remedied with an aftermarket kit for the Avensis.

Let us know what you do

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

With that kind of criteria, and if you’ve driven your wife’s Prius and liked it, I’m minded to recommend the Lexus. The hybrid systems are related (although of course the Lexus is considerably more powerful and sporty), it’s well-equipped (most of what you want is on the standard equipment list) and with mileage of 10,000km a year, it should be just about ideal. Plus, it’s unbreakably reliable.

Here are a few reviews that might interest you:

Lexus IS 300h review

BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo review

Volvo V40 review

Expert answer

Hi Zak,

We always did like the C5 when it was new — big, comfy, quite stylish and it really does look best as an estate. Your ‘friends’ are right in that the Mondeo or Avensis will hold their value better, and there’s no getting away from the fact that an Avensis would be much more reliable over the long term, but at seven years old, the C5 will have the worst of its depreciation behind it now, so as long as it comes with a full service history and you keep it looked after, we wouldn’t regard it as a bad purchase.

Expert answer

Hi Jason,

I would imagine that the simplest thing to do would be to contact your nearest Renault dealer and ask if they can update or upgrade the software in your Megane. There is a faint possibility that the system might not be compatible with newer phones, but I think a call to the service department should get things moving.

Expert answer

Hi Frank,

You can get adaptors that will add Bluetooth both for calls and for music streaming to a 2007 Audi A4. They cost around €130 a go, but we’d recommend getting a professional to fit it, which will obviously drive up the cost a bit. Alternatively, you could replace the entire stereo unit with an aftermarket one, such as from Pioneer, which will also have a proper touchscreen and Apple CarPlay, but you’re looking at around €400 for the unit alone then.

Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

I spoke to Volkswagen about this and its retailers will do this job in about an hour for a total price of €350. That includes VAT, parts and labour and they'll even wash and vacuum the car when it's in.

If you decide to go this route please do let us know how you find the service.

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

We really rate the VW Group's new 1.6-litre TDI engine. It's quiet, refined and great on fuel. However, while it's relatively torquey, it does feel a little short on power when it's lumbered with a lot of weight to carry around. You're in a good position being able to afford either engine. We'd definitely recommend you go for the 2.0-litre TDI Passat in this case. It's a great car and has plenty of power to carry around the family.

If you need any further help, please do get in touch.

Expert answer

Hi Jacqueline,

There are a lot of questions there. Let's go through them. The Hyundai i10 is indeed better than the new Nissan Micra, but the latter comes with lots of equipment as standard and you will probably get the best price for your own Micra from a Nissan dealer. Hyundais are reliable - very reliable in fact. The i20 would definitely offer more space than the i10 though it costs €2,000 more.

I think you should try a Mazda2, which is a car we really rate here on CompleteCar.ie. Otherwise, the Hyundai i20 could make an ideal purchase.

I hope this helps and let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Enda,

This was a long one, so I thought I would answer by video. Click on the link to see the answer!

Expert answer

Hi Mairead,

I guess it depends on how bad your Ibiza is. You will generally get a better deal as a cash buyer, but it will also probably cost you money to get rid of your Ibiza if you bring it to a scrap yard. Sadly you don't qualify for scrappage. but there are lots of good offers around, especially from the likes of Renault, who will give you a great scrappage price on a car eight years old or over. You could have any Renault Mégane within your budget. We recently drove the GT Line version of the Mégane and it looks great with tons of equipment including a built in TomTom navigation system. 

The Mazda3 diesel is €19,995 and you get air conditioning, Bluetooth, cruise control and alloy wheels as standard and it is a cracker of a car. I think given your budget that this would be an excellent choice. It has low emissions too, so annual road tax is just €104. 

Feel free to come back to us if any of these suggestions don't work. 

Expert answer

We spoke to Jane direct to find out a little more information. She currently lives in Northern Ireland and has a 2008 Nissan Qashqai Tekna to trade in. She wishes to downsize and will be moving to the Republic soon with her new car.

Initially Jane believed that she could bring a car to the south VRT-free so long as it was over six months old, but in fact the legislation states that she must have owned the car herself outside the state for six months before importing it.

Jane fancied changing to a Nissan Note, but was unsure of its reliability. We confirmed that the Note has had no major problems and so Jane is going ahead with a swap for a six-month old Note Tekna with only 4,000 miles on the clock. This is a highly specced version with satnav, alloys, Bluetooth etc.

Expert answer

Hi there Barry

I know that it is very tempting to choose a large executive German car on a tight budget, but as someone who has done this a couple of times and has the empty bank account to prove it, I would tend to steer clear of something with this many miles on it because the problems will tend to start to emerge around about now and the repair bills are very high in most cases. 

I know the car probably looks great and is running well, but if or rather when a huge issue comes up, like a clutch goes or you have a problem with the suspension, the price of parts and labour will be high and since you are adding 20,000 miles per year to what is already high mileage, this car is going to be worth virtually nothing in two years and you won't have a chance of trading it in. 

From a quick look around the classifieds, you could buy something with half the mileage for about the same money, as there were a lot of these imported during the Celtic Tiger years and people are now trying to sell them on so the market is flooded. 

Unless you are prepared to say goodbye to that €7,000 totally in two years, I would, either get an A4 with less miles or bite the bullet and buy something way more sensible, like a Ford Focus or VW Golf diesel that will put up with all those miles with minimum fuss.