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Hi Mike,

You'll probably pay in and around the €13,000 mark for it and as far as we're aware these are solidly reliable cars with no common major problems. 

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Hi there,

Well, the 207 CC was certainly better-built than the 206 CC that preceded it, but you have to buy carefully - they're pretty heavy cars, so suspension and steering problems are common, as is high tyre wear. Electrical faults need to be watched out for too, and the roof mechanism is a constant source of angst - although you can manually wind it up or down with a wheelbrace if it gets stuck half-way, which is a common issue. 

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Hi there,

If you mean the all-new models, the replacements for the current Mégane and Astra, then yes, there'll be a massive difference. They're two entirely different cars built to different specifications in different factories by different companies. OK, so they're both mid-size family five-door hatchbacks, but that's where the similarities end. Obviously, we cannot say for certain yet, as we've driven neither car in final production spec, but the current cars differ quite a bit. The Astra feels classier and better built, the Renault is rather more engaging to drive (in spite of every rubbery steering). Will those characteristics carry over to the next models? We'll have to wait and see...

Here's our first news story on the new Opel Astra

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Hi Caroline,

The new V60 Cross Country is on sale now from €40,845 (click here to go to Volvo's configurator for that car). We've not driven it as yet, but will be during the summer. For what it's worth, we really like the regular V60. Read our review of that here.

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Hi Peter,

To be honest, if it's just the two of you, then you don't really need to trade up to an E-Class or 5 Series sized car - a 3 Series would do you just as nicely. That said, there is definitely a slight comfort benefit from going for the bigger model, so I can understand why you might want to. 

I'm going to suggest something a little left-field for you but I think it might just work - have a look at a Lexus GS 300h. It's perhaps not as obviously economical as a BMW 520d or Mercedes E 200 CDI, but it's enormously refined and comfortable, and endlessly reliable and solidly built. It's also really nice to drive and I think the quirky elements of the styling and engineering might appeal to a former Saab driver. Have a test drive and let me know what you think.

Relevant reviews:

Lexus GS 300h review

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Hi Andy,

Totally different cars - the 407 is bigger and plusher than the Focus but it's the Ford we'd go for. It's actually got more useable space in the boot and it'll be more reliable, long-term. 

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Hi Paul,

Yes, you're right. It should be like that and there should be no more of this 'ex-works' cod-ology and everything should be given a simple on-the-road price. 

As ever, it's never that simple though. Dealers like to have 'Delivery and Related Charges' because it gives  them some wiggle room to offer discounts and money off. Also, the Competition Authority generally takes a dim view of car makers imposing specific charges on dealers for delivery etc, as it's seen as being anti-competitive.

Good old Ireland, eh?

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Hi Cormac,

Go with the Octavia or the SEAT - both are comfy for long journeys, frugal on diesel as long as you go for the 1.6 TDI and both should work out a little bit cheaper to service and run than the Golf, if only fractionally. It's worth shopping around to see if anyone has any inclusive service or extended second hand warranty offers on the go - both can save you a fortune further down the line.

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Hi Sinead,

Probably the Volvo XC90 - whatever about EuroNCAP scores, Volvo always makes its cars real-world safe, basing its design on data taken from actual, real accidents and not just lab testing.

If you mean something a bit more conventional and cheaper than an XC90, then according to EuroNCAP the best performing are the Volkswagen Sharan and SEAT Alhambra, both of which scored a maximum five stars, with the Sharan getting a 96 per cent mark for adult occupant protection, 80 per cent for kids, 46 per cent pedestrian protection and 71 per cent safety assist. The Alhambra's marks were identical.

Relevant reviews:

Volvo XC90 review

SEAT Alhambra review

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Hi Phil,

We put this question to our resident Porsche 911 expert, Kyle Fortune, and this is what he said:

"As a 1998 model I assume you're referring to a 996 series 911 - which is currently the most affordable of all 911s. The first water cooled 911, the 996 has something of a mixed reputation - bargain buy or potential problem... Certainly early cars have a couple of well known engine problems based around he Rear Main Seal (RMS) and intermediate shaft (IMS). Both are potentially difficult and very expensive fixes to undertake, though many cars will have had work already done - ask any potential seller if that's the case. There are many specialists who can do the work with improved parts, so don't rule out a car - at the right price - if you're prepared to have it done.

Google IMS or RMS 996 and you'll find lots of information. Find a good one and you'll not buy anything else for the money that's as useable and enjoyable, so it's worth taking a bit of time and effort to find the best. Do so and you'll have a cracking sports car."

Hope that's of help.