Expert answer

Hi Adrian,

There's no doubt that premium cars of this age can come with costly repair bills. The older they get the more likely something will go wrong, no matter how reliable they are in general. The example you're looking at already has quite high mileage so we'd say budget for a grand or so of repairs a year just in case.

This generation of the A4 was reliable enough. Most problems seem to have stemmed from heating and cooling systems (in particular the air conditioning) and electrics so thoroughly inspect the car - preferably with a bit of professional help. Ensure that the gearbox (assuming it's manual) is smooth and noise-free and that there is no clonking from the front suspension.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Joseph,

Both those cars are decent family motors, but go into it with your eyes open as large aging SUVs are expensive to run, service and repair. For the most part the Discovery and XC90 are reliable, though there are reports of some early examples of this Land Rover with (costly) air suspension and electrical problems. It's definitely worth getting a thorough professional inspection as offered by Cartell.ie as this should highlight any issues with the car you're considering.

Some XC90s have suspension, transmission and injector problems too - all expensive to fix. Don't be put off by this though, as these issues do not affect all examples sold.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Eamon,

Why? Because the government can get away with it, that’s why. The EU has repeatedly told the Irish government that VRT is unfair, but then all the government has to do is wave in the general direction of Denmark, which also charges hefty taxes on cars. Basically speaking, at some point, the patience in Brussels will run out and VRT will have to be scrapped. But don’t get your hopes up — no government can afford to give up a €1 billion annual tax take, so VRT will simply be renamed and repackaged in some other form. It’s never going to go away.

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

Best place to start is www.dacia.ie, as it has a "Find a dealer" facility. We're informed that there are cars in all dealers right now for test drives.

Let us know how you get on.

In case you've not seen it, here's our first drive of the Dacia Duster on Irish roads.

Expert answer

Hi Catherine,

That's an interesting one and the decision will probably come down to your personal preference. The Discovery certainly has a higher 'status' and it is a very good car, but a newer, highly specified Galaxy might be the logical choice. Both cars are relatively reliable and highly comfortable. The Galaxy has more space and probably more equipment, but that depends on the Discovery you're looking at.

One thing to be aware of is that the Discovery is likely to have higher running costs, from fuel, tyres, servicing and insurance to annual road tax.

Bear all that in mind and then take the Discovery for a good long test drive before you decide - and don't be tempted by 'too good to be true' prices either. Get a Cartell.ie history check to make sure there's nothing dodgy about the car you're considering.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

It makes a lot of sense for the money. It does everything that the likes of an entry-level Nissan Qashqai or Skoda Yeti does but for a way lower price. For its basic price you could only afford a three- to four-year old Qashqai for instance.

However, it isn't as impressive in terms of ambience as the established makers' cars. Neither is it as polished on the road.

Nevertheless, its running costs are low, equipment levels generous and of course it comes with a new car warranty...

Read Paul's first drive here for more, but if you have any specific questions please do come back to us.

Expert answer

Hi David,

That's a tricky one to answer accurately. It really depends on the dealer you bring the car to. There's undoubtedly a real lack of good second-hand cars so dealers do want such things, but the Impreza Diesel is, as you say, quite rare.

We reckon your expectations are fairly realistic, especially if you are happy to go into a dealer right now for a 2012-plate car. New car sales are slow at this time of year. Aim a little higher than that and try a few Opel dealers.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

Without knowing much about the car the price seems quite good. It has below average mileage and a good specification. It compares well to the other 320Cd coupés on sale right now on Carzone.

Hope that puts your mind at ease

Expert answer

Hi Michellle,

You've not told us what version of the Zafira you're looking at, but you should know that the basic 1.6-litre petrol engine is a little gutless and the base spec cars a little spartan inside. However, the interior of the Zafira is cleverly designed and great for family use. Check the service history carefully, as cambelts require regular changes (where fitted). Other than that, make sure all the seats move as they should, that the spare wheel is underneath at the back and that there's no damp in the cabin.

I know several happy owners of these cars.

Expert answer

Hi David,

We really like the DS3. It's great to drive and certainly different to the norm. I assume practicality and space in the rear are not a priority, as the Citroen is lacking in those departments.

Going with that, an alternative is the Volkswagen Scirocco. It's great to drive, of even higher quality than the DS3 (which is quite good by the way) and a sure thing when it comes to resale values. Saying that, they're relatively scarce at your price point and the DS3 you've found has more equipment.

Other more interesting cars available at that price that we'd recommend include the Audi A5 Coupé and BMW 320d Coupé.

Come back to us if these are wide of the mark and you'd rather stick to a regular hatchback shape.