Expert answer

Hi Martina,

We're assuming you are referring to the post-2008 Focus here, so correct us if not. The 1.6-litre models are up to 10mpg more efficient and generally have much lower emissions too to help reduce your annual tax bill.

Be aware that the 1.6 TDCi engine only had issues from 2004 until about 2008. Cars/engines made after that date should be just as reliable as the 1.8-litre.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Ciaran,

There are not many Toyota Levins about and without seeing the car it's a tough call to make, but you should certainly offer much lower. If you test drive the car and its history and condition check out then we'd suggest offer in the region of €1,400.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Stephen,

Cars registered in 2005 are taxed according to their engine size, so that Focus (which has a 1,753cc engine) is taxed in the 1,701- to 1,800cc band. Since the 2013 Budget that costs €636 per year to tax.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi John,

Put simply, the RX-8 is usually costly to run and requires a lot of maintenance. Make sure you go into it knowing what to look out for and what it will cost you. In general, you'll want to ensure that the previous owner stuck rigidly to the servicing intervals and regularly topped up the oil. Stay away from cars that have no service history.

It's worth having a mechanic do a compression test of the engine too to check it and ask them to look at how old the spark plugs and leads are, as these are costly to replace.

Other than that, the suspension components are prone to wear, so watch out for slack responses and body control while cornering, which may indicate that it needs new dampers and anti-roll bar bushes.

Best to pay for a full mechanical inspection from an expert in this case.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Jakub,

Right, here’s what we’ve gleaned with a little help from Nissan and a dive into its archives…

There were basically two specifications of Primera from 2002 to 2008. The entry model was an SE, which came with a full colour display in the centre of the dash, trip computer, colour reversing camera (one of the first cars to deploy this tech, as I recall), climate control, power steering, front and rear electric windows, electric mirrors, height-and-lumbar adjustable driver's seat, CD player stereo with six speakers, ABS with EBD and brake assist, six airbags, front pretensioners for the seatbelts, remote central locking, alarm, 16-inch alloy wheels, front fogs, chrome door handles and body coloured mirrors.

The T-Spec model got all of that and added auto dimming rear view mirrors, auto wipers, leather trim, power and heated seats, steering wheel audio controls, premium audio system, active headrests, cruise control (for the 1.8 petrol model) and 17-inch alloys.

Expert answer

Hi Greg,

Yes, it’s well worth looking at a UK import as you can potentially save money. Mind you, have a shop around local dealers too — many of them have cut their prices to compete with the UK cars, and you can often get better after-sales care if you buy locally. A figure of 90-110k miles isn’t a big deal in and of itself; it all comes down to the service history. If the car has been cared for and has a fully stamped-up service book, then it should be fine.

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

When new this car was once of the most comfortable cars in its class, however, it's now 8-9 years old so unless a lot of the suspension components have been changed (mainly dampers and bushes) then it won't have retained that. Check with a seller for receipts for work done.

In any case, take a few for a test drive so you get to know which is good and which is bad.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Paraic,

First and foremost is the running costs, but I guess they're on the same level as any large SUV-based commercial with an automatic gearbox - they're heavy on fuel and tyres, etc.

Other than that, while the Discovery 3 is proving to be more reliable than its predecessor, it's hardly the most dependable truck of its type. Some cars are perfect, but others have loads of issues, from the electrics to the air suspension and even to full engine failure.

Don't settle for anything less than a full service history and make sure you have the car checked out by someone that knows what they're looking at too.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Tom,

Not necessarily, as you can switch the mileage clock from miles to kilometres and back again. The usual tell-tale for an import is that the speedo is marked in both mph and km/h. Theoretically, all Irish cars from 2005 onwards will have had just km/h marked, but again it’s not definitive — it could be a replacement instrument pack after all.

Expert answer

Hi Paudie,

They certainly are, but getting on a bit now, having not been in production since 2006. They’re based on the MkIV Golf, so build quality is generally excellent, but rear seat space isn’t (the boot’s massive though) and if it’s an original Irish car than chances are the equipment levels are going to be pretty basic. You need to check for regular cam belt changes (every 40,000 miles), that good quality oil has been used at service time, that the clutch isn’t too heavy and that the engine isn’t misfiring (that means a faulty ignition coil). Reluctant engine start means a faulty air mass sensor and you need to check for tapping noises at the top of the engine (which means the head needs work, possibly rebuilding) and poor acceleration could mean a faulty crankshaft sensor.