Expert answer

Hi Tommy,

First of all a quick list of possibilities we found on Carzone.ie that we would consider wise buys:

- Audi A4 - Good to drive and plenty about, though you'd have to look at 2005 - 2007 within your budget. Not all that spacious either.

- Audi A6 - Hugely spacious and comfortable, but again you'd have to settle for an older car with higher mileage, which could bring unexpected costs.

- BMW 3 Series - Most examples at this price are 2005-2007. Economical diesels and great to drive, but we'd worry about potential bills - and not as spacious as non-premium brands.

- BMW 5 Series - We'd be sorely tempted by this 2005-2007 model as it's such a great car. Seek out a low mileage example with a full service history and a warranty though.

- Citroen C5 - Comfy big car with decent specification and well-proven diesel engines. Not a huge number on the market, though at least you could afford a 2008 car.

- Ford Mondeo - One of the default options here. It's big, comfortable, good to drive and there are loads and loads about. Relatively cheap and easy to maintain too.

- Honda Accord - Relatively unknown here, but the 2.2-litre diesel engine is a gem and the car is very reliable and comfortable. Look for a post-2008 one to keep your tax bill down.

- Mazda6 - This is probably the car we'd put our own money on. Go for a post-2008 diesel example in a decent specification. It's spacious, well-equipped and great to drive. Reliable too.

- Toyota Avensis - Your budget might get you one of the last of the old models from 2009, though taxi drivers tend to snap these up as well. Make sure you check the history and mileage with Cartell.ie.

- Volkswagen Passat - Plenty about and it's a spacious and comfortable car, but there have been a few niggles with the electrics that'd steer us elsewhere.

There you have it. Come back to us if you'd like more help narrowing down your search.

Expert answer

Hi Daniel,

Sorry to hear about the Scirocco - that 2.0 TDI version is great.

A quick browse of Carzone.ie with your budget and needs in mind brought up a few interesting options:

- Audi A3 2.0 TDI 140 - in Sport or S Line guises for maximum style - loads around
- BMW 118d M Sport - quite rare, but great to drive
- BMW 320d Coupé - you'd have to go pre-2008 with your budget, but current style at least
- Honda Civic Type S - 2.2 diesel is great and post-2008 is taxed according to emissions
- MINI Cooper D - loads around in all different colours at your budget

I've picked out the cars I reckon you'll like and I've left out things like the Volkswagen Golf and regular Ford Focus (among others).

What do you think?

Come back to us and let us know if we're on the right track.

Expert answer

Hi Moss,

We've scoured Carzone.ie with your budget and needs in mind. There are loads of diesel SUVs available at that price, though we've shortlisted the ones here we reckon would do the job for you:

- BMW X3 - economical, though you're looking at an older one at this price

- Honda CR-V - great option if you can find a good one

- Hyundai Tucson - plenty around, though not as 'nice' as premium models

- Mitsubishi Outlander - with Volkswagen's 2.0 TDI engine - good bet

- Nissan Qashqai - great all-rounder, though possibly not quite SUV-like for your tastes

- Peugeot 4008 - stylish, good diesel engine, should be able to afford post-2008 car

- Toyota RAV4 - safe bet, though will be pre-2008 on your budget

If you'd like us to help narrow down your search feel free to come back to us.

Expert answer

Hi David,

The short version is, I’m afraid, you’re going to struggle. Small cars such as that don’t generally sell well with diesel engines, as the petrol variants are very economical already, and the diesel versions are much more expensive. We’ve found one on Carzone.ie (a 2005 VW Polo TDI),  but that was literally the only one we could find on sale that fits the bill. You might want to consider upgrading to a larger car — there are lots of diesel Golfs etc around in your price range.

Expert answer

Hi Bilal,

There's a lot of choice at that price, but scouring Carzone.ie we came up with a few options:

• Alfa Romeo 156
• BMW 3 Series Coupé
• Hyundai Coupé
• Mazda MX-5
• MG ZR
• Peugeot 205 GTi
• Renault Clio Williams
• Subaru Impreza
• Toyota Celica

Let us know your preferences if you'd like help narrowing down the search.

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 Brian,

Taking a look at Carzone.ie this is average mileage for this car. We'd recommend advertising it for €6,999, but be willing to accept €500 less for a cash deal. If you want it to go quickly advertise for a little less.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

It's certainly on the high side for the mileage when you look at what else is on the market, especially as it doesn't appear to have leather seats. However, it looks very well presented and those alloy wheels are not cheap. It has a nice long NCT and in general they're robust cars.

This is a private sale so the seller could be chancing their arm with the asking price. Do some haggling!

Before you commit, make sure you get it checked over mechanically and do a full history check through the likes of Cartell.ie. Inspect the hood with it up and down and check for uneven idling, as that could mean the need to change all four ignition coils.

Best of luck - let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi John,

I'm afraid that generation of the Freelander was very troublesome, though the diesel is the best option. Listen out for noises from the rear differential and gearbox and check that every single electrical switch and light is working as it should be.

A 1.9-litre diesel from 2001 would normally be €660, but commercial vehicle tax is currently only €310 per annum.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

We assume you mean this car on Carzone. It appears to be in good enough condition for the age and is very well specified. It's a good thing that the timing belt has been done, as if they snap they cause engine damage. It's worth asking the seller if this happened or it was changed voluntarily. Get the answer in writing if possible and a warranty too.

Though some Alfas have a bad reputation for reliability this doesn't affect all examples of the 147. Some are perfect. Best bet is to inspect the car thoroughly, try every switch and take it for a decent test drive.

Best of luck - and let us know how you get on.