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Hi Leah,

It all depends how long you want to keep the car for. If you're planning to change again in three years' time, then a PCP makes great sense as you get a new car (with a warranty) and you're basically protected from depreciation, plus your car is your deposit for your next car.

If you're planning to keep the car longer, then you're better off with a loan and a second hand car, although I'd suggest buying one younger than five years old and make sure you get a decent warranty with it, just to help keep costs under control.

Read our guide to car finance here

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Hi Rose,

Yes, it's a good car. A little quirky to look at and a little bit noisy to drive, but really roomy (hence the name) and very well made and reliable.

But it's not high up off the ground. The front seats are mounted higher than those of a Fabia - 30mm higher in fact, but if it's height you want, for ride height for rough roads, you need to look at the Skoda Yeti.

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Hi Joe,

They're both pretty similar to be honest, although at the moment the Corolla is only available as a four-door saloon and the Pulsar as a five-door hatch.

Both are solid, reliable, unremarkable workhorses. If you're looking for excitement, sexy styling or dynamism, you've come to the wrong place - but both major on space (the Pulsar in particular has massive space in the back seats), comfort and simplicity.

The Corolla's diesel engine lags a bit behind the Nissan's in terms of performance, but other than that, they're pretty closely matched and seeing as both will probably be endlessly reliable you can safely choose according to your taste.

New, Corolla prices start at €20,995 and Pulsar prices start at €19,995.

Relevant reviews:

Nissan Pulsar review

Toyota Corolla review

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Hi P J,

The current model Nissan Qashqai, introduced at the beginning of 2014, is a really cracking choice - well made, frugal and nice to drive. Go for the 1.5 diesel if you do big miles, or the 1.2 petrol turbo if you're mostly doing short hops around town.  As for your Octavia, I'd say you could expect to get around €5,000 as a trade in, depending on the dealer and your car's condition and history.

Finance or cash? Easy: if you can afford to pay cash, do it. You'll be able to argue yourself a decent discount up front and you won't be paying any interest. As for finance, PCP offers are tempting and very good value, but they kind of rely on you coming back in three years' time for another car. If that's not your plan, then a personal Credit Union or bank loan could actually work out better value overall. If you have a financial advisor they can give you more detailed advice than I, and check out the CompleteCar.ie Guide to Car Finance for more information.

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Hi Andrew,

Well, of the posh-badge brigade, my personal favourite is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class - it's supremely comfy, beautifully made and really satisfying to drive, but, to be honest, you couldn't go wrong with any of those cars, it really is down to personal taste.

Your other question is an interesting one though. If you can live without the posh badge, and aren't quite so worried about driving dynamics, then a Skoda Superb is pretty much unbeatable. Same mechanical make up as the Audi but far bigger and way better value. Try a Ford Mondeo or Mazda6 if you want something with a keen chassis or a Toyota Avensis if you never, ever want it to break.

Some relevant reviews for you:

Updated BMW 320d review

New Audi A4 2.0 TDI review

Jaguar XE review

Mercedes-Benz C-Class review

Volkswagen Passat Highline review

Skoda Superb review

Ford Mondeo review

Toyota Avensis review

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Hi Nigel,

Two totally different cars so they're quite hard to compare. The B-Max is small but spacious, and those sliding side doors make it very handy in tight parking spaces, but it's slow and not much fun to drive. The Juke is far more striking to look at (perhaps even a bit ugly?) and more engaging to drive, but space in the back and boot is really quite poor.

Relevant reviews:

Ford B-Max review

Nissan Juke review

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Hi Joanne,

The RAV4 is most definitely worth the price, and it's one of the best cars Toyota currently makes - spacious, reliable and not at all bad to drive. Worth looking at the Nissan Qashqai and Renault Kadjar too, as well as the Skoda Yeti and Mazda CX-5. You won't go wrong with any of those choices, but given your high mileage take a very close look at the Renault and the Nissan - they'll be the most economical overall.

Relevant reviews:

Toyota RAV4 review

Nissan Qashqai review

Renault Kadjar review

Skoda Yeti review

Mazda CX-5 review

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Hi Declan,

Really good actually. Nice to drive (surprisingly sharp steering), lots of space and as with every Toyota it feels built to withstand a tactical nuclear strike. A really competent car. Here's a fuller review...

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Hi James,

Well, the rule says that when a vehicle is imported it must be booked for an NCT inspection and VRT valuation within seven days of its arrival in the state. The process of registration and payment must then be completed within 30 days of arrival.

Now, it's just possible that there may be a a valid reason why this car hasn't been registered, or it may have been declared off the road at the time of entry. I think you need to get on to your local tax office and ask for help with this though as there could well be a fine in the offing, never mind a surcharge.

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Hi Pat,

Really good car. Not the most exciting thing in the world perhaps but frugal, spacious and reliable. Our review of the 2012 Hyundai i30 gives you a good idea of what to expect, though the 2016 version has been upgraded a little.