Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

First up, if you're not going to be able to charge a car up at home, we'd recommend you do not buy the MX-30. Yes, it's much improved with the 'range-extender' engine on board, but it's still a car designed to be plugged in and charged up. Without that, it would be a very frustrating petrol car with a tiny fuel tank. Read our review of the MX-30 R-EV here if you're still interested.

We're big fans of the Qashqai e-Power. It feels very like an EV at times to drive, giving you a flavour for that, yet you don't plug it in to charge it up. Go take a test drive for yourself to see if you agree with us. And read our detailed reviews of the Qashqai e-Power here. https://www.completecar.ie/car/search/car-reviews/Nissan/Qashqai

There are 2021 examples of the plug-in hybrid Velar in the classifieds varying from about €49,000 to as high as €75,000, though none are as low-mileage as your car, so that will help get a strong price for sure. That €75,000 example is an anomaly though so bank on somewhere slightly north of €50,000.

Expert answer

Hi Niall,

With your requirements and budget, you'll certainly be looking at a used EV rather than a new one, which may mean buying a car that doesn't have much of its original regular warranty remaining (as the industry default is three years - though there are exceptions). However, the car makers include a longer warranty on the drive battery to reassure buyers of their longevity. Typically, this is for eight years and 160,000km (from new), though the precise figures vary from model to model.

You've not specified if any of your kids are in small seats or boosters so we assume three of them can fit across in one row of a normal car (do come back to us if we're wrong on that as that will limit your options considerably).

In terms of your driving use, and assuming you'll get a home charger to cover day-to-day charging, you're going to have to plan to use the public charging network on your longer journeys. Very few used EVs in your budget will do 400km on a charge all year around with five people on board.

Most should require just one top-up on that trip, however, taking no longer to charge than it will to get the kids all out and into the bathroom and for you to grab a coffee.

I'm sure you'd have to stop a few times on a 1,000km trip regardless of charging up the car.

Taking a look at what's on the market for under €25,000, here are some options we'd recommend:

Cupra Born: This is a five-seat, five-door hatchback about the same size as a Volkswagen Golf on the outside (and indeed it's the same underneath as the Volkswagen ID.3), but it has way more rear-seat space. Your budget gets you a 2022 example using the 58kWh battery pack, which means a realistic range of about 300km between charges.

Read our Cupra Born reviews here

Hyundai Kona Electric: The Kona is a five-door, five-seat crossover you should find as new as 2023 available within budget. That's the last of the previous-generation model. It's smaller in the boot and back seat than the Cupra mentioned above, but it is efficient. There are even some available with a 64kWh battery for a realistic range between charges of nearly 400km.

Read our Hyundai Kona reviews here

Kia e-Niro: This is another five-seat crossover, actually sharing its underpinnings with the Hyundai. However, the Niro is noticeably bigger inside the cabin and boot. There are loads of 2022 examples around with a 64kWh battery - meaning a real-world range of nearly 400km again. Sidebar: the Kia e-Soul is a stylish alternative sharing most of the same components, though it's less practical as a family car.

Read our Kia Niro reviews here
Read our Kia Soul reviews here

Skoda Enyaq: The Enyaq is a fantastic family car with much more space in the cabin and boot than all of the above. Sadly, there are very few about at your budget, though we did find a couple so it might be worth holding out for. The compromise is that you'll only be able to afford the 58kWh model, which should manage a little over 300km between charges.

Read our Skoda Enyaq reviews here

Volkswagen ID.3/ID.4: The ID.3 is VW's equivalent to the Cupra Born above and there are more of them about, most with the same 58kWh battery. Saying that, we did find a few with the 77kWh battery pack, enabling a much longer range. The ID.4 is notably larger inside and comparable with the Skoda Enyaq. It's not common within budget though.

Read our Volkswagen ID reviews

Hopefully that's some useful food for thought. Don't hesitate to come back to us if you want us to help narrow down your search.

Expert answer

Hi John,

In theory there's no reason why you could not do this. The taxation is a little different and there's a commercial vehicle equivalent to the NCT, but no legislation preventing a private individual from buying and driving a commercial vehicle.

However, anecdotal evidence suggests that it's not all that easy for private individuals to find insurance for such vehicles. Do some ringing around on that before you commit to buying and if you have no luck talking to the insurers directly then consider employing the services of an insurance broker.

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

Other than the lack of engine noise, the graphics in the driver's instruments subtly alter if the car is in electric mode. You can also select an energy flow display for the central touchscreen to keep an easy eye on it.

Regardless, the 5008 Hybrid never runs for long distances on purely electric power as its battery is so small. Instead, it does lots of little bursts using the battery and motor, notably so when moving off from a standstill or barely moving along in slow traffic.

Expert answer

Hi Mary,

There's loads of choice on the market at that price level, and one car that stands out as potentially perfect for you is the Honda Jazz. Manual versions are rarer, but they do exist. The seating position should be a little higher than your Rio's, but it's still a car that handles well in the corners rather than a lofty SUV. The rear seats have loads of versatility built into them as well.

If you found your Kia dependable, a natural replacement could be the Kia Venga, a kind of tall hatchback. The Hyundai ix20 is effectively the same car, and they're not bad, though probably won't tick the "bit of horsepower" box for you...

Let me know if we're on the right track and if you need help narrowing down your search. 

Expert answer

Hi Frank,

We wouldn’t have considered those to be natural rivals as the Toyota starts at about €43,000 and the most expensive Kona Electric is €38,495 and in truth, the cabin ambience of the bZ4X reflects that – it’s a more luxurious car inside. The Toyota is also more spacious in the back seats, though they have similarly sized boots. The bZ4X is nicer to drive and smoother, though the Hyundai is a little more efficient in real-world driving.

In short, if the price difference isn’t part of your decision, you just need to go and test drive both to see which you prefer, as we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend either.

Expert answer

Hi Simeon,

I think a plug-in hybrid such as this could work well for you, though best to go into the purchase realising that the car is likely to go no further than 40-50km on electric power most of the time. Nonetheless, if you can charge it up at home on cheap night-rate electricity then it should cost you very little to run. You’d likely do the Cork to Ringaskiddy and back trip barely using the engine.

By default, the car will use the electric motor and ability as much as possible, so on longer runs the drive battery charge will be quickly used up and the engine will be on most of the time from then on. It can affect responsiveness a little.

The Volvo has a setting you can activate to hold the battery charge, or top it up, using the engine as a generator while it drives along. This is useful if you want to have battery charge for later in the journey to allow for electric-only driving, but it isn’t any more efficient as it uses more fuel from the tank to do this.

If you can charge up at home or work, I’d suggest you’re a perfect candidate for an electric car. A vast majority of them could manage the Cork to Bantry return journey without needing to be charged up.

Expert answer

Hi Ed,

The G6 does not have a head-up display or a proper one-pedal-driving mode, though you can alter the level of brake energy regen through the infotainment system.

Neither does it have something called Highway Assist, though it does feature adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist etc. so it has all the hardware necessary to enable that, but XPeng doesn't appear to bundle them together to work like Highway Assist.

Read our detailed XPeng G6 review here

Expert answer

Hi Tony,

Happy to help someone find the car that suits them.

I suspect you’ve focused a little too much on one of the few negative things Neil said about the car’s suspension in that review, and I should point out that the “crash and bang” words were used specifically in conjunction with “when tackling rough-edged surfaces.” I myself spent a few weeks in the CX-80 on Irish roads in December, including driving on poorly surfaced country roads and found it generally to be excellent. Rough surfaces can make themselves felt, but no more than in any competitor vehicles.

Expert answer

Hi Tony,

The CX-80's suspension was a further development of that in the CX-60 and improvements were made before the larger car was launched, so we have no issue with that car at all. Further changes are coming to the CX-60 later this year.

As with all cars, we'd highly recommend sticking to smaller wheel options, as that means more tyre sidewall to better absorb bumps and poor road surfaces.

Expert answer

Hi Mike,

Well, it’s quite different from a driving licence or NCT, which are both legal requirements. Reserving a number plate you like the look of is a luxury and hence Revenue clearly prices it at a level it expects people to be willing to pay, regardless of the cost to the State of providing this facility. People might have an issue with that, but there’s nothing forcing them to use the service so I don’t expect the masses to revolt or set up a public protest about it any time soon.

Expert answer

Hi June,

The first thing to note would be the size difference between these two cars. The BYD is larger overall and that’s felt inside too.

In terms of build quality, the Volvo feels more solid inside and out, though its cabin layout is more dated than the BYD's and has a smaller display. It’s also worth looking at the equipment levels of both cars, as the BYD comes with a lot of standard spec.

With regard to ride quality the Volvo is the more polished of the two, with a nicely sorted suspension setup and better one-pedal driving feel. The BYD has more performance, and has higher peak DC-charging speeds.

Read our review of the Sealion 7 here

Read our review of the Volvo EX40 here

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

If the car is coming from England, Scotland and Wales then there is no way to avoid the VAT and import duty. For a car coming from Northern Ireland, and to ensure no VAT and import duty are payable, it must have been imported there officially and used by a private owner in the North “for a reasonable period of time” according to Revenue, which is generally accepted to be three months.

Coming off the ferry with a car from the UK, you are unlikely to be stopped or questioned, but that’s not relevant as you have seven days to make an appointment with the NCTS to have the car inspected and 30 days to complete the importation process. Paperwork is required to prove all of the details, including where you bought the car and its entry to Ireland.

Expert answer

Hi Jake,

You can easily notify your local motor tax office that you will be using a pickup like the Amarok for private use, and then pay the required motor tax. Unfortunately, that may not satisfy the insurers. Best to ask them before you buy the vehicle if this will be sufficient, and also make sure you get a quote. 

If you have no joy, consider employing the services of an independent insurance broker to do the legwork for you.

Best of luck

Expert answer

Hi Paddy,

Yes there are 2WD and 4WD versions of the plug-in hybrid Tucson on sale. The official fuel consumption is about 1.4 litres/100km, but obviously that's only achievable if you plug the car in regularly and maximise driving on electric power.

Expert answer

Hi Rob,

I'd suggest not spending any money on the car until you've gone back to the seller. Tell them you know they're a trader and you'd like them to fix the issue. If they won't play ball, gather as much evidence as you can and then get the CPCC (Competition and Consumer Protection) involved.

Best of luck with it

Expert answer

Hi Juliana,

If you spend a lot of that driving on the motorway, or you're the kind of driver that 'pushes on' regularly, then I'd suggest diesel is still a good option for you. If you're a more relaxed driver and that mileage is taken at lower speeds then a hybrid may be just as economical, but it won't be otherwise. 

You've not mentioned the electric alternative, and it could be that you don't want to go electric, but almost any new EV will easily do a 160-kilometre round trip without needing charging up, and running costs are way lower than they are for diesel or hybrid. For that to work you'd need a home charger, but it's food for thought nonetheless.

If your Tiguan is giving you no trouble, I'd be inclined to hold onto it a while anyway, as with that mileage on the clock it won't be worth a lot as a trade-in.

Expert answer

Hi Jane,

Good news, it looks like that should fit in. I didn't have a tape measure with me when driving the car, but I used the measure function of an iPhone and the distance came in at a little more than two metres, so even if that's not very accurate, you should have plenty to spare. 

And yes, the seat backs all fold down flat. Works well.

Read our full review of the Hyundai Inster here

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

If the vehicle already has rear seats then all you need to do is inform your motor tax office of the change of use and pay the relevant motor tax increase. Check your insurance policy as well to ensure this is covered.

If the Land Cruiser has no rear seats then it's a much bigger job to convert it, and I'd suggest you enlist the services of one of the many companies specialising in this process. Do a search online and then try to find reviews of ones in your locale. In many cases, however, it may be more cost effective to just change your vehicle.

Expert answer

Hi Ankit,

Let's go through your list for a start:

Suzuki Swift: Even the top-spec model with loads of options comes in under budget, has adaptive cruise control and can be had with an automatic gearbox. Easy to drive, well-specified, should be reliable, though doesn't feel as substantial as some of the other cars listed. Read our Suzuki Swift reviews here.

Volkswagen Polo: Only the Style and R-Line versions come with adaptive cruise control, but those are slightly out of budget if fitted with the DSG automatic gearbox so unless you stretch the budget this isn't an option. That's a shame as it's probably the best car in this list all things considered. Read our Volkswagen Polo reviews here.

Toyota Yaris: The 1.5-litre hybrid is an automatic by default, and as you've identified, the Luna comes with adaptive cruise control. It's the only version in the Yaris lineup within budget with those items and it's an excellent car. The rear seats aren't huge, but the fronts are fine, it drives fantastically, should be very reliable and the hybrid system is efficient and good to drive. Quite likely the pick of the cars here all things considered. Read our Toyota Yaris reviews here.

Dacia Sandero Stepway: An automatic gearbox is available, and even the most expensive version is well within budget, but this car can't be had with adaptive cruise control - only the non-adaptive type is fitted. Otherwise, it's a spacious and well-equipped car for the money. Read our Dacia Sandero reviews here.

MG3: All versions are automatic and come with adaptive cruise control, so those boxes are ticked. And even the most expensive version is within budget so it's a realistic possibility. It's the most powerful car here, which is probably not important, but it's quite efficient as well. The Yaris is a more polished product, but the MG has a little more space. Read our MG3 reviews here.

Hopefully that's all of help. I'd strongly recommend you and your wife go check out a shortlist of cars in person and test drive them to see which you prefer, as it will come down to personal preference.

Let us know which you go for.

Expert answer

Hi Ahmed,

It really depends on where you do most of your driving, and how many people you tend to carry around. The 115hp model is fine around town and at lower speeds if you're on your own, but if you have three other people on board regularly, or you often drive in hilly areas, you'll appreciate the extra performance of the 150hp engine. There won't be much of a difference in the real-world fuel economy. 

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

In our time with that car back in 2022 (assuming you mean the regular hybrid, not the plug-in model), we averaged about 6.2 litres/100km so the car is clearly capable of better. 

Obviously fuel consumption depends on many factors, including driving style, where and how fast you are driving and even how well-maintained the engine is. Make sure you're not carrying around any unnecessary weight in the car, remember that roof/bike racks affect the consumption and check your tyre pressures. 

Other than all that, check how clean the air filter is. 

Expert answer

Hi Stephen,

I suspect a hybrid would really suit you at that relatively low annual mileage. I certainly wouldn't recommend diesel for you now unless you spend most of that mileage at quite high speed on the motorway. Away from that, a hybrid should be more efficient - and nicer to drive, too.

The Toyota Camry is a lovely option if within budget, but the C-HR is a fine car too. Maybe come back to us with your budget, the type of driving you do and how many people you need to carry on most journeys and we can help narrow things down for you.

Expert answer

Hi Daniel,

First up, the battery in those alone wouldn't cost in the 10s of thousands - it's considerably less than that. Not that you'd ever want to have to do it, but still, it's worth bearing that in mind.

I must admit we have heard of a few cases where BMW has struggled to identify an issue with the hybrid system recharging the battery and the repair is expensive as it involved replacing the whole hybrid system, not just the battery. That's frightening of course, but it's only a few cases rather than every example of the car.

If you go ahead with the purchase, perhaps consider an aftermarket used car warranty.

If you don't feel confident going for it, come back to us with more information on your budget and needs and we'll try to find you an alternative to your diesel Passat.

Expert answer

Hi John,

It entirely depends on how you drive it and where. First up, in terms of actual range you'd get from a tank of fuel, it's worth noting that the Corolla's fuel tank is about a quarter smaller than the Octavia's.

The Corolla hybrid can certainly match the economy of a diesel in certain circumstances, but it really does depend on how it's driven. If you're someone always in a hurry and you like to use all the available performance regularly, then the diesel car is most likely more economical. If you're a gentle driver the Corolla is more efficient.

For lots of motorway driving, the diesel is most likely more economical, but if you only use the motorway a little, I'd suggest the hybrid is better.

Longer term, the diesel model will have bigger maintenance bills as well, so that's something else to consider. 

Expert answer

Hi Maura,

It comes down to the wording of the warranty agreement though the onus is usually on the owner to ensure their car is serviced properly. It's highly unusual not to service a car for that long. If you still think you have a case to take, get in touch with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission for assistance.

Expert answer

Hi Alix,

If you are bringing the car back in yourself there is no paperwork necessary. Your insurance will presumably be in the North, indicating that the car is there. Keep proof of your ferry as well for future reference, but there's nothing else to do at this stage. 

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

I'd certainly suggest sticking with diesel given your driving profile so that easily rules out the 530e. Then things are not so clear cut.

There's a huge difference in price between the two used cars you're considering and the new Superb, which makes me wonder what you'd get in the used market for that same €53k (assuming you're buying outright, not on finance of course).

The used cars will have depreciated a little already of course, while the new one will depreciate more, relatively speaking, in its time owned by you. That's the sensible way of thinking, but there's nothing quite like a new car, either so only you can choose that.

Both the Superb and the 520d Touring are great cars, both similarly economical and comfortable, though the Skoda has the edge in terms of rear-seat space. The BMW is a little better to drive by way of compensation.

There's no right or wrong answer, in effect. I highly recommend you go and test drive as many representative cars as you can before you make the decision. 

Expert answer

Hi William,

That engine uses a timing chain.

As for things to watch for, there are a few known things:

• Make sure all the doors lock and unlock correctly as the internal mechanism can fail and need replacing
• Ensure you can press the clutch pedal properly and it returns to expected position as issues with the pedal itself and the clutch master cylinder can occur - can mean it's difficult to engage gears too
• If you see the instruments flickering or dropping back to the off position while driving it could mean a new instrument panel is needed
• The gearbox's sensor for it being in neutral can cause starting problems and an issue with the start-stop system so watch out for that - often accompanied by an oil leak from the gearbox

Otherwise it's quite a reliable car. As with all used cars, we'd recommend you drive a few different examples of the same car to get a feel for how it should drive, ask for a detailed service history and make sure you take a proper test drive including some motorway driving.

Expert answer

Hi Ainsley,

In our opinion, the better EV out of the pair is the Tesla Model 3 - but there are caveats to that, and one very big one to consider. Subjective, of course, but the Megane E-Tech is nicer to look at outside and in, and the quality of its interior fittings are also better. It also drives very sweetly, so it's a strong contender.

However, the Model 3 has greater one-shot driving range (both official and real-world), is the more refined car at speed and, once you've tried it you'll realise just how much of a USP the proprietary Supercharger system is for Tesla; there is no finer public recharging experience than this.

The big caveat with the Model 3, though, is the placement of the indicators and the windscreen wiper controls on the steering wheel in the facelifted  version - it's a cackhanded piece of ergonomics if you come to it direct from a car with conventional column stalks.

On top of that, there's a vastly different customer service model at work, as Renault has a nationwide network of dealers you can just pop into, and Tesla does not.

We'd suggest you take all that into consideration while you go test-drive both cars for yourself.

Please do let us know which one you go for.

Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

In your case, it'll likely depend on your driving style. The driving you described really suits a diesel engine if you tend to accelerate up to speed and maintain the speed limit for most of your journey. If, however, you tend to amble along a little slower than that with a more relaxed outlook, then a hybrid will be just as efficient, while also being a little more 'futureproofed'. 

Depending on the model, we'd expect lower overall maintenance bills for a petrol-fuelled hybrid than a diesel.

And while you didn't specify it, a plug-in hybrid might suit you if you can plug the car in at home and also at work, as very few of them can do 100k on a charge.

Finally, it would be remiss of me not to mention that almost any electric car - used or new - would cope with your commute with ease so long as you could charge it up at home. 

Come back to us if you want to discuss your choice in more depth. 

Expert answer

Hi David,

It's a tricky time for choosing a new car in your situation for sure, especially given your high mileage. I feel that a diesel would still be a little more economical for you than the latest hybrids unless you keep your speeds down. If you spend most of that at 120km/h then a good diesel is hard to beat from an economy point of view. Saying that, the Corolla and new Civic are both very efficient cars and, if you adapt your driving style to their powertrains, then it is possible to return some trully outstanding fuel economy figures. And it must be said, with one eye on future values, a hybrid might be a more shrewd choice.

In your situation as described, I'd shy away from purely-electric cars for now as well. I'd be worried about relying on the public charging network to support such high mileage.

Expert answer

Hi Bob,

If his vehicle has satnav then it’s not necessary, as it will know where it is and change to suit driving on the right side of the road.

Expert answer

Hi David,

We're big fans of both the BMW xDrive45e and the new iX (though not everyone loves the looks of the latter!).

First up, whether you go for a plug-in hybrid such as that X5, or an electric car, you really do need to have the option to add a home charger. It makes life way easier and keeps your fuel costs down.

Assuming you will install a charger, then either of those cars could work well for you. The X5 could easily cover those short journeys on electric power and you'd never have to worry about delays with the public charging network on your longer journeys. The iX, especially the xDrive50 version (read our review of that here), has a really good range, but very long motorway journeys will still require a little more planning.

However, the iX's cabin and technology are next-generation, making the X5's look out of date already...

I'd suggest going to test drive both cars if at all possible. Failing that, at least try to sit into both so you get a feel for the differences.

Also final word of advice, with all the supply chain issues facing the car world right now, I'd urge you to get your order in as soon as possible, even if you don't plan to take delivery for up to a year.

Best of luck with us - feel free to come back and ask us more.

Expert answer

Hi Teresa,

We used to get so many queries on this subject that we published a feature called Why won't my car's stop-start system work?

If you read that you'll discover that the systems are highly sensitive to battery charge and load, even when working perfectly. Could it be that you often have high-load items switched on? Things like heated seats, air conditioning, rear window demister, that sort of thing.

Now, in a DSG-equipped automatic car, you shouldn't need to put the car into neutral to get the stop-start system to work - that's only on manual cars. You can leave it in D (drive). What does affect it, however, is how firmly you are holding your foot on the brake pedal when at a standstill. Sometimes it's necessary to give the brake pedal a firm push before the engine will cut out.

Other things to watch out for: if you move the steering wheel, it is likely to cause the engine to restart. And if you're in the Sport driving mode or you've selected the Sport gearbox setting, then stop-start might not work either.

If none of the above changes your experience, I suggest getting a mechanic to come out in the car with you to check it over and observe how you drive, and then let them do the same.

Best of luck with it - come back to us and let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

Well-spotted!

Yes, they essentially share the same powertrain, but otherwise they're quite different. The Lexus justifies its higher price with a more luxurious interior and driving experience. It's quieter, too. 

Expert answer

Hi Nelson,

OK, as ever our answers here include a certain amount of ‘it depends…’ as much does indeed depend on your driving style, the ambient temperature, the cost of your electricity at home and how much public charging you need to do. But, roughly, this is how it should all break down.

Let’s start with the Kona — and by the way, these are both excellent choices as the Kona and the Ioniq 5 are amongst the most impressive EVs on sale right now. Hyundai officially claims that the Kona Electric has consumption on the WLTP test of 14.9kWh/100km, but we’re going to be a little more pessimistic, or realistic perhaps, and assume that you’ll achieve more like 18kWh/100km.

At that rate of consumption, you’ll — obviously — burn through 18kWh of electricity for each 100km you cover. On its undercounted rate for electricity, Electric Ireland will charge you 21.9c per kWh, which means that you’ll pay €3.93 in electricity costs for each 100km journey, assuming you do all of your charging at home.

What if you’re not charging at home? Well… If you’re using one of the new very rapid ESB chargers, which cost 37c per kWh, that cost obviously jumps a bit. In fact it goes up to €6.63 per 100km. If you’re using an IONITY 350kW charger, without a discount or membership, you’ll pay 73c per kWh and that pushes the price up to more than €10 per 100km.

However, the likelihood is that you’ll be using a mix of all three, and maybe you’re lucky and can charge for free at work, so let’s stick a finger in the air and average it out at around €5 per 100km journey. That’s just for the electricity cost.

If you go for the Ioniq 5, then we reckon that you’re looking at more like 20kWh per 100km in day-to-day use, which gives you costs of €4.36 (home charging), €7,37 (ESB rapid charging), or €14.54 (IONITY). Again, all of these prices are to an extent moving targets, and can be reduced further with discounts on charging and home energy bills. Or with free or subsidised at-work charging.

Of course, there are not total life costs. You have to factor in the costs of buying the cars themselves — Hyundai currently has an offer for the Kona Electric of €254 per month on a PCP plan, or the Ioniq 5 at €380 per month.

Those are both for the basic models, but that’s actually OK — the base Ioniq 5, with the smaller battery, is actually quite a canny buy as it will still do a reliable 360km on one charge, and doesn’t look nor feel all that much different to the ritzier versions inside or out. Assuming a reasonable cost for insurance (never an entirely safe assumption to make…) I reckon we can get you in under the €450-per-month mark for either car, with the Kona obviously having a bit more headroom for costs.

The cost of the charging station at home is even more difficult to answer with surety. There is a wide variety of home chargers available now, at various price points, though of course you should be eligible for an SEAI rebate, too. The unknown is if any additional work needs to be done to your house's electrics. Take a read of our Charging your electric car at home feature for a little more detail on that.

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

A diesel car is quite well-suited to that journey still, as it's over 100 kilometres each way, but we can understand why you might be looking to 'electrify'.

First up, I think we can disregard plug-in hybrids for your needs. None of them have an all-electric range to do a full journey from Limerick to Killarney - or vice versa - even if you could plug it in before heading back the other way again. That would make it potentially quite inefficient overall for you.

A regular hybrid might work depending on your driving style. The N21, which I assume you use, is quite a busy road, so average speeds aren't very high, but some drivers do make the effort to overtake slower traffic and keep their average speed up. If you're the type to amble along with the flow of traffic, then a hybrid might get close to your diesel's economy. If you tend to rush and do lots of overtaking, it won't.

Depending on your budget and situation, I think an electric car would be a good option. There are loads of models with official ranges in excess of 400km now and even allowing for a deterioration of that due to higher speeds and cold temperatures, they'll all likely cover the return journey from Limerick to Killarney and back with little trouble. You could top up the battery if you need to in Killarney, but the vast majority of your charging could be done each night at home. That is of course assuming that you have off-street parking and somewhere to install an electric charger. That's key to EV ownership.

If you don't quite need the space of the 5 Series, but like the BMW brand, I'd highly recommend the BMW i4. 

Other than that, check out our list of every electric car currently on sale in Ireland for ideas - and feel free to come back to us to discuss this further. 

Either way, drop us a message to let us know what you decided to do

Expert answer

Hi Ray,

We got in touch with Aviva asking in general if there was an issue and we received this rather wishy-washy response:

"There are multiple factors that are taken into consideration by our motor insurance underwriters when providing quotes or determining cover for motor insurance.  Some of the factors that determine our acceptance criteria or the level of cover we provide include the driver’s details and experience, our own claims experience, the car (its make, model, engine size, age, brake horsepower, power to weight ratio etc.), to name a few.  
 
There are a small number of models from various manufacturers that we may not provide comprehensive cover on and this can be for a variety of reasons.  However, our risk appetite allows us to offer comprehensive cover for the vast majority of cars that are available to purchase in Ireland, which includes various Tesla models."

That doesn't really tell us much. I know that some people in other countries have been quoted high premiums as Teslas are supposedly expensive to repair, but this is the first time we've heard of someone with such a good driving history being refused comprehensive cover.

My advice would be to shop around for an alternative premium elsewhere. Insurers don't reward loyalty in any case so it's something to consider doing every year.

Best of luck with it.

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

You've not told us your budget at all, but a 2018 E-Class sounds like it would certainly fit the bill for your needs. There are several good diesel options, which I think would be best for your commute. That age of E-Class is really lovely.

A close competitor is, obviously, the BMW 5 Series. A 520d does it all, mixing great efficiency with comfort and a bit of sportiness when you want it. The 530d has more impressive performance, of course, but it isn't as economical.

I'd recommend you go test examples of those to see which you prefer.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Fergal,

OK, at the very top of your list should be the Skoda Superb. It’s massive inside, hugely comfortable, has a huge boot, is well made and has an excellent 2.0-litre TDI 150hp diesel engine. It’s well worth checking out the 150hp TSI petrol too though — it's smoother, quieter and nearly as economical unless you're driving at motorway speed all day.

Next go and check out the Mazda6. Now, there’s no five-door fastback version, but there is a hugely handsome Touring estate model, and it’s very good to drive. Tremendous interior quality too. Only problem? Mazda has dropped diesel engines from its line-up, but the 2.0-litre petrol is an excellent unit, and surprisingly economical.

Finally, you could go for one, last Mondeo. It’s coming to the end of its production life right now, but it’s still a firm favourite of ours, and with it being on run-out, you’ll get some proper bargains if you want to buy one of the last ones. 

Read our Skoda Superb reviews

Read our Mazda6 reviews

Read our Ford Mondeo reviews

Expert answer

Hi Justina,

Start-stop issues are common with a lot of cars and we get many queries about it. If your car is not being used much right now, then the battery may not be in great condition and that's a leading reason for stop-start problems. It could be something else of course. Your car should still be under warranty if you want to talk to your Hyundai dealer about it.

In the meantime, read Why won't my car's stop-start system work? on the subject.

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

There aren’t any specific battery issues to look for, and the good thing about a plug-in hybrid is that you can’t fast-charge them, so there’s less likelihood of wear and tear on the battery cells from repeated rapid charges. Obviously, batteries do degrade a little over time, but you shouldn’t see more than a few percentage points wiped off the performance. Make sure you go for a fully-charged test drive first though, and if the range seems abruptly short (allowing for weather, traffic etc) then the battery might have been physically damaged at some point.

Other plug-in hybrids worth considering would be a BMW 530e, although that probably won’t squeeze into your budget, or a Volkswagen Passat GTE, which provides performance almost as good as that of the 330e, but for a much lower cost overall and it's more spacious. Don’t forget that the battery eats considerably into the 330e’s boot space, and it was never a big car inside to begin with. The updated Passat GTE (2020) was available as an estate, too...

BMW 330e review

Volkswagen Passat GTE review

Volkswagen Passat GTE Estate review

BMW 530e review

Expert answer

Hi Renato,

Yes, absolutely — you can register a Hilux for personal use, but just remember that you’ll have to tax it as a private vehicle, which means you’ll be taxing it on the engine capacity, not the CO₂ emissions. If it’s a 3.0-litre Hilux, that’s going to be pricey. Insurance can be an issue too, so get hold of a good broker to help you find the right policy.

Classic insurance is a non-runner, sadly. In Ireland, a car has to be more than 30 years old to qualify for classic status. 

Expert answer

Hi Anne,

It entirely depends on the type of driving you do. If a diesel engine isn't used regularly at higher speeds and loads (i.e. on the motorway), then its various components, including its Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) in the exhaust, don't get up to temperature and can't burn off desposits of soot etc. They eventually clog up and can cost a fortune to repair or replace. Along with that, diesel engines emit more NOx, which is a pollutant that is bad for human health. 

So, petrol is the sensible way to go in the Kamiq unless you rack up well over 20,000km a year at higher speeds in our opinions. 

Read our Skoda Kamiq reviews here

Expert answer

Hi Conor,

You say you’ve already taxed the Yeti privately, is that right? Once you’ve informed your local motor tax office of the change of status, that should be sufficient for any insurer. That said, Irish insurers will find any excuse in the book to either not quote you, or to give you some astronomical quote just to make you go away. Our advice is to find a good insurance broker who can help you navigate the ins and outs. 

Expert answer

Hi Adam,

OK, this is going to be an ‘as far as we can tell’ answer because the legislation regarding N-plates is not spectacularly well-worded. However, the key word here appears to be ‘first’ as in: "In the first two years after acquiring a full driving licence a driver must display N plates on all vehicles.” So, if you’ve displayed your N-plates for the first two years, then in theory, you won’t have to display them for another two, even if you’re re-sitting your test. However, it’s the re-sit that may throw a spanner in the works here, as the NDLS and RSA may well take the view that, in official terms you’re starting from scratch. You will almost certainly have to abide by the lower drink-drive limits and lower penalty point threshold for a ban that applies to N-plate drivers, too.

Expert answer

Hi Howard,

If I were you, I'd stick with diesel for now. Assuming that, with such high mileage, you won't have time to plug the car in to charge it up regularly, the 530e won't get near the 520d's average economy. Once the battery charge is used up, you're effectively driving a heavy petrol car. The fact you're VAT-registered and can claim back the VAT on the diesel is another reason to stick with it for now.

Yes, electrification is coming to all cars, but we don't believe it suits all motorists just yet. The beauty of you changing your car every 15 months is that you can react quite quickly to changes in taxation and new model launches.

Expert answer

Hi Eddy,

Unfortunately, yes you will. Thanks to the debacle that is Brexit, any UK drivers coming to Ireland after Dec 31 2020 will need to have a green card for insurance. Worth getting an international driving licence too...

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

OK, we’ve found a few cars that meet both your budget and your small engine requirement, and can pretty easily handle the hack to Ennis and back.

All small car searches should start with a Fiat 500 — looks cool, is fun to drive, costs buttons to run and no they’re not unreliable.

Want something a bit more conventional? You should be able to track down a 2009-ish Ford Fiesta with the 1.25 engine. Terrific all-rounder.

If you want something cheaper to run, there’s the Kia Picanto (circa 2010),  which has a peppy enough 1.0 to be able to cope with the Ennis run.

Or finally a Toyota Yaris, with that brilliant 1.0 VVTi engine, would make a hugely sensible choice, but you’ll have to go for an older one to stay on budget — 2008 or thereabouts. 

Expert answer

Hi Catherine,

As far as I'm aware, they are sprung-loaded, where you push one side of the fuel flap and it springs back out and opens, so maybe there's dirt or something in the mechanism? We can only suggest you try various levels of pressure on the trailing edge of the flap and then release, hoping that it clears. If not, you may have to lever it open, though that could break the mechanism, which would then have to be replaced. If you do go down that route, make sure you protect the main bodywork paint from damage.

Expert answer

Hi Jim,

If you're talking about a regular combustion-engined petrol or diesel car and their 12-volt battery, then yes, assuming the alternator is working properly, it will be driven by the engine and will charge up the battery so long as the electrical load from the battery is less than it can supply.

If you're referring to plug-in hybrids, and their high-voltage lithium-ion batteries, then it's not as simple as that and it differs per model and even depends on the driving mode. Most will, by default, use the battery to the fullest before starting up the engine and then may not charge the battery much except for kinetic energy recovered during braking. The idea is that you plug them in to charge up the battery regularly for maximum efficiency. However, most of them have a setting to override that and actively charge up the battery using the engine. It's usually activated by a button or option in the infotainment menu.

Expert answer

Hi Grainne,

As previously noted, you’ll need to have a current and valid primary medical cert as new certs are not being issued right now thanks to a Supreme Court decision that  has thrown the rebate scheme for disabled drivers into limbo. However, if you already have the cert, you should still be able to avail of the VRT and VAT rebates, so that should be fine (although it’s worth checking ahead of time — it’s a bit of a moving target at the moment).

I think that a Skoda Kamiq might be the right sort of car for you. Not much bigger on the outside than the Merc, but more roomy within, and with the necessary automatic gearbox and reversing camera on the options list. Get it with the sweet little 1.0-litre petrol  engine and you’re onto a winner. It’ll be well within your budget, too. 

Read our Skoda Kamiq reviews here

Expert answer

Hi Ricky-Lee Morgan,

In the vast majority of cases this is down to either a battery that is not in perfect health or a dodgy sensor. See our feature Why won't my car's stop-start system work? and if that doesn't help then you will need to get the car plugged into a diagnostic computer by a mechanic.

Expert answer

Hi Tim,

The 120i is due to come at the end this year, with 184hp and with the M Sport suspension should be a bit of fun to drive. However, I don’t think it will be as engaging as the 128ti. Not only will the 128ti still have a power advantage, I suspect there will be a noticeable difference in ride quality to what the 120i might offer. The 128ti has compliance in the suspension and involving steering that makes to a real joy to drive. More details for the car are due in the coming days, so take a closer look then and see if it helps make up your mind. 

Expert answer

Hi Michelle,

At that kind of mileage, at motorway speeds, most people will find a diesel car more economical. Just make sure you go for as new a model as possible within budget so you know you're driving the cleanest and most future-proof car you can that still fits your needs.

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

The T5 hybrid version of the Volvo XC40 (read our review of it here) is front-wheel drive only, as you said, while the XC60 T8 hybrid (here's our review of that) has an electric motor on the rear axle, giving the car all-wheel drive at times. 

As to your second question, lane-keeping aid/assist technology is quite different to what Volvo calls Pilot Assist. The former can warn a driver if they're wandering out of lane and assist with a small steering correction if needs be, while Pilot Assist is an advanced for of active cruise control that also helps with steering inputs.

Expert answer

Hi Daragh,

OK, with on-street parking, I’d recommend you steer well and truly clear of a plug-in hybrid for now. I’m in the same position and with the dearth of public chargers, it’s a real nightmare to get a charge into them and use them at their most efficient. Unless you feel happy using local public chargers, of course, but if you’re going to do that I’d make sure to do the literal legwork, and see how far they are from your home as you may sometimes have to leave the car charging and walk home. Not the most convenient.

If you’re looking at a hybrid, of course, that turns us instantly in the direction of Toyota. The Camry is a truly excellent car, but it’s a bit of a mobile sofa. If you thought that the Superb’s ride was a bit too soft, then I don’t think you’d be a candidate for a Camry. Possibly a Lexus, then? An ES 300h is basically a Camry in a smarter suit, but again it’s not the sharpest car to drive. An NX 300h SUV might be a good balance — roomy enough to be toddler-friendly, reasonably sharp to drive and a hybrid without a plug. The Toyota RAV4 is another good (even excellent) option, but again would perhaps be a bit too soggy at the controls for your taste.

There is a hybrid (as opposed to plug-in hybrid) Hyundai Tucson on the way soon, and we mean the incoming new version, which gets much more dramatic styling than that of the current car, and which will have suspension and steering fettled, in part, by Hyundai’s N-Sport division. Could be worth hanging on for that if you like the look of it.

Expert answer

Hi Nittin,

With such low mileage, it's sensible to stay away from diesel power for sure. The 1.6-litre petrol engine works pretty well, though be aware that the front-wheel-drive X-Trail can struggle for traction in wet conditions. 

Read our review of the 1.6-litre petrol Nissan X-Trail here

Expert answer

Hi Umair,

Don’t. Buy. It. Major can of worms. If someone has been breaking the law by driving around in an imported car that hasn’t had its VRT paid, then you do not want to get involved. Plenty of other cars out there, so go and buy one that’s fully above-board and legal.

Expert answer

Hi Chee,

The Countryman SE plug-in hybrid can, potentially, be capable of tremendous fuel economy, but it all depends on how you use it. If you (a) have a driveway or a garage and (b) can install a home charger and (c) tend to do short hops around town most of the time, then conceivably you could get from one end of the week to the next without burning any petrol at all. The Countryman SE will do in and around 30-35km (realistically) on a full charge of the battery. If you’re regularly taking on longer journeys, though, it gets a bit thirstier and can dip as low as 25mpg if you’re really using all the power. That said it is, as with pretty much all MINI models, really good to drive.

The RAV4 is not. Well, not that it’s bad to drive or anything, but it’s not sharp and rewarding like the MINI. That said, it’s squishy and comfortable, so if you’re on lots of long journeys, it’s great, and it’s massively roomy inside, much more so than the MINI, so with one kid and another on the way, that’s worth taking into account. Being a closed-loop hybrid with no plug-in version (yet) it’s also better for you if you don’t have a driveway or can’t install a charging point. Figure on about 6.0-6.5 litres per 100km overall, although you can get better than that on longer, gentler runs. Oh, and it should be more or less faultlessly reliable, too. 

Read our MINI Countryman reviews here

Read our Toyota RAV reviews here

Expert answer

Hi Roger,

Yes, in theory, you can register any commercial vehicle for private use, once you let the local motor tax office know. There can be issues with getting private insurance on some models, so check that with your insurer or broker first, and with a Hilux you’ll probably end up paying quite a chunk in tax, as it’ll switch to the by-engine-capacity system. 

Expert answer

Hi Fidelma,

A Skoda Kodiaq would be a very good bet — lots of space in the rear seat, plus the option of extra seats in the boot (although those ones are a bit tight for teens), but there’s no hybrid version as yet. Its close cousin, the SEAT Tarraco, will soon be offered as a hybrid, while the new Volkswagen Tiguan arrives next summer.

The Toyota RAV4 is pretty roomy, but there’s no seven-seat option and you might find the rear bench a little narrow for three teens side-by-side. The best thing to do is bring them on the test drive and see if they all fit comfortably.

Peugeot’s 3008 plug-in hybrid could also be worth a look, although you might be better off waiting for the larger 5008 version using the same powertrain. Toyota will be launching its new Highlander seven-seat hybrid SUV in early 2021, but that might be too far away for you. 

It all depends on how much you want to spend, as there are hybrid versions of the BMW X3 and X5, plus the Volvo XC60 and XC90. Come back to us with your budget if you want more specific advice.

Expert answer

Hi Andrew,

In theory, you can register and tax a commercial vehicle without a VAT number, but it’s tricky. Generally speaking, you have to show that your business is registered for tax before you can apply for commercial rate motor tax, but there certainly have been individual cases of people explaining that they have a small business that’s not VAT-registered, but still need a van for their work, and the tax office has taken a lenient view. Your best bet is to fill in an RF111 form, use your PPS number instead of a VAT number and then explain your circumstances to your local motor tax office. And hope for the best.

Expert answer

Hi Mags,

OK, there’s a bit of a balance to be struck, here. The Avensis would, normally, be a good, solid choice and of the two cars you’ve mentioned, it’s the more economical overall. However, we’re always slightly wary of cars that may have been used in the past as taxis, so you’d want to carefully check the history on that one, using Cartell.ie, for example.

The Mazda CX-5 is one of our favourite cars, but if it’s a 2017 model you’re looking at, then you’d want to make sure that it’s the second-generation CX-5 — not that the older car is bad or anything, but the newer version is a deal more sophisticated and refined, so worth stretching the budget for. The current version arrived in Ireland during 2017. It would be a bit thirstier than the Avensis but of the two it would be our choice.

Others worth looking at? Honda’s CR-V is always an excellent choice (massively roomy, hugely reliable), VW Passat (go for the estate), or the Skoda Superb. Here are a few our reviews to help:

Toyota Avensis reviews

Mazda CX-5 reviews

Honda CR-V reviews

Volkswagen Passat reviews

Skoda Superb reviews

Expert answer

Hi Ray,

In the initial launch countries for the Ami it will be permissible to be driven on a moped or quadricycle licence, which is from 14 years of age in France and 16 years in other European countries. A full car licence would also cover driving it. Currently there are no plans for this vehicle to be offered in Ireland, or in other right-hand-drive markets. 

Expert answer

Hi Niall,

I’m afraid not. Revenue only applies BIK relief to electric cars and flatly states that ‘hybrids do not count as electric vehicles.’ BIK is calculated on the value of the car and the annual mileage, not on the CO₂ emissions of the car. That may change in the coming months, with the new FG-FF-Green coalition promising to review the motor taxation system, but for now, there’s no BIK benefit to driving a hybrid. 

Expert answer

Hi Richard,

The phrase ‘can of worms’ springs to mind. In general, a car can be registered to a company, and taxed and insured by the company, and still used by an individual for social, domestic and pleasure use. That’s how company cars work, obviously, but equally obviously there’s a Benefit-in-Kind tax liability to be paid. So it’s possible that your friend with the Land Cruiser is trying to avoid paying BIK.

In the case of the SUV, in theory a car that’s taxed as a commercial cannot be used for personal, social, domestic, or pleasure driving and there’s a fine to be paid if you’re caught displaying incorrect tax. Now, we should state at this point that we’re neither legal nor tax experts, and that the people you’re talking about could be operating entirely above board, and we’re not going to cast any aspersions on anyone.

Of course, this is Ireland and as we know, we don’t like sticking to the rules...

Expert answer

Hi Eimear,

I’m happy to report that you’re wrong — the Up (and the equivalent Skoda and SEAT versions) is one of those small car’s that’s oddly good on the motorway. OK, with 60hp you’re not going to be winning any Grands Prix, but it’s entirely adequate, keeps up with other traffic and is pretty decently economical too. Indeed, it’s probably a better bet than buying a basic Clio or similarly-sized car, which will be bigger and heavier but won’t necessarily be that much more powerful.

Read our Volkswagen Up reviews

Expert answer

Hi Wendy,

We get a lot of queries from people with cars that have stop-start issues. We've published this article to help: Why won't my car's stop-start system work?

Saying all that, we also know that the Fiat 500's engine can develop a couple of issues that may be relevant to you, including a problem with the alternator belt tension (and hence battery recharging when on the move) and another with the engine control unit.

Sadly, unless you're comfortable with checking the alternator belt for yourself, these items will have to be checked by a mechanic. 

Expert answer

Hi Colm,

Well, in terms of ’seeing what happens’, how long have you got? The first thing I’d say is that you shouldn’t rule out cars like the Galaxy, the SEAT Alhambra, the VW Sharan and especially the Ford S-Max. I know MPVs are not as fashionable as SUVs, but when you’ve got kids to haul around, they really do make a huge amount of sense. Plus, if you were to go for the S-Max, you’d be getting a car that’s brilliant to drive, too. Get it in a smart metallic colour with nice alloys and it looks good, as well.

If you’re determined to get an SUV, then yes — the XC90 is probably the best of them, and reliable too. The Hyundai Santa Fe is well worth a look as well (although its third row isn’t as roomy as that of the Volvo’s) as is the Kia Sportage (one of our favourite SUVs, actually).

But seriously, go for the S-Max.

Expert answer

Hi David,

OK, slightly tricky territory here, and it depends on where you live — in Northern Ireland or in the rest of the UK, as there are two different procedures for replacing a lost licence, you can find more details here: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/replacing-your-driving-licence and here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-online-to-replace-a-driving-licence. The bigger problem might be your insurance when it comes to sorting out this accident. Unless you can show that you had applied for a replacement licence before the accident took place, the fact that you were driving without a current licence that could be shown to a police officer within seven days might affect how your insurer views the claim.

Expert answer

Hi Haytham,

Sounds to us that your car has the Overspeed Alert system, which tells the driver when they are breaking the local speed limit. If your car has a button near the middle screen that looks like a road with broken lines down the middle, you can directly access the Driving Assitance menu and alter or disable this system. Alternatively, look for the settings menu entitled Vehicle and then something like 'Speed alert settings.'

Expert answer

Hi Anne Marie.

Well, normally for a learner driver and for mostly in-town driving, we’d recommend a hatchback, rather than an SUV or crossover, but if your heart is set on one… Of the list you’ve given us below, the Toyota is the best, although arguably as a 1.2-litre petrol, you’re not getting the best C-HR (which is the hybrid, but then that’s an automatic). The Volkswagen T-Cross would be an excellent choice, has a brilliant little 1.0-litre engine and is a bit more upright and square than the others, so is a bit easier to see out of, which might be helpful for your daughter while she’s learning. The Kona would also be an excellent choice, but we’d also add the Suzuki Vitara to your list as its a solid and rugged choice - and hugely reliable. 

Read our Renault Captur reviews

Read our Nissan Juke reviews

Read our Volkswagen T-Cross reviews

Read our Hyundai Kona reviews

Read our Opel Crossland X reviews

Read our Hyundai ix20 reviews

Read our Toyota C-HR reviews

Read our Suzuki Vitara reviews

Expert answer

Hi Julie,

In many ways, diesel would be the safe bet, but with your 90km per day driving pattern, I’d suggest that you’re potentially an ideal candidate for switching to electric. Certainly, a current Kia e-Niro or Hyundai Kona Electric would do your five-day daily commute on almost one charge (although realistically you’d probably top it up much more regularly than that). As long as you have a driveway where you can install a home charging point (and a charging point at work would be helpful too), then I’d say it’s well worth looking at electric. The savings on fuel alone will help to balance out the cost of purchase. 

Expert answer

Hi Catherine,

You’ll probably get a very broad mix of quotes. Some companies will like the fact that you’re an older driver, with a relatively low-powered car, and assess you accordingly. Many others will simply look at your lack of an Irish driving history (and won’t take your Canadian history into account) and will simply try to charge you an absolute fortune.

Our advice would be to track down a good local insurance broker, who may well be able to help you find a better deal than you’d find yourself. Criteria? That would be expecting the Irish insurance industry to be open and transparent, and that’s simply not going to happen...

Expert answer

Hi Dave,

I'm surprised to hear that from a new truck where the battery will be in good condition, but stop-start systems regularly don't work as people expect. The system measures loads of variables before deciding whether the engine will be stopped, including the temperature of the engine and even the outside temperature. If it's cold weather, it may not work at all. If you're using items that are a big electrical drain, it may not operate. 

Read our Why won't my car's stop-start system work? feature

Expert answer

Hi Terry, 

The type of licence that you can apply for once you pass your theory test depends on your age. If you’re under 18 then you must first apply for your A1 licence and complete your Initial Basic Training (IBT) before applying for your driving test. 

If you’re 18 or older, you can apply for your A2 licence through Direct Access. As you’ve passed your theory test you can apply and start your IBT (modules 1,3 and 5) on an A2 bike. After six months, when you pass your driving test you’ll have a full A2 licence.

For the full A licence, you can apply post-theory test again through Direct Access providing you are aged 24 or over or through Progressive Access from age 20 and up. The same process applies with regard to IBT and your test.

You can find more detailed explanation on the RSA’s website here.

Expert answer

Hi Herbert,

We’ve been in touch with GoCar, which is the current leading supplier of subscriptions for instant, on-street, vehicle hire and drive, and there’s good news and bad news. The bad news is that, normally, GoCar’s insurance only covers those up to the age of 75. However, the good news is that there’s potential for discretion. GoCar might waive the age limit if you meet certain criteria, which include  that you have a valid licence; that you can provide a doctor's letter to say they are fit to drive; and that you can show that you were insured to drive within the last two years, and haven't had an accident in five years. It’s worth a try, anyway...

Expert answer

Hi Ruth,

Expert answer

Hi Donal,

Well, fuel consumption depends very much on your own driving style and where (and to an extent when) you do most of your driving. That said, in general, we wouldn’t expect that 1.0 TSI engine to be much thirstier overall than the 1.6 diesel. In our tests, both engines are in and around as economical as each other and you should expect to get around 50mpg from either with a light foot. The diesel may be a little better than the petrol option at a sustained high-speed cruise. However, with such low annual mileage, we suspect that the petrol engine will cost less to maintain in the long run. It's probably the best option for you.

Expert answer

Hi Alan,

It's very difficult to analyse such a thing remotely, so it'll need a good mechanic to look at it and probably plug it into a diagnostic computer to retrieve error codes. We will say that the ix35 is generally a very reliable car, but one  known issue is to do with its engine control unit (ECU), which may need to be reprogrammed in some circumstances.

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

It depends on what you’re doing. Are you taking your own car to Europe? In that case, contact your current insurer as cover generally extends to the rest of Europe, and you may only have to pay a small ’top-up’ fee to make sure that the cover is comprehensive, and lasts for more than 30 days.

If you’re renting a car, then insurance is included, and you can always pay extra to expand the cover to fully comprehensive. While car rental agencies charge a proverbial arm and leg for this, there are independent insurers who will add-on the extra cover for a reasonable fee. 

Expert answer

Hi Andy,

That's a tricky one to analyse from afar, but we do know that an issue can arise from the electric power steering motor that may lead to strange sensations through the wheel. Best to have it checked by a good mechanic as soon as possible.

Expert answer

Hi Barry,

Depends; if you really love your driving, and appreciate great steering and chassis control, go for the 530d. If you prefer a more spacious interior and refinement, go for the Audi.

Expert answer

Hi Clare,

A Hilux has a 2.4-litre engine (well, the current one does, but remember that older versions had 3.0-litre units) so if you want to tax it as a private vehicle that’s going to be €1,034 per year for motor tax. I’m pretty sure you can’t register and tax a horse lorry for private use as it’s over the 3,500kg limit for private cars. The tax therefore would be the commercial rate of €333 per year. As for insurance, that’s probably more down to you and your own driving record than it is to the vehicle, but the good news is that there are specialist horse lorry insurers, such as Wexford Insurance, who would probably be able to give you a good quote. 

Expert answer

Hi Barry,

I think this sounds more like a tyre issue than anything else. Is there a possibility that the car is on cheap, aftermarket, tyres? If so, get them replaced with a set of something decent — Michelins or Bridgestones. Going for xDrive would help, of course, as the extra bit of traction is never a bad thing, but it does add (slightly) to your running costs because of the weight and the extra frictional losses.

Expert answer

Hi Anne,

Is that a 100km round trip every day? Or 100km each way? Either way, you could potentially get away with a fully-electric car, assuming that you can charge at home and charge again at work. Either way, though, you’ll have to spend big and go for one of the latest electric cars with a  50kWh or 62kWh  battery, such as the Hyundai Kona Electric or the new Renault Zoe. What could well be an easier (and much cheaper) option would be to go for a hybrid. There’s only one hybrid-engined car in the Polo-size class at the moment, and that’s the Toyota Yaris. The current version is pretty good, but there is an  all-new one coming next year, so you might be best off waiting for that to appear. By then, the new Honda Jazz, also a hybrid, should be available. Or, you could keep it a lot simpler and go for a new Polo with the excellent 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine. It'll be tough to beat your diesel Polo for outright economy, though.

Expert answer

Hi F D,

Sounds to me like the Audi garage had it right. The rear callipers could be binding slightly, or perhaps even the parking brake mechanism is sticking. Very limited use in any car can do that. If you know you're not going to be using it for a long time, consider parking it up without using the parking brake (if safe and feasible). Leave the car in gear and place something in front of the tyres for extra safety.

Expert answer

Hi Bill,

Technically, and strictly legally speaking, yes you do I’m afraid. It’s an offence to drive a car on the public road in Ireland or the UK without having paid motor tax. You could be fined £80 on the spot in the UK, and potentially have to pay as much as £1,000 if the case went to court. All in all, it’s just not worth the risk.

Expert answer

Hi Nikita,

Sorry to hear about the break up and, can we just say you’re being exceptionally nice in giving back the car. It should be pretty straightforward, and there’s no cost involved. Every vehicle should come with a Vehicle Registration Certificate. Simply fill that in with your ex’s details and send it off the the Driver and Vehicle Computer Services Division, in Shannon.

That should take care of it.

Expert answer

Hi Felix,

Looking at the 2.0 TDI automatic model at the start of the 2011 generation A6, there are a couple of known issues with the gearbox. The first is with the hydraulic accumulator, which may cause juddering. This potentially needs to be replaced to eradicate the issue. A separate issue comes from the transmission control module that can lead to error codes appearing on the dashboard - it requires reprogramming most likely.

Expert answer

Hi David,

The recommended interval is 160,000 kilometres or eight years, whichever comes first, so technically it's not due yet. However, in your position, I'd definitely go ahead and change it, just in case.

Expert answer

Hi Lana,

I assume a mechanic took a look into the cylinder using a boroscope or similar to confirm that there is oil on the piston. Without knowing any details on your car or the engine, we'd suggest that some serious engine work is required. A good mechanic will advise where to start. 

Expert answer

Hi Harry,

The most likely culprit is that there’s some electrical item draining the system as you’re driving. Or, possibly if you’re only driving for short hops, the engine is still in its warm-up phase and can’t be shut down by the stop/start. Or, and this is a wild guess, Land Rovers often have flakey electrics. 

Maybe read our Why won't my car's stop-start system work? feature for further understanding. We get a lot of questions like this.

Expert answer

Hi John,

Yes, you should be able to apply for a repayment of VRT and VAT on a new car, or the residual VRT on a used car, if you are the named driver of someone who qualifies under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme. I’d start by looking at the Citizens’ Information page on this, and then contacting your local motor tax office when you’re ready to. You may also qualify for free annual motor tax. As for the allowance on a €40,000 car, that will depend on the particular model as the VRT is calculated on emissions, not price. 

Expert answer

Hi Bridie,

Yes, if you’re going to use a van or pick-up as a private vehicle, then you really ought to change the classification on the registration document. A trip to your local motor tax office will help in this regard. As for the test, yes, even though it’s now being used for private driving, it’ll still have to go through the Commercial Vehicle Test (CVT — the new name for the old DOE test) and that costs €94 for a van or 4x4 commercial.

Expert answer

Hi Robert.

Stop-start systems have a mind of their own — literally. They’re designed to only stop the engine when demand for electrical supply within the car falls low enough that it’s safe to do so. So if you’re running the air conditioning, for instance, or have the heat turned up, or if the engine is still in its warm-up phase, then it will either not shut the engine off at all, or will only shut it off briefly. Driving style also plays into it, as does where and when you’re driving. It also depends on the battery condition, so if you’re concerned about the short stop-start times, it’s worth having the health and charge level of the battery checked.

Finally, as we get so many questions on this subject, we put together a quick feature on it for your interest: Why won't my car's stop-start system work?

Expert answer

Hi Aime,

As ever, welcome to the wonderful world of Irish car insurance… You’re totally within your rights to be able to use a van as a private car, and actually you’re doing the right thing by registering it for private use, and informing your insurer. Many people just break the law by driving a commercial for private use without ever paying the extra tax or informing their insurer. If you’re struggling to find cover, I would track down a good local broker — they’re usually much more clued into the market than the call-centre staff of insurance firms, and can often find deals that we mere mortals can’t.

Expert answer

Hi Bernie,

As long as it’s registered as a commercial vehicle and used only (and strictly only) for work purposes, it’ll cost €333 a year to tax. If you want to use it for family or social driving, then it goes onto the old by-engine-capacity tax system, which is €951 a year on that vehicle. 

Expert answer

Hi Lee,

It depends on what sort of driving you’re doing. If you’re a low-mileage driver, and doing mostly short hops in and around town, then it’s about perfect. If you’re into doing longer journeys, then it’s not quite so good as it can get a little thirsty on motorway runs. 

Expert answer

Hi David,

If you are using the Navara strictly for business work, and not for social, domestic or pleasure use, then you can tax it as a commercial vehicle for €333 a year. If you are using it for any personal driving, then you have to transfer it back to the old by-engine-capacity tax system and, with a 2.3-litre engine, that’s going to work out at a hefty €994 a year, I’m afraid.

Expert answer

Hi Myles,

It is not standard, unfortunately - it is only sold as part of the Comfort Pack. If you plan on driving your Z4 at higher speeds with the roof down, then it is definitely necessary. And of course the car will be easier to sell on later with a deflector than without, so bear that in mind, too.

Expert answer

Hi Antoinette,

The thing is that they’re two very different cars — the Polo is a significantly smaller vehicle than the Auris. So, if you need the space, and you like the hybrid aspect, then definitely go for another Auris. If you’re happy with the space in the Polo, and you can live without the hybrid bit, then the Polo is a very fine car.

Expert answer

Hi there,

The A4 would be a little better in terms of comfort, but not in terms of space or practicality, and to be honest the benefits are pretty marginal. Either the Passat or the Superb make fantastic estate cars. The Superb has an edge on luggage capacity (around 60 litres extra), but the Passat is a little sharper to drive, and has arguably a nicer interior. A marginal decision then, but we’d probably go for the Superb on balance. Or, just to throw a spanner in the works, have a look at the excellent Mazda6 Tourer before deciding…

A few reviews to help you decide:

Audi A4 Avant review

Skoda Superb Combi review

Volkswagen Passat reviews

Mazda6 Tourer review

Expert answer

Hi Trevor,

No, not really. If you’re insuring your car (or van) one way and driving it another, then technically you’re not being honest with your insurers and if you do need to make a claim, and they investigate the circumstances, you could be caught rotten and find yourself unable to get a payout. Just be honest, it’s always the best policy.

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

Yes, we have tried them and in both cases they work fine, but please don’t go thinking of them as truly autonomous driving systems — they’ve very far from that, far even from semi-autonomous. In both cases (in fact in all current cases, no matter what some car makers would have you believe) these systems are just glorified cruise control, with a radar to keep you a safe distance from the car in front, and cameras and sensors to detect the lines on the road and keep you steering more or less straight. They’re not fully active, though, and you still need to drive the car, keep your eyes up and on the road and be in control at all times. They do reduce fatigue on long journeys right enough, but only be a small amount to be honest, and they’re not to be relied upon.

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

I think a good bet here, if you want to buy new, is the new Mazda3 2.0 M-Hybrid. It’s only a mild-hybrid, but it’ll be good on fuel, yet it has decently punchy performance and is really enjoyable and engaging to drive. Looks great too, but not as tempting to the criminal fraternity as a Golf R. If you fancy something with a bit more grunt, but still understated styling, how about a Skoda Octavia RS? Quick and agile, and not too shabby when it comes to economy. 

Expert answer

Hi Zura,

OK, the good news is that you’ve got a clean record and a decent budget. The bad news, I’m afraid, is that an Irish insurer just won’t care about any of that. As far as they’re concerned, you’re starting with a blank slate. Sorry to have to tell you that, but the sad fact is that Irish insurers are incredibly hard to deal with and incredibly expensive on top.

I would think that €1,200 should be enough to cover a Focus 1.6 (especially given that you’re in your mid-thirties, which is considered a safe age), but it could be a safer bet to go for the Yaris, as insurers prefer a 1.0-litre engine (it’s an outdated view, but there you go). It would definitely be worth getting in touch with a good local insurance broker, though. They can often find better deals than are available through the usual websites etc. so definitely worth having a chat with.

Expert answer

Hi Clare,

Stop-start systems are a source of annoyance for a lot of people. We get so many queries about them that we wrote this feature you may want to read: Why won't my car's stop-start system work?

Saying all that, the point of a stop-start system is to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, so it's seriously pointless to go on a drive specifically to charge up the battery to make it work. It could be that your battery needs to be replaced completely.

Expert answer

Hi Razanne,

If this is the diesel version, it's possible that the issue has nothing to do with the stop-start system at all, as its engine is known to develop problems with the fuel injectors that could lead to poor running and stalling.

Otherwise, all we can suggest is that you read our Why won't my car's stop-start system work? feature to see if anything helps - and persevere with your mechanic to get to the bottom of the issue. An auto-electrician might be worth visiting, too.

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

Well, there’s a lot of ground to cover there… Yes, the 1.6 engine in the XV is a touch gutless. In fact, it’s very gutless and its fuel consumption suffers dreadfully as a result. A 2.0-litre XV is actually more frugal in day-to-day driving, to be honest, simply because you’re not having to rev it so hard and so much.

As for the CVT, we doubt that there would be any serious issues in the longer term. I’m sure the guy on YouTube means well, but just check out how many older Toyota Prius models are still happily running around with their CVTs — that should give you some idea of how solid they are. Yes, there has been a recent recall, but one recall on some specific cars doesn’t mean that there’s a major issue with all such equipment.

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

Actually, it’s a UK insurer you’ll have to go to, as until the car has its new Irish registration and tax, you won’t be able to get it covered by an Irish company. All the big UK insurers offer temporary cover, but obviously just check that they’ll cover you for driving in Ireland before you decide. If you already have car insurance with an Irish provider on your existing car (I’m presuming you do) it is worth checking with them first, though, as they may be able to offer you something for the switchover period.

Expert answer

Hi Chris,

The answer here is Skoda Superb. Nothing else, at least nothing else affordable, has the sort of rear legroom to truly allow a very tall driver to get comfy in front of a rear-facing infant seat, and the Superb has the kind of massive boot that every parent of two growing kids will truly need. They’re not expensive, either — go for the second-generation or later model (which first launched in 2009, although the current version, launched in 2015 is nicer still) and you’ll be onto a winner, just make sure to get one with a full and comprehensive history and make sure that it’s not been previously used as a taxi (many have). Even better — get the Combi estate for maximum practicality. 

Read our Skoda Superb reviews for more

Expert answer

Hi Colm,

Expensive? No. From a  domestic feed, it should cost no more than €1-to-€2 for a full charge, depending on what electrical supply rate you’re paying. As for public charging, for the moment that’s still free of charge, as long as you have an RFID card from ESB e-Cars, for which you can apply online. Difficult? Yes, definitely. The public charging network as it exists right now is pretty small, spread out and not very reliable. Because of that, there’s a bit of aggro in the air between drivers of PHEVs like the 740e, and those driving pure electric cars, with frequent arguments and frustration over the use of public chargers. If you’re doing most, preferably all, of your charging at home, you’ll be fine.

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

Well, Ford still has the Galaxy and S-Max on sale, and both of those are very strong bets, with the Galaxy obviously being a better bet if you really need maximum possible space in the rear seats. Other than that… Erm… Yeah, it’s suddenly looking very thin on the ground for full-size MPVs. You could consider importing a new-shape Renault Espace from France, but then you’d be stuck with left-hand drive. Or you could have a ring-round SEAT and Volkswagen dealers to see if they still have any Sharans or Alhambras in stock. There is bound to be a a few still lurking around the back of someone’s forecourt. 

Expert answer

Hi Eimear,

It’s a tricky one and it kind of depends on what age of car you’re looking at. I think with your driving profile and the fact that, as you say, you don’t drive much in town, hybrid may not be right for you. Emphasis on the ‘may.’

If you’re buying a new hybrid, that equation changes a little. The current Toyota Prius, for example, gets an easy 65mpg on the motorway, which is better than I’ve ever got out of any diesel. Ditto the Kia Niro plugin-hybrid. It’s not just new cars either. A few years back I squeezed better economy out of a Lexus GS 300h on a run from Dublin to West Cork and back than I did on the same route, in the same week, with a Ford Mondeo Vignale diesel.

Expert answer

Hi Dara,

The best plug-in hybrids around at the moment are the Kia Niro PHEV, the Toyota Prius PHEV and the Volkswagen Golf GTE (assuming you can find a GTE in stock...). Now, these are smaller than your Qashqai inside, so you may need to make that compromise in order to get the plug-in hybrid efficiency. The revised Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is massive inside, and rather nice, but thirsty if you’re not plugging it in all the time and making maximum use of the electric part of the powertrain.

A conventional hybrid might also be worth a look, especially given that you’re driving mostly in town. Honda is just about to launch a hybrid version of the hugely impressive new CR-V, and the new Toyota RAV4 is arriving in dealerships around now. Both are well worth considering if you can stretch the budget out to something brand-new.

Here are some relevant reviews:

Kia Niro PHEV review

Toyota Prius PHEV review

Volkswagen Golf GTE review

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV review

Honda CR-V Hybrid review

Expert answer

Hi Enda,

For starters, as far as I can work out, all new hybrids currently on sale are automatic, so there's no such thing as paying a premium for that side of things. On a trade-in, I'd suspect that your aunt will get no more than €3,500 for the Ibiza, even though the mileage is very low, so let's work with a budget of around €23,500.

That would get the top-of-the-range Toyota Yaris Hybrid, which is a perfectly good car for low mileage use by one person. The Yaris has been updated recently and it remains a very solid buy. For a few grand more, the entry-level version of the brand new Toyota Corolla Hybrid is within reach, which is a far more substantial car, but outside the budget you mentioned.

There are no other new hybrid cars on the market within budget, I'm afraid. At this price point, we'd suggest that an efficient petrol engine is possibly better value, but if your aunt really wants a new hybrid, then the Yaris is not a bad option at all.

Expert answer

Hi Roseanna,

First things first — if you’re doing mostly urban and motorway miles, you really don’t need an SUV. A more conventional hatchback, saloon, or estate is going to be more comfortable, better value, more economical and a better-engineered vehicle all round. If you’re looking for something with practicality then the likes of a Skoda Octavia Combi estate, a Volkswagen Golf Estate, a Kia Ceed SW, or the new Ford Focus Estate all have much bigger boots than any small-to-medium SUV (more than 600 litres, all of them, compared to around 450 litres for, say, a Nissan Qashqai), and they’re all better to drive and more frugal.

However, if you’re hooked on SUVs then we’d recommend a SEAT Ateca (plain wrapper, but it’s roomy, comfy and nice to drive) or a Toyota C-HR (small on the inside, relatively, but hugely stylish and the hybrid version is frugal). If you’re looking to ‘posh-up’ a bit, then the incoming new Audi Q3 is a bit of a stunner, or if you want something smaller and more affordable than any of those, try the updated Fiat 500X, which is kinda cute and charming.

Here are our relevant reviews for you to read more:

Skoda Octavia Combi review

Volkswagen Golf Estate review

Kia Ceed Sportswagon review

Ford Focus Estate review

Nissan Qashqai reviews

SEAT Ateca reviews

Toyota C-HR reviews

Audi Q3 reviews

Fiat 500X reviews

Expert answer

Hi Janie,

On the parking sensor issue, it just seems to be a bit of a quirk with the Audi Q7 that to get the front sensors on when moving forwards, you have to press the parking sensor switch, although they do, as you point out, come on automatically when you select reverse. We’re not sure why this is, but it might be worth a visit to your dealer to see if there’s some finicky bit of software code that can be re-set to activate them automatically at low speeds.

As for the stop-start system, if could be a few things. Obviously, there may be a fault, in which case get the car booked into your dealer for a check-up. Or it could be that you’re doing a lot of low-mileage, short runs, which aren’t allowing the engine and other systems to get fully up to temperature. Stop-start isn’t a simple on/off system — it’s controlled by the engine management and that won’t let stop-start activate if it thinks that the engine hasn’t warmed up enough (stopping and starting a cold engine can be damaging) or if it has detected that you have a lot of high-energy drain systems (air conditioning, demisters etc) running. Try and analyse your driving the next time you go out and see if any of this fits. If not, head for your dealer. 

Expert answer

Hi Bernadette,

Sounds to us like the Qashqai is not a good one and it is likely to keep costing you money. We'd advise you trade it in for another car.

Expert answer

Hi Barry,

Well, much though we love the new Camry, it’s actually quite small in the boot department — just 445 litres — so that probably counts it out here. The CR-V Hybrid is also a little short on boot space (just 497 litres). The incoming new Toyota RAV4 should have a decent boot, but if it’s boot space you need (and seat comfort too) then the Skoda Superb is hard to beat. Plus it looks smart, it’s nice to drive and well made. A brilliant package, really.

Relevant review links below:

Toyota Camry review

Skoda Superb reviews

Honda CR-V reviews

Expert answer

Hi Pádraig,

It kind of depends on what car you’re driving, and how well serviced and maintained it is. The general rule of thumb is that steady, constant speed is the best for economy, but the slower the better. If you want the ultimate in economy set the cruise control for 80-90km/h but be prepared to live on the inside lane with the trucks if you’re doing that. That said, most cars run pretty efficiently at 110-120km/h, so as long as you accelerate gently, and don’t keep braking hard then speeding up, you should do fine. 

Expert answer

Hi Anthony,

That’s a big question, and it really comes down to how you drive your car and, just as importantly, where you drive it. If you’re someone who drives long-haul on motorways week-in, week-out, then diesel power is still the best option for you, as for longer journeys there’s nothing more frugal. Some hybrids are getting closer to diesel economy on longer runs, but they’re not quite at parity yet. If you’re mostly doing short hops, or driving around town most of the time, then either petrol or hybrid power is the right way to go. Those are generalisations though — a lot will depend on your specific needs and tastes, and what sort of car you want. 

Expert answer

Hi Ann,

The XC40 is a really likeable car, but you’ll probably find that it’s neither as refined, nor quite as comfortable to drive as the S60 (the ride quality just isn’t as good). It’s also less roomy in the boot. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a very clever vehicle, but to make the most of it, you need to have a driveway and a charging point, and be covering most of your mileage around town. The battery pack, on a full charge, should get you around 35km of electric-only driving, but if you head out on the motorway a lot, you’ll run the battery down very quickly and then fuel consumption will hover at around the 30mpg mark.

Read our reviews below:

Volvo XC40 reviews

Mitsubishi Outlander reviews

Expert answer

Hi Declan,

With that high mileage, I'd suggest that you're still better off sticking with diesel, as you'll get far better fuel economy and, as you'll be changing your car frequently, the mileage is going to have a bigger effect on resale values that what powers it. That balance might change in a few years time, but today, in 2018, diesel definitely makes most sense for you. The 520d is an excellent car. As is the 530e, I might add, but the diesel still has the edge for long-distance driving, as you need to plug the 530e in regularly to get the best economy from it.

Read our BMW 5 Series reviews here

Expert answer

Hi Tracy,

I'm afraid without knowing exactly which car you have, this is impossible to diagnose. You should bring the car to a good mechanic or auto-electrician.

There are many reasons for a stop-start system to not always work. Read this question and answer on that subject for instance.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

Renault currently doesn’t have a scrappage offer available, but other brands — including Hyundai, Skoda, Peugeot, Opel and more — do and,  depending on which vehicle you’re looking at buying, you can get as much as €4,500 off.

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

I'm afraid that's a tricky one to assess from afar. Usually, any beeping is accompanied by a warning light of some description, so keep an eye out for that. If you can't work out what it is then I suggest you bring the car to a Dacia dealer to look at.

Expert answer

Hi Arjun,

OK, let’s take these questions in order.

1: The BMW. The Honda runs it surprisingly close, but you just can’t beat the steering and rear-wheel-drive balance of the BMW.

2: How do you mean fast? They’re not performance models, but thanks to turbocharged engines with decent torque curves, they feel brisk enough in everyday driving. As long as you’re not planning to take on any Ferraris at the traffic lights, they’ll do.

3 & 4 together: The Honda. Nothing is as reliable as a Honda, not even a Toyota, and of the three cars here, while it may lack the premium badge, it also has the roomiest interior, will have slightly lower servicing and maintenance costs and, in the long term, should be more reliable than either of the German cars.

Read our reviews for more:

Audi A3 reviews

BMW 3 Series reviews

Honda Civic reviews

Expert answer

Hi there,

Expert answer

Hi Emma,

I think a hybrid could well suit you, and with your M50-heavy driving (especially in stop-start traffic) it could prove ideal. The IS 300h is indeed a lovely car — beautifully built and good to drive, but you might find that the cabin and boot are on the small side for your family needs. It could be worth looking at the larger GS 300h (same engine, similar real-world economy) or maybe the NX 300h crossover. If you fancy something a bit cheaper, the Prius is always a good choice, as is Kia’s really rather good Niro hybrid.

Read our reviews for more:

Lexus IS reviews

Lexus GS reviews

Lexus NX reviews

Toyota Prius reviews

Kia Niro reviews

Expert answer

Hi Naved,

The X1 is, obviously, the most ‘premium’, but it’s also kind of ugly and has weirdly heavy steering, plus it’s quite small inside, so let’s leave that one off the list. The Sportage and the ix35 are basically the same car, but the Sportage is nicer to look at on the outside in my opinion, and slightly nicer to drive too. Reliability between the two should be about even. The Qashqai is very appealing, but as it’s the older model, it struggles against the Sportage and has some reliability issues too, so go for the Sportage.

Expert answer

Hi Barry,

The problem with electric cars is that, generally, they’re not rated for towing (I think that the new Nissan Leaf is one of the first with a towing rating), so you’re probably going to have to switch back to petrol or diesel for this one. Probably your best bet is to go for something very conventional, such as VW Golf or Ford Focus, and maybe go for the estate version of one of those to give yourself a little extra versatility. A Toyota Auris Hybird would also work well, and would at least keep you going on half-electric power. Plenty of them around in your price range.

Expert answer

Hi Roddy,

Well, it sounds definitely as if petrol is the way to go, and as you’ve mentioned the Ateca, that’s a good one to look at. It’s cheaper, by a little, than most of the competition, has an excellent 1.0-litre 115hp turbo petrol engine (don’t be put off by the small engine — it copes just fine) and isn’t ‘smaller’ at all — it’s the same size as the VW Tiguan, thanks to using the same chassis. The same goes for Skoda’s Karoq. A Peugeot 3008 with the 1.2 PureTech petrol engine would also be a good choice, but the Sportage isn't currently offered as a decent small petrol version, so we’d give that a swerve. The Nissan Qashqai comes with a good 1.2 turbo petrol, but doesn’t feel as good to drive in that form as the diesel. The Opel Mokka X is just too old a design and feels well out of date, but actually if you can cope with the smaller size, the Suzuki Vitara’s a good shout — good to drive, good looking and hugely reliable.

Read or reviews for more:

Volkswagen Tiguan reviews

Nissan Qashqai reviews

SEAT Ateca reviews

Peugeot 3008 reviews

Kia Sportage reviews

Suzuki Vitara reviews

Opel Mokka X reviews

Skoda Karoq reviews

Expert answer

Hi Deborah,

That sounds to us like one of the safety systems, such as lane-keeping assistance, giving a momentary warning. It probably does show something on the dashboard, but only for a very short amount of time. It's very difficult to assess such a thing from afar, so it's probably best to see if you can replicate conditions that make it happen and then report back to us, or get a good mechanic along to have a look.

Expert answer

Hi Ollie,

Sounds like a major issue with the wiring loom or engine control unit (ECU). It's a known issue with older examples and you might need to get the ECU re-programmed. Best bet is to get the car into a good mechanic to have a look at it.

Expert answer

Hi Dara,

The best alternatives right now, assuming you want to stick to a crossover-style body, would be the Toyota C-HR Hybrid or the Kia Niro. Both are a fraction smaller inside than the Qashqai, but the Toyota in particular is very well made and really good to drive. The Kia can also be had as a super-efficient plugin hybrid, which is well worth a look if most of your mileage is done in town.

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

A very tricky one, and as ever with Irish insurers, you’re quickly going to run up against a brick wall of intransigence. My best advice would be to get in touch with a good local insurance broker, as they can often find ways around issues such as this, and can sometimes track down policies that mere mortals cannot find.

Expert answer

Hi William,

Not quite. Actually VRT is calculated on the OMSP, or Open Market Selling Price, which is that which the Revenue Commissioners calculate the car would be worth if it were an original Irish registered model. So, yes, age and mileage do come into it, but it’s not quite as simple as that.

As for the UK residency thing, again it’s not quite that simple — yes, you can avoid VRT if you bring a car into the country that you can show has been taxed and insured for at least six months, by you, at an address in the UK, BUT you will be asked to provide proof that you’re moving from the UK to Ireland, and proof that you were living and working in the UK for at least 185 days prior to the transfer of residence. 

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

The diesel question is a particularly thorny one, mostly because we don’t have any firm guidance from the Government on what is going to happen with the taxation system. If anti-diesel taxes are brought in, then that will definitely have a serious effect on diesel used prices. For now though, all we can reliably say is that diesel is still popular outside the major urban centres and, for the most part, it’s still the best choice for the long-distance driver. I say most part, because hybrids are improving all the time and such cars as the Kia Niro and Toyota Prius are well able to manage better than 60mpg even on long motorway hauls, while a Lexus GS 300h, for example, is every bit as frugal in daily driving as a rival diesel product.

Expert answer

Hi Andy,

It’s not a waste, as such, but you do need to balance out whether or not it’s worth the extra cash to you. Yes, the 530d has a lot more power and torque, and is smoother than the four-cylinder 520d from a refinement point of view. Balanced against that, the 520d will easily beat the 55mpg mark every day, while the 530d will struggle to do better than around 45mpg, and you’ll be paying a bit more motor tax every year too. So, while we love the 530d, and its six-cylinder smoothness, the head clearly says buy a 520d.

Read our BMW 5 Series reviews to help you decide

Expert answer

Hi John,

Yeah, it’s a bit of a catch-22 at the moment. The thing is that diesel is still entirely viable if you’re someone who covers a big annual mileage. Petrol makes the most sense for those covering short mileages, and primarily driving in town; ditto hybrid, while electric mostly only makes sense for those doing entirely urban mileage.

So, if you live down the country and rack up at least 25,000km a year, then diesel could still work for you. If you’re struggling to find a good second hand petrol car, it may be worth looking at buying new, and trying to find a really sharp finance deal.

Expert answer

Hi Hago,

Of the three you’ve mentioned, we’d discount the SX4 first. It’s a decent car, but a bit tiny and noisy for long motorway hauls. A Mazda3 would be much better, and hugely reliable, but the Skoda will have a slight edge in terms of comfort (really good seats) so go for one of those would be our advice. Here are our reviews to help you decide:

Suzuki SX4 reviews

Mazda3 reviews

Skoda Octavia reviews

Expert answer

Hi Bee,

You've not told us which engine your Kuga has, so we're assuming it's the 2.0 TDCi diesel. That does indeed come with a 200,000km/10 years schedule for the timing belt. 

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

In this instance, the sales people are being entirely truthful — the new 1.0-litre turbo engines are indeed equivalent to an old 1.6 or even 1.8 engine in the way they drive. You certainly won’t find them too ‘revvy’ on the motorway, as the small turbo increases low-down torque and makes the car feel very relaxed and easy to drive. Certainly that’s true for the Volkswagen Group, Ford, Honda and Renault-Nissan engines anyway. The best ones to go for, in our experience, are the VW Golf or Skoda Octavia (both using the same engine, of course), the Honda Civic (which should be the most reliable in the long term) and the Ford Focus (which can be a little on the thirsty side). Read our reviews below for more detail:

Skoda Octavia 1.0 TSI review

Volkswagen Golf 1.0 TSI review

Honda Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo review

Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost review

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

The Hyundai or Kia will be more efficient than the 1.6 i-DTEC Honda, but only just and at the expense of a considerable amount of performance — the Honda feels much brisker and is more comfortable than the other two as well. In that size range, it’s also well worth considering the VW Tiguan, especially the current-shape model, which is very frugal in 2.0-litre 115hp form. Some reviews below to help you decide:

Kia Sportage reviews

Hyundai Tucson reviews

Honda CR-V reviews

Volkswagen Tiguan reviews

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

While both of these cars make for very good crossovers, having driven both it is the Skoda that feels like the more complete package. For me, the Skoda has a well-rounded look to it, and it has the advantage of being one of the newest cars in the segment. This is also true of the interior, where the Skoda easily surpasses the Nissan. Everything from layout to driving position and even the choice of materials used make the Karoq feel that bit nicer. Even shutting the doors on the Skoda gives a more reassuring thud.

When it comes to driving them, again, the Skoda seems better. The suspension, for example, rides the bumps and surface imperfections better whereas the Nissan can be slightly 'busier.' Nissan does have a good diesel offering as well as new petrol engines, but the same is true of the Skoda. On paper, the Karoq has a higher starting price, but Skoda starts its range with a higher level of standard spec, which is worth considering. The Karoq is likely to be in short supply during 2018, which may impact on delivery times. Nissan currently has some competitive offers, which may help sway you. Personally, I’d go with the Karoq. If you can get one...

Skoda Karoq 1.5 petrol review

Skoda Karoq 1.6 diesel review

Nissan Qashqai 1.6 diesel review

Nissan Qashqai 1.2 petrol review

Expert answer

Hi Tomas,

Yes, it is an issue and could potentially be a very serious issue with your kind of mileage and driving profile. The problem is that you need to generate heat in the exhaust system to keep the diesel particulate filter clear, and low mileages and low speeds just don’t do that. You can get around that, a bit, by doing a regular long motorway or main road run, keeping to a low-ish gear for a while, but that’s not convenient for everyone.

Basically speaking, I think you’re best sticking with petrol if at all possible and there are some big-car petrol options out there if you look around and get a little lucky. Try and track down a Skoda Octavia with the 1.2 TSI turbo petrol engine, perhaps? Or maybe consider a Toyota Prius — they’re pretty big inside (although the boot is not massive).

Expert answer

Hi Sai,

Both are good from the point of view of being reliable, simple, affordable and easy to drive, but of the two, we’d go for the Swift as it has much sharper, more reactive steering that will give you a much better idea of what’s happening at the front wheels. It's also a little more spacious inside and technically competes with the Hyundai i20. Read our reviews here for more information:

Hyundai i10 review

Hyundai i20 review

Suzuki Swift review

Expert answer

Hi Loraine,

As far as we’re aware you can’t turn off the traction control in a Captur. Like, at all. Sorry.

Expert answer

Hi Mick,

The official fuel consumption for a 1.4 D-4D diesel Toyota Corolla is 4.1 litres per 100km, or 68.8mpg. That would suggest that you should see 50-55mpg in normal, daily driving.

Expert answer

Hi Catherine,

Expert answer

Hi Mike,

Is that a Mondeo you’re looking at? Yes, with your mileage and driving conditions, a 1.5-litre EcoBoost makes total sense. In fact, if it is the Mondeo, it’s the nicest engine in the line-up. It’s definitely a good idea to have a look up North — there are some very good cars around, and you can save several thousand Euro, but just be wary of vehicle history and make sure you do a very thorough history and background check (with someone such as Cartell.ie) before you hand over any money. 

Expert answer

Hi Ray,

If you fancy a hybrid, then the best current model is the Toyota Prius. Its looks may divide opinion, but it is exceptionally economical, even on a long motorway run, and it has a roomy, comfortable cabin. Read our Toyota Prius review here.

If you fancy something a little more prestigious, then how about the Lexus IS 300h? Not quite as spacious as the Opel you have, but with exceptional build quality, decent economy and terrific refinement. Read our Lexus IS 300h review here.

BMW”s 330e plugin hybrid is another good contender, as is Volkswagen’s Passat GTE, but they’re both quite pricey and work better in downtown than they do on the open road. As far as hybrid SUVs go, Toyota’s C-HR is lovely, but rather small inside, so it may be worth waiting for Honda to launch its new CR-V hybrid next year. More reviews for you:

BMW 330e review

Volkswagen Passat GTE review

Toyota C-HR Hybrid review

Expert answer

Hi John,

Yes, just go to the system settings menu (have a look at your owner's manual) and change the selection from Metric to Imperial. It takes a couple of seconds, but best to do it when you’re stopped rather than driving.

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

On the Jaguar front, first of all thanks for the compliment. As far as noise goes, I don’t think I’d ever tire of the F-Type’s V6 sounds, but that four-cylinder model is hugely impressive (and very refined) all the same.

As for running a car up and down its rev range, yes, it’s a good idea. Engines perform best (especially in fuel economy terms) when held at constant, low rpm (such as on a long motorway journey), but from a mechanical point of view it’s a good idea, once in a while, to stretch things out, warm things up, and get things moving.

Expert answer

Hi Jane,

I would say that if you're driving as you describe then sDrive is fine, as not only is it entirely capable it's also much better from a point of view of running costs. For normal on-road driving it's perfectly good enough, and if you're worried about winter conditions then consider fitting some winter or all-season tyres. 

Expert answer

Hi Simon,

If you want the ultimate performance car driving course then I think that the Porsche Centre in Silverstone is the best one to go for. They’ve expanded the track there in recent years, so there’s more room to play, and it’s impossible to beat the appeal of a Porsche when it comes to honing your driving skills. Closer to home, the BMW course at Mondello is excellent, and obviously far more convenient, and it’s well worth checking out Rally School Ireland up in Monaghan, too.

Expert answer

Hi Sharad,

Skoda reliability is hard to beat; in fact Skoda often does better in reliability surveys than its Volkswagen overlord, so knocking off a regular 1,000km journey will be no bother to it.

As for economy, we recently tested the 1.0 Octavia and got close to 50mpg out of it in daily driving, so it's pretty frugal, really.

Expert answer

Hi Simon,

The Mokka is quite nice, and a bit of an underrated car actually, but we reckon the best car in this class is the Suzuki Vitara, which is affordable, genuinely rugged, reliable and quite nice to drive. Handsome too. The Dacia Duster is actually a terrific machine — you have to allow for a rough and ready interior and an unrefined driving experience, but for the money it’s nigh-on impossible to beat.

Opel Mokka X review

Dacia Duster review

Suzuki Vitara review

Expert answer

Hi Naseem,

If you’re driving the M50 a lot, it probably  depends what time of day… Post-10am or pre-4pm and you’d probably get up enough speed to be able to keep the DPF clear and so it wouldn’t be a problem, even with the relatively low mileage. If you’re stop-start driving and not getting into a proper heat cycle, then no, go for petrol instead. Ford has that brilliant little 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo petrol engine.

Expert answer

Hi Steve,

Unfortunately no, we can’t. The Irish insurance sector is byzantine at best, and downright mendacious at worst. With a high-performance vehicle such as the XKR, you’re probably looking at at least a four-figure premium, in spite of your good record, but we’d suggest getting in touch with a good broker, who may be able to squirrel out deals that others can’t.

Expert answer

Hi Liam,

OK, first off you don’t need and shouldn’t be buying a diesel. With that kind of mileage, and doing most of it in town, you’ll never get enough efficiency out of the engine and you’ll run into trouble with the particulate filter and more potentially.

Of the three cars you’ve mentioned, I think that the Mercedes B-Class might actually be the most sensible, and it’s certainly the roomiest if you’re concerned about carrying big loads. Worth remembering that for similar money you could probably get yourself into a nice C-Class Estate too, which is only a little smaller inside and a whole lot nicer to drive. I’d be tempted to stick with the Mercedes, too, for safety reasons, if your son is going to start learning to drive.

The Tiguan is another very good option, and there are versions with Volkswagen’s excellent 1.4 turbo petrol engine if you shop around. Again, safe and good to drive, if not quite as roomy as the B-Class. I’d avoid the Duster at this point — it’s diesel only, and not as safe as the Merc or Volkswagen.

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

To qualify as 'vintage' for tax purposes a car must be 30 years old or older. For insurance purposes a car can sometimes be younger than that,  but most insurers will demand that you have a more modern car for everyday driving as well as the classic. 

Expert answer

Hi Yvonne,

It’s going to be very hard to find a car that’s taller but not bigger overall. Most car makers cluster around the same size and dimensions within a given class, so unless you go for a larger car altogether, you’re unlikely  to find anything else that is more than a few millimetres different either way.

Your best bet might be to have a look at the Opel Mokka X, which is similarly sized to the 2008, but a little bit higher in its ride height. Why not go and check out out and see if it suits?

Relevant reviews:

Ford EcoSport review

Peugeot 2008 review

Opel Mokka X review

New Peugeot 3008 review

Expert answer

Hi Alma,

The Nissan Leaf is the most affordable electric car, but the cheapest versions have limited range (less than 160km on a single charge). The new Renault Zoe has a brilliant claimed range of 400km, but that's quite pricey for a small car. The BMW i3 is probably the best electric car around at the moment, but is very expensive, sadly. So, I think the best one for affordability and useable range is probably the Hyundai Ioniq. It gets an easy 200km in real-world driving, it's roomy and not too expensive. Read our test drives of each below:

BMW i3 review

Hyundai Ioniq Electric review

Nissan Leaf review

Renault Zoe review

Expert answer

Hi Tom,

Both are good cars, but we’d say the Fiesta has a slight edge in terms of quality and of driving experience.

Read our Ford Fiesta review

Read our Peugeot 208 review

Expert answer

Hi Lorraine,

They're OK from the point of view of reliability (although the 1.5 diesel can suffer from blown turbos and you need to keep an eye on the electrical systems), but if they're the same price then go for the Laguna - it's a much more sophisticated and better-driving car than the Fluence. 

Expert answer

Hi Georgette,

I assume you are referring to the economy we got when we drove the Octavia in this review? We averaged 6.5 litres/100km - or 43.4mpg. To put that into context, we did very little motorway driving, mostly around town and into the mountains around Dublin. Not bad considering.

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

As far as Brexit is concerned, you can basically pull out a random piece of string and tell us the length… Given the huge political turmoil taking place in the UK over Brexit, it’s literally impossible to predict what way car makers are going to jump, but we wouldn’t be at all surprised to see some actually raising prices, because of currency fluctuations.

Expert answer

Hi Gerry,

Of the two, I’d prefer the 1.3 diesel. Neither is an especially refined engine by modern standards, but the 1.7 is a terrible old thing – incredibly noisy, rattly and prone to stalling when driving in stop-start traffic. The 1.3, if you get it with the 90hp output, has decent performance, is very economical and doesn’t seem to give too much bother. Great that you’re doing your own servicing, but beware of what effect that may have on the resale value as most buyers prefer to see a healthy book of dealer service stamps.

Expert answer

Hi James,

It depends; do you mean the first-generation 9-5, which was in production from 1996 to 2009 or do you mean the short-lived last-of-the-line 9-5, which only survived in production for two years before Saab went bust?

If it’s the first generation car then the rating is a little mixed. It was always well thought of in terms of overall quality, comfort and driving dynamics, but there were a number of annoying, niggling reliability issues with that model, although at least with the 1.9-litre diesel engine you’re avoiding the troublesome 2.2-litre model.

If it’s the later, second-generation version of the 9-5 then it is indeed very well thought of, and generally considered one of Saab’s best cars. It’s just a shame that it was also its last.

Expert answer

Hi Anne,

Actually, it’s not far off. I’d say, with a bit of practice, you should be able to beat 60-65mpg on a regular basis with that Polo, and to be honest you’re not going to get much better than that from any car. There are plenty of cars with official economy figures up in the 70s and 80s mpg, but those are laboratory figures and damned near impossible to reach in real world driving. If economy is your priority, then I’d stick with that Polo.

Expert answer

Hi Conor,

The two best SUVs of similar elevation to the Freelander would be the Honda CR-V and the Nissan X-Trail. Both are excellent choices (and the X-Trail can be had with seven seats), but the Honda’s more spirited driving experience nudges it for us. Also worth looking at a Land Rover Discovery Sport (effectively the third-generation Freelander), although they’re pricier than the Honda or Nissan.

As for choosing a buying time, yes, if you wait until the end of January, depending on how new car sales go, there should be a few more trade-ins and the like cluttering up dealer lots so you might get a sharper deal. Any of the big car rental companies will set you up with a good deal on a long-term rent, and Enterprise is probably the best place to start.

Here are a few of our reviews to help you choose:

Honda CR-V review

Nissan X-Trail review

Land Rover Discovery Sport review

Expert answer

Hi Garoid,

Well, it depends on the car and how you're taxing it. If you're taxing any vehicle as a commercial then it's €333 a year, but there are strict limits on usage, which include no personal driving, doing the school run, stopping at the shops etc. If you've taxed a car as a commercial but are using it for personal use then you're liable for a massive fine. 

Expert answer

Hi Colin,

Very shortly. We'd expect to see a full price list and standard specifications within the next few weeks. We are driving it next week so keep an eye out for the full test drive on the Car Reviews page.

Expert answer

Hi Tim,

The Fiesta should be mostly as reliable as the Polo. In extremis, I'd say the Polo will still have a slight edge overall in terms of quality,  but as long as you buy a Fiesta with a full service history and look after it properly it should be fine. The base 60hp engine is very slow though, so unless all of your driving is in town, we'd suggest upgrading to the 82hp version. 

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

I’m assuming you’re looking at about a 2005 model year? If so, the official combined fuel economy figure was 42.2mpg, or 6.7 litres per 100km, but the actual fuel consumption will depend significantly on both the condition of the vehicle and your own driving style.

Expert answer

Hi Shiu,

It’s an excellent car, but you’ll need to modify your own driving style a little to get the best economy out of the little 1.0-litre turbo engine. It is a terrific engine, though. You’re most likely looking at paying around €2,900 in Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) to import it.

There are a huge number of imports from the UK and we don't believe it will adversely affect the trade-in price in a few years time.

Expert answer

Hi Max,

Well, the official combined fuel economy figure is 51.4mpg, but that sounds a bit optimistic to us. Doing short journeys shouldn’t be a major issue as it’s a petrol engine, but a bit of gentle driving should get you at least past the 40mpg mark, unless you’re stuck in stop-start traffic all the time. I wouldn’t bother using premium petrol, as you’re just wasting your money. The engine is designed to work on standard 95RON pump fuel, so just use that, but make sure you buy from a reputable supplier.

Expert answer

Hi John,

No, it’s not just another cost to the consumer. Stop-start systems are designed to prevent the car from running the engine unnecessarily at standstill when doing so would be at its most wasteful of fuel. After all, if you’re not moving then what is the point in having the engine on? Stop-start systems are specially designed with either a beefed-up alternator or an integrated starter/generator so that it can handle multiple stops and restarts in rapid succession, and it’s estimated that on an average car, stop-start can save as much as ten per cent of overall fuel consumption – not to be sniffed at, never mind the benefits to city-centre air quality.

Admittedly, the car makers have brought in stop-start to bring their cars' official CO₂ and fuel consumption figures down, and the benefits are only really felt if you are stopping and starting regularly. If you spend all your driving time on the motorway then you won't use the system at all.

Expert answer

Hi Eoin,

There are a number of UK-based insurers who offer one-day car insurance, usually up to a maximum of 28 days, so a quick run through Google should see you sorted. If you’re concerned about not knowing which company is which, the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) offers a short-term policy, and that should be very trustworthy. Just make sure that you check and ensure that the coverage will extend to Ireland for the time you need to get a local policy sorted out.

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

Petrol is better for shorter trips, period. Apart from the extra cost of buying a diesel car (which as you correctly point out, narrows a bit with some models), there's the question of maintenance - doing short hops is just bad for a diesel engine as it won't warm through properly and you could develop problems with the particulate filter and other engine components.

Expert answer

Hi Rob,

No, it sounds like you're covering all the legal bases there. Highly conscientious in fact. 

Expert answer

Hi Jennifer,

You could try a Skoda Superb Combi, but I think that many big dogs would overwhelm even that car’s massive boot. Perhaps you need to go down the road of a van-based MPV. Maybe try a Citroen Berlingo or Volkswagen Caddy Life? Seats for the kids and (hopefully) enough space for the dogs, plus their tailgates aren’t too high off the ground so the older dogs shouldn’t have too much trouble getting in and out.

Expert answer

Hi Mary,

Have you considered a Ford Focus? I’m not sure what the situation is in your area with dealers etc, but a Focus has terrific steering – firmly weighted, direct and full of feedback and feel, and it’s also comfortable and well made (although, as a bad-back sufferer myself I would always suggest as lengthy a test drive as possible to make sure you find the seats a good shape). Quality and reliability are also good, if not quite up to Toyota levels. Your budget should get you into a year-old, maybe 18-month-old model and the 1.0-litre turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine should make for an ideal option for you.

Expert answer

Hi David,

It's difficult to assess such problems from afar, but it certainly sounds like your power steering system has an issue and you really should bring it to good mechanic sooner rather than later to have it looked at and rectified. If the power steering fails while you are driving it could become very heavy, making the car difficult to control.

Expert answer

Hi Dan,

Right, I'm going to give you a couple of really safe options: Mazda6 or Toyota Avensis. That budget should see you into a 2008 model, and both are roomy, very reliable and pretty good (Toyota) or really good (Mazda) to drive. 

Expert answer

Hi Marie,

Theoretically, as you're moving house and you've had the car taxed and insured at your previous address there should be only an administrative fee to pay. But I'm guessing it wasn't your name on the logbook while it was in the UK, which may put a spanner in the works (unless you and your dad have the same name of course...). I think your only option is to talk to someone on the Revenue help desk (and they really are very friendly and helpful) and explain your situation. There might be a loophole through which you can slip. 

Expert answer

Hi Sebastian,

OK, you have a few choices here. I’d say with that mileage you’re on the cusp of needing to buy a diesel to maximise your fuel economy, but your budget is a bit tight for most diesel saloons of that age. So, how about a BMW 318i? It’s petrol but the good news is that it’s quite economical (you should get 40mpg easily enough) and more reliable than the diesel 3 Series. Or you could try a Honda Civic IMA Hybrid saloon. There are quite a few of those around in your price range and if most of your miles are done in town, it would be ideal.

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

Sounds like a lovely trip you have planned. First thing I suggest is check out the AA website and have a look at the items you are required to have in your car for each country. If you have a satnav system capable of displaying speed camera locations, then you must at least disable camera alerts.

Paris and Milan have low emission zones and road charging schemes in place and these apply to foreign registered vehicles too. So make sure you know your car's emissions rating and if you have to register your car to pay a congestion charge. All this info can be found on www.UrbanAccessRegulations.eu. But, to be honest, it is much better to park and ride into the big cities as parking can be a hard to find and the parking rules and regulations difficult to interpret, and we won't even mention the cost.

Also, you will have to pay toll charges in France and Italy, and you can usually pay for these with a credit card or sometimes cash, but not all tolls accept cash. Check out the tolls in France on the ASFA website and the Italian tolls on autostrade.it. Tolls are also charged in Switzerland, but you buy a sticker at the border that costs 40 Swiss Francs. Yes, Francs! Make sure you have Swiss Francs as they don't take Euros.

Apart from that, remember to always give way to the right and try to adapt your driving style to that of the locals, as scary as that may seem, especially if you drive in Paris!

Get satnav and make sure the maps are up to date and also buy a good road map. It is a great backup, especially if something happens to the satnav.

Also, try get off the motorways and drive on smaller, more scenic roads. There are some terrific driving routes in France, Italy and Switzerland. Make sure you find them and enjoy them and take lots of breaks to take photos and enjoy the surrounds. Bon voyage.

Expert answer

Hi Karina,

You are, if I may say, a smart cookie. Yes, the Insignia is decently solid and pretty reliable, but the fact is that they do get issues with their electrics and, as we all know, ain’t nothing more reliable than a Toyota. Well, almost – have a good look at the Mazda6 estate too, as it's handsome, really good to drive and hugely reliable. A good foil to the Toyota. 

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

That’s almost an impossible question for me to answer I’m afraid as, as you’ve pointed out, a car that many might consider comfortable and pleasant (the Honda CR-V) is uncomfortable for you. Mind you, you’re right about the C-Class Estate being small inside – it was never the biggest car around.

Expert answer

Hi Dan,

Easy answer to this… Ford S-Max. Lots of space for you and the kids, not at all bad looking and, crucially, fun and engaging to drive so you’re not having to hand in your youthful driving exuberance at the MPV door. 

Read our Ford S-Max review

Expert answer

Hi James,

We are driving the new Volvo S90 and V90 on 16-17 June and the review will be live on the Car Reviews page shortly after.

Expert answer

Hi Donal,

Short answer – no. That’s partially down to the fact that such in-depth comparisons have to take into account the type of mileage you do, the electricity tariff you’re on and more. The best I can suggest is that you have a good long look through our various electric car reviews and then use the cost calculators on both the ESB and SEAI websites to further refine your research:

BMW i3 review

Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric

Nissan Leaf review

Renault Zoe review

Tesla Model S review

Volkswagen e-up! review

Volkswagen e-Golf review 

Expert answer

Hi Larry,

The seven-speed DSG automatic works very well with the 2.0-litre TDI engine. Around town and in traffic is makes driving relaxed and easy while the long top gear means the engine revs remain low on longer motorway journeys. In fact, the noise insulation in the new Tiguan is very good and you'd almost forget that you're driving a diesel.

I also drove the manual version, and to be fair it drive very well too. If you can afford the price jump to get the DSG automatic though I would recommend it. 

Read our Volkswagen Tiguan review in full

Expert answer

Hi Stephen,

You should do - Peugeot has a 'scrappage' scheme (actually just a trade-in booster really) in place against its commercial vehicle range,  but you may have to get the Hyundai patched up enough to drive it there. Most schemes have a requirement that the vehicle be taxed and insured when you trade it in. 

Expert answer

Hi Laura,

No, the mileage isn’t an issue in and of itself. It all depends how well the car has been cared for. If it comes with a full service history and a stack of paperwork showing how much care and attention the previous owner has lavished on it, then the mileage simply isn’t a worry. If it comes with a sparsely stamped service book and no paperwork, walk away.

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

A really impressive car, although it is looking a touch expensive compared to the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe or Ford Kuga now. It's good to drive, with surprisingly sharp steering and lots of space in the back, plus the promise of rugged Toyota reliability. The Hybrid version is perhaps not as satisfying as the diesel (and is even more expensive again), but is perhaps worth considering if you live and do most of your driving in town. Rivals worth considering are the aforementioned Ford and Hyundai, and also Honda, both HR-V and CR-V, and the Mazda CX-5.

I've added links to our reviews of all these cars above so hopefully that's of help.

Expert answer

Hi Thomas,

Well, for a start, you're not going to be able to insure any of the three as classics, as none has passed the 30-year mark yet. If your intention is to use them for 'classic-style' driving (only bringing them out for events or days out etc.) then you might be able to get a limited mileage policy that will reduce your costs a bit.

The next problem is that Irish insurers are conducting something of a war against cars of that sort of age – they reckon that older cars are at higher risk of claims so the premiums are being loaded out of all proportion. Most of the major insurers will do a multi-car policy, but with their ages I think you might struggle to find an affordable quote.

As for value, if they're all in exceptional condition then I'd say the Mercedes and BMW could be worth as much as €5-7,000 each (they really would have to be exceptional though) and the Peugeot van probably about €3,000 (again – if in exceptional condition).

Expert answer

Hi Barry,

Tough choice - both really good but quite different cars. The CC is arguably more stylish and slightly the sharper to drive, the S60 has that wonderfully reassuring Volvo safety and a really gorgeous cabin. Personally, I'd say the Volvo just shades it but it's a close run thing and you won't go far wrong with either.

Expert answer

Hi Ray,

The new Fabia Combi might well be worth looking at as the boot is absolutely enormous, but you may find the back seats a little tight as the kids get bigger. A Toyota Auris Touring Sports estate would certainly make a good buy - roomy and hugely reliable and Toyota's old 1.4-litre petrol engine has always been a good unit. Also worth looking at the Kia cee'd Sportwagon or Skoda Octavia Combi.

Relevant reviews:

Skoda Fabia Combi review

Toyota Auris Touring Sports review

Skoda Octavia Combi review

Expert answer

Hi PJ,

It's a slight oddity that the Qashqai has two different engines so close in capacity. The 1.6 is actually a replacement for the old 130hp 1.9-litre engine while the slightly older 1.5 has 110hp and is a direct competitor for most rivals' 1.6-litre engines. Confused? Don't worry - the basic answer is that the Qashqai's 1.5 is indeed competitive and should suit your driving just about perfectly. There's plenty of poke in it and it's still very economical.

Read our Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi review here

Expert answer

Hi Pauline,

You're absolutely 100 per cent dead right - diesel is not for everyone and especially not for those with overall low mileages and short commutes. And as the recent emissions scandal has shown us, diesel exhaust can be staggeringly bad for your health. 

As for finding a diesel without a DPF filter, I'm not sure you'll be able to. In order to meet the particulate emissions legislation under EuroV and EuroVI regulations you pretty much had to have one. Some people have, of course, removed the DPF to avoid maintenance issues, but then you're just spewing out a plume of highly carcinogenic soot particles as you drive...

So, I think your best bet is to go for a compact turbocharged petrol engine or, just maybe, a hybrid. The Toyota Prius would potentially be ideal for your daily drive, but could be a bit of an over-thirsty pain on that six-time-a-year longer journey. Try instead a car fitted with the Volkswagen Group's excellent 1.2-litre TSI turbo petrol engine (Golf or Skoda Octavia are the best ones), a Ford Focus with the 1.0 EcoBoost engine or maybe an Opel Astra 1.4 Turbo. Here are a few relevant reviews for you to consult:

Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost review

Skoda Octavia 1.2 TSI review

Opel Astra GTC 1.4 Turbo review

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

Based on personal experience (and as someone who grew up in West Cork) I'd say yes - the Astra 1.0 is really sweet to drive and should easily crack 45mpg in daily driving. The only thing to watch for is the small fuel tank, which means you'll be filling up on those journeys back from Cork.

Read our Opel Astra 1.0 review here

Expert answer

Hi Amrinder,

There was a recall for 2.2-litre Mazda6 diesels to replace a stretching timing chain, so check to see if that work has been carried out and don't buy a car that hasn't had the work done. Any car with a full (and preferably Mazda main dealer) service history should be fine though.

However, the DPF issue is down to your driving - if you're not putting in the miles, the DPF can't get hot enough to clean itself out and that's when you get problems, so don't go for one of these cars (or any diesel, really) if you're only doing low mileage and short hops.

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

The flippant answer to this would be 'buy a Tesla...' But they're expensive as hell so maybe not an option. The actual answer is I don't know for sure because I've never tried it in an electric car, but, from my reckoning, assuming you're driving a Leaf with a range of about 160km, you should be able to get from Kilkenny to Cork in one hop, find a charger, top up, and then get to Killarney. The trick will be to stay off the motorways and stick to slower roads.

After Killarney I'm just not sure. Dingle is a long way off and I'm not sure what the charging point situation is along the way.

Best bet is to consult the ESB's charge point map and plan your route around that.

Expert answer

Hi Tom,

A really good car the SX4 - it's hugely reliable and if you can track down a 1.9 diesel 4x4, you'll find it has genuine go-anywhere capability.

The more common 1.6 petrol is a bit thirstier though, with official economy of 42mpg and you'll struggle to match that in daily driving. The boot is also a bit on the small side. Worth looking for deals on the current SX4 S-Cross - a really good and very underrated car.

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

The 2.0 TDI Golf is something of a canny buy - it's much punchier than the 1.6, yet comes with only a small penalty in motor tax and running costs, and in fact is good enough to undermine the case for buying the overtly sporting GTD.

That said, if you put the effort in, the 1.6 can be significantly more economical and, obviously, is cheaper to buy. In daily driving, unless you're really pushing hard, its performance is entirely adequate. You can read what our road test editor, Dave Humphreys, thought of the 1.6-litre BlueMotion model here.

As for the 2013 model, that was the MkVI Golf and it's still a fine car - reliable, comfy, spacious and nice to drive, but you will notice a palpable difference in quality and comfort between it and a MkVII.

Expert answer

Hi Robert,

I'm afraid it's impossible to assess such a thing from afar. You say you had everything checked, but did you actually hook the car up to a diagnostic tool to see if the engine control unit has any error codes to report? That would be the first port of call. After that, it boils down to fuel, air and, if it's petrol, spark, so you need to check all the sub-systems.

It'll only fail the NCT if the problem is having an effect on the pollutants coming out of the exhaust, by the way.

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

That only really applies to front-engined, rear-drive cars, as opposed to rear/mid-engined models. It comes down to weight over the driven wheels. In a front-drive car, the engine is right over the driven wheels, helping it find traction in low-grip situations, but in a rear-drive car there's not enough weight over the rear wheels to help with that.

They aren't a complete disaster, though. Have a look in Germany the next time you go there in winter and see how many rear-wheel drive BMWs and Mercedes you spot getting stuck in snow and mud. The problem is that most drivers these days are only used to front-drive and worse, many often don’t know that the drive goes to the rear in most BMWs, Mercs, Lexus, Jaguars etc. So they end up using a front-wheel drive driving technique when presented with a slippery surface, which is to add power and try and force your way through. That doesn’t work – rear-drive cars need a more delicate technique for dealing with slippery surfaces, but in the right hands they can be just as capable.

Expert answer

Hi Catherine,

It really does depend on your mileage and driving conditions, but a good rule of thumb is at least once a year regardless. We'd recommend every 15,000km on a car like that as well, but even if you don't do that in a year it's best to get the car serviced annually.

It's definitely overdue one!

Expert answer

Hi Rita,

The 1.6 is the right choice for city/urban driving right enough and the Tiida is a reliable old thing, and was one of the first cars to come with Bluetooth phone connection as standard. It's not very interesting though...

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

Yes, and no. And a bit yes. It still depends on your lifestyle and driving habits. Lots of short journeys, mostly around town? Don't mind taking the time to plan long journeys carefully and be prepared to take breaks for charge ups?

Things are getting dramatically better though. Nissan has just updated the Leaf with a new 30kwh battery (read our review of it here) that extends its range to around 250km, which is a lot more useful, and if you're suitably loaded a Tesla Model S can go for 500km between charges.

If you're not quite ready to take the full electric car plunge, how about a plugin hybrid? Short hops under electric power with a petrol engine for longer journeys. Try the Volkswagen Golf GTE, Audi A3 e-tron, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV or a Volvo XC90 T8.

However, if you're looking for a second hand car, your options with electric power are severely limited, as sales have been slow so far.

Expert answer

Hi Claire,

Well, with a bike, why not go for a compact estate instead of a hatch? Same driving experience and same running costs, but a bigger boot by far. Best of the breed is a Kia cee'd SW, which is hugely reliable and has a massive boot. With you just driving at the weekends, I'd say it's worth trying to track down a petrol model, rather than the more popular diesel.

Expert answer

Hi Adrienne,

OK, let me take that section by section...

(A) Most small crossovers use 1.5- or 1.6-litre diesel engines so you're going to average between 40- and 50mpg in any of them. Ignore the official consumption figures - they're not representative of real-world driving.

(B) Standard spec on most will include at least air conditioning and probably Bluetooth, but the items you've listed will push prices up into the €25-30k region.

(C) Kia, Hyundai and Mitsubishi have the best warranties on the market at the moment - seven, five and eight years respectively. Ford, Renault and Peugeot all offer five-year warranties too, while Fiat offers a four-year one. Most others have three-year cover. In terms of reliability, Japanese and Korean brands will almost always beat their European and American competitors.

Of the cars you're looking at, I'd say the strongest contenders are Honda's new HR-V, the Jeep Renegade, the Peugeot 2008 and the Kia Soul. All well worth a look.

Relevant reviews:

Honda HR-V review

Jeep Renegade review

Peugeot 2008 review

Kia Soul review

Expert answer

Hi Catherine,

Tread carefully. We've heard many a horror story about reliability issues on the old 9-3 and 9-5, so caution is advised. If you've owned and loved your 9-3, and it hasn't let you down, then well and good, but the overall experience is a negative one. One possibility might be to track down a last of the line second-gen 9-5. There aren't many around but they're cheap and use a lot of Opel components, which makes them easier to fix in the future. A really lovely car and one worth a punt if you can find one.

Expert answer

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

Expert answer

Hi David,

There's no set warm-up time, as it depends on a number of factors, such as the ambient air temperature, how the car is being driven and which ancillaries are turned on. In general, diesel engines take longer to warm up than petrol (though the car makers are working on changing that) too.

I don't think there's anything wrong with your Mokka.

Expert answer

Hi F D,

We'd recommend readers change their cars' oil and filter at least once a year regardless of mileage. Short hops are actually tougher on the engine (and its oil) as it does a lot of its driving when not fully warmed up.

Expert answer

Hi Ed,

Land Rover's quality has been getting better and better and it seems as if the current Discovery model has shaken off a lot of its reputation for weak gearboxes and electrical maladies. I think it's probably worth the punt, but there are two other good options - both the Mitsubishi Pajero and Toyota Land Cruiser are also available in 'business versions' that mean you can buy them for the price of a commercial but you get the back seats and luxury touches. That said, you'll have to tax them as a private car if you're going to carry the kids around - it's a €4,000 fine if you're caught with the incorrect tax.

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

The new DS 4 will be in Irish showrooms in time for the price announcement on December 10. We will be driving it on January 14, 2016, so keep an eye on our Car Reviews page for the first Irish drive.

Expert answer

Hi Louise,

You're looking at two very different cars - the Auris is considerably larger and more practical than the Clio, but both are actually pretty frugal. The 1.4 VVTi petrol or 1.33 VVTi petrol in the Auris is actually quite economical, as long as you drive it with reasonable care: 45mpg should be easily achieved in daily driving.

Expert answer

Hi Mike,

Well, the 1.6 Hyundai Elantra has official combined fuel economy of 38mpg, which is the equivalent of 6.1 litres per 100km. A sum of €10 buys you 7.46 litres of petrol at the average October pump price of €1.34 a litre. Assuming you reach the official fuel consumption figure that means you'll get 119km for your €10. However, you may well not reach the quoted average economy - very few people do and it's actually a pretty arbitrary number. How much less? I simply can't say - it depends on your own driving style, the condition of your car, the weather, the roads you're driving it on... Better play safe and just fill it up.

Expert answer

Hi David,

Yes they are - you can negotiate a higher mileage limit on a PCP but it means you'll reduce the guaranteed minimum future value so your monthly repayments will be a bit higher. 

Mind you, I'd hate to see a gorgeous Alfa fall by the wayside. Get a quote for a replacement and see how much it is. There's always the new Alfa Giulia coming next year...

If you decide on a replacement though, the best mid-size diesel saloons around at the moment are (in no particular order) the Skoda Superb, the Mazda6, the Volkswagen Passat and the Ford Mondeo.

A few relevant reviews:

Skoda Superb review

Mazda6 review

Volkswagen Passat review

Ford Mondeo review

Expert answer

Hi Frances,

If you mean a 320d diesel then yes, it's excellent. You should expect to get at least 45mpg in daily driving, a little more if you're careful.

If it's a petrol 318i or 320i then it'll be a little more thirsty but 35mpg on average should still be do-able.

Expert answer

Hi Hugh,

OK, first off - well done. You obviously have sensitive driving senses. Most people probably wouldn't have noticed. Secondly, BMW's steering has gotten noticeably heavier over the years - basically as a way of adding more "sporty feeling" (inverted commas author's own) to the car as less and less real road feel is transmitted. So it's partially built in to the design of the car.

As for changing the tyres. It might help - changing the tyre, especially if you change the brand of the tyre, can have an effect on steering effort and it's possible that a switch to low rolling resistance tyres may lighten the steering a bit. But it won't make an enormous difference, and I'd seriously advise you not to change from runflats to conventional tyres - the car was designed around runflats and you could be setting yourself up for an evening on a wet hard shoulder, with no spare wheel, if you swap out the runflats.

Expert answer

Hi Simon,

The only potential fly in the ointment here might be resale value, but we honestly don't think it'll be as big a factor on the 2 Series Coupé as it would on a 'normal' car, such as a 3 Series Saloon or a Ford Focus, for example. There is an element of risk on that, though not if the buyer is going for finance with a guaranteed future minimum value...

All that aside, we'd wholeheartedly recommend the 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. It's astoundingly good in the MINI, marrying ok economy and low runnings costs with cracking performance and bags of personality. Admittedly, we've not had a chance to drive the 218i for ourselves and though the rear-drive chassis should be a hoot with that engine, it's worth noting that the 218i M Sport is about 300kg heavier than a MINI Cooper. In an ideal world your friend would get to try it out first to make sure they're happy with the performance.

As an aside, with such low mileage, and most of it in the city, a petrol car would be best in the long run for your friend to prevent DPF clog-ups and the like.

Expert answer

Hi Frank,

A little bit, yes. It depends on where you're driving it. If you're mostly in and around town, then actually it's fine. It's on motorways and main roads that it starts to struggle for power a little.

Expert answer

Hi Barry,

The Insignia's really nice and I do have something of a soft spot for it. A car that feels more sophisticated and more engaging the more you drive it. The Passat and Mondeo are nice choices too, but to be honest, the one I'd go for out of all of them would be the Accord. Comfy, smooth, frugal, nice to drive and above all it will almost certainly never break down. There's nothing quite so nice as the feeling you get from driving an utterly indestructible car.

Expert answer

Hi Simon,

Go for a Volkswagen up!, Skoda Citigo or SEAT Mii. They all seem to do 50mpg no matter how or where you drive them.

Relevant reviews:

Skoda Citigo review

SEAT Mii review

Volkswagen up! review

Expert answer

Hi John,

Do you mean for driving off-road, most of the time? Your best bet is to track down a Suzuki Jimny - they're cheap, cheerful, rugged and amazingly good in the mud. 

If you want to make regular on-road journeys in a bit of comfort, but still want to have something that'll deal with muddy fields, have a look for a Mk1 Subaru Forester. Great on road, great off road and you can't kill them with a stick.

Expert answer

Hi John,

If you're buying an Irish car then you'll be very limited in terms of choice. The vast majority of 2010 Ford Focus on the roads in Ireland are powered by the 1.6-litre TDCi diesel engine, in either 90- or 110hp states of tune). It's not a bad engine with a great performance-to-economy ratio and low road tax. Be aware though, like many engines of this type, it's only really suited to average annual mileage of 20,000km and above - or the majority of its time on a fast-flowing road/motorway. The reason is that its diesel particulate filter (DPF) can clog up and it can be expensive to remedy. There are other components in the engine itself that also gum up if the car is used predominantly for low-speed driving.

Other engines in the 2010 Focus are the 1.8 TDCi diesel and, for low-mileage drivers, the 1.4- and 1.6-litre petrol units. All of these are much rarer. The 1.8 isn't quite as susceptible as the 1.6 diesel to issues, but it's less economical. If you're sure that diesel suits your needs then seek out a 1.6.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Irene,

Engine size means less than it used to, especially when comparing a petrol engine to a diesel one. That Hyundai will be more economical and cheaper to tax than the 1.4 petrol Golf from 2008. Saying that, if most of your driving is in town there won't be a big advantage for the diesel, but it should still use less fuel overall.

A larger car such as the i40 is likely to be a bit heavier on things like tyres, but it's newer than your Golf so shouldn't need tyres for a while. 

Hope that all helps 

Expert answer

Hi Noel,

I'm actually one of the (few) motoring writers who kind of likes the Pulsar - it's not in the slightest bit exciting but it's comfy, spacious, economical and OK to drive.

The Leaf is different - it's far more of a ground-breaking car and genuinely high-tech, plus of course there's the whole concept of it being entirely free from pollution and emissions at the local level. Buying one though does mean making sure that your driving pattern and lifestyle fit the Leaf's capabilities. With between 160- and 200km on a single charge being the absolute best you can get from it, it's still really only a car for those covering short journeys and mostly city mileage. Do you regularly take long journeys or spend a lot of time on the motorway? Then the Leaf, as yet, is not for you.

Read our review of the Nissan Pulsar here

Expert answer

Hi Louise,

You don't necessarily need a 4x4 for that - a mid size estate car would do the job just as well. So, have a look at the following and see what you'd like: Mazda6 2.2d, Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi, Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI.

Or, if you really have to have a 4x4, check out the Hyundai Santa Fe, Audi Q5 or Nissan X-Trail.

Relevant reviews:

Mazda6 Tourer estate review

Skoda Superb Combi 4x4 review

Hyundai Santa Fe review

Audi Q5 review

Nissan X-Trail review

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

Lots to choose from, but if she fancies another Sportage, then hang on for a year - there's an all-new model coming. You could consider a trade-up into the excellent new Kia Sorento, but that's a bigger, more expensive car. If you want to stick in the same size range (and stick with an SUV) then have a look at the Volkswagen Tiguan, Nissan Qashqai or Toyota RAV4. 

Relevant reviews:

Kia Sorento review

Nissan Qashqai review

Toyota RAV4 review

Expert answer

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

Expert answer

Hi Simon,

Well, on the red light question, the rules of the road apply to all road users, so a cyclist breaking a red light is, theoretically anyway, every bit as culpable as someone driving a car. Ditto for causing an accident, but as ever in these things, it can be horrendously difficult to prove who was in the wrong or in the right.

Expert answer

Hi Gerry,

OK, lots of options here. Seven-seat SUVs are the coming thing and Hyundai's Santa Fe is one of the best. Lots and lots around for that kind of money so be choosy and buy the most recent one you can, so as to make the most of that five-year warranty.

The rear seats are a little tight though, so maybe look at a Ford S-Max. Big, spacious and really good to drive, you'll probably get a good deal on a nearly-new one at the moment as there's an all-new version about the be launched.

Or you could go all-out and get a Land Rover Discovery, which is a wonderful car but don't say I didn't warn you when it comes to running costs, and you won't find a two-year old one for that money.

Relevant reviews:

Hyundai Santa Fe review

Ford S-Max review

Expert answer

Hi Mary,

I'd leave the Fabia Combi out straight away. It's a very good little car but it's just too small if you're putting five people into it regularly. The cee'd estate is one of our favourite cars - practical, handsome and good to drive and those are things you can equally say about the Qashqai. However, again, I'd say if you're trying to get five people in every day, space in the back could be an issue. 

Which leaves us with the Carens. Thankfully it's a very good choice - all the attributes of the cee'd, but with extra space and comfort for those in the back. My advice would be to go and test drive each one but make sure you bring along everyone who's going to regularly be using the car and make sure everyone's comfortable in it. Not just a spin around the block either - drive for long enough to make sure everyone has a chance to get fidgety. 

Worth noting though that with your driving pattern, the petrol Qashqai is going to have the best engine for your purposes. You may need to make a compromise between engine and seating at some point.

Relevant reviews:

Kia Carens review

Nissan Qashqai review

Skoda Fabia Combi review

Expert answer

Hi Elizabeth,

Ok, there's a simple answer and a not-so-simple answer. The simple answer is that the Fiesta is more economical. Going by the official figures, you'll get 78mpg on the combined cycle from the Fiesta (and that's for a model without the stop-start system fitted) and 57mpg from the Audi (that's the 125hp engine with a manual gearbox and 16-inch wheels).

Now, the not-so-simple bit. It depends on how and where you drive. If you drive mostly short journeys and mostly in town, then the diesel is not going to give its best, and that 78mpg figure is pure fiction anyway. I'd say in daily driving you'll probably get closer to 55mpg. The Audi, if driven with a bit of care and attention, should easily get 40mpg, even around town. So there's a gap, but it's not so big as you'd think.

The reverse is true if you're doing lots of long journeys at a steady motorway cruise. The Fiesta would come into its own and you''d probably squeeze 60mpg, maybe 65mpg from it. The Audi probably wouldn't get much above 45mpg, maybe a bit less, doing such journeys.

Expert answer

Hi Caroline,

It's too early to tell on Jeep residual values - the brand is well known but still trying to re-establish itself properly in Ireland so it's hard to say quite how values will shake out long term. The Cherokee is nice though, if a touch pricey. Lots of space and it feels rugged. 

The CLA Shooting Brake is also nice, and very pretty too, but I think you'd find it a lot less practical than the A4 - space in the back and the boot is really tight.

Relevant reviews:

Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake review

Jeep Cherokee review

Expert answer

Hi Dave,

Quite a bit actually - that 120hp diesel is pretty underpowered in a car as bulky as the A4 and you'll probably notice it most in fuel consumption. You'll have to work it so hard to keep up with traffic that you'll find it quite thirsty. Upgrade to the 140hp if you can.

Relevant reviews:

Audi A4 2.0 TDI 140 review (quattro model)

Audi A4 2.0 TDI 177 review

Expert answer

Hi David,

Do you mean in terms of fuel consumption? Then I'd say about 35- to 40mpg depending on your driving style. If you mean total miles, well it depends how you look after it and how it's been looked after. Cars are generally 'lifed' for between 250,000 miles (400,000km) and 300,000 miles. If you service it and care for it properly, you could potentially get even more...

Expert answer

Hi Diane,

Well, there are expensive things you can do such as buying a different car or swapping out the standard seats for a set of, for example, Recaro or Corbeau bucket seats, but as a bad back sufferer myself I'd suggest booking in to see a good osteopath or physiotherapist. Very rarely will a car seat be the actual culprit - it's more likely that your symptoms are just worse after driving because sitting down for long periods is the very worst thing for your back.

Expert answer

Hi Sean,

We are driving the new European-spec Ford Mustang next month so keep an eye on our reviews page for the full lowdown. 

Expert answer

Hi Mike,

The A6 is a cracking choice - reliable, frugal, stylish and hugely comfy, but it's not as sweet to drive as the 5 Series. That said, it is more spacious and if you can track down an Avant estate you'll have one of the best looking cars around. 

If you're concerned about driving on snow and ice there are two avenues you should explore, no matter which car you go for. One is to look into fitting either winter tyres (which you'll need to swap back over to normal tyres in the spring) or all-season tyres, such as the new 'CrossClimate' one from Michelin. Better again, go on a winter driving techniques course. BMW runs one at Rally School Ireland in Monaghan and the skills you'll learn there would get you through even the worst blizzard, no matter which set of your car's wheels are driven.

Further reading:

Audi A6 review

BMW 5 Series review

Expert answer

Hi Jerry,

All three will have excellent resale values, but I'd say the Hyundai has a nose in front in that regard, as it's a big-selling model and the five-year warranty makes it a desirable second hand purchase. 

Of the three, the Nissan is probably the best all-rounder when it comes to driving, the Hyundai is bigger and more spacious and the Kia is better looking (matter of opinion, I realise). It's worth noting though that both the Korean cars are up for replacement shortly wheras the Nissan is brand new and has more cutting edge technology.

Further reading:

Hyundai ix35 vs. Nissan Qashqai twin test review

Nissan Qashqai review

Hyundai ix35 review

Kia Sportage review

Expert answer

Hi Aisling,

Yes they can, but they may not be the most cost-effective. If you're worrying about the diesel particulate filter in the exhaust getting clogged with soot and causing an expensive failure (and that can happen) then don't worry - a quick spin up and back the nearest motorway in a low-ish gear will heat the system up enough to let it burn off the soot and all will be well. Do it once a week for 30 minutes or so and you'll be fine.

The other issue is simple one of cost though. You will spend more money to buy a diesel car than you will a petrol and when you're only doing low mileage it's hard to generate the savings from fuel burn to make up the extra you've spent up front. That's why petrol makes so much sense for lower mileage drivers.

The thing is that the Qashqai can be had with a petrol engine, but it suffers much harsher depreciation when you buy it - so you're in a bit of a catch 22. Petrol is better for your driving profile, but worse for retaining value in this particular model. You may need to expand your search out to some other cars to make your sums add up.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

If you want to go petrol then there are few better options than Volkswagen's 1.2 TSI turbo, and when it's fitted to the Skoda Octavia, you've got a near-perfect combination. Drive it gently, and you'll probably get very little difference in the overall fuel consumption compared to your old 407. That engine hasn't really been in the market for all that long, so it's a little hard to get a handle on whether or not there are any reliability landmines out there, but in general we've heard nothing bad. 

Expert answer

Hi Aisling,

You won't go far wrong with the Octavia. Get the 1.6 TDI and you've got a potential 55mpg car with lots of space and terrific build quality and reliability. If you're looking for alternatives, then there's always the Volkswagen Golf (mechanically the same as the Skoda but less spacious inside) or the Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi (terrific to drive and good value but poor standard equipment and they're tight in the back).

Expert answer

Hi Declan,

Don't worry about the handling - MINIs are terrific to drive. Great fun. The C30 is perhaps a bit less so and Volvo parts and servicing have always been on the pricey side, but it's a much more practical car than the MINI, which is seriously short on space. Both are fine cars though, reliable too so it's a question of what you value more - space and comfort (Volvo) or driving fun (MINI).

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

There's a serious, serious issue at the moment in the chasm between what the car makers claim you will get in economy terms from a car and what you actually get in real-world driving. There are changes to the official testing regime coming down the pipe, but the car makers are resisting that with all their lobbying might as it means that their CO₂ ratings will go up too.

In the meantime, and this is based purely on personal experience, a Golf BlueMotion should get close to 60mpg in daily driving, and you may even crack the 65mpg mark, though 70mpg is probably not going to happen, being realistic.

Further reading:

Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion review

Expert answer

Hi Mary,

You can get a full run down on what we thought of the Pajero here. But the short version is: it's a bit old fashioned but we really rather like it. It's big, comfy and should be endlessly reliable. The Pajero's reputation is that you can't kill it with a stick...

On the tax side, things are a little more complex. The good news is that because the Pajero Executive's boot space qualifies it for commercial rate Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) you can get it, fully loaded with leather, automatic and a kick-ass sound system, for a lot less than many more prestigious rivals. 

You can also claim back the VAT if you're buying it for business purposes, although your accountant is the person you should be asking about that, not me. 

The trickier thing is road tax. Theoretically you can just pay the commercial vehicle road tax on one of these but it's complicated. You have to be able to prove, if challenged, that you bought the car for strictly business purposes. That's fine if you're, say, a developer or an architect or a builder or a farmer - someone who needs to carry big loads and visit muddy construction sites a lot. But if you're, say, a software engineer then that's just not going to fly and you're going to get a massive fine for your troubles. Better to pay the full passenger car rate (€1,200 in this case) and be on the safe side.

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Hi Margaret,

Yup, plenty strong enough. So much so that the first time I drove it I thought that I was driving the diesel. In fairness, it was late and I was tired but it's still a cracking engine, potentially Volkswagen's current best.

Expert answer

Hi Zara,

You'll have to bring the car to a mechanic I'm afraid. It could be a problem with the sender unit, which is usually mounted in the gearbox, the cable between that and the speedometer or with the receiver on the speedo itself. Impossible to know remotely.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Finian,

Possibly, but it depends entirely on the car and how you're driving it. If you're talking about a small diesel-engined hatchback, then yes, there's quite possibly a problem if you're only getting 19mpg on average. Even driven for only short hops around town, most would manage at least 35mpg on average. Certainly worth a visit to the dealer to at least have it looked at.

That said, the single biggest influence on fuel consumption is driving style. Have you changed the way you drive, or your regular route lately? Are you spending a lot of time idling at traffic lights where you previously weren't? It all adds up...

Expert answer

Hi Rob,

I'm afraid there's nothing for it but to start ringing around and working your way through the websites of Irish insurers. There are no specific restrictions on drivers using international driving licences, but I think you can expect that your insurance costs will be significantly higher than if you had a full Irish licence.

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Hi Kieran,

Not massive. There's a tiny 1mpg gap between them in terms of fuel economy (the Toyota gets 59mpg, the Ford 60mpg), but in everyday driving , they'll probably work out pretty much the same.

Overall, the Toyota will probably be slightly more reliable, and the Ford slightly cheaper to service and repair if anything does go wrong. The Toyota will probably be a little cheaper to insure too, and its road tax will be slightly lower.

On balance then, the Toyota is likely to be fractionally cheaper to run, but there's precious little in it.

Expert answer

Hi Simon,

OK, easy answer first: no you won't be the first owner, the car will originally have been registered as a company car, owned by the importer/distributor. 

As for buying an ex-press car, well how much do you trust us? The good news is that 90 per cent of our driving is just normal road mileage like anyone else. I'd like to think we're all quite good when it comes to things like mechanical sympathy and taking good care of a car that's in our charge, but the fact is that there are a few ham-fisted cloggers among us. No names, please...

If it's a high performance model then it's quite possible that it may have seen some time on the track, but then again it will also have been pampered while doing so, with an army of minders to look after it. 

To be honest, it's no worse than buying any other used car - you're always taking a risk as to the care given by previous drivers, but in the case of a press car, it will have been minded and serviced by the original maker so there's that. 

Why not let us know which car it is? We can probably tell you how hard it's been thrashed...

Expert answer

Hi Bridget,

What year is your Micra? If it's a pre-2002 then upgrading to the post-2002 model could be what you need. It was bigger than the old Micra and had impeccable safety credentials. 

If you're already in a 2002 or later Micra then the best bet is to look at a Volkswagen Polo. They really do feel noticeably tougher than most other cars in the class, it's about the same size as the Micra and as good a small car as you'll find.

Expert answer

Hi John,

We asked Toyota Ireland about this and here was the response:

"We would need a lot more details. However, it sounds like a multi mode transmission issue. This car need to be pluged into a diagnostic tool. I recommend that it's taken to a Toyota dealer for a diagnostic check."

Hopefully it doesn't prove too expensive to rectify...

Expert answer

Hi Karen,

The official claimed figures (and I'm assuming you mean the two-wheel-drive variants here) are 35mpg for the petrol model and 40mpg for the diesel. That sounds like a close run thing, but it depends on your driving. If you're doing mostly short, around-town hops, then the petrol will do better. For lots of long journeys, get the diesel.

Expert answer

Hi Ashleigh,

How about a Mazda3 1.6 diesel? Sharp looking, sharp to drive, impressively economical and given Mazda's reputation it should stand up to years of family rough and tumble. We found on on Carzone.ie for under €5k from a dealer in Carlow as well.

Expert answer

Hi Stephen,

Well, according to the official figures, you should be getting 55mpg on average. If you're not getting that, or something near it, then you need to consider a few possibilities:

Are your tyres up to the correct pressures? Has the car been serviced lately, and given an oil and filters change? Are you carrying around lots of extra weight in the car or have you got a roof rack or roof box on top?

If none of these helps, maybe you need to take a look at your own driving style. Lighter throttle openings, earlier gearshifts, a bit more anticipation - that sort of thing.

Hope that's of some help

Expert answer

Hi there and sorry to hear about your issue. That sounds to us like a blocked gauze in the oil pick-up in the sump. This gets clogged up with dirt and debris and the oil pump can't cope with the blockage. The end result is starvation of oil to important areas of the engine like the camshaft and crankshaft bearings, which could result in terminal engine damage.

A decent mechanic should be able to diagnose it properly for you. Hopefully we're wrong...

Expert answer

Hi Sinead,

To be honest, I'd avoid it. The 307 was never a great car to begin with and it was probably one of the lowest points for Peugeot build quality. They tend to suffer every electrical problem going, the cabins and interiors are very fragile and the suspension is prone to outright failure. 

If you still fancy a Peugeot, see if you can stretch your budget to a 308 - that was a much better built car, has decent reliability and if you get the 1.6 diesel then 65mpg in daily driving is a reality for you.

Expert answer

Hi Andrew,

You're in an enviable position! I'll take your points one by one:

1) Mileage: you definitely do enough miles to see a benefit in having the GTD diesel model, assuming much of it is on the motorway. But the Golf R and GTI aren't really all that bad at a cruise either...

2) Gearbox: I personally would prefer the manual, though I accept that it's a very personal thing in a performance car and if you're used to automatics then stick with the DSG. For the record, it doesn't detract from the car one little bit.

3) GTD vs. GTI: if you read my review you'll see that I was pleasantly surprised by this car, but it took very hard driving to make it shine. At regular speeds (i.e. most of our driving) it felt quite ordinary, whereas the GTI always feels special.

I must admit that, if my budget stretched to the Golf R (and it's cheaper than ever now), I'd go for it. It's always going to be rare and exclusive (though perhaps hard to sell on) and as well as the extra performance it has a brilliant four-wheel drive system.

Nonetheless, I reckon the Golf GTI Performance is probably the best all-round choice, as you've identified for yourself. It's a sensational car, noticeably better to drive even than the regular GTI. You won't regret it one little bit.

Let us know which way you go in any case and here's some more reading for you:

Volkswagen reduces the price of the Golf R

Volkswagen Golf GTI five-door manual road test

Volkswagen Golf GTD road test

Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance (manual)

Expert answer

Hi Nisll,

Depends on whether you want one with actual four-wheel drive or just a front-drive one. If you only want front-drive, the Honda CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC should do the trick - well over 55mpg in daily driving.

If you want all-wheel drive then I reckon the new Nissan X-Trail with the 1.6 dCi engine should get better than 45mpg in real world conditions.

Expert answer

Hi Karla,

Well, you're looking at two different sizes of car there. If you want to physically downsize, then the Ibiza is the one to go for - it's smaller than the Golf (based on the same chassis as the Volkswagen Polo), but still pretty spacious, rather handsome and nice to drive. They're very reliable too, but quite noisy and uncouth on a longer journey. A Focus is roughly the same size as a Golf, but if it's painless, economical motoring you're after than a 1.6 TDCi Focus could be the answer - plentiful, well-made, sweet to drive and 55mpg.

What do you think?

Expert answer

Hi Gerry,

You've picked three difficult cars to choose between. Obviously, both the Hyundai and Kia are essentially the same car beneath the skin, and both come with temptingly low prices and long, long warranties. The SEAT's three-year warranty looks a bit brief in comparison, but then you are buying into a car with excellent reliability and high quality, so there's that.

You've also got an odd combination of relatively high mileage, but in an urban location, which suggests that you won't be working up enough speed to generate exhaust heat to keep a diesel particulate filter (DPF) clean. With all that in mind, I think your best best might be a Leon 1.2 TSI petrol. It's a cracking engine, nearly as good as a diesel on fuel economy, but with no nasty surprises waiting in the exhaust. Both the Hyundai and Kia are excellent cars, but both are best experienced as diesels.

Expert answer

Hi John,

It depends on your driving style and where and how you do most of your driving. If you’re mostly or always in town and at low speeds, I’d recommend at least once a month taking the car out for a good run up the motorway, alternating between fourth, fifth and sixth gear if the car has one, and do so for about 20-30 minutes. If you’re regularly driving for stints on the motorway at 120km/h then don’t worry, you’re already doing enough to keep the DPF clear.

Expert answer

Hi Tina,

Well, it all depends on what kind of car you want. Trading in your old Golf and adding €7,000 probably gives you a budget of between €8-9k and that, thankfully, means the world is your motorised oyster.

 If you want to be sensible, you could just stick with what you know - there are plenty of 2008 Golf 1.9 TDI models around in your price range and there are few cars that are better to be honest. Plenty of Focus, Astra, Auris and Kia cee'd options around too if you fancy a change. 

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

Your commenters are right. Although the Fluence is reasonably well built, it cannot hope to match the likes of the Prius or cee'd in the reliability stakes, and it will be far, far duller than either. If your driving is mostly around town, I'd say go for the Prius - city driving is its natural environment. If you're doing a lot of longer journeys (drives that destroy the Prius' economy) then go for the Golf or cee'd. 

Let us know which way you go

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

It depends on what sort of money you were thinking of spending, but there are a lot of good compact MPVs out there now. It's tempting to suggest another Meriva, simply because they're a thoroughly good car, but worth also checking out the Hyundai ix20, the Kia Venga, the Citroen C3 Picasso and the Honda Jazz.

Expert answer

Hi Irvin,

Well, it kind of depends what you want and what you need. These are two very different cars, so it's a little tricky to compare them directly. The Audi is stylish, comfy, refined and reasonably spacious, and of course comes pre-loaded with buckets of premium appeal. The Fiesta is, by contrast, rather more cheap and cheerful, but it's utterly brilliant to drive and, with that 1.4-litre diesel, should cost little more than buttons to run.

So, as I say, it depends what you need. Want space and premium appeal? Get the Audi. Want cheap running costs and a pin-sharp driving experience? Get the Fiesta.

Let us know which way you go

Expert answer

Hi Roland,

Learning to drive and need an automatic? Frankly, you can't go wrong with a Nissan Micra auto and there are lots around. I just spotted a nice, old-shape one from 2006 with an auto box for just €4,995. As reliable as the day is long, nice to drive and perfect for a learner.

One thing though, yes, it's entirely possible to take your test with an auto, but then you will be only licenced to drive automatics from then on. It might be worth your while braving the transition to a manual for the test, just so as you're not restricting your car choice further down the line.

Best of luck with it

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

This very match will be the subject of a twin test shorty in our iPad Mag so I don't want to give the game away too much!

Saying that, they're very different cars. Technically and logically the BMW M4 is dominant. It's considerably faster at all times too, yet the customisation of its driving systems that is open to the driver makes it suitable for everything from long distance cruising, to the school run and then the odd track day. It's an astounding car I'd personally love to own. It'd take years to learn it fully and if you like a challenge then it's the one for you. However, unlike the previous M3 Coupé, it's more docile at times, meaning the uninitiated aren't scared off by crazy twitchiness.

The Jaguar is much more laid back by default. Yes it's quick by any measure, and can make a sound all the more alluring than the BMW, but, in V6 or V6S guises at least, isn't quite as focused on hard-core driving. It drives very well, don't get me wrong, but the BMW would run rings around it on track.

Clearly that won't matter to many people and we suspect that this decision would be won by the heart. As I write this I'm torn. I adore the looks of the Jaguar and that may be enough to swing the decision, but in pure black and white terms, the M4 Coupé is a more accomplished car.

Let us know if you buy one or the other!

Further reading:

BMW M4 Coupé first drive

Jaguar F-Type V6S Coupé first drive

Expert answer

Hi Marcus,

No, but we can work out a rough figure for you. The 2006 320d had a quoted combined figure of 5.7 litres per 100km (about 50mpg). Now, we know that official fuel consumption figures are basically rubbish so let’s be on the pessimistic side – the urban consumption figure was 7.8 litres/100km so let’s split the difference and say 6.8 litres/100km as the halfway point. On your 80km per day, therefore, you’re going to nominally get through about 5.4 litres of fuel per day. That works out at 37.8 litres per week, which at the current average price per litre of diesel comes to €42.90 per week.

Now, that’s an estimated figure, and everything from the traffic levels, to the type of road you use to your own driving style to how much weight you’re carrying in the car to the condition of your engine and your tyres to whether you use the air conditioning or not and so many more variables will have an effect on that figure, so consider it ballpark only.

Expert answer

Hi Fergal,

The Mustang has already started rolling off the production line in right-hand drive, but is not due to arrive in Ireland until late summer 2015. Apparently one Irish buyer has already ordered one.

We're (finally!) driving the new Mondeo early next month and we understand that the first examples will arrive in Ireland this November. That probably means in dealers nationwide for December, in time for the new '151' plate in January.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Olivia,

The official figures for a 2008 Astra 1.7 CDTi were 56mpg on the combined cycle and 135g/km of CO₂. I'd say you could reasonably expect it to return that kind of economy in daily driving, assuming it's one that's been reasonably well looked after and serviced regularly. Oh, just to note though - that's the figure for the basic model with 15-inch wheels. Astras with wheel sizes 16-inch and above were officially rated at 55mpg.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi John,

To be honest, it's a little hard to tell. The A3 Saloon hasn't been out long enough for us to get a solid handle on its resale values but we can work from a couple of basic assumptions:

 1. Yes, diesel is currently more highly valued than petrol.

2. That won't always be the case - now that the mad post-2008 scramble for diesel has subsided buyers are starting to get wise to the value of petrol power again, helped by improved engine tech.

3. An Audi, any Audi, will likely have stronger residual values than most other marques so you're already ahead of the game.

So I guess the answer is yes, your depreciation will be a little sharper on petrol than on diesel but I suspect it won't be by very much. Fret not and just enjoy owning one of our favourite current cars. 

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

Yeah, I think you're probably right to stick with diesel with those sorts of mileages. Mind you, it's worth pointing out that those two Volkswagens you have aren't on mega-miles yet and it could be more cost-effective to spend a little on getting them spruced up and fit for thousands more miles than chopping and changing.

That said, if you're in need of a good, reliable family car then I'd have a long look at a Toyota Avensis estate. The 2.0-litre D-4D diesel engine is a good 'un and cheap to tax, it's comfy, ideal for long motorway runs and if it's not the most exciting car in the world, then at least it's solidly reliable. Spacious too.

Probably the most cost-effective option is to replace the high-miler with something younger and fitter and then spend a little extra to keep the runaround Golf fresh.

 Let us know what you decide on.

Expert answer

Hi Derek,

I sent your query to the editor of Mercedes Enthusiast magazine for an expert opinion and here's what was suggested:

Here are a few parts places to try:

www.mercman.net

www.mercedes-auto-spares.com

ken@kensbenz.co.uk

www.kmsparts.com

www.mercedes-parts-centre.co.uk

Failing all those, send a 'Wanted' advert to ads@mercedesenthusiast.co.uk.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Sandra,

The only persistent issues with the Insignia are electrical problems that can effect everything from the door locks to the alarm system. Usually these are just minor problems that can be fixed, but occasionally the problem is in the wiring loom itself and that's a much bigger deal. Check and make sure all the buttons work and also check the boot area for any dampness - the boot seals can leak and allow in water. For a 2.0-litre diesel Insignia, I'd be disappointed if you couldn't get it to do 50mpg in everyday driving.

Expert answer

Hi Simon,

The thing is that there's not a huge difference between the Mk VI and Mk VII when it comes to driving. The Mk VII is that bit newer and more sophisticated, of course, but in terms of the actual levels of driving enjoyment and quality, they're much of a muchness. If you can find a good Mk VI at a good price, I'd say go for it. Unless that is you're prepared to wait and get the ultimate Mk VII, the one with the Performance Pack fitted. That's another ball game completely.

On the GTD versus GTI front, it's all about your mileage. If you're doing lots of long miles then the GTD provides 80 per cent of the GTI's enjoyment factor with obviously lower fuel bills. If you're not doing mega miles, stick with petrol.

Let us know which way you go