Expert answer

Hi Ann,

The issue with early PureTech petrol engines is well documented. They use what's called a “wet belt”, which means the timing belt actually runs in oil. Most timing belts do not. Unfortunately, many of these engines have reportedly suffered from premature timing belt degradation. This can lead to lots of other engine issues caused by the presence of bits of the timing belt in the oil system. This did not affect every example of the engine, though.

In an attempt to fix the issue, there was a change to the material used in the timing belt from about 2021.

Aside from that, using the correct oil at service time is key, and perhaps shortening the time between oil services is to be advised. Likewise, we'd urge owners to change the timing belt a little earlier than the official interval.

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

Looking at the facts first of all, the Grandland Electric and Scenic E-Tech electric start at roughly the same asking price, below €40,000 once all incentives are taken into consideration. However, for that price, the Grandland gets a 73kWh battery pack and an official range of up to 523 kilometres, while the Scenic's 60kWh battery means a range of 430km. The Grandland is more powerful as well, featuring a 213hp motor while a 170hp motor comes with the Scenic's smaller battery.

Nonetheless, that Scenic is a massive 300kg lighter than the Opel so it's actually faster accelerating, better to drive and a little more efficient.

The Scenic can be had with an 87kWh battery to extend the range to an official 625km, though that's more expensive again. On a three-year finance package that may not be an issue of course.

The Scenic is a bit smaller overall, with a length 200mm shy of the Grandland's, but it seems to be better packaged, as the interior is just as spacious and the boot, at 535 litres, is only 15 litres down on the Opel's. The better packaging is likely to do with the fact the Grandland underpinnings were developed to accept engines as well an electric powertrain, while the Scenic is only offered as an EV.

Both feel of good quality inside, though we much rather the infotainment and dashboard layout of the Renault. On the road, we also prefer how the Scenic drives.

Hopefully all that is of help, but don't hesitate to come back to us if you need more.

The best advice we can give you is to go and test drive the cars before you make any decision.

Expert answer

Hi Lorraine,

There really is a lot of choice out there, but we will try to help you narrow things down.

With your car as a trade-in, and the €16,000 budget on top, we'll look for cars up to about €27,000.

First up, narrowing the search to automatic SUVs post-2021 really limits your options to the Nissan Qashqai, which isn't very powerful, the Peugeot 3008 (which is quite rare) or the Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen Tiguan. The latter two are potentially worth a look as they're built on much the same underpinnings as your Ateca and their 2.0 TDI engines have plenty of go. There aren't many of them about with automatic gearboxes though.

Removing the constraint on that opens up the options considerably and one car that stands out for us right away is the Mazda CX-5. It's perhaps not as common as some others, but it's great to drive in particular and it should tick all your other boxes. Try to get hold of one to test drive for yourself.

A newer Ateca is of course an option, and we're big fans of the SEAT, but all the newer ones we found haven't a very powerful engine.

The Peugeot 3008 is another car we like and would encourage you to try it out for size. There are plenty of them about with a manual gearbox.

All of these should have the niceties you're looking for as well.

Come back to us if you need help narrowing your search further, or if you want our opinions on any other alternative to the above.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

All engines available in the 2021 Optima used timing chains, and they come with no set replacement schedule. In theory they are designed for the life of the engine.

Expert answer

Hi Marie,

I can confirm that those cars' engines do not have wet timing belts - they are traditional 'dry' belts instead. I believe the issues you mentioned relate to Ford's EcoBoost petrol engines only. 

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

All the various 2.0-litre engines (TDI diesel and FSI/TFSI petrol) in the 2004 Audi A3 used cam belts.

Expert answer

Hi Fergal,

The first one that comes to mind is the Skoda Superb. A new generation of this massive car was launched last year and it’s a great option. It’s bigger than the Mondeo and can be had with a 2.0 TDI diesel engine.

A lovely car is the Peugeot 508, which can be had with a 1.5-litre diesel, but you might find it small inside in comparison to your Mondeo. Worth a look anyway.

There really aren’t many others if you’re sticking with a diesel saloon, unless you go for one of the premium brands - both Audi and Mercedes sell diesel engines still in the A5 and C-Class, respectively.

Expert answer

Hi Shane,

When you're taxing a commercial vehicle for private use then the rate goes by the engine size. 

The Wildtrak can be had with 2.0 or 3.0-litre diesel engines, while the Ranger can be had with a 2.0-litre diesel or 3.0-litre petrol option. The 2.0-litre engines cost €710 a year to tax and the 3.0-litre units (doesn't matter what fuels them) are €1,494 per annum.

Read our Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained feature for full details.

Expert answer

Hi John,

There really won't be much to choose between them. Both manufacturers have good reputations for the reliability of their petrol engines. In your position I'd go with the car I prefer and not worry about the reliability. 

Expert answer

Hi Robert,

The 1.5 and 1.6 EcoBoost engines in the 2015 Kuga use "dry" belts, not "wet" ones.

Expert answer

Hi Damien,

First up, the BMW i3 is a great option for your needs based on what you told us. It's a cracking compact car that will cost you nothing to run and is an idea runabout. And yes, I'd agree that the fully electric version is the best one, especially when you have access to other cars in the household for longer journeys. 

I really like the 4 Series Gran Coupe as well, but understand the reticence to trust the diesel engines. Would you consider a petrol one instead perhaps? The NOx levy on the diesel on importation can be expensive as well. Because of potential engine issues I'd be inclined to stick with a local BMW dealer and get as good a warranty as you can.

Obviously electric cars don't emit any NOx or CO₂, so it's a bit bizarre if Revenue's site can't deal with that... There is a VRT exemption up to €5,000 and anyway, it's only 7 per cent of the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP).

If you're looking to buy in the North, just make sure the car has been registered and used by a private individual in the North for at least three months before you import it, and that must be verified by documentation. Then no VAT or import duty should be due, just VRT - and the NOx levy if applicable. 

Hopefully all that helps, but come back to us with other specific questions if you need more assistance of course.

Expert answer

Hi Adam,

First up, while this job isn't the most intricate, we would still recommend you get a qualified mechanic to do the work as a few things can go wrong that could lead to more expense - such as damaging the wiring, or even the gearbox itself.

With all that in mind, the sensor should be accessible from the engine bay, half way along the length of the gearbox itself at the top. It's a congested part of the engine bay of course so it won't be easy to access and may even require removal of other components to get at it.

Disconnect the wire (checking for faults in that before you assume the sensor is faulty) and then use an appropriately sized socket to unscrew the sensor from the gearbox. Make sure nothing falls into that hole and reverse the procedure with the new sensor, ensuring you don't over-tighten it and damage the threads.

Unless you have done plenty of work on car engines, I would again urge you to employ a mechanic to do this job.

Expert answer

Hi Priscilla,

Actually, we would not expect any warranty on the engine in that situation. Before you buy the engine there may be a chance to negotiate such a thing, but it's not the norm as the engines come from dismantled cars and the dismantler usually knows very little about their history etc. Hence they're far cheaper to buy than new or properly reconditioned engines. 

Expert answer

Hi Sergiu,

All the HDI engines (there were 1.6, 2.0, 2.2 and 2.7-litre diesels in 2006 in the 407) use timing belts.

Expert answer

Hi Robert,

The €1,250 rate is for cars registered in Ireland before 1 January 2021, with CO₂ emissions of 191-225g/km. 

The €750 rate has been upped to €790, but it applies to cars registered in Ireland before 1 January 2021, with CO₂ emissions of 171-190g/km. 

So there appears to be a reason that your car is in the higher bracket. Larger wheels can do that, or maybe it's the difference between the weights of the three- and five-door body styles.

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

The answer is yes — kind of. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is currently going through a public consultation on this very process, and it hopes to start rolling out the first grants to support apartment-block chargers by October of this year.

The plan, as it currently stands, has two levels — a grant of between 50-80 per cent for landlords, management companies and other apartment block owners who want to invest in the wiring and infrastructural installation for charging points, and a second level that gives the same €600 grant to private residents who want to install a charger, where possible. The SEAI is currently seeking public submissions on the plan, so head over to the SEAI website if you’d like to get your views across. 

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 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 Mary,

If you do manage to get it registered before the end of this month (if you've not already got a VRT appointment, I'm afraid to tell you that you are unlikely to now) then your car will be taxed on its NEDC CO₂ rating, which I believe is 127g/km. That means €270 per annum now and no change for 2021. These guides might be of interest:

Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained

Guide to Importing Cars from the UK

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 Dean,

Not specifically. Pre-2008 motor tax is calculated on engine capacity, so there’s no direct distinction between petrol or diesel engines. 

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

Yup, such are the vagaries of the CO₂-based tax system that we switched to in 2008. The idea was to reward those choosing vehicles with lower emissions, and that is often most starkly shown up when you start looking at older cars with larger engines versus newer models, which probably have much more power, but have smaller, more efficient engines. Of course there’s an argument that says that keeping an old car going, rather than buying a new one, is actually overall better for the environment, but that’s not going to wash with the tax authorities I’m afraid.

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

Yup, the problem is that 2008 was the switchover year to CO₂-based taxation, and the old Toyota petrol engines were pretty high up the charts in that respect. Actually, are you sure it’s 1.4? Because we only have data for a Corolla Verso with a 1.6-litre engine from that year. That engine had emissions of 177g/km, which would account for the high motor tax cost, but in theory a vehicle bought in 2008 should be eligible to revert to the old engine capacity system, which would bring down the cost a little. It’s certainly worth raising the issue with your local motor tax office to see what’s possible.

Expert answer

Hi Rebecca,

You've not given us the year or engine size, so here's a summary:

Kuga gen 1 (2008-2013): both engines (2.0 TDCi diesel and 2.5-litre petrol) use timing belts that must be changed every 200,000km or 10 years, whichever comes first.

Kuga gen 2 (2013-2020): the 1.5 and 1.6 EcoBoost petrol engines and the 2.0 TDCi diesel engine have timing belts that must be changed every 200,000km or 10 years, whichever comes first. The 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine uses a timing chain. 

Unusually, the schedule for the 1.5 TDCi diesel engine's timing belt replacement depends on the model year. Up to 2018 it's the same as the others above, but after 2018, the interval is reduced to 180,000km.

Expert answer

Hi Joseph,

I'm afraid that's impossible to say as no two engines will be the same. It will depend on a lot of factors, including the design and construction of the engine in the first place, how well looked after the engine was throughout its life in terms of maintenance and how hard it was used. 

Expert answer

Hi Francis,

It’s actually pretty brilliant — that 1.6 iDTEC engine is one of the best diesels we’ve ever sat behind. It’s smooth, has plenty of performance and is very economical. Plus, Honda engines were never implicated in any diesel emissions cheating, so your conscience can remain untroubled. The rest of the car is rather lovely too. Honda’s quality is a given and that generation of Civic is both massively roomy and massively versatile with those clever flip-up ‘Magic’ rear seats. It’s also good to drive — not as agile as a Ford Focus, but solid and planted, with nice steering feel and good comfort levels, too. The only demerits are a bit too much road noise and a slightly messy dashboard layout.

Read our review of the 2013 Honda Civic i-DTEC here

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

The government knows the emissions of each vehicle simply because each vehicle is put through a series of official laboratory tests as part of the process of homologation — the legal process whereby a car is pronounced as passed for sale to the public - and that data is made available by the car manufacturers. As for which is cheaper to tax, it’s down to the CO₂ emissions and we’d have to know which make and models you’re looking at before we could give you a precise answer, but in most cases, for a given car, the diesel would have lower CO₂ emissions and hence motor tax.

Expert answer

Hi Gino,

That Ford 1.6 TDCi diesel engine is one of the most common engines around, as it has also been used by Mazda, Volvo, Peugeot, Citroen and MINI. It has one major vulnerable spot and that is that sooty, gummy deposits can build up in areas that are supposed to be kept cool and lubricated by oil. If the deposits build up enough, they can block the oil passage and cause component failure — most commonly of the turbocharger. The best way to prevent that happening is with regular servicing (at least once a year depending on mileage) and making sure that you always use a high-quality grade of synthetic oil for the engine.

The 1.6 petrol engine, the 100hp version, is a much simpler unit and it’s pretty reliable, mostly because it’s a much older design. It won’t be as economical nor as punchy in its performance as the diesel, but if it’s reliability you’re looking for, it might be the better option. 

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

It would have been useful to have more details about the car, such as age and engine, as it varies considerably. I'll deal with the 2013 on model, which is still in production.

All 1.2-litre petrol engines:
 - up to Sep 2014, 180,000km/10 years
- Oct 2014 to Apr 2017, 175,000km/10 years
- from then on, 100,000km/6 years first, then every 200,000km/12 years

1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel: every 180,000km or 10 years

All 1.6-litre diesel engines: 175,000km or 10 years

All 1.6-litre THP petrol engines: timing chain

1.6-litre VTi petrol engine: 150,000km or 10 years

All 2.0-litre diesel engines: every 180,000km or 10 years

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 Nigel,

We know of an issue with the clutch assembly that causes what sounds like engine noise in the naturally aspirated 1.0-litre Polo engine. In the 1.0 TSI models, apparently a fault with the engine control unit (ECU) can cause whining from the engine as well. Neither of those sound like the problem you have, though.

Expert answer

Hi Tony,

The second-generation Octavia launched in 2004, which means you're most likely looking at two completely different generations of the model. There will be some small number of parts potentially shared across both, but not a lot at all, especially as the engines are also different.

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

We certainly have noticed this trait in all Volkswagen Group DSG-based gearboxes (that's what the S tronic transmission is) and their attendant engines of late. The only explanation seems to be that VW’s various brands have trimmed back both engine power and responsiveness at low speeds, and especially at idle or when waking up from a stop-start cycle, in order to optimise their figures in the new WLTP emissions and economy tests. VW is certainly not the only one to do this, but it does seem to be more obvious with VW Group models than with some other manufacturers. Shifting the gearbox into Sport helps a bit, but it’s not a total fix.

One cure might be a total vehicle upgrade — we’ve noticed that the new ‘Evo’ versions of the 1.5 TSI petrol and 2.0 TDI diesel engines are noticeably less sleepy. Or, alternatively, trade in for a version with a manual gearbox — that is the simplest cure of all.

Expert answer

Hi Leigh,

It depends on the engine. There's a timing chain in the 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 and 2.4-litre petrol engines and a timing belt in the 2.0-litre diesels. The 2.2 diesel, which only went into production in 2005, has a timing chain.

Expert answer

Hi John,

That's kinda a 'how long is a piece of string?' question, as no two engines are created equally. I mean, every different 1.6-litre diesel engine has a different realistic life span. And while it's reasonable to presume that a diesel engine is designed to be driven over higher mileage, I don't believe that manufacturers aim for 'worse' durability for their smaller petrol engines. 

Expert answer

Hi John,

All engines fitted to the 131-generation Toyota Avensis used a timing chain, not a belt.

Expert answer

Hi Kris,

The problem is that Irish insurers are a bit blunt-force when it comes to deciding their rates, and generally speaking (and completely erroneously) they simply tend to go by engine size. So even though there are plenty of older 1.9-2.0-litre diesel engines with similar power outputs to a more modern 1.6, they’ll probably quote you more just because it’s a bigger engine. Stupid, but then that pretty much sums up the insurance industry in Ireland. All I can suggest is either biting the bullet and getting a 1.6 that maybe you’re not as keen on, or finding a really good local broker who can help you track down quotes that us mere mortals can’t find. 

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

It’s actually €710, the rate for cars with engines sized between 1,901cc and 2,000cc (the Amarok 2.0 is actually 1,968cc). As we’ve said before, for some bizarre reason, if you’re taxing a commercial vehicle as a private car, you go back onto the old by-engine-capacity system.

Read this for more: Buying a commercial vehicle for private use

Expert answer

Hi Colin,

Yup, Mercedes will be bringing the CLA 220 and CLA 250 diesel models, with their 2.0-litre engines, to the market in due course, but the CLA is launching initially in Ireland with the lower-power petrol and diesel versions. The rest will follow over the next few months.

Expert answer

Hi Timothy,

The timing belt on the 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine (and hence the water pump) should be changed every 150,000 kilometres or six years - whichever comes first. If the belt on that car has never been changed, it really should be as soon as possible.

All other engines in that car use timing chains, incidentally.

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

The A16LET engine is a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit according to our records, producing 179hp and manufactured from 2009 to 2014. 

If your engine is pre-2010, the recommended change interval is 150,000 kilometres or 10 years, whichever comes first. For engines made after that date, it's still 150,000 kilometres, but the maximum time between changes is six years.

Expert answer

Hi there,

By 2009 all cars on sale will have been on the current CO₂-based tax system, so if you think you’re paying too much, then you need to go back and check up the figures for the model you own. The A3, in 2009, came with a choice of four petrol engines — 1.4, 1.8 and 2.0-litre turbos - and an older naturally-aspirated 1.6 petrol. There’s quite a bit of difference between the engines when it comes to CO₂ figures. The 1.4 turbo has rated CO₂ emissions of 139g/km, which would mean motor tax of €280 a year, which I guess isn’t too bad. The older 1.6 engine, in spite of having 20hp less, has CO₂ emissions of 162g/km, putting it in Band D, with an annual tax bill of €570. The 1.8 160hp engine has 155g/km emissions, which just scrapes into Band C, with €390 a year tax, while the 2.0-litre turbo, with its 200hp engine, is in the same boat as the 102hp 1.6 engine, with 166g/km and tax of €570.

If you let us know the precise spec and engine of your car, we might be able to help out more. 

Expert answer

Hi John,

It’s not to do with wheel sizes, but engines and trim grades. The A 250 always comes with multilink rear suspension, while the A 180 d always gets a torsion beam. It’s the A 200 in the middle that has the variance – the Sport models have a torsion beam, the AMG Line cars gain the multilink set-up. We don’t know exactly what the A 180 petrol will do as yet, but we’d guess it will follow the A 200’s pattern, rather than the A 180 d’s formula.

Expert answer

Hi Colin,

There are well-documented issues with stretching VAG timing chains, unfortunately, and yes, it's very expensive to replace a chain. The problem is usually identified by a distinctive rattling on cold start-up before it manifests itself in engine running issues and there are also chain inspection ports on these engines so, if a car you're looking at has had proper maintenance, you can have the chain inspected.

Expert answer

Hi Donna,

For the first-generation Audi Q3 (pre- and post-2015 facelift), regardless of whether you have one of the 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engines or any of the 2.0-litre TDI diesels, the recommended maximum interval (regardless of time) is 210,000 kilometres. The 2.0-litre TFSI petrol model uses a timing chain, not a belt.

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 Samie,

It depends which engine exactly you have in your Fiesta and when it was manufactured. For both the 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre TDCi engines, there was a changeover in schedule that occurred for cars made later in 2010. Before that, the timing belts in the diesel engines were scheduled to be changed every 200,000 kilometres or every 10 years, but after that, for a brief period of manufacture, it changed to 140,000km (still 10 years) and later again back up to 180,000 kilometres.

We always encourage readers to err on the side of caution with timing belts, so would advise you to consider the 140,000km interval as applicable to your car.

Expert answer

Hi Seamus,

The same size, yes, but they are very different engines. Actually, both engines also have the same 130hp power output, but without question the Peugeot engine feels livelier to drive than the Renault one. Why? We can’t say, but the effect is definitely there. Economy should be fine though — especially seeing as most of your mileage is around town, you should get a pretty easy 40mpg on average. It’s definitely the best engine option for you. At 7,000km a year you’d be wasting your money buying a diesel.

Expert answer

Hi Manav,

The Jazz basically has the Suzuki beaten in every metric you’ve mentioned here, except for boot space (the Baleno has a single, solitary, extra litre of boot volume) and, depending on which model you go for, power.

The Baleno can be had with either a 90hp 1.2-litre petrol engine or a 111hp turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol ‘BoosterJet' unit. The Honda comes with a choice of 1.3 or 1.5-litre VTEC petrol engines, with either 102hp or 130hp, but it’s worth remembering that the basic Baleno comes as a mild hybrid, so it has a tiny electric motor that can boost power for a few seconds at a time, and is very economical.

Expert answer

Hi Kieran,

The 2008 Avensis D-4D engines, both 2.0 and 2.2-litre, have timing chains, not belts. Up to 2006 the 2.0-litre engine had a timing belt.

Expert answer

Hi Sean,

I agree to a certain extent with this, but not completely. Rear-wheel-drive cars with their engines up front (as with your Mercedes) really struggle with traction in icy conditions, but front-wheel-drive cars are no better when it comes to braking and turning in the same conditions so if such a law was to be brought it, it really should apply to all cars, as winter tyres provide much more grip whether you're accelerating, braking or turning.

However, despite the crazy week we've had here in Ireland with snow and ice, long term weather stats clearly show that we don't get enough cold weather in most parts of Ireland (i.e. the temperature below seven degrees C) to warrant forcing everyone to change to winter tyres. Above seven degrees C, winter tyres are not as good as all-weather/summer tyres and they wear much quicker.

The Irish motorist already feels hard done by in terms of taxation and running costs so I don't think any government would bring this in here, but to be honest, I don't think they should, either. It really should be up to the individual. And that's coming from someone that has expereinced how brilliant winter tyres can be. Other opinions area available...

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

I spoke to Kia Ireland about this and though it won't be offering the 2.0-litre petrol model for sale here, it did confirm that service intervals for the 3.0-litre model will be 15,000km or once a year. The 2.2-litre diesel is 30,000km or once a year.

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 Justin,

The old-shape XC90 is definitely a good choice and yes they’re reliable (as long as you get one with a full service history and keep it looked after properly). They can be a little expensive to run, though, with big thirsty engines and high motor tax rates. It would definitely be worth considering the likes of a SEAT Alhambra or Ford S-Max as well, if you’re looking for lots of seats and space, or even a Volkswagen Caravelle or Shuttle if you want the absolute maximum in terms of seats and cargo room. Definitely room for the labrador in one of those, even if you don't like the look of the MPVs...

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

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Hi Ciaran,

No, it’s actually Toyota’s own design of engine, and is quite closely related to the 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit in the Yaris and Aygo. It’s pretty clever actually — able to switch from Otto cycle to Atkinson cycle (which helps to save fuel) and back again. It’s a good engine to drive, if you’ve not tried one, smooth and reasonably powerful (only 114hp but a decent 184Nm of torque).

Read our review of the Toyota Auris 1.2 here

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Hi Declan,

It’s actually really hard to pick a winner out of those three. The Auris Hybrid is a good choice, but works best if most of your mileage is in town. At 1,000km a week, it sounds like you’re doing longer journeys than that. Between the Golf and the Civic? Both have excellent 1.0-litre turbo petrol engines, but I think on balance we’d come down on the side of the Civic. It's roomier inside than the Golf and has  (slightly) better reliability prospects in the longer term.

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Hi Catherine,

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Hi Kieran,

Yes, the 1.6 TDI engine in the Octavia should have manifold-in-head tech. All EA889 derivative engines, built from 2013 onwards, have manifold-in-head construction, and that goes for 1.6 as well as 2.0 diesels.

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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.

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Hi Peter,

If you want a mix of fun, comfort and not diesel, it’s kind of hard to beat a Volkswagen Golf GTI. Superb performance, practical and comfy cabin and 45mpg if you drive it gently.

Other good options are a MINI Cooper (a touch noisy on longer journeys, but with very good seats), a Ford Fiesta ST (hands down the best hot hatch currently on sale, but perhaps lacking a little in comfort), or a Peugeot 308 in GT spec with the 130hp 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine.

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Hi Donal,

Yup, Alfa is definitely offering some very sharp value deals on the Giulia at the moment, especially when you consider that you can effectively get a mid-spec car for the same price as a basic model. It’s a car we really like — it’s gorgeous, terrific to drive, practical and Alfa seems at last to have gotten on top of its quality issues. Two caveats, really — the infotainment system is not as sophisticated as you’d find in rival models, and to see the Giulia at its best, you really need to avoid the 2.2 diesel and go instead for the 200hp turbo petrol, although obviously that may not suit your needs.

Read our Alfa Romeo Giulia review here

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Hi Derek,

OK, you haven’t told us the year of your Mazda so that makes it a little hard to value, but seeing as it’s the 1.8 petrol I’m going to guess that it’s around 2006-2007. If so, then I’d say that the €4,400 trade-in offer is actually pretty good.

As to what car to get, if you’re looking for a small hatch then it’s very hard indeed to look past the Volkswagen Golf. It’s one of the world’s best-selling cars for a reason, and as long as you buy one with a full service history and keep it looked after, you should get plenty of years of reliable service out of one yet.

Ditto for the mechanically identical SEAT Leon and Skoda Octavia. The Opel Astra GTC is a fine car in many ways — handsome, good to drive, decent quality, but it was hamstrung by poor diesel engines (other than the range-topping 2.0-litre) and unless you’re looking at the 1.4 petrol turbo model, it’s possibly not the best purchase.

The Focus is definitely a good buy, and that TDCi diesel is frugal to run, but you just have to be slightly cautious about diesel power right now. If you’re not doing big miles, you’d be better off with a petrol car.

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Hi Anne,

The Captur, which has just been updated, is one of the best selling small crossovers around and it’s not hard to see why - it’s gorgeous, a really good looking car. Roomy enough inside too, and with a pair of excellent engines (either a 900cc turbo petrol or Renault’s long-serving 1.5 diesel). The downsides are that the cabin is quite plastic and it’s only very ordinary to drive.

The Peugeot 2008, by contrast, is rather more agile and sharper to drive, and also has some excellent engine options, especially the 1.2-litre PureTech petrol turbo unit. It’s also a little roomier than the Captur in the back, even if it’s arguably less handsome on the outside. On balance, it would be the Peugeot that we’d prefer, but you should also have a look at the likes of the new Suzuki Vitara (good to drive and very ruggedly reliable) and the Honda HR-V (a little larger and more expensive, but with exceptionally good quality on its side).

Peugeot 2008 review

Renault Captur review

Honda HR-V review

Suzuki Vitara review

Expert answer

Hi Val,

The 3008 is an excellent car and there’s just about enough space in the back for three child car seats in a row (although if that’s your ultimate priority, then wait for the 5008, which is due on sale in July). Of the range, Allure spec seems to be the best balance between price and equipment, and the best engines are the 1.2 turbo petrol (if you’re doing low to medium mileage) or the 1.6 BlueHDi diesel (if you’re doing lots of long journeys). 

Some relevant reviews:

Peugeot 3008 1.6 HDi Allure review

Peugeot 3008 1.6 HDi GT Line review

Peugeot 5008 1.2 PureTech review

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Hi Paul,

Yes, it can be. The N47 2.0-litre diesel engine had an issue with its timing chain, which had a nasty habit of snapping, and which was located right at the back of the engine, against the firewall, making it hard to access or inspect. BMW claims to have fixed the issue, which affected engines produced between 2007 and 2011, but it’s wise to tread carefully, make sure you buy only cars with full BMW service histories, and keep that service history up in case the problem occurs. 

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Hi David,

There are no major reported reliability problems for the AMG M156 V8 engine, other than that they can occasionally develop issues with the bolts that hold the engine head in place. Mind you, a huge amount will depend on how well the previous owner looked after it. While reliable, AMGs are of course bought for their high performance, and if the previous owner has thrashed it about, or not kept it serviced properly, then it could be troublesome. A full book of service stamps should be a good sign, though.

As for spare parts, I really wouldn't worry too much about that, as car makers produce spare parts for a very long time after a vehicle goes out of production.

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Hi Andy,

If you're only covering 10k a year mileage then you're probably better off in a petrol, so go for the 1.6. It's a solidly reliable engine too. If you want some alternatives, then maybe have a look for a Toyota Corolla Verso or a Honda FR-V, both of which come with pretty frugal petrol engines and are hugely reliable. 

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Hi Declan,

Yup, it's exactly the same car. Opel changed the styling at the front, tidied up the dashboard design and gave it some new engines, but the overall structure, body and dimensions remained the same. 

Read our Opel Mokka X review here

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Hi Kieran,

Yes, turbocharged petrol engines do often have exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems and dual-mass flywheels, but they are far less likely to cause problems due to, respectively, the different exhaust gases and the torque characteristics of the engine. Added to which, petrol engines work at lower combustions pressures and with less vibration than diesel engines so there's a little less wear and tear to worry about.

No, turbocharged petrol engines don't have particulate filters as, for now, they're considered 'clean' enough not to need them. That will change in the coming years, however.

Finally, the low-down-power thing is simple physics. Most turbocharged petrol engines and their diesel counterparts are pretty close on top-end power numbers (generally grouping around the 110-120hp level), but the difference you're talking about is torque - turning force, that low-down lugging sensation. Some of that is down to turbo design and the fact that a heavier diesel engine can accept higher turbocharger pressures, but most is simply down to the fact that diesel burns from compression ignition, which generates more torque and makes the engine feel more muscular at lower rpm. 

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Hi Martin,

It’s going to be a lower-slung, 'coupe' version of the X1 SUV, with a higher price tag and a coupe-like roofline in the mould of the bigger BMW X4 and X6. It’ll mostly carry over the engines and chassis from the X1, which means the entry level model could be the 150hp 2.0-litre 18d engine. We’ll have more details towards the end of September after the car is officially unveiled for the first time at the Paris Motor Show.

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Hi F D,

Short answer? We don't know yet. Theoretically, petrol engines heat up much more quickly than diesel engines (mostly because they're less thermally efficient) and therefore shorter journeys are less of an issue in that respect. It just depends on how much heat you need to generate to clean the filter and for how long. I'm sure that car makers will claim, as they did with diesel, that the filters are designed to be maintenance free, but then we've heard that before haven't we?

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Hi Gary,

It’s only available in the 310hp S3 model at the moment, and given the trend for down-sizing and having smaller, more efficient engines, I’d say it’s unlikely to be offered in a lower state of tune in a more affordable version. Mind you, the 1.4 TSI engine has a very healthy 150hp so is well worth looking at.

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Hi Sheila,

Both should be reliable, with the Hyundai just edging it in that regard. As you say, neither will be cheap to run, but with your mileage your only major cost is going to be motor tax and at least you can budget for that. Do plan to take at least one longish spin a week though to allow the diesel engines to warm through properly or you'll be looking at big repair bills.

On balance I'd go for the Hyundai, but it would be well worth looking at something like a Ford S-Max or SEAT Alhambra, which have even more space and generally lower running costs. 

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Hi Martin,

It'll be more of a thorough facelift, but Volkswagen may well decide to break out the Mk8 badges. Expect to see a major interior update with a big central touch screen (with gesture control) and some new and updated engines - including, possibly, a new family of 1.5 TDI three-cylinder diesels. 

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Hi Jason,

No. Renault is still in the process of rolling out AdBlue, or Selective Catalytic Reduction, injection to its 1.5 and 1.6 diesel engines.

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Hi Malcolm,

Your car has a cambelt and it needs to be changed at least every four years or 36,000 miles (58,000km). Those engines get badly damaged if the timing belt snaps so don't scrimp on it.

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Hi Sonia,

It turns out that there are 2.0 TDI engines from 2011 with chains and with belts - according to our date. So we'd need either your registration or the engine code from your car to check for sure. You can send those in private using the comment section below.

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Hi Sean,

Yes, the water pumps can fail, there can be issues with the turbo on diesel engines and the CD players can need re-coding. Also, if the spare key is missing, it’s hugely expensive to replace.

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Hi Tony,

There's no major recurrent fault for the flywheel on a Q5 specifically (although dual-mass flywheels generally come in for a lot of reliability criticism across all brands), but there was a recall for Volkswagen Group 2.0 TDI diesel engines a while back to replace faulty flywheels, so it's worth checking to make sure that's been done. If it doesn't show up in the service history, get in touch with Audi Ireland customer services, as they should be able to find out if a specific vehicle has or has not had the work done. 

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Hi Catherine,

To be honest, I wouldn’t. Quite aside from the fact that the Carisma is  dull to look at, sit in and drive, it was also quite unreliable for a car from a major Japanese car maker. There was no end of problems with the engines and worse still, the 1.3 was hopelessly underpowered. If you want a simple, reliable car from around 2002, think Toyota Corolla instead.

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Hi Conor,

A Golf is a great idea, but it would also be worth looking at the Toyota Auris too - it's not as sweet to drive as the Golf, but even more reliable. One word of warning though - both cars come with, at smallest, 1.4-litre engines, so you could run into trouble with insurance if you're only starting out as a driver. Have a shop around for premiums first as you may have to find something with an even smaller engine. 

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Hi Joe,

A hugely underrated car, the S80. Big, comfy and mostly very reliable. As ever with something that started out in life as an expensive model, don’t buy anything without a full service history and check carefully for any electrical gremlins. They’re also sensitive to knocked-about suspension, so check the tyres carefully for any uneven wear and tear. Other than that, reliability is pretty decent. The bigger diesel engines can be expensive to run, but if you go for the 1.6 diesel you’ll have a car that’s really frugal and not all that under-powered.

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Hi Mike,

Yes, yes, yes and oh, yes. Basically, it’s almost exactly like an A4 (same engines, same platform, same buttons, switches and touch-screen), but much more roomy (space for three child car seats abreast on the back seat and a massive 600-litre boot) and a lot cheaper to buy. Perhaps a touch noisier than the Audi, and maybe a little less precise to the steering, but you won’t feel short-changed.

Read our Skoda Superb Combi review here

Expert answer

Hi Justin,

It was always a nice car to drive and never less than pretty, but watch out on the reliability front - it comes from Merc's dodgy period. The engines and gearboxes are pretty solid but everything electrical is suspect, and the interiors are pretty poorly built in some cases. Watch the frameless glass in the doors too - it can slip away from its rubber seals and let in a lot of wind noise. 

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Hi Michael,

Yes, the Berlingo is generally excellent. It is occasionally prone to electrical issues, but they tend to be minor and the engines and gearboxes are long-lived and hard-wearing. As long as you buy one with a full service history, you should be fine. The cabins can be a little fragile at times, but being van-based, it should be easy to clean out after the dogs.

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Hi Catherine,

The 2008-onward Ka model, which shared a chassis and engines with the Fiat 500 and is built in Fiat's factory in Poland, should be rust free - the cars are well treated for rust when being built and offered with a lengthy anti-perforation warranty. If you come across a rusty one, chances are it's had accident damage, which has left bare metal exposed.

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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 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.

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Hi Gary,

Yes, but it's not due to arrive until late this year. It'll likely have only very small exterior changes (expect a more Passat-like front end), but there will be some bigger changes to the interior, including a new centre stack with the option of a big, Tesla-like tablet-style touchscreen with 'Gesture Control.' We may also get sight of the new family of 1.5-litre turbo petrol and turbodiesel engines this year (although they're more likely to be reserved for the all-new MkVIII Golf in a couple of years' time), but we'll definitely get to see the ultimate hot Golf - a four-wheel drive 420hp version of the Golf R designed to take on the Ford Focus RS.

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

Suzukis are reliable cars, by and large, so I'd say lots and lots of miles, but it's impossible to generalise. It all depends on what kind of condition the individual car is in and how well it's been looked after. Any car that's been serviced to schedule and cared for properly will do mega-miles easily.

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Hi Gerard,

Depends on the year. If it's post-2008 and especially if it's a GTC coupe then yes, it's lovely - nice to drive, punchy and frugal. If it's an older model then it's going to be pricey to tax and it'll be hard to shift on again as the market doesn't generally like hatchbacks with big engines. The coupe version kind of sidesteps that issue a little. 

Reliability should be fine, but test the electrics (especially the central locking and alarm) and check the boot for any signs of water getting in through leaky seals.

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Hi Sally,

Generally speaking, automatics and small engines don't go well together, but there are a few good ones. Any Volkswagen Group cars using a combo of either 1.2 TSI or 1.4 TSI petrol with the DSG gearbox should be pretty smooth and there are some Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4D diesels around with self-shifters. The Auris, while not exciting, is certainly smooth and comfy.

Actually, your best option could be to go hybrid or electric. The Honda Insight has a 1.3-litre hybrid powertrain and is an automatic and is surprisingly good to drive. Or what about the Nissan Leaf? If the roughly 160km electric range suits your lifestyle, there's nothing smoother than an electric motor.

Expert answer

Hi Bryan,

Go for the petrol 1.2 TSI. If most of your mileage is short hops then, even with a regular motorway run, you're not going to get the benefit from diesel. And a 1.2, driven with reasonable care, should get close to 50mpg on the motorway anyway. Plus, you'll save a good chunk of money at purchase time, which will easily outweigh any potential diesel fuel savings. 

Expert answer

Hi Aisling,

Not a huge seller, the Rapid, but it's a perfectly decent car. Skoda designed and built it as a more affordable alternative to the Octavia - it kind of sits between the Octavia and the smaller Fabia in price and space terms. The upsides are a big boot (huge, actually) and a decent line-up of petrol and diesel engines. The downsides are a slightly narrow cabin and bouncy, skippy rear suspension. Plus the interior doesn't look or feel as sophisticated as that of the larger Octavia. It'll be an affordable and very reliable family car though.

Read our Skoda Rapid review here

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

A very, very good point. However, I disagree with you on your broader 'hype about electric cars' comment - the only way we're going to be able to keep motoring, to keep some sort of private, personal transport going, is with electric cars. Now, whether that's with just batteries, or whether that's with hydrogen power or something else that hasn't yet been thought of, I don't know. But the days of digging up Jurassic forests in liquid form and burning them in engines is coming to a rapid close - it's not just about CO₂ and global climate change anymore either; the Volkswagen scandal has shown that we've been slowly and insidiously poisoning ourselves with other gases from car engines too. Some 1,200 people in Ireland this year will die from respiratory illness brought on by pollution, a major multiple of those who will be killed in road accidents.

Your apartment point is well made though, and shows just what a period of transition we are currently in. A huge investment is needed to create an environment where electric vehicles can work simply and sensibly, and for all the efforts put in recently to install charging points and fast chargers, it's not nearly enough. Governments and energy companies, and the car makers too, will all have a major role to play in this, but it's just that no-one's playing enough of a role just yet.

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 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 Aaron,

I'd tread very carefully. Although the engines in the Megane II are pretty robust, any and all of its electrical and electronic systems are suspect to say the least, and the suspension is prone to failure too. Only buy if it has a seriously flawless service history and appears to be in perfect condition - and even then I'd be wary.

Expert answer

Hi Dan,

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Hi Stephen,

It depends. If it's the old non-turbo 1.4 75hp engine, then there shouldn't be any problems. It's a solid old lump, and as long as it's been kept serviced, it should be fine. If it's the more recent 1.4 TSI turbo or turbo + supercharger, then be a little more cautious - they're more complicated engines and I'd insist on the car having a full and complete Volkswagen dealer service history before buying.

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

Not all marques and not all models use AdBlue as yet. AdBlue is a urea solution that can be injected into he exhausts of diesel cars to neutralise a significant proportion of their emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) - very much in the news at the moment of course. The rule of thumb is generally only that larger, more powerful engines need an AdBlue treatment system as many smaller engines don't need the assistance. Each manufacturer, and indeed each individual engine, will have its recommended AdBlue top-up times, and it will be directly related both to mileage and how much acceleration the car has been doing. You can top up the AdBlue tank yourself - a 1.5-litre refill should cost around €11-12.

Expert answer

Hi Gary,

Volkswagen has confirmed that, following investigations, the EA288 engines, designed for EU5 and EU6 compliance, are not affected by the scandal surrounding the EA186 engines. In other words, the current Volkswagen diesel engines are fine and have been given a clean bill of health. If you've any lingering doubts over a car that you own, go to http://www.campaigncheck.ie and enter your reg number.

Read our full news story on this subject here

Expert answer

Hi Ede,

It depends on which engine your Fiesta is powered by. The 1.4- and 1.6-litre TDCi diesels have change intervals of 10 years or 125,000 miles (just over 201,000km), while the petrol engines (1.25-, 1.4- and 1.6-litre) have timing belts that need to be changed every eight years or 100,000 miles (160,000km).

We'd always advise readers to have the timing belt changed sooner rather than later, especially if the service history of the car is unknown.

Expert answer

Hi James,

The new Volvo S90 saloon, which will share its engines, chassis and, yes, that gorgeous interior, with the XC90, will go on sale in mid 2016 and will make a full public debut at the Geneva Motor Show next March. There'll be a massive V90 estate too we're told.

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Hi F D,

There does seem to be an issue with the turbo- and supercharged engines involving the timing chain and it seems to be because Volkswagen tried to stretch the service intervals too far. Now, your A3 may not have that particular engine, depending on the year and the engine power. The lower power 122hp version of the 1.4 TSI didn't have a supercharger, just a turbo so is simpler and doesn't seem to suffer the same issues. The more recent 150hp version also does without the supercharger, so the best thing to do is not panic - if you're concerned about the car, take it to your dealer, have it inspected and maybe insist on a more frequent oil change.

Expert answer

Hi Thomas,

Yes, in fact they're much better because they're smoother (thanks to direct fuel injection instead of the old Pump Düse system) and have much more sophisticated electronics to monitor their health. They don't seem to suffer from the old air mass sensor issues that plagued the 1.9 either. It's also a much more economical engine - figure on getting high-fifties mpg, rather than the high-forties of the old engine.

Expert answer

Hi F D,

The Audi Q2 won't actually be called the Q2, it'll be called the Q1. Why? Because Fiat owns the rights to the Q2 badge and won't let Audi play with its ball. So the Q1 will sit beneath the existing Q3, and will be based on the same MQB chassis system that currently underpins almost everything Volkswagen, from Golf to A3 to Passat to Superb. The next Q3 will get a little bigger too, to make some space for the Q1. Expect the Q1 to skew a little more towards an estate, crossover-y body style, leaving the Q3 to be taller and blockier and more SUV-ish.

We have no official word on engines yet but as it's MQB-based expect 1.4 turbo petrol and 1.6- and 2.0-litre TDI diesel, with an SQ1 sports variant using either a tweaked diesel or 230hp petrol turbo. It'll go on sale in 2016 and we'd expect to see a full production model at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

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 Breda,

There is very, very little between the two - they're essentially identical under the skin and use the same engines and mechanical package. Of the two, I think I'd fractionally put the Kia ahead, simply because it's a better looking car to my eyes and it comes with a longer warranty. Worth noting though that both are due for replacement soon, so haggle hard to get a good discount if you're buying new.

Relevant reviews:

Kia Sportage review

Hyundai ix35 review

Expert answer

Hi Tony,

Not a bad old lump, the Xsara, but watch for failing clutches, sagging suspension and dodgy electrics. Actually, you could be better off tracking down a well-cared for ZX hatch - they're a little more mechanically robust, and they're much more fun to drive than the Xsara, especially the desirable Volcane.

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

As luck would have it I have the latest version of the Subaru Forester on test this very week. It's powered by the 148hp 'boxer' diesel engine, which also has 350Nm of torque. Paired with the 'Lineartronic' automatic transmission it's surprisingly responsive. That's a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and it seems to do a great job of keeping the engine at its optimum operating speeds for a variety of situations. We've not fans of these gearboxes when fitted to petrol engines, but they work well allied to diesel and in the Forester it's a good match.

Officially this Forester 2.0D XC Lineartronic does 0-100km/h in 9.6 seconds, but even at motorway speeds it has plenty of go and it happily cruises above 120km/h.

In terms of comfort, the Forester scores well too. The suspension is quite soft and absorbent so bumps are dispatched with ease and it's relatively quiet on the motorway. The upright seating position is comfortable too.

Shame you don't need the back seats, as they're massively spacious.

Further reading:

Subaru Forester review (2013 manual model)

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

The Sportage is very much on its way out right now, with a new model due next year. That said, it's still a nice car, but it can't match the Qashqai for handling or for the emissions from their diesel engines. As for petrol, there really isn't a viable Sportage petrol option right now, but the Qashqai's 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine actually makes pretty good sense if you're doing low mileage and mostly drive around town.

Further reading:

Nissan Qashqai review

Kia Sportage review

Expert answer

Hi Domas,

Go for the diesel. It's a reliable and solid engine, but over and above that it can be very, very hard to move a petrol-engined Qashqai on again. People want the diesel models, so those old 1.6s tend to be very difficult to sell. That fact should offset the slightly higher servicing costs for the diesel.

Expert answer

Hi Gerard,

Not the most exciting car in the world, but they're pretty solidly built. Be careful of electrical gremlins and any clonking noises from the suspension means a car is to be avoided. The diesel engines can burn rather a lot of oil so check the levels and beware of any rough running. The 1.8 petrol is adequate but 1.6 is underpowered and consequently very thirsty.

Expert answer

Hi Shane,

If it's a small petrol hatch you're looking for then I think the best options are either a Ford Focus with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo engine (the 100hp version is the sweetest) or either one of the three Volkswagen Group hatches (Golf, Skoda Octavia or SEAT Leon) with the brilliant 1.2 TSI turbo. Both engines, if driven gently, should yield close-to-diesel fuel economy.

Incidentally, your point about higher seats being easier to get in and out of for elderly drivers is well made. It might be worth checking out something nearly-new along the lines of a Golf Plus or Ford C-Max in that regard.

Expert answer

Hi Stephen,

It's always tricky to diagnose such things remotely, so we'd advise you to go to a good mechanic to be sure.

If the engine has always sounded different when cold then it's unlikely to be something to worry about. Many engines run a little differently when cold to speed up warming of the catalytic convertors and get everything up to temperature.

However, if it's a new noise then you really should get it checked out, as it could well be to do with inadequate lubrication of parts of the engine until the oil is warmed up. This could be caused by a blocked gauze in the oil sump or some other reason for lack of oil pressure. It's worth double checking your oil level before you do much else.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Richard,

No, because the two cars are based on two different platforms. Although the engines are the same, the ancillary fittings and their attachment points will be very different.

Expert answer

Hi Bart,

We asked Volvo Ireland about this for you. Here was the response:

"The flexi fuel engines generally have shorter service intervals (10,000km or one year) and the system will say book for the next service if the mileage or engine hours or time have been reached. Even if the customer has not reached 10,000km, which seems to be the case, he might have reached the engine hours or time requirement for a service. I would advise bringing it into the dealership to get it serviced and make sure the correct oil and filters are used."

Hope that helps explain the situation.

Expert answer

Hi Eddie,

The Insignia is a fine car but you'll find it's not as spacious as your old Passat. Still, it's arguably more handsome and sharper to drive, but you have to make sure all the electrical bits are working properly.

As for the value of your Passat, you haven't given me a specific year but I'm going to guess it's around 2006-2007 in which case you're looking at around €5,000 as a trade in, but don't be surprised if you get offered less - cars with big petrol engines (even efficient ones) are forecourt poison right now.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi William,

Both of those are really good options, but with that budget there are some others worth considering. Given your low mileage, you might want to take a look at (shock, horror) some petrol alternatives. Both the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage are plentiful on the second-hand ground with petrol engines and they're well worth considering.

From personal family experience, I can tell you that a CR-V with the 2.0-litre VTEC petrol engine gets a sold 38mpg in daily use and has been close to faultlessly reliable. Or, if you need an occasional seven-seater, the second-generation Hyundai Santa Fe falls within your budget and is a cracking car, well worth a look.

What do you think?

Expert answer

Hi Tom,

You really may as well flip a coin to be honest. Under the skin they are basically identical. The Kia is arguably better looking and has the longer seven-year warranty, but then the Hyundai's five-year warranty is an unlimited mileage one - useful if you're racking up high miles. 

It comes down to personal preference other than that

Expert answer

Hi Carmel,

OK, full disclosure - I owned a 2003 Laguna estate for several years, so I know here what I'm talking about. Realistically, they're not very reliable at all. The engines tend not to break in and of themselves, but everything else does. Anything electrical is suspect (especially the electric windows and the credit card key system), the suspensions are fragile (especially the rear rubber bushings) and the catalytic convertors regularly pop a rivet or two.

Best avoided to be fair.

Expert answer

Hi Patricia,

Both 1.8- and 2.2-litre TDCi engines in the S-Max have timing belts. The change interval is 200,000 kilometres or every two years.

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

Of the two, I'd go for the Note. The Almera is a reliable old workhorse but it's about as dull as a car can get. The Note, by contrast, is nicer to look at, pleasant to drive and massively spacious and practical. There are a few things to keep an eye on though,  which is surprisingly given Nissan's reputation for reliability. Electrical gremlins, including needing a complete reset and reboot of the ECU, are not uncommon, while the folding rear seat mechanism can jam. There have been reports of problems with the diesel engines on early models too.

Expert answer

Hi Anthony,

Oh heck yes! The RX-8 has always been one of our favourite cars and it mixes high-revving rotary rear-drive fun with almost-practical four-seat space. There are actually very few, indeed hardly any, reported mechanical issues, and that's in spite of the poor reputation that rotary engines have in that regard. It will burn through a lot of oil though - they genuinely all do that, sir - so keep an eye on the dipstick and don't skimp on the good quality lubricants. There were also a few recalls, for leaking fuel pipes, cracked steering joints and cracked damper heat covers. Avoid anything that's been tweaked, tuned or messed around with and watch the handling in the wet - they can be staggeringly tail-happy.

Expert answer

Hi Kieran,

Tread carefully. On the upside, the 407 is still slick to look at and terrific to drive. On the downside, the diesel engines can give troubles (turbos, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valves and injectors) so any diesel 407 that idles lumpily or doesn't accelerate cleanly is to be avoided. In spite of the myriad buttons in the cabin, and some cheap plastics, it's actually pretty well built inside, so any uneven panel fit or loud rattles could be a sign of accident damage. Watch also for rounded-off security bolts on the alloy wheels - many a 407 owner got over-enthusiastic with the wheel brace when faced with a flat. Make absolutely sure that it comes with a full and complete service history.

Expert answer

Hi Roy,

The Passat is a good, solid car that with just a few points to check. Some of the early 2.0-litre TDI engines had some fragility in the turbo and injector departments, so have any of those cars checked carefully. The 1.6 FSI petrol engine is pretty solid but bear in mind that in a car of the Passat's size, it will have been thrashed pretty hard to keep up with traffic. Have a close look and listen to the suspension for any noises or clonks, and make sure the power steering feels consistent and precise as that system can give trouble too. 

Expert answer

Hi Mary,

Short answer, no. The CR-V is one of the most roomy and spacious SUVs around. In fact it makes you wonder quite if other car makers realise that the U in SUV stands for Utility...

The X3 is a typical BMW product - handsome, slick and terrific to drive, but there have been reports of troubles with the turbocharger on the older 2.0 diesel engines and the interior is surprisingly tight, especially if you're carrying kids - it's all but impossible to get three child seats across the back row. 

Why not check out the new CR-V instead? It's a really solid product, just as spacious as ever. Or, if you want a change of brand, have a good long look at the Hyundai Santa Fe - cracking car, that.

What do you think?

Expert answer

Hi Jacinta,

Essentially the old 1.9 TDI Pump Düse engine is just a bit less sophisticated than the newer, cleaner 1.6 TDI common rail engine. That said it's still pretty economical and while you could potentially get 60mpg from the 1.6 you should pretty easily get low-fifties-mpg from the 1.9.

Expert answer

Hi Ger,

To be honest, I would just avoid that generation of Rio at all costs. They're not especially reliable (engines, suspension and ventilation systems all give trouble) and the 1.3-litre petrol engine is quite underpowered, meaning you have to thrash it hard to keep up with the flow of traffic, which wrecks the fuel economy. On top of which the cabin is small, narrow and made of some staggeringly cheap and nasty plastic and they're basically awful to drive.

That generation of Rio was really the last of the truly bad Kias, before the company started to make some really good cars. Go, if you can, for a second generation Rio, made from 2006 onwards in both hatchback and saloon form. They're much more reliable, quite nice to drive and decently economical.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Jim,

How long is a piece of string? Sorry, but it is actually a tricky question to answer because it kind of involves asking 'which Range Rover?' That is to say that Land Rover's build quality, while it has consistently been improving over the past decade, can still be a touch variable. Many Range Rovers will get through big mileages with no trouble, while others simply won't.

The good news is (and I'm talking about post-2002 models here) that generally Range Rover unreliability has gone from trouble with major items such as brakes and suspension to minor niggles involving electrical components. Basically, if you're buying a Rangie make sure all the buttons work as they should and then budget a substantial amount of money to fix them when they don't. Engines, gearboxes and other bits are generally fine as long as the car has been serviced fully and has history to back that up. You won't get the flawless reliability that you'd get from a Toyota Land Cruiser for instance, but Rangies are certainly more solid than some of the rumours would have it.

Expert answer

Hi Jason,

Perhaps predictably, the DS5 has been a slow seller for Citroen, primarily because as soon as you put the words 'French' and 'premium' into the same sentence, most buyers tend to look for the exit. We are very, very wedded to our German premium cars in this country. 

The DS5 isn't a bad car at all, but to be honest, neither is it a very good one. It looks absolutely stunning, inside and out and as a piece of automotive sculpture, it's hard to beat. It comes with some excellent diesel engines too and generally its build quality and reliability seems to be up with the best.

The problem comes when you actually drive it and realise that it has steel girders for suspension. It rides terribly, clonking and clattering over bumps in a way that should be utterly alien to any French luxury car. A BMW 5 Series on 20-inch wheels rides better than this... Then there's the problem that the cabin is actually quite cramped, even in the front. It's a car we want to love, but there are just too many fundamental issues with it for us to do so.

Read our full road test of the Citroen DS5 here

Expert answer

Hi David,

Diesel particulate filter issues are common to all modern diesel engines and it's basically down to how the car is driven. It's part of why diesels aren't suitable for low mileage, short-hop drivers. 

The Mazda issue appears to be down to the fact that the diesel particulate filter warning light double-jobs as a warning light for other exhaust and emissions issues, meaning that fixing or replacing the filter might not be the whole story. Essentially, if you've got this problem, it's best sorted by a trained and informed Mazda mechanic, as they can interrogate the engine's computer in detail.

Expert answer

Hi Tanya,

Actually, both cars have exactly the same engine - BMW's long-serving 3.0-litre straight-six diesel. The first generation X5 is little short of excellent, with terrific handling and a gorgeous, comfortable cabin. Reliability isn't the best though. The engines have occasional problems with fuel injectors and developing cracks in the inlet manifold, while steering and suspension are also prone to damage and wear. X5s are also notorious for chewing through tyres at a ferocious rate. The engine's air mass sensor can also fail, leading to poor acceleration although you'll spot that easily enough on a test drive.

Basically, it's worth getting any potential purchase checked over by the AA for any faults, and just ignore anything that doesn't come with a full service history. Oh, and it's better to go for the 2004 one - that should have the newer six-speed automatic gearbox (ignore manuals - they'll be worth much less come trade-in time) that improves fuel economy to just over 30mpg.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

Well, it kind of depends on the car. If you mean something along the lines of a Hyundai i10 or even a Peugeot 208 (ok, so that one's a 1.2 but still...) then the answer is not much. Fuel economy should work out at around 50mpg depending on how you drive; emissions should be under 120g/km; and insurance should be dirt cheap.

If you're talking about an older model, the waters are a bit muddier. Smaller engines generally mean lower running costs but there are cars out there with underpowered smaller engines, and you have to spend so much time ragging them to keep up with the flow of traffic that your fuel consumption goes through the roof.

Expert answer

Hi Rowland,

OK, there are a lot of parameters to go with here, but the basics are that you need a car that's cheap to buy (so it can't, sadly be too new), has affordable running costs and won't break down every time it rains. I reckon that gives you a choice of three or four key models: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla or Auris, Kia cee'd or Hyundai i30.

Have a shop around and you should be able to find several of those all well within your purchase price range, while they all have efficient engines and excellent reliability records. In the case of the Kia and the Hyundai, they also have lengthy warranties, which, even if there's none left on the one you buy, at least means that they're more likely to have been looked after. My personal choice would be the Honda. Track down a nice 1.4 petrol Civic and I don't think you'll look back.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

Not half so bad as their reputation would have you believe. Keep a close eye on the gearbox (mostly fine but occasionally prone to being fragile) and carefully check to make sure that everything electric works as it should. Any doubts in that area and walk away - even minor electrical glitches can be wearingly expensive to fix. Engines, especially the BMW-sourced 3.0-litre straight-six diesel, are usually fine, as is Land Rover's own 3.6-litre V8 diesel, but make utterly sure that the car has a full and comprehensive service and maintenance history. Anything less than a full set of stamps should trigger a walk-away.

Expert answer

Hi Dermot,

If you mean actually physically swapping out the engine and plumbing in a diesel then I wouldn't recommend it. Diesel engines are much heavier than their petrol counterparts and most car makers tweak the suspension, brakes and steering to allow for that fact. Putting a diesel lump in where a petrol one was could upset that delicate balance. Also, it's an enormous amount of expense and hassle to do so, when you could just trade in for a similar model with a factory-fit diesel.

Expert answer

Hi Dan,

Hmmm. Generally for your mileage I would recommend a petrol car, but the bad news is that in your size bracket, petrol engines are a little thin on the ground. You could go for either a straight replacement for your Corolla by getting a Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4D, which is a very fine car, or you could, as you suggest, branch out and snap up a Hyundai i30 1.6 diesel - again a very fine car and with that five-year warranty, a very tempting buy. 

But, with your mileage profile, I would suggest taking a good long look at petrol alternatives. The Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost is a terrific car with a great engine and well worth a look. That said it's a little tight in the back seats for two teenagers so I'd say the best all round bet is a Skoda Octavia 1.2 TSI. It's more affordable than the diesel version, damn near as economical and has a big boot and lots of space in the back seats for those teenager-filled weekend runs. Great quality and reliability too.

Expert answer

Hi David,

Depends on your driving style, but 55mpg should be a gimme, 60mpg if you're a bit careful and 70mpg if you're driving with baby kittens under the accelerator pedal.

You're quite right about 1.2 engines, at least for now. They usually have to be worked too hard to drive at normal speeds to get the best economy and, for now, 1.6 seems to be a displacement sweet spot. That will change though - just check out the economy you can get (with some effort) from Volkswagen's 1.2 TSI petrol unit.

Expert answer

Hi David,

Volkswagens tend to be very good for refinement, especially the new Golf, but if it's serious cabin silence you're looking for, check out a Lexus. True, they're pricey new but a secondhand IS or GS would be a bargain piece of interior cosiness.

Expert answer

Hi Susan,

Wow, you're a glutton for punishment aren't you? You pretty much couldn't have picked two less reliable cars. The Discovery is best avoided. If you could afford to trade up to a third-generation model I'd say that's worth a go, as Land Rover was starting to get on top of its quality issues by then, but the old Series II is just bad news. Gearboxes go, electrics go and even the suspension can fail. I know what you mean about falling in love - it's happened to me too with old Land Rovers, but you're looking at a very high-maintenance partner there.

The Espace is a little better, but not by much. The diesel engines are very fragile - check for smoke, check for oil levels and if there are any signs of overheating, run don't walk away. Check anything with an electrical wire coming out the back of it too as it can all go wrong, although the electronic parking brake and electric windows are especially prone to wrongness. Also, keep an eye on the tyres. Espaces go through them like butter and 20,000km is about as much as you'll get out of a set.

If you really want a seven-seater that works properly, can I suggest either a Mitsubishi Pajero or Toyota Land Cruiser? Not as cool as the Discovery, but they won't let you down.

Expert answer

Hi Noel,

Nothing too serious to worry about it. That 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine does suffer occasionally from cutting out unexpectedly, but it's usually just a software fault and the ECU can be easily updated by a dealer. Other than that keep an eye out for issues with the keyless entry and ignition system (a rarely-seen option anyway) and keep an eye on the cabin - creaky trim is common and apparently the seat bolsters can collapse even on surprisingly low mileage cars.

Expert answer

Hi Eamonn,

I'd say about €3,500. A little more if it's the D5 diesel version, but it's not the most beloved Volvo model and was unfashionable at the time because it was stuck with engines of 2.0-litre capacity and more.

Expert answer

Hi Gerard,

Sadly the answers are yes and yes. I always quite liked the 75 (and its sporty offshoot the MG ZT) but the sad fact is that reliability is not their strong point. 

While the 75 was probably the best built Rover ever that's not saying much and quality was always an issue. The head gasket issue is linked to the intake manifold, which warps as it ages and causes gasket leaks and failures. 

Sorry to say but it's probably best left well alone.

Expert answer

Hi James,

At that low mileage it should be fine. Electrical gremlins are what strike the Scenic, especially the electric windows, but also watch for problems with the cruise control, alarm, electric parking brake and even the indicators. The good news is that the engines are pretty robust and either the 1.5 or more powerful 1.9 dCi diesel engines are good choices. 

Oh, do watch for bits of the cabin coming off in your hand too...

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

You'd be surprised how many engines still make two with two valves per cylinder (i.e. eight valves in a four-cylinder engine) and actually, more valves are not always better. Generally speaking, an eight-valve engine has better low down torque, where as a 16-valve design allows freer flowing gas at higher engine speeds, releasing more power. However, the eight-valve engines are often more rugged and reliable and of course cheaper to produce.

Expert answer

Hi William,

There are three engines available in the latest Corolla, and though we assume you mean the 1.4-litre diesel, here are all the official figures for completion:

1.33-litre petrol model: 50.4mpg (5.6 litres/100km)

1.4-litre diesel model in Terra grade: 74.3mpg (3.8 litres/100km)

1.4-litre diesel model in Aura or Luna grade: 72.4mpg (3.9 litres/100km)

1.6-litre petrol with automatic gearbox: 50.4mpg (5.6 litres/100km)

Note that these figures are all official 'combined cycle' results and don't usually reflect what drivers achieve themselves. 

Expert answer

Hi Eamonn,

MPV means Multi Purpose Vehicle. Some refer to it as a people carrier too.

HDi is a PSA (Peugeot/Citroen) brand name for diesel engines. It stands for High pressure Direct Injection.

Expert answer

Hi Noel,

No matter which engine is fitted to your Jetta, the recommendation from Volkswagen is that the belt is changed after four years if not before that. The 1.6 and 1.9 TDI engines have different intervals otherwise - every 225,000- and 130,000km respectively.

It's always a good idea to be cautious so if your car has never had a change we'd urge you to get it sorted out now.

Expert answer

Hi Amanda,

Yes it will - the new S-Max will have two down-sized engines compared to the current model. A development of the current 1.5 TDCi, as seen in the Fiesta and B-Max, probably developing around 115- to 120hp and a new three-cylinder petrol turbo 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine. Both of those should significantly bring down the running costs of the car, and we'd be very surprised if both don't sneak into Bands A1-A4 for tax.

Quite whether their day-to-day fuel economy will match up to their expected quoted figures is another thing; small engines in big cars tend not to do so well when it comes to real-world economy, but we look forward to finding out. The current S-Max is one of our favourite cars and the new one looks likely to pick up where the outgoing one is leaving off.

Expert answer

Hi Niall,

Mechanically, there's not much to worry about here. Pumas were made before the explosion in complicated electronics so there is simply less to go wrong, and the 1.4- and 1.7-litre (later replaced by a 1.6-litre) engines were all designed by Yamaha, so they're very robust indeed. Likewise gearboxes. Just make sure there's a service book full of stamps and that the oil has been regularly changed and you should be fine. The Puma's weak point is its suspension, which is prone to being knocked out of true. Look for signs of uneven tyre wear and listen carefully for knocking or clonking noises. Make sure the brakes are in good nick too as they can wear out rather easily.

Expert answer

Hi Justin,

In reliability terms, there doesn't seem to be much to worry about. The Rexton is one of those rare cars that's never been recalled for a manufacturing fault and the ancient Mercedes-based turbodiesel engines are long-lived and simple, mechanically speaking. Likewise, even though the cabin looks and feels cheap, it seems to be well screwed together.

The problems though are two-fold. One, the Rexton really is very crude. In terms of engine noise, performance, handling, ride quality and just about everything, it feels at least a generation, sometimes more, behind the best of the European, Japanese and Korean rivals. And sadly, we can't give you too many pointers on safety. The Rexton has never been crash-tested by EuroNCAP so we have no objective data on it, crash-wise. You pays your money, you takes your chances...

Expert answer

Hi Helen,

Well, obviously, the 207 is a newer and more sophisticated car than the 206, and I reckon you'll find it to be a much more comfortable drive (better seats, especially) than the older 206. That said, the 207 is much, much heavier and the 206 always felt much more fleet of foot and more enjoyable to drive.

The 206 has something of a reputation for unreliability, but the upside is that most of its problems are of the minor, electrical variety. The engines and gearboxes are long-lived and robust,  although if you're buying a heaver diesel model, look for excessive wear and tear on the front suspension and brakes.

The 207 has a couple of recurrent niggles as well, the most important of which is the engine's anti-polution monitor, which can go haywire and cause the engine to switch into limp-home mode. Beware also of diesel models that don't quieten down when they're warmed through; check for suspension failure, especially at the front; and as ever beware of electrical gremlins. Make sure every button works properly.

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

I'm afraid the news is not great. The Alfa 156 was a cracking car when new, but age has not been kind to them and they suffer significant issues with worn and broken suspension and axles, and the electronics and engines can play merry hell too. If the car has been exceptionally well cared for and looked after, then it might be worth a punt, but if you detect even the slightest signs of abuse or lack of care, walk away. A full service history is essential and if you hear any knocking or clonking noises from the suspension on a test drive, forget it. Likewise, if any warning lights on the dash stay on or any electrical components don't work properly (or at all), do not purchase.

Sorry!

Expert answer

Hi Eamonn,

Not that we’re aware of. Like any modern engine, the SkyActiv 2.2 diesel is built to very fine tolerances, and needs regular care and attention. That doesn’t mean it’s fragile, just that it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the oil level, and make sure that the car is serviced, properly, according to schedule. The old days of using and abusing engines is gone.

Expert answer

Hi Ian,

There are really only two options when it comes to S-Max engines and those are the 125hp 1.8 TDCi diesel and the 2.0-litre TDCi diesel in 140hp form. There was a 163hp version as well, but they're pretty thin on the ground and forget about the rarer than hen's molars 2.5-litre 212hp petrol version with the engine from the Focus ST; it was fantastic fun but nobody bought one as far as we can tell.

Now, originally both the 1.8- and 2.0-litre engines shared the same 164g/km CO₂ rating, which makes road tax a bit on the pricey side (€570 a year), but in 2010, Ford facelifted the S-Max, dropped the 1.8 TDCi and introduced an updated 2.0 diesel with emissions of 143g/km, making for a much more palatable €390 a year tax bill. So, that's the one we'd advise you go for and as long as you get either a Zetec or Titanium spec version, you'll get a reasonable amount of toys to keep you happy in the cabin.

Cracking car, the S-Max actually. Spacious but terrific to drive. Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Tony,

OK, there are a couple of issues here. One is that a trawl of the Internet forums, especially in the UK, seems to indicate that there is a common problem on the N47 2.0-litre diesel engine whereby the timing chain can either fail or jump its sprockets. Either way, you're looking at an engine failure and a need for replacement. Not a trivial matter. 

However, BMW has not issued a recall or any specific advice in this area, which may indicate that there has not been a significant level of these incidents. It's easy to accuse a car company of ignoring a major problem but actually that's rarer than you'd think and it's all to easy to get into a froth of indignation from just reading complaints on the internet.

That being the case, we'd simply advise caution. There are some very good independent BMW specialists out there (such as http://www.bloomfieldgarage.ie/) and it might be worth getting in touch with them for more detailed advice.

Also, insist on full service history with these cars, paying particular attention to oil change intervals.

Expert answer

Hi Heino,

Check for vibration from the dual-mass flywheel on the 2.0-litre engines, and that the drain at the bottom of the windscreen has not become clogged with road debris and leaves. If it’s the 2.0-litre TDI and it’s smoking a lot, then the turbo is probably gone or about to go, and that engine needs a cam belt change at 120,000km.

Check the rear brake discs for excessive wear or scoring marks too — the electronic handbrake can stick on and damage the disc. Check everything electrical carefully in general for a car of that age, and don’t buy without a full and complete service history.

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

We have a lot of experience with this car actually. Both Neil and I ran Exeo saloons as long term test cars for a while, and I also had the ST estate for nearly a year.

I definitely preferred the estate in terms of looks and though it had more space in the boot, the Exeo saloon isn't bad at all in that regard. You probably know that it's essentially a previous generation Audi A4, down to the interior switchgear and engines. That's no bad thing of course, as the Audi was a premium model at the time, though it does mean that the Exeo feels dated in places.

Nonetheless, it is solidly built and everything works well. The TDI diesel engines are well-proven and particularly satisfying when specified in conjunction with the CVT automatic gearbox. They're not the most refined engines on the market, but good performers and pretty economical too.

Note that rear legroom isn't all that great, though it was improved in the latest versions.

Overall, if you can get the Exeo for a good price then you're buying a dependable car that is below most people's radar.

Expert answer

Hi Stephen,

Pros: handsome, very good to drive, comfortable, excellent diesel engines, spacious boot, safety levels, well equipped as standard. 

Cons: build quality and reliability not as good as, say, a Mondeo and definitely not as good as an Avensis in that regard. Rear seat space quite right. Mediocre petrol engines. Lots of fiddly buttons in the cabin.

Expert answer

Hi Sean,

As far as the gearbox is concerned, more is always better, so a six-speeder should help keep your fuel consumption down a bit, especially if you do lots of cruising in top gear. 

As for engines, the 100hp one you refer to is a 1.6 petrol, while the 130hp unit is a 1.9 diesel. Obviously the diesel will be more economical, as the 1.6 struggles with the weight of the Passat and also suffers from problems with its driveshafts. 

Buy carefully though, as Passats of that age have often been abused by careless owners. There's plenty about however, so you can afford to be picky.

Expert answer

Hi Gary,

The surprising answer is, kinda, yes. If you're talking about the first and second generation Puntos, they are actually surprisingly robust. As with any Italian cars, watch all the electrical items like a hawk, but these cars pre-date the massive explosion in in-car gadgetry, so there are fewer things to go wrong. Engines, especially the 1.2 FIRE, are almost unburstable (just make sure the timing belt is changed regularly) and the bodies are strong and not prone to rust.

Expert answer

Hi Dawn,

The problem here is that you need space for three child seats across the back, and it's getting harder and harder to find a car that can accommodate that. The Qashqai is a fab car, no doubt, but yes, unless it's the 1.5 dCi diesel model you're talking about, they can indeed be hard on petrol. Besides, it will also fall down on the three-across-the-back test. The Xsara Picasso should be able to manage three across though, so is the best suggestion out of the ones you've been looking at, but here's another possibility: if you're looking for space on a budget, try going for a van-based MPV such as a Citroen Berlingo or Renault Kangoo. They're surprisingly nice to drive, have masses of space both in the back and boot, and both can be found with 1.4-litre petrol or 1.5- or 1.6-litre diesel engines so tax and, generally, fuel economy shouldn't be an issue. Also, being van-based, they're often more reliable and ruggedly built than their car cousins.

Expert answer

Hi Sophie,

It's a bit tricky to say. There's no question that the 2002-2012 Range Rover was a massive improvement over its dreadful predecessor when it came to reliability and solidity but there are legions of potential problems - everything from minor electrical niggles to full-on major component failure. Fragile areas seem to be the gearbox (perennially a Land Rover weak spot) and the air suspension. The engines and bodies are solid as rocks though. Make utterly sure there's a full LR service history.

Expert answer

Hi Darren,

There are very few cons, and mostly pros. The first thing to check for is a full service history, because without that, it’s just not worth looking at. Modern diesel engines need careful servicing and attention to stay reliable, so make certain this one has been cared for. The only cons really are on the inside where the cabin can get very rattly and squeaky, and sadly there’s not a lot you can do to fix that. The rest is all good, though — the Kia cee'd is reliable, nice to drive, roomy and comfortable.

Expert answer

Hi Anthony,

Right, I've had a long, hard think about this. You've not specified which type of car you're particularly looking for, so if you're after a seven-seat MPV or some kind of 4x4; sorry, I haven't even considered that. 

Oddly, I've also discounted diesel as, at that price level, and with the likely age range, you're looking at older tech engines that didn't have as clear a consumption advantage over their petrol brethren.

You've said cheapest and then specified a price, which suggests to me you mean cheapest to run, which really means reliable and with low tax.

So my best recommendation to you is to track down a 2000-2001 Honda Civic 1.4. Built like a bank vault, spacious and good to drive, economical and the 1.4 capacity means you won't get taken to the cleaners every time you need a new tax disc. Plenty around and most will be within your price range.

What do you think?

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

The most common fault with that generation Clio was with the bonnet catch that could fail and allow the bonnet to fly open when driving! Worrying that, and it never triggered a full recall, although Renault did offer to inspect and repair cars for free - make sure the one you're looking at has had that done. Engines are pretty solid, but watch for electrical issues with the windows, the CD player and the engine immobiliser. There are reports of cold starting problems, usually because of a faulty air pressure sensor and the cable-operated gear shift can give problems too. If you have difficulty selecting a gear, then the gearbox is on its way out. Cabin trim is pretty fragile and you need to watch for problems with the brake servos and front suspension arms.

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

The Mazda3 changed generations in 2009, but I'm assuming it's the 2003-2009 version you have. Two diesel engines were offered, a 1.6 and a 2.0. Obviously the 1.6 is the more common. The recommended change interval on that car's timing belt is every 240,000km or ever 10 years, whichever comes first. For reference, the 2.0-litre diesel version has to have its timing belt changed every 120,000km regardless of time.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

Many thanks for the compliment. You’re right on the trade-in aspect, although that does seem to be shifting now in the wake of the diesel issue, especially in urban areas. As for the servicing aspect, it’s a tough one for us to look at in a comparison sense, as all garages are different, have different charges and servicing is not a constant. All cars will need to be serviced differently, according to how they are driven.

We have done some diesel versus petrol comparison work in the past though. Have a look here.

Expert answer

Hi Austin,

You didn't specify the engine so here are the possibilities:

1.6 petrol 100hp: has a timing belt, to be changed every 90,000km or six years

1.8 petrol 122hp/110hp or 118hp dual fuel: same as above

1.9 diesel 120hp: has a timing belt, to be changed every 120,000km or six years

1.9 diesel 150hp: has a timing belt, to be changed every 100,000km or ten years

2.0 diesel 100hp: has a timing chain

2.0 turbo petrol 175hp: has a timing chain

2.2 diesel 125hp/117hp: has a timing chain

2.2 petrol: has a timing chain

There were larger engines again in the Vectra, but we doubt you have one of those as they are very rare.

Expert answer

Hi Carrie,

Puntos, especially the 2006-on Grande Punto, aren't bad at all when it comes to reliability. The engines are all well-proven Fiat units with few major issues and as long as you keep a wary eye on the electrics, and buy only with a full service history, you should be OK. 

Compared to Fords you have driven, you'll probably find the Fiat has much lighter, more detached steering and a "looser" feeling chassis. But you'll probably also notice that the Punto is unusually spacious and has very eager engines. An underrated car.

Expert answer

Hi David,

There are some issues with this version of the 307, mostly as it uses an older wiring system that was replaced in 2005 by a new, more reliable, multiplex design. Basically it's beware anything electronic, especially the odometer, which can give inaccurate mileage readings. Cabin trim, especially the wiper and indicator stalks, can be very fragile, while any noise from the suspension means you should run, not walk, away. 

On the good side, the engines, especially the 1.6 HDi diesel, are pretty solid and economical.

Expert answer

Hi Nuala,

Mostly yes, they're fine. The engines and gearboxes are essentially old Mercedes-Benz items and they're pretty long lived and can rack up mega mileages. What you've got to watch for are cabin trim (which is spectacularly fragile and can often come off in your hands) and electrical gremlins. Essentially, if it's on a Rodius and its got a wire in it, it can go wrong, so check carefully to make sure that everything electric is working and budget for running repairs in the future. Expect to pay around €3,500 to €4,000 for a 2005 version, but they're pretty thin on the ground.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Julie,

The short answers are; no. And, indeed, no.

The 206 is actually quite mechanically robust, so major things like engines and gearboxes tend to last pretty well, but the roof of the CC model is a disaster. Not only does it tend to leak, but it often gets jammed halfway through folding. The cabin trim is pretty fragile too and switches, important ones like the indicator stalk, often break.

The Volkswagen Beetle isn't much better. It was based on the Mk IV Golf, which is the one with just about the poorest reliability record of the whole Golf family. Engine management issues are the most serious ones, so make sure there's a full and proper service history with any car you're looking at.

Hopet that helps

Expert answer

Hi John,

To say that the RX-8 is a bit of a mixed bag is to venture into the grassy uplands of dramatic understatement. Brilliant to drive, sexy to look at and surprisingly practical, if you love rotary engines, then it's a must-buy at some stage.

But boy does it have its problems. In the RX-8's defence most of the engine's problems are down to maintenance, but the problem is that we've become accustomed to cars working faultlessly without us checking on them like spoiled kids every few minutes. An RX-8 isn't like that; it needs constant care and attention. Mostly this is to do with the oil. Rotarys get through a lot of it, so you've got to check it regularly (like, every week) and keep it topped up with high-grade stuff. No cheap oil here. Failure to do so will mean the early wear of the rotor tips and that's when the engine is on the slippery road to oblivion. Cared for properly, an RX-8 engine can rack up massive mileage mostly faultlessly. But let it slip and we've heard of engines having to be replaced after as little as 40,000 miles.

Tread carefully.

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

Generally Tourans are pretty well made and the cabin in particular is very rugged indeed, a major consideration if you're going to be hauling kids around in the back of it. There are some reports swirling around on t'internet of gearbox issues, with some owners reporting that the DSG gearbox has failed when driving at speed, with literally explosive results. Other than that, it's the usual electrical niggles and some issues with the fuel injectors and pumps on the diesel engines.  As for value, if it's a petrol version, you might pick a 2008 model up for around €7,000-8,000, but if it's a diesel, expect to pay more like €11,000-12,000.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Liam,

OK, the value is a hard thing to put an absolute figure on as the 8 Series is now of an age where it's all about the condition and history of the car. If it's in good nick and there's a full set of BMW or independent BMW specialist stamps in the service book, then you should be looking at a value of around €6,000-7,000, maybe a touch less considering that this car has pretty high mileage.

Thankfully, that mileage is nothing to worry about, with one major caveat and that caveat is engine failure. Some 840ci models used engines with a cylinder bore lined in an alloy called Alusil, which is prone to wear and can cause the engine to go expensively pop. If your car has the other type of cylinder liner, Nikasil, then you should be fine, and by and large the 8 Series is an astonishingly robust car, with very few reported common faults.

Just make sure you check that everything electrical is working correctly, as the 8 Series was kind of on that cusp between the simpler pre-electronic age and the arrival of all the complex modern gadgets.

If you buy it, let us know how you get on and give us as flash of your cool pop-up headlamps!

Expert answer

Hi Ben,

The only way to look at this like-for-like at the moment is the compare the Superb (pre-facelift that goes on sale next month) and the new Octavia, both with 2.0 TDI 140 engines. The DSG option costs €4,865 in the Superb and just €2,300 in the Octavia and it should be the same six-speed unit in each.

However, adding a DSG transmission to that Superb moves it from tax Band B1 to Band C, or, more pertinently, from a situation where the car is subject to 18 per cent VRT to one where it attracts 23 per cent VRT. In comparison, the Octavia moves from Band A3 to A4, adding a single per cent increase in VRT (rising from 17- to 18 per cent).

Nonetheless, we did a quick calculation to get the prices before VRT of each car and subtract the manual price from the DSG and it still works out that Skoda charges considerably more for the DSG transmission.

We contacted Skoda Ireland and it agreed and has changed this in the new Superb. Here's the official response:

"The Superb DSG premium on average was €4,300; this will be reduced to €3,000 with the introduction of the Superb facelift in July. This represents a customer saving of €1,300 compared to the outgoing model. This is a slightly higher premium than the Octavia model; however, it is not as simple as pricing the transmission as a single unit and then applying it to the various models. There are many factors taken into consideration when pricing vehicles as a whole. Previously the Superb DSG was a big seller for Skoda. With improved prices we are confident we will see even more customer moving to DSG from manual transmission."

Expert answer

Hi John,

I'd go for the 1.3. True, it's not as grunty as the 1.7, but the 1.7 is a truly ancient engine, able to trace its roots all the way back to the early nineties when Isuzu first designed it and no-one in General Motors knew what the heck this de-hee-zel stuff was and they sure weren't going to put it in a car. The 1.3 by contrast was co-developed with Fiat in the early 2000s so is a much fresher, more high-tech design and it's a better engine all-round.

Both are a touch noisy compared with the best latest-gen diesels, but again the 1.7 is far worse in this regard and also has an annoying tendency to stall when pulling out of junctions. So go for the 1.3. A cracking little engine.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Ronnie,

It's a bit of a mixed bag, apparently. While the Rexton is a pretty simple beast, there are plenty of tales of electrical issues and minor glitches and we know of one owner who blew two Rexton engines in quick succession - after which he was advised to have it serviced every 10,000km! Other than that, keep a keen eye out for signs of abuse. Rextons are often seen as a cheap alternative to other 4x4s and so tend to be bought for hard work and heavy lifting. If it's been used off-road or on building sites a lot (a common fate for many Rextons) there could be some bodywork damage to deal with.

As for just being a car, they're not much cop to be honest. Noisy, slow and with spectacularly bad handling. You'd be much better off in a Toyota Land Cruiser, even if you have to go for an older model within your budget.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Patsy,

BMW offers three different diesel engines with xDrive four-wheel drive in the X3, the xDrive20d, xDrive30d and xDrive35d. The xDrive20d can be had with a manual or automatic gearbox and the official figure is 50.4mpg (5.6 litres/100km) no matter which transmission is fitted. The xDrive30d and xDrive35d are only available with automatic gearboxes and the official fuel economy figures are 47.1mpg and 46.3mpg respectively (6.0- and 6.1 litres/100km).

Those figures won't be obtainable in the real-world, obviously! We spent time with the xDrive20d during snowy conditions a few years back (read the full review here) and averaged 34mpg (8.3 litres/100km), though in normal conditions it should do a lot better than that. We also tested the xDrive30d (read that full review here), though apologies, but I didn't record the average fuel consumption figure at the time...

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

You're in an enviable position and, before going into more detail, we'd be very happy with any of those cars as an ownership proposition.

Personally, I'd be sorely tempted by the Evoque. There are plenty of colour and wheel options to change its appearance to your liking, it's much more of an occasion inside and it drives like a hot hatch (the chassis is very much road-biased, though it does well enough off-road when needed). Admittedly, certain versions of the BMW and Audi may be more economical, but I'd look at it very closely.

When the current BMW X3 came out it really took a leap forward from its predecessor in terms of comfort, quality and refinement, but between that and the Audi Q5 I may too be swayed by the fact that the Audi has had a more recent update. I also prefer how the Q5 looks. There's very little between them depending on which engines you're looking at.

The best advice is to go test drive each car for as long as possible, paying close attention to the specifications of the test cars.

In terms of automatic gearboxes, unless you're looking at a petrol Q5 (which I doubt!) or the high-performance SQ5 TDI model (fantastic) then the only option is the dual-clutch S-Tronic unit. This helps with efficiency and allows the driver more control when he wants it, but is not as smooth as a traditional torque converter gearbox, as fitted to the Evoque and BMW. They're both smooth systems, but the eight-speed item in the BMW is the most impressive, managing to minimise fuel consumption increases.

Hopefully that's of help, but come back to us if you need more

Expert answer

Hi Frank,

The new-shape BMW 5 Series is a fabulous car, especially if it has the right equipment, such as a leather interior, etc. The 520d is nothing short of fantastic when new, though we've heard reports that this 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine can have expensive problems as it gets older - especially if oil maintenance is not adhered to strictly. If the one you're looking at has a detailed service history then there's less worry.

However, if you do very small mileage we'd question why you're going for a diesel car at all. The fuel economy might be tempting, but you should look around and see what petrol models you can get for your money too, as modern petrol engines are improving in terms of fuel economy and emissions - and they're generally cheaper to buy and maintain. They're also quieter and far better suited to low mileage use.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Celsus,

As an overview, Skoda's cars are all reliable, quite comfortable and generally economical. Bigger wheels reduce comfort and the Yeti is less 'soft' on the road than say the Octavia and Superb. Most people stick with the diesel engines, which are very efficient.

If you'd like us to comment on something specific please come back to us.

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

They're generally quite solid, but there are a few crucial checks to make. Alternator belts can wear and make a horrible screeching noise when they do. The HDi engines need an additive put in at 60-80,000-mile intervals. A heavy clutch pedal may mean clutch failure is imminent. There are diesel particulate filter issues - if the DPF light comes on and stays on, run the car at medium revs in a low gear for several kilometres to try and heat up the exhaust enough to burn out soot from the DPF. If that doesn't work, it's an expensive part to have replaced. Dual-mass flywheels can get warped and cause a juddering effect. A lumpy idle or excessive exhaust smoke may mean that the exhaust gas recirculation valve needs replacing. 

Inside, the radio and its LED screen can be fragile while, if the air conditioning isn't puffing hard enough, it usually means that the pollen filter needs emptying. Underneath, watch for the front suspension being out of alignment and for excessive tyre wear - 407s were always quite hard on their tyres. A groaning power steering system means the pump needs replacing too.

Expert answer

Hi Eddie,

Surprisingly, there are a few recurrent problems. If it's got a sunroof, check for rust around the edges. Engines need a cambelt change every 60,000 miles. A metallic whirring noise means there's pinking going on and you may need a replacement ECU. The crankshaft oil seal can leak, while clutches tend to go after six to seven years. Distributor caps and HT leads are both rather fragile. The CV gaiters on the driveshafts often crack and leak.

That's about it though. Pretty solid car.

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

It should be fine, as it was the four-cylinder diesel that was troublesome on the E60 5 Series, and the straight-six engines are pretty solid. Just make sure that it has a full and complete service history and, if there are any gaps in the maintenance, walk away.

Expert answer

Hi Keith,

No, it's not a waste of time at all. It's almost always better value to keep and fix an existing car rather than pay the cost-of-change to upgrade to something newer. That said, if you're convinced you need a better solution, then you won't do better than to go for one of the many car-vans on offer now. The Renault Kangoo and Citroen Berlingo are the best known versions, but there are also similar models available from Fiat, Volkswagen and Peugeot.  My personal pick would be the Fiat Doblo, fitted with the 1.6- or 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel engines. You'll find the cabin surprisingly comfy, it's quite pleasant to drive, very economical and good on tax and massively spacious in the back. There's even a seven-seat version available if you want to be really popular at the school gate.

Expert answer

Hi Catherine,

A rough estimate of your C4's value should give you a budget of around €12,000 (and you might even do a bit better than that if you're lucky). Even at that level though, there is a plethora of cars matching your description out there. How about we start with something really classy? A BMW 316i maybe? Plenty out there, all priced around €11k and the 1.6-litre engine means reasonable tax and fuel economy even though it's a petrol engine.

Or you might need something a bit more spacious and economical. So we found a Citroen C5 Tourer estate with the 1.6-litre HDi diesel engine. It's a 2008 model so you'll be on the new CO₂-based tax system, it's massive inside and very comfy. Well built too.

Finally, you might fancy something a bit more compact and cheaper to run, and that budget opens up a world of Ford Focus saloons and estates with either the 1.6-litre petrol or 1.8 diesel engines. Simple, spacious, reliable and plentiful, you won't go wrong with that one.

WHat do you think?

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

Not really, no. The 1.9 TDI did get a minor reputation for having con-rod problems, but it was usually traced to another fault. Generally what happens is that a problem with the diesel particulate filter causes the engine management system to add too much fuel to the engine on start-up, which starts to thin out the oil, which then causes problems. There was another recurring issue with the air mass sensor, but that’s usually pretty easily remedied. Other than that, the old 1.9 TDI seems to be a pretty robust engine.

Expert answer

Hi Gavin,

Here's the checklist for a 2002 Volkswagen Golf (hatchback or Estate):

- Check that alloy wheels have had copper slip grease applied behind them at each service, or the alloy can react with the steel hub and cause corrosion.

- Make sure the headlamps are in good condition, as they're a bumper-off job to replace.

- The rear screen wash-wipe can leak and run into the lock, shorting out the alarm and central locking. The door locks in general can give trouble.

- Most Golf engines need a cambelt change every 40,000 miles (64,000 kilometres). Diesel engines tend to get through a lot of oil.

- Clutch release bearings can wear out easily leading to a hefty clutch action.

- Ignition coils can burn out.

- A whirring noise could be a water pump failure.

- Slow starting or engine management lights often mean a temp sensor has failed.

- A tapping noise on start up may mean you need a cylinder head rebuild.

- If the car has sluggish acceleration it could be a crank or camshaft sensor failure.

- And if there are any issues with any of the main instruments then he whole display has to come out and be replaced.

That's a long list, we know, but if the car you're looking at passes those tests then it's likely to be a good one.

Expert answer

Hi Fran,

We really like the Kia cee'd. It's a high quality offering that does everything well, is decently specified, refined, comfortable and relatively spacious. We wouldn't ever have compared it to the Renault Clio though, as it competes with the Mégane. The cee'd is bigger and more comfortable than the Clio. Saying that, the Clio is more interesting looking for sure and drives just as well.

In terms of diesel engines, Kia offers a 1.4- or 1.6-litre CRDi diesel and Renault has a 1.5-litre dCi unit. The latter and the 1.4-litre engine put out 90hp, but the Clio feels quicker and is a lighter car. Likewise it's better on fuel and a little cheaper to tax.

Try to test drive both in a scenario that reflects your daily driving. The cee'd is more refined and a better long distance cruiser, for example.

Feel free to come back to us if you need more assistance.

Expert answer

Hi Eddie,

You've not told us what engine you mean, so here's a list of the most common engines. Note that timing chains don't have a change interval and they should last the life of the engine if scheduled oil changes are carried out and all else is well.

 - 1.2-litre petrol: timing chain
 - 1.3-litre CDTi diesel: timing chain
 - 1.4-litre petrol: timing chain
 - 1.6-litre petrol (both turbo and NA): timing belt - change every 150,000km or 10 years
 - 1.7-litre CDTi diesel: timing belt - change every 150,000km or 10 years
 - 1.8-litre petrol 125hp: timing belt - change every 90,000km or six years
 - 1.8-litre petrol 140hp: timing belt - change every 150,000km or 10 years
 - 1.9-litre CDTi diesel: timing belt - change every 150,000km or 10 years

Expert answer

Hi John,

I'm afraid we'd need to know a little more, such as condition, mileage, which of the petrol engines is it (2.0- or 2.4-litre?), etc.

A rough estimation would be between €3,000 and €4,000.

Come back to us if you'd like us to narrow this down.

Expert answer

Hi Martina,

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

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

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Thomas,

Well, we can’t predict how much a specific dealer will offer you against a specific car, but in general your 05 Octavia should be worth around €1,000 as a trade-in (depending on condition and history, of course) and your 2010 Combi 4x4 should be worth around €6-7,000.

Expert answer

Hi Harry,

All petrol and diesel engines fitted to the Peugeot 407 use timing belts, though the change interval varies between engine and model year.

Expert answer

Hi Gillian,

With two small kids myself I completely understand your needs. Really, you're probably after something with a much bigger boot, but I assume you like the premium look and feel of the Audi. People in your situation would often upgrade to a bigger car in the same brand, say an Audi A4 or a compact SUV. I've taken a look through Carzone.ie with your budget and needs in mind and here's a list of potential replacements:

- Audi A4: way bigger inside and in the boot than your A3 and significantly more comfortable on the road. Your budget gets you a clean 2010 model saloon or Avant estate with a 2.0 TDI engine.

- Audi A6: much bigger again than the A4, but for the same money you'll get less equipment or an older model - you could afford the saloon or Avant estate though.

- BMW 3 Series: quite comparable to the Audi A4, though not as spacious inside and few Touring estate examples on the used market. Very efficient engines.

- BMW 5 Series: lovely car in same class as Audi A6, though your budget will probably mean a high mileage example. Insist on full service history.

- Honda CR-V: well made family SUV that was designed more for on-road than off-road use. Not all that common, but hugely spacious and reliable. Make sure you go for the newer model that has only just been replaced.

- Mazda6: I'm not sure if you're attached to the Audi badge, but this car is well worth a look. It's massive inside (especially the estate), good to drive, well equipped and reliable. Your budget gets you a low mileage 2011 example too.

- Skoda Superb: no kids will ever kick the back of your seat in this car such is its rear legroom! The boot is massive too and it comes with a range of different engine options. The 1.6 TDI is especially economical. You can afford a 2010-2011 saloon, though personally I prefer the Combi estate.

- Volkswagen Passat: there are a few 2011-2012 Passat saloons available for your budget and it'd be a sensible purchase in some ways. This car is still on sale now new. There aren't many estates about unless you go for the previous generation model.

- Volkswagen Tiguan: a good option, though supply is limited at you budget to 2008 versions. High driving position and spacious all-round.

If you'd like help narrowing your search further, please do come back to us. Also, with such a low annual mileage, it's worth seriously considering a petrol car if you find a well-priced one.

Expert answer

Hi Danny,

While the Frontera is cheap to buy and not bad off-road, it really is not a 4x4 we'd recommend due to its lack of quality and poor reliability record. The weak points are the engines and electrics. If it has not been serviced then best to walk away. The steering and suspension systems have also had problems and the Frontera is prone to rust.

Sorry not to have better news!

Expert answer

Hi Niamh,

It depends — do you want diesel or petrol? Any small-to-medium car with a 1.4 to 1.6-litre diesel engine is going to be very, very economical (e.g. the Toyota Auris, VW Golf, Ford Focus and Skoda Octavia), but if you want a petrol engine, the choice is a little different. Here, we’d be looking at the Volkswagen Group cars (Golf, Leon or Octavia) with the 1.0-litre or 1.2-litre TSI petrol engines, which have excellent economy, or a Peugeot 308 with the 1.2-litre PureTech engine.

Expert answer

Hi Siobhain,

The RAV4 has a great reputation for reliability so once it has been fully serviced there should be no worries on that front. There are a few things to look out for though, including leaky sunroofs and diesel engines low on power because of failed sensors. Also, if it's a diesel RAV4 that has a tow bar fitted look for receipts and any work done to replace the flywheel and clutch, as these sometimes fail on tow cars. If it was a tow car and has not had this work done try to get a warranty.

In terms of price, without knowing its specification and engine, it looks to be at the top of the pricing for that year. There are others for less and with lower mileage available, though really you should be buying on condition and history above mileage alone.

If we can be of further assistance please do come back to us.

Expert answer

Hi Tommy,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Expert answer

Hi Mossy,

Generally speaking, yes, Subarus tend to attract very loyal buyers who, once they try one, never go back and stick with the brand for years after. They are a little odd, compared to other models, so try one out before you decide. The flat-four engines are very smooth, but short on torque, and therefore you need to work them harder for the performance, which can hurt fuel economy. The interiors also look and feel very cheap. The big upsides though are reliability (Subarus, if looked after properly, simply don’t break) and the four-wheel-drive system, which is a major benefit on bad roads and in the winter.

Expert answer

Hi George,

We spoke to Volkswagen Ireland and it confirmed that yes, it is. Prices start at €23,175 for the Golf Plus Trendline 1.2 TSI 85 and rise to €29,355 for the Life 1.6 TDI 105 DSG version.

Engines are 1.2 TSI petrol in 85- and 105hp guises or 1.6 TDI diesel in 90- and 105hp outputs. DSG automatic available with both 105hp engines. Trim levels are Trendline or Life.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Gary,

Hang on — do we mean miles, as in actual miles, or kilometres? If it’s kilometres, it’s high for the age. If it’s miles, then its astronomical. Either way, mileage is not a good indication of what sort of state a car is in. Condition and history are what you should judge it on. As for the engine replacement, it’s certainly something to raise a lot of questions. Fair enough — engines do fail from time to time, and it can happen to any car, but it could indeed be an indication that the car has been used very hard, so check everything very carefully.

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

The current model? It’s a little too early to tell, as it usually takes several years before any major reliability issues come to light. So far, they seem to be solid, and for the most part they use tried and tested Opel engines and gearboxes, so as long as you buy one that’s got a full service history, we wouldn’t expect too many problems.

Expert answer

Hi Fuad,

Hellish in both respects. The RX-8 is a terrific car, and was always one of our favourites, but they do suck fuel pretty badly. If you’re able to keep it above 25mpg on average, you’ll be doing well. Insurance is pricey because, even though the engine has a swept capacity of just 1.3 litres, it’s still a 190-230hp rear-drive sports car, and no insurer is going to be fooled by the engine capacity in this case. 

Expert answer

Hi Tom,

All Mondeo engines of that generation that would have been paired with the LX trim level used timing chains.

Expert answer

Hi Fergus,

You've not told us the type of engine in the car, but for your information only the 1.6-litre petrol and 1.9-litre TDI diesel units have timing belts. The change interval is 75,000 miles (just over 120,000km) so if the car you're looking at has one of those engines then it should have had a timing belt change by now.

Other than that insist on a full service history and regardless of what the dealer says it's worth getting a car history check on Cartell.ie, as it covers UK and Northern Ireland cars in full.

Hope that's of help.

Expert answer

Hi May,

In general these engines are very robust and don't use much oil. Of course if any engine isn't serviced then its reliability will suffer. The Almera's can have timing chain problems in that case. If you're getting high oil consumption then you really should bring to a mechanic to ascertain why.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

The mk1 Ford Focus was offered with two different diesel engines over its lifespan: the direct injection TDDi and common rail TDCi. Both systems use glow plugs with reports suggesting that the more modern common-rail unit has marginally more issues particulairly relating to cold starts. 

We hope this answers your question. If you require any further information feel free to let us know. 

Expert answer

Hi Sean,

Nice choice of cars to be thinking about. Before we look at the stats of the cars, the driving experience in the 3 Series vs. the Audi A4 is quite different - and will be the deciding point for many, so please do try to get a test drive in examples of both. That's the case whether you go for the older 3 Series Coupé or the newer saloon.

Personally, I prefer the way a 3 Series of this age drives in comparison to an A4. It's more 'dynamic' and engaging thanks to the rear-wheel drive layout. However, not everyone likes that and I've heard non-enthusiastic drivers call the feeling 'skittish'. There is no doubt that a front-engined, front-wheel drive car like the Audi A4 will find more traction on snow and ice than a rear-wheel drive BMW (assuming neither has winter tyres), but our climate is too mild for that to be a serious car-buying priority.

In terms of running costs, the early versions of the E90 BMW 320d saloon and Audi A4 2.0 TDI 140 are very close and, as you'll be buying a car registered before 2008 with that budget then tax will be the same, as it's based on the engine size. The E46 320Cd coupé is a little heavier on fuel, but not much.

The 320d saloon has the most powerful engine of these three, though there's not much in it really.

Both saloons are generally quite reliable, though we'd recommend getting full service histories and getting mileage checks with Cartell.ie as each car has its own known issues that crop up from time to time - like turbo issues on the BMW and burning oil in the Audi. The E46 coupé is also reliable, though it's built on older architecture so won't be as modern in general.

One final thing to bear in mind. While the S line Audi specification is highly tempting, it comes with firmer suspension, which may not be to everyone's taste. Test drive it before committing. Likewise an M Sport version of the BMW 320d, though you may not find many of those within budget.

Now, whether you should consider petrol instead of diesel is a whole other story. The decision really should come down to your average mileage. The diesel models will definitely be far more economical on a long run or commute, but not in town. Likewise, you can get lower capacity engines in the petrol cars bringing your annual tax bill down.

If you want to discuss the latter point in more detail come back to us and we'll go through options.

Hope this all helps

Expert answer

Hi Susanne,

We really like the Audi A1. Despite its smaller size it'll feel like a big step up in terms of quality etc. from your 2002 BMW 3 Series. A nearly new model will cost you very little in terms of servicing as well and there's a wide range of efficient petrol and diesel engines. Our favourite is the 1.2 TSI petrol, though if you cover a high average mileage (say greater than 15,000km a year) then it's worth looking for the 1.6 TDI diesel version instead.

If you'd like more detailed assistance to find one that suits your budget feel free to get back in touch.

Expert answer

Hi David,

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

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

We've not heard anything about this one to be honest, but that doesn't mean it's not a problem! Since 2008 the vast majority of the Zafiras sold have been diesel so there are not many petrol versions around now.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

It looks like nobody working with CompleteCar has driven this combination. The CVT is only offered with a 1.6-litre petrol engine in Ireland and our experience of any CVT gearbox with any petrol engine is not good. It is smooth, as there are no gear changes as such, but engine revs don't often correspond to forward motion, so it often feels that the engine is revving unnecessarily. CVT works well enough with diesel, but not with petrol engines.

Saying all that, you really should try it for yourself before discounting it completely.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Teresa,

We spoke to Volkswagen and I'm afraid there's no permanent way to switch this off that it recommends. You'll just have to do it manually each time you start up if it bothers you.

From our perspective, this feature is becoming more and more common and we think it's a great idea. If all cars on the road used it think how much fuel could be saved in town. Likewise - and in contrast to what you've said - noise pollution would be reduced overall thanks to the lack of engine idling noise at traffic lights.

Don't worry about the starting motor wearing out either, as most cars with stop-start have heavier duty starters, along with systems to monitor their condition and prevent it being over used.

Expert answer

Hi Mel,

As that car was registered pre-2008 its tax is based on engine size. For engines sized between 1,901 and 2,000cc the price is currently €660 per year. That change in January of this year following the Budget.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Lukas,

There are many different models of diesel Opel Astra, even for 2007. There were 1.3-, 1.7- and 1.9-litre CDTi engines that year, plus three-door GTC hatch, five-door hatchback and estate. Not to mention different mileages and trim levels.

The latest selection from Carzone.ie suggest a price variation of between €5,000 and €11,000.

Let us know specifics if you'd like us to help some more.

Expert answer

Hi Mick,

The 1.6-litre TDI engine has 105hp, which doesn't sound like much, but it's the engine's torque that matters more in the real world, and this Passat has 250Nm from just 1,500rpm. It's more than enough for the Passat in most circumstances and as all the performance is low down in the rev range you don't really change down to overtake.

Saying all that, if you plan on towing or you drive with a full car regularly you'll appreciate the extra power of the 2.0 TDI engines, but most people will find the 1.6 perfectly acceptable.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Ashlene,

In the past the Toyota might have been the automatic choice, but Kia has come on leaps and bounds. Toyota still has the reputation for longevity and troublefree motoring, but Kia is catching up, and its seven-year warranty is real peace of mind for a new car buyer.

Looking at the price lists (of the five-door models - the best-sellers), the Rio is available as a 1.25 petrol model for €15,550 to €16,775 or a 1.4-litre diesel for €18,190. They are all in Band A for tax with emissions of less than 120g/km.

The Toyota Yaris can be had with 1.0- or 1.33-litre petrol engines and a 1.4-litre diesel. Toyota offers far more trim levels, and pricing varies from €15,585 (1.0 Terra) to €19,725 (1.33 Sol). All versions appear to be in Band A as well.

Unless you plan on travelling more than say 12,000 kilometres a year it's best to stick with the petrol versions. The 1.0-litre Toyota is the most efficient, but not by much and the Kia 1.25 engine and Toyota 1.33-litre are largely comparable, though the Yaris engine has a little more go in it.

Kia is more generous with its equipment, but only a bit, and there are more Toyota trim levels to choose from so you can tailor your needs. We'd urge you not to go for the entry-level versions of either though (LX and Terra respectively), as the step up to the next model is well worth it for what you get.

So that's the overview. In terms of our personal opinions we prefer the Kia Rio. It feels and looks more substantial and it drives well. Best bet is to go to a Kia and Toyota dealer and try them both out for yourself.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Donal,

Before talking about the Renault Fluence specifically, diesel cars in general are better when used on longer trips regularly - for the DPF and other components. We're not aware of any problems with Renault's DPFs in particular.

We asked Renault Ireland about the differences between the 90- and 110hp Fluences and they essentially said that most people are more concerned with saving money, so the 90hp option is, as you've discovered, the best-seller. Here's Renault's statement:

"Both the 90- and 110hp Fluences are great value. It depends on the usage of the car by the customer. €700 can be sometimes hard to upsell these days so dealers prefer to offer the best value, which is the 90hp. It's the customer's choice, and down to what they want to purchase.

Both engines are in Band A and theyare under the same servicing/maintenance programme. For the last point (DPF), this is not an issue on Fluence."

So essentially it comes down to whether you want the extra power. In our view whether it's worth it or not will depend on how often the car is full of people and luggage. In those situations you'll want the higher power output.

Hope that helps - come back to us if you want to discuss it further.

Expert answer

Hi Rob,

For that budget we are assuming you are looking for a second-hand car. The Honda CR-V springs to mind, but the tax could be a little high for you as your budget will get you a pre-2008 version, which came with 2.0- and 2.2-litre engines. How about a five-door version of the Honda HR-V instead? We found this example on Carzone.ie and it looks the part. The 1.6-litre engine means it's not too much to tax either.

There are loads of Hyundai Santa Fes and the smaller Tucson around at that price too, though again their age and engine size might rule them out for you in terms of tax costs. Same story with the previous generation Kia Sportage.

Don't be tempted by older Land Rover Freelanders.

Another good option is the Suzuki Grand Vitara. A quick search showed that there are several 1.6-litre petrol versions with four-wheel drive within your budget, though most seem to be the less practical three-door body style, so you may need to look around to find a five-door example that suits your needs.

The Toyota RAV4 would be a great option, but keeping your tax bill down on a four-wheel drive version with five doors might be tricky. Recommeded though.

Hope all that helps. If you narrow down your search a little come back to us and we'll help you choose!

Expert answer

Hi Jaunkeypersad,

The Kia Rio is available in 1.0 LX or 1.0 EX. Both are petrol and manual and they cost €11,865 and €12,810 respectively. WIth 99g/km emissions they're in Band A, which now costs €160 per annum. Kia quotes 4.2 litres/100km on the combined cycle, which equates to 67.3mpg.

For the same money you could pick up a low-mileage 2010 Toyota Yaris 1.0 or even the 1.33-litre version. There are more grades to look through to see what you're getting for your money, but in terms of economy and emissions, both of those engines sit in Band A as well. The Yaris isn't as economical as the Picanto though, with the 1.0-litre returning 55.4mpg (5.1 litres/100km) and the 1.33 quoted as about 54.3mpg - or 5.2 litres/100km.

The added benefit of buying the Kia new is of course gaining the full seven-year warranty.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Greg,

For your €5,000 budget (I'm assuming that's in total, even after you've sold the SEAT) you could get your hands on a late example of the first generation A-Class in A 140 or A 160 guises, both with an automatic gearbox. While the later versions improved, this car does not have a great reputation for reliability so make sure you properly inspect any one you're considering buying and ensure it has a full service history. They're costly to repair.

My money would go on a Honda Jazz. It's compact enough, but has decent space inside. There seem to be plenty on the market at your budget and most of the automatic examples have just 1.3-litre engines to keep costs down. On top of all that the Jazz has an incredible reliability record.

As ever check a car you're buying over thoroughly, but there are a few things to look out for on second-hand versions of the Jazz, as they can be expensive to fix. Check that the adjustment for the door mirrors works and that the car isn't jerky to drive at low speeds.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

The arguement for petrol is growing Brendan. While everyone is fixated on diesel the petrol engines are getting cleaner and will come back into fashion. When it comes to fuel economy the gap between petrol and diesel is getting closer and in a lot of cases there is little difference between the road tax.

The 1.4-litre petrol engine in the Passat is more than good enough. So if you want a Passat then you could go for it. There could and perhaps will be less value in the petrol model later on, but if you keep it long enough suddenly this won't become that much of an issue and since you go low mileage then you could keep it for 5 or more years. 

Expert answer

Hi John, 

The Atkinson engine is a type of engine invented by James Atkinson in 1882. The Atkinson Cycle is where the stroke of the piston can very in length across the four cycles in a four-stroke internal combustion engine. The length of the stroke during the power cycle is increased to promote efficiency, but because this comes at the expense of a shorter intake stroke there is some loss of power and therefore this engine design is best suited for use in hybrid systems where the electric motor can make up for some of the loss of power. 

In conventional four-cycle petrol engines, fuel enrichment is sometimes necessary to cool the exhaust gases, preventing degradation or destruction of the catalytic converters. In an Atkinson cycle engine, compression and expansion are not symmetrical, and the valves close late, delaying compression. This creates a high expansion ratio for less compression, reducing intake and exhaust energy losses and converting combustion energy to engine power more effectively. As a result, the exhaust temperature is lower than that of conventional engines.

The current model Toyota Prius Hybrid uses a 1.8-litre Atkinson Cycle engine. Adopting the Atkinson cycle and a cooled exhaust gas recirculation system brings significant gains in fuel efficiency and emissions reduction.

Prius 1.8-litre Atkinson Cycle engine

Because the intake valves close late in an Atkinson cycle engine, compression is delayed. This creates a high expansion ratio for less compression, reducing intake and exhaust energy losses and converting combustion energy to engine power more effectively. As a result the exhaust temperature is lower than that of conventional engines. Cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation reintroduces the cooled gas into the intake system, further reducing engine operating temperatures.

Other models to use Atkinson Cycle engines include the Lexus CT200h, Lexus RX 450h, Mercedes S400 Blue Hybrid

Expert answer

Hi Justin,

I can't imagine why you would want to come down from a Volvo S8- into a Mondeo or Citroen C5, which are going to both feel inferior to what you have. Are you just simply bored with the car you have and want a change? Both the Mondeo and C5 are 'okay' but their diesel engines aren't as good as the Volvos.

Without fully knowing your circumstances, I would say that if you did want to get something else, then you should perhaps look at a Subaru Legacy Diesel, which for me is the best in its class around that era.

Here is one:

Subaru Legacy

Otherwise, stick with what you have, because both the Mondeo and C5 will feel inferior to your S80.

I hope this helps!

Expert answer

Hi Mary,

I'm afraid there is no definitiive answer to that question. Not only is every engine different, the longevity relies on other factors such as how it is driven and maintained. Honda has a great reliability record though and its engines are some of the best. Assuming it has been well maintained there's no reason it shouldn't reach 200,000 miles without an issue - and further.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

Diesel cars are now outselling petrol cars by 3 to 1 and of the petrol models that are selling, they are mainly small runabouts. The fact is that the majority of people are being drawn to the lowest possible road tax and in some cases, oddly, this means that they are actually spending more on the car then they really should have. There seems little sense to spend €2,000 - €3,000 more on a diesel car if you are saving €50 a year in road tax and your mileage is low, but that is the way it seems to be happening right now.

The problem with this is that buyers are missing out on on some really good petrol cars. Fiat and Volkswagen in particular have some smart new petrol engines. Take for example the Jetta, which you  mentioned: the new one is out now, but in the older model there was a 105hp 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine and most people baulked at this because they thought it would be too weedy for the car. The same is true of the 1.4-litre TSI, while both are more than capable of adequate performance. 

In terms of fuel economy, sure enough the diesel will usually trump the petrol, but this will only really start to make monetary sense when you do a lot of mileage. It you intend on high mileage, then you are probably better off sticking with the diesel car - Volkswagens are generally quite good at mega mileage, as are Skodas.

We've been getting quite a few queries about DPFs (diesel particulate filters) here in CompleteCar.ie but Mazda appears to be the only brand showing up faults. The Passat though has not been without its troubles and, to be honest, I am not sure if I would be buying a used one with a lot of kilometres on the clock if big mileage is likely.

You mentioned the Jetta, well this one we found would be a top buy. It has just 14,000 miles on the clock, the right 2.0-litre diesel engine and is within your budget. This would be a good buy.

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

These cars are really very similar and it can be difficult to seperate them when you compare them in almost every category. You didn't mention the Skoda Octavia or Superb here which is surprising since they are rated so highly by the taxi industry and they are also ultra reliable. The Passat hasn't always been that reliable while there appear to be fewer problems with the Mondeo. Having said that, both engines are really very good though and will be super frugal.

To be honest, I would probably still go with the Passat as it looks and feels a little more upmarket and that would be good in your line of work.

Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

The Tekna is just a specification - like GL or GLX, so there would be no difference in engines or performance and running costs. It might have a slightly higher specification than a standard car, but the likelihood is that all cars around that time might be Tekna.

I hope this helps!

Expert answer

Hi Ciaran,

Thank you for your query. The Kia pro_cee'd is a good car, but thankfully the only thing negative about it is the silly name. We really rate the car and it would make a great second-hand buy. It has been a while since we drove a pro_cee'd so we called Kia Ireland to get a reminder on the engines. We were told that very few 1.4-litre petrol models were sold in 2008 and practically none in 2009 after the road tax laws based on emissions were introduced.

The first thing to note then is that the petrol models are scarce, but quite a bit cheaper than the diesels. A petrol model will cost you €9,945 while a diesel from the same year could cost you €12,950 - more than €2,000 more. You certainly won't save €2,000 in fuel and road tax in a hurry, so it depends on how long you intend to keep your car. If you change your car quite often and residual values are a concern then you probably need to get the diesel, but if you will be keeping the car for a long time then you should get the petrol, especially given the relatively low mileage that you do.

In terms of what to look out for, there is nothing. There have been no recalls that we know of and the car has few real faults apart from the fact that visbility isn't great out of the small rear window, but then you can expect that with any coupé-like hatchback.

Anyway, I hope this helps and doesn't actually make it more confusing! If there is anything else don't hesitate to come back to us.

Expert answer

Hi Steve, 

From what we can tell, no there isn't any SUV with 4x4 in Band B, as yet. There are lots of SUVs and crossovers in Band B with front-wheel drive. You'll find the likes of the Skoda Yeti, VW Tiguan, Nissan Qashqai all have versions with frugal diesel engines. 

When it comes to 4x4, the best you can probably do at the moment is Band C. The Skoda Yeti 4x4 sits in Band C, as does the new BMW X3, which is selling well with good reason.

The Lexus RX Hybrid sits in Band C, as do the Hyundai ix35 2.0 CRDi 4wd and the Volvo XC60 AWD.

Hope that gives you something to think about

Expert answer

Hi Chloe,

The fact that you really seem to like your car would signify that perhaps you should simply change to the 1.7-litre diesel SXi version of your car and save yourself a few quid in the process. You will probably get around €11,000 - €11,500 for your car at current market prices, but that should leave you well placed to replace it with a diesel model without too much trouble.

There weren't too many SXI models in Ireland with diesel engines but there do appear to be a few Vauxhalls imported with this spec that might work for you unless you had any particular objections to driving a Vauxhall over an Opel. 

You could have a diesel version for in and around the same money so perhaps you could even get into a slightly newer model if you were prepared to invest a few more quid, but since money saving seems to be the aim here then maybe just swap into a diesel. 

Aside from that you could perhaps look at getting a Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion, which is incredibly fuel efficient. This would make a great buy for you really and something like this would be very cheap to run. 

I hope this helps,

Expert answer

Hi Justin,

Overall, that's a nice, comfortable, quick car, which isn't too bad on fuel. The four-wheel drive and automatic gearbox make it less economical than a manual, front-wheel drive car, but you probably want those things so that's irrelevant. The equivalent BMW will be more economical and in our opinions better to drive.

However, the Volvo excels at being comfortable and spacious and of course it's crammed with safety equipment. The 2007 D5 engine is powerful, but a little louder than those in rival cars.

In terms of reliability, this generation of S80 was subject to a few relatively minor recalls, though the issues would annoy you so make sure any car you look at buying has had these rectified.

If you'd like to know anything else specific, just get in touch.

Expert answer

Hiya Alan,

In a word, no we wouldn't recommend a used one. While the RX-8 is a great car and was super when it came out new, it has been a total disaster in terms of reliability. It drinks oil and fuel and there is a list of problems with it. There is a fair amount of evidence that the engines on these cars aren't lasting much more than 80,000- to 100,000 kilometres and there have been problems with starting the engines too. 

We would love to recommend the RX-8 as a second-hand buy but there is a strong chance you would be heart broken and given the fact that you have had grief before then I reckon you don't want that to happen again.

Expert answer

Hi Trish,

In general, the later Saabs are pretty solid. They are generally based on General Motors platforms and the engines are tried and trusted. As they get older they can become a little expensive to repair but since you are looking at 2007 models or newer then these should be good. It is true that there have been some reports of failed turbos in the past, but they are quite rare. 

There was a recall in 2007 for a problem with the handbrake but in general this car has been good. Depending on your needs, we would say you should get the cabrio, because this has brilliant resale value. This example is nice and comes from a SIMI dealer. 

Otherwise, I would probably go for this 150hp diesel, which has low mileage and would have good fuel economy. 

I hope this helps. 

Expert answer

Hi Zoe,

We spoke to Shane Teskey from Motorcheck.ie as he is a bit of an expert in this area and he told us that the rules state that the car "needs to be complete", but the thing is that the car doesn't need to get there under its own steam. I would say that if you spoke to your local authorised scrap yard then they might be of assistance on the matter. I would imagine that if you swapped the engines there would be no issue. They just won't allow parts of cars to be used to claim the discount on the scheme.

We will check out this a little more for you.  

Expert answer

Hi there,

Well the obvious choice would be to go and get the latest Renault Laguna Sports Tourer, which could cost you as little as €23,090 under the scrappage scheme with a 2.0-litre diesel engine. This might be a bit over budget though. 

You are almost certainly going to get the best deal from a Renault dealership. The Grand Mégane is another option, but this only comes with a 1.5-litre diesel or 1.6-litre petrol. I am not sure why you would need it to be over 1.6-litre because the modern smaller engines are really good and the 1.5-litre diesel in the Mégane is really very competent. 

Hope that helps - if you need further advice please drop us a line in the comment box below

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

I believe that the 1.3-litre turbodiesel Astra has about the same maximum power as your 1.4-litre petrol model, but it has signficantly more torque so it would be faster overall. Also, being six years younger won't hurt it.

The biggest difference between the two will be the manner in which the power is delivered. Petrol engines without turbocharging produce all their power when being revved, while the turbodiesel engine is better in the mid-range.

As with all car purchases, we recommend you drive the car you're considering for as long as possible on a variety of roads to make sure it suits you.

Let us know if you need anything else and tell us how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Gerard,

Sorry for taking so long to come back to you, but we wanted to investigate this a little. I've asked several independent and franchised garages about this and nobody has come across this problem with the VW Group TDI engines.

How did you determine what actually happened? Just add a comment below this question.

Expert answer

Hi Marie,

We had a chat on the phone to get more information and now know that you would prefer to sell the L200 privately and use the cash to buy your next vehicle, so your budget is about €10,000 - €12,000.

The difficulty in getting something with height is that the SUVs going back a few years tended to be diesel with fairly large engines, so before 2008 these engines were in some cases cheaper to tax than they are now. Emissions were higher, but you were charged - as you are probably aware - for the size of your engine. I'm sure you don't want to get landed with a high road tax bill per year, but we will explore some options. 

The first is a 2004 Toyota RAV4. There is a model in a dealership in Louth, which I realise is quite far from you, but this diesel model is a beaut and is at a SIMI dealer so this brings with its some safeguards. This RAV4 is under €10,000 and has low mileage, though is going to cost €823 to tax each year. 

The Kia Sportage fiesel would be a great little buy for you. This small SUV has proven to be very reliable and very well liked by owners. This one in Cork is a little over your budget, but as a cash buyer I would think you could bargain down the asking price of €13,900. 

A car that you might not have thought of, but I have always rated as a good little car, is the Fiat Sedici. This small SUV has four-wheel drive, a diesel engine and is cheap to buy and run. We found a 2009 model in Laois with just 23,000 miles on the clock and the asking price is just €11,750. This would be a nice little runabout and it still retains some of the height of the SUV. This will cost you €447 per year to tax. 

Another good choice, although the annual tax will be the same as the RAV4's, is the Nissan X-Trail. This is a really nice example from 2005 that has a 2.2-litre diesel engine and would be a nice vehicle to own. Again, if you couldn't cope with the high annual road tax then it might not be the best option for you. 

I'd be inclined, if it were me, to buy that RAV4, as it would be a nice vehicle to own. 

I hope this helps!

Expert answer

Hi Patricia,

It's true that diesel engines are not as well suited to life spent in town and short journeys. Many of the components can become gummed up, reducing performance and increasing fuel consumption. Diesel versions of many cars are more expensive to buy in the first place too, and it's no point paying that premium unless you're going to make it back over longer annual mileages. Finally, petrol cars are generally quieter, making them more relaxed in town.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Fergal,

I have just spent a week in a TDCi Mondeo. It was an automatic and I really liked it. The gearbox is a little lazy at times, but overall the car is a joy to drive. There is a new Mondeo coming later this year though so you might want to hang on for that as it features new engines as well.

Expert answer

Hi Henry,

It's not often we get asked about the second-generation Fiat Croma. It didn't sell all that well as buyers didn't really know whether it was an MPV or an estate. However, it sounds like it could be an ideal candidate for your partner's needs.

The Croma majors on space, practicality, comfort, safety and equipment. The version you found has very few kilometres on the clock, which is always a bonus. Make sure you check that every switch and control is working though, as Croma owners have reported niggling electrical faults.

Our other piece of advice, if you like the Croma, is to look for a diesel version. The MultiJet diesel engines are strong and economical so would be better than the 1.8-litre petrol version over long distances. That said, the petrol engine is quieter.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Ger,

We are likely to see the new EcoBoost engines in the facelifted version of the Mondeo, which is expected to make its debut at the Paris Motor Show later in the year.

The new EcoBoost engine will be similar to that about to make its debut in the new S-MAX. This is a 2.0-litre petrol engine (which has 203hp), but there will also be a 1.6-litre EcoBoost at some stage later this year. The 1.6-litre EcoBoost will make its debut in the new C-MAX and Grand C-MAX models. We are guessing at the power, but I think 130-150hp from the 1.6 EcoBoost would be about right. 

Ford EcoBoost combines a single turbocharger with a direct injection fuel system, delivering, as Ford says, V6 performance from a four-cylinder with fuel economy improvements of at least 10 percent. 

Expert answer

Hi Carl,

The thing about fuel economy figures from the manufacturer is that they are often very difficult to match. We seldom match them, as they are recorded using specific lab conditions and are often not really reflective of real-world conditions.

There are some things you can do to improve your fuel economy however:

1 Pump up to cut down 

Under-inflated tyres create more resistance. That means your engine has to work harder, so more fuel is used. Check and adjust your tyre pressures regularly, and also before long journeys.

2 Less clutter means less CO₂ 

Clutter in your boot is extra weight in your car. By removing it, you could reduce your engine's workload. This will burn less fuel.

3 Drive at an appropriate speed 

Staying at or within the speed limit not only increases driver safety, it also reduces fuel consumption. At 110km/h you could be using nine percent more fuel than at 100km/h, and up to 15 percent more fuel than at 80km/h.

4 Less stopping and starting 

Every time you stop then start again in a traffic queue the engine uses more fuel. Keep an eye on the traffic ahead and slow down early by gently lifting your foot off the accelerator while keeping the car in gear. The traffic may have started moving again by the time you reach the vehicle in front, so you can change up a gear and be on your way.

5 Over-revving accelerates emissions 

Modern car engines are designed to be efficient from the moment they are switched on, so revving up like a Formula 1 car in pole position only wastes fuel and increases engine wear. Using your gears wisely by changing up a gear a little earlier can also reduce revs.

6 Idling is wasting fuel 

When the engine is idling, you're wasting fuel. If you're likely to be at a standstill for more than three minutes, simply switch off the engine.

 – Source: Defra UK

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

Sorry to tell you that the 156, as much as we love them, have not proven to be very reliable. The Driver Power Survey (carried out in the UK, but usually relevant to the same cars sold here) continuously ranks the Alfa 156 near the bottom for reliability. On closer scrutiny the much talked about electrical problems seem to be niggles rather than serious issues, though blown head gaskets and water leaks have been reported too.

As with any second-hand car, go for the example with the best service history, and make sure with the 156 that it had its 60,000-mile service done at the right time.

Same advice with the 146 really with regards to service history. It's especially important that it has had regular, on time timing belt changes so if there's no history showing this then look elsewhere. Smoky engines are a giveaway to expensive future bills, as are groans and creaks in the suspension. As with the 156, electrical niggles have been widely reported, though it seems that some cars have them and some don't...

In summary, if reliability is the most important aspect of this car purchase to you, then we'd not recommend either of these cars, but if you're already sold on the idea of one of these Alfas then we'd suggest you veer towards the 156.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Volkswagen aren't saying much at the moment, but you can take it as a given that the new model will feature the 1.4-litre TSi and I reckon (and this just a guess) that it will be the same one that is in the Passat at the moment. This is a reasonably new engine and I think it will be carried over to the replacement. The 122hp unit replaced the 1.6-litre petrol and for the first while I would see this engine being carried over.

As you can see from what they have done in the Polo, with the 105hp unit available, there is increasing popularlity and relevance for these smaller turbocharged engines and they definitely have a future. They offer a great way of keeping emissions down but at the same time returning pretty potent performance.

Everyone is being conditioned to buy diesel cars at the moment, but this new raft of small petrol turbocharged engines will offer a great alternative.

Expert answer

Hello Brian,

This is an interesting one. I am guessing, as you own and love the 406 Coupé that you don't really want something too mainstream. It might seem obvious to put you into something like a BMW 3 Series Coupé, but I don't think that is what you are after.

As you probably know, you might not get offered very much for your 406 Coupé, which is a shame. Try to sell it privately because these cars do have a loyal following and if you got €2,000 that would no doubt be welcome. There is one for sale with a lot less miles than yours in Dublin for €2,650, so work backwards from there. 

Trading it is probably the easiest. Let's say that you have a budget of €16,000 and see what is around that might suit. 

One, perhaps rather obvious, choice would be to go for a Peugeot 407 Coupé. The diesel model sold really well and remains expensive, but I found a 2007 2.2-litre petrol version with just 21,000 miles on the clock and they are asking just €14,950. You can find it here:

http://tinyurl.com/33k7nl3

That might work given the really small mileage that you do and since you loved your 406 Coupé then this could be a great buy. 

If you want something very pretty and unique, how about an Alfa Romeo Brera? Here is a 2.2-litre petrol model for €17,950, but you could well haggle this price down further. There aren't too many about and while we cannot say that it won't give you the odd headache, it is a real head turner.

http://tinyurl.com/3ydqk89

Even if you're not a BMW guy, it's worth considering a 2006 320d Coupé, which will be reasonably economical for under €16,000. This one is in Monaghan and the mileage is pretty good at 69,000 miles.

http://tinyurl.com/3yr7wgq

I don't think you need a diesel given your mileage. I'd pick a Volkswagen Golf GTI. I know it isn't a coupé, but it is a super car to drive. This one is a 2006 model, but you might sneak into a 2007 version for your budget too. The example we found has the brilliant DSG gearbox, has done just 26,000 miles and is loaded with kit. It is such a rewarding car to drive and, since you live in the city, the gearbox should suit you perfectly giving you the best of both worlds.

http://tinyurl.com/32aftto

Please feel free to come back to us if we are way off the mark!

Expert answer

There has been a huge move towards diesel cars here in Ireland because of the change to the road tax and VRT laws in July 2008.

Since then, as you may or may not know, road tax and VRT are calculated according to a car's CO₂ emissions and because diesel cars use less fuel than petrol ones, their emissions tend to be lower.

When your father bought the Mazda6 in 2008 it may well have been better value than the diesel model. Now, there is much less difference between the price.

Before we move away from Mazda, there is now a very good range of diesel engines in the new Mazda6 and that might make the most cost-effective swap if he was happy with the car he has because you will most likely get the best trade-in price from a Mazda dealer. However, by the sounds of things he wants a change.

Covering only 10,000km a year we previously might have said that there was no real need to buy a diesel because you would not save the extra price of the car in fuel.

This point remains true, but the difference now is that the market has changed so much to diesel that petrol cars are likely to lose their value faster and become increasingly unwanted by used car buyers, so at this size of car, we would say yes, move to diesel. Also, if you do buy new, your father will most likely benefit from lower road tax.

Without knowing a budget it is difficult to point you in the right direction but from the cars you mention I'm guessing the budget is between €25,000 - €35,000. This does offer a lot of choice.

The 2004/2005 BMW 320d is certainly an option. Since the current shape model came out in 2005, we would encourage you to look at these, or even a 2006. The prices of these are quite competitive at the moment. A 2005 320d SE at a SIMI dealer would probably cost you between €15,000 - €17,000.

BMWs are always tempting to buy used, but you must choose one that has been properly serviced and cared for, because they can become more expensive to put right as they get older. The choice of used 320d models at the moment is vast so if you do go down that route, shop around. It is a great car and with the small mileage your Dad does it is unlikely to end up costing you too much.

If you want to go down the new route, there are a few that would spring to mind. The first is the Skoda Superb. This car is really brilliant and huge too. It is well made and loaded with equipment. If your Dad likes comfort then this will be right up his street.

Our choice would be the 2.0-litre TDI Comfort for €27,805. It is excellent value for money and comes with lots of creature comforts (cruise control, climate control, etc.), a 170hp diesel that is powerful, yet still frugal at 5.8 l/100km. Road tax on this car is €302 per year. For me, if I were heading out to buy a family saloon today, I wouldn't pass the Superb.

You mentioned some other cars there. The Jetta isn't a bad car, but it's been out a few years now and is probably due an update, so I wouldn't buy that new. The Audi A4 is nice. A new one is going to cost you from €34,060 before you start looking at optional extras, so a 2009 model would make sense with all the options already added. €35,000 should get you a nice 2009 TDI version with lots of the toys thrown in.

Please feel free to come back to us with more details if you like (just add a comment below), but for me I would probably have the Superb.

Expert answer

Well you haven’t said what your budget is but there are plenty of interesting cars that are available under the scrappage scheme.

Alfa Romeo’s Mito is a small premium hatchback, and its clean 1.3-litre diesel engine puts it in Band A; the 1.4-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel models fall into Band B. Prices start at €18,995 before you take away the government discount.

The Audi A3 with the 1.2-litre TFSI petrol, the 1.6-litre diesel and 2.0-litre diesel all qualify for scrappage, as does the Cabriolet version. The A3 3-door starts from €25,195 before scrappage discount, it’s €26,195 as a 5-door Sportback model, and €32,785 for the Cabriolet version before the €1,500 discount.

The A4 with a 2.0-litre diesel engine in either 120bhp, 136bhp and 170bhp all fall under Band B in either saloon or Avant form. Prices start from €34,060 (€32,560 with scrappage) for the diesel saloon and €36,460 (€34,960 with scrappage) for the Avant. The stunning A5, with a 170bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine, falls into Band B. Prices start at €44,265 (€42,765 with scrappage). You can also have the Audi A6 2.0-litre TDi with 136bhp, which is in Band B. This huge car starts from €39,735 (€38,235 with scrappage). The Audi TT diesel is a really superb car to drive. At €44,175 for the Coupé (€42,675 with scrappage), this is a brilliant buy and that fact that it costs €156 per year to tax makes it all the sweeter.

BMW also has a huge number of models that qualify for the scrappage scheme. Its 2.0-litre diesel is used in various power outputs across the 1-Series, 3-Series and 5-Series and these all have emissions of less than 140g/km, even when fitted with an automatic transmission.

The 1-Series is available with clean diesel engines ranging in power from 115bhp to 177bhp. Prices start at €24,900 for the 3-door 116d, €23,400 with the scrappage discount.

The BMW 3-Series starts from €33,310 for the 316d. All its models get €1,500 off from the government through scrappage. Largest of all is the 520d. Although there is a new model coming later in the year, the run-out models of the 520d are expected to sell well, especially with a price tag of €40,220.

Mercedes-Benz has a number of models that qualify under the scrappage scheme. The standout model is the C-Class Blue Efficiency 200 (136bhp), 220 (170bhp) and 250 (240bhp) manual versions, the E-Class 200, 220 and 250 manual version and the E-Class Coupé 220 and 250 models with manual transmission. Prices start at €36,500 (€35,000 with scrappage) for the C200 CDi, €41,200 (€39,700) for the E200 CDi and €47,700 (€46,200) for the E-Class Coupé E250 CDi.

Finally, what about the Volkswagen Scirocco? You can have the 1.4-litre TSi petrol or 2.0-litre TDi Sport model under the scrappage scheme. Prices start at €25,190 for the Scirocco (€23,690 with scrappage),

To answer your question though, which is fastest? We think it is the BMW 123d Coupe. It has emissions of 138g/km yet has a top speed of 238km/h and 0-100km/h time of 6.9 seconds. This is faster than the Audi TT TDi, which has a top speed of 226km/h and 0-100km/h time of 7.5 seconds.

Expert answer

Firstly, there are probably more diesel automatic cars in Ireland than you might think, but they tend to be executive models rather than mainstream family cars because it seems that there still isn't a huge demand for them.

Toyota does in fact sell an automatic version of its Avensis. It is a 2.2-litre 150bhp diesel and that costs €35,530. Since you mentioned the Toyota Avensis we must assume that you are after a family saloon or hatchback so for a start you could have a Ford Mondeo 2.0-litre TDCi Style Auto for €32,225 - that comes as a saloon, hatchback or estate.

For you a few quid more you can have the run out version of the Jaguar X-Type 2.2 Diesel Auto for €32,995 or you could have the Mercedes-Benz B180 CDi Auto from €33,640.

There are loads of versions of the excellent Opel Insignia available with a choice of 130- or 160bhp diesel engines in saloon, hatchback or estate body styles. There are 24 different Insignia diesels available in total. Prices start at €30,380. You can have a Renault Laguna 2.0-litre dCi 150 TomTom Edition for €36,890.

A Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI with the excellent DSG gearbox will cost you from €35,960 and Skoda will sell you something with DSG for even less. How about an Octavia RS 2.0-litre diesel with 170bhp and DSG for €31,195? For us, that last car is the top choice. However you could stick with Skoda and go much bigger and that would be the Superb. You can have that with DSG and 170bhp for €31,195.

There is a fuel economy penalty in some cases and that is because the traditional automatic transmission has a torque converter. Automatic cars are generally a little heavier too, to the detriment of economy. Saying that, the latest generation of dual-clutch automatics and some of the newest conventional autos have massively improved.

Fuel economy and CO₂ emissions are directly linked, so often the manual version of a car can be in a lower tax band than their automatic siblings, but this is starting to change as mentioned above.

Expert answer

Hi Laura, that isn't really an easy question to answer, because it really is down to personal choice. Neither of these cars is significantly better overall than the other so it depends on what you are looking for in a car. The Focus is known for having the best chassis and if you like your car to have sharp, crisp and fun handling then you will choose the Focus. The Golf is also quite good to drive, especially the latest version, and it could be perhaps regarded as having a more upmarket image.

Both cars have clean 1.6-litre diesel engines in their best-selling models, with both of these sitting in Band A, which means low road tax. Both are similarly priced too, with the Focus at the moment having perhaps a better offer in the Style five-door model.

Really the only thing we could say is that you should try the two cars for yourself and decide based on your gut feeling. Both of these cars have similar traits and have strong residual values so it'll be a good buy whichever way you go.

Expert answer

The crew cab did enjoy a golden period in the early part of the last decade when there was a considerable tax break, with minimum VRT being charged on them. As a result, sales boomed for a period until this loophole was closed. Sales of the crew cab models aren't as strong as they used to be, especially since the building trade has been so badly affected by the economic downturn.

However, for someone like you they might still make an awful lot of sense because they offer the best of both worlds. They are useful as work vehicles with generous load bays and strong diesel engines that are capable both of high mileage and also towing duties. As everyday passenger vehicles they aren't as comfortable as a regular car and in some cases they aren't even as comfortable as a normal SUV, as most have a pretty basic chassis.

The main choices are between the Mitsubishi L200, the Toyota Hilux and the Nissan Navara. The L200 Double Cab €26,995 new - that includes a significant price reduction recently. It has a 2.5-litre diesel engine that puts out 136bhp. CO₂ emissions of 228g/km mean that it will cost you €2,050 per annum to tax, which is pretty high.

The Navara has a 2.5-litre diesel engine with 171bhp and that is quite a bit more power than the Mitsubishi and it too has emissions of Band G, at 264g/km. Prices start at €34,135 for the Navara Double Cab.

The Hilux comes with a choice of 2.5- or 3.0-litre diesel engines, with 120- and 170bhp respectively. The Hilux has emissions that are in Band E, so you at least save yourself €1,000 in road tax. Prices start at €29,575 for the 2.5-litre Double Cab model.

Having said all that, the best options are likely to be used where there are huge savings.

A 2007 Navara will cost you €16,500 from an approved SIMI dealer: http://bit.ly/d0uIC8 for example

Or a 2007 Toyota Hilux will cost you €19,000: http://bit.ly/bLloV5

Or a 2006 Mitsubishi L200 will cost you €14,950: http://bit.ly/97foEZ