Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

I've just recently driven the BMW 318d GT with an automatic gearbox in Irish specification (Luxury to be exact) on Irish roads and it's a fabulously comfortable car. It feels (and is) hugely spacious inside and in the boot too. Surprisingly, it's quite different to drive and in character to both the 3 Series saloon and Touring estate. It's even more comfortable on the road and more refined. However, if you're coming from one of those cars and you like how they drive you may not appreciate the reduced 'sharpness' in the dynamics. Most people won't care though and they'll relish the comfort.

The 318d engine seems to cope well enough with the car's weight and the eight-speed automatic transmission is a gem.

Which version are you considering?

Expert answer

Hi Gareth,

Go for the Skoda. Dave Humphreys (also of this parish) and I recently drove the latest Octavia RS diesel from Goodwood to Dublin and frankly, you'd be hard pressed to find a car with a broader spread of talents. Go for the estate to get the best looking (as well as most useful) version.

Let us know what you do

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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 Mark,

I'm afraid Volkswagen Ireland confirms that it has no plans to offer the new Golf Estate for sale here.

If you like it that much it'll have to be an import from the UK.

Let me know if we can be of further assistance.

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Hi Margaret,

I'd say circa €4,500 to €5,900 depending on condition but 1.4s are hard to find. You might have to go for a 1.6 or a diesel.

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Hi Austin,

They're pretty tough, those Mondeos actually. Handbrakes give trouble and were the subject of a recall so make sure that's been done. Windscreens are a touch fragile when it comes to cracks and chips and rear suspension bushes can wear out, which means replacing the whole rear subframe. Other than that, at that kind of mileage, just check for the usual major maintenance items like timing belts, brakes etc.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Mick,

Tempting to say a Volkswagen Golf (which is the answer everyone gives), but I’ll be slightly different and say a VW Golf Estate. Classy, lovely to drive, comfy and with a massive boot. Perfect family motoring. Read our Volkswagen Golf Estate review here.

Expert answer

Hi Ciaran,

Yes. We like the Insignia and it does a pretty good impression of an Audi A4 for a lot less money. As with any long-run mass-produced car, keep an eye out for faults and while the Insignia is well built, gearbox and steering issues are not unheard of. The 2.0-litre CDTi diesel engine is the best one to go for, especially in ECOFlex form as it's in Band A for road tax and if you can track down one of the gorgeous and practical estates. you're on to a winner.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Ian,

There are a couple of alternatives to the Q7 alright. The Land Rover Discovery is probably the best all-round seven-seat SUV on the market and easily matches the Q7 for driver appeal, cabin space and premium image. The only problem is that Land Rover is still working its way up from a low point in terms of reliability, and while the current Disco is certainly very well built, we'd reckon that a Q7 would be a little bit better in terms of reliability when you're talking about a car that's already a few years old.

In fact, we know of only two issues with the Q7. One, it's apparently quite hard on tyres and two, if it's got an electric tailgate, it can open or close with a mind of its own sometimes, although that should have been fixed in a recall by now.

You could go for a BMW X5 with seven seats, but there's not as much space in the third row in the BMW, so it depends on what you need those extra chairs for. If it's only for occasional use, for kids etc, then the X5 is well worth a look and is a fantastic car to drive. If you need to put adults back there, stick with the Audi. You could downsize to a Hyundai Santa Fe seven-seater of course, which is a reliable, affordable choice but lacking both third row space and the cachet of the Audi.

Or you could steer away from the SUV world altogether and get a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate with the extra rear-facing seats in the boot. Bit of an unsung hero that one, and much cheaper to run than a big 4x4. Or, of course, you could do the whole off-roader thing properly and get a long wheelbase Land Rover Defender, but you'll need ear plugs for long journeys.

Choosing between a 2007 or a 2008 Audi Q7 is all down to the price and the individual car. There was a facelift in 2009 that brought some engine updates and cabin and styling changes, but if you can find a good 2007 one, with a full Audi service history, you could be looking at paying as little as €20k. A Q7 for the price of a new Ford Focus? Not bad...

Let us know which way you go

Expert answer

Hi Alanna,

Anything pre-2008 with a petrol engine is pretty hard to shift on these days, sadly, so I'd reckon you're looking at a value of possibly as little as €5,500 for the Mazda3 at the moment. To get the best from it, I'd suggest staying within the Mazda family (a Mazda dealer will usually give you a better trade-in on a Mazda than will another dealer) and trade up to a Mazda6 Estate. Loads of space, brilliant to drive, reliable and, with the 2.2-litre 129hp diesel, very economical too. SUV? Do you live up a mountain or at the far end of a rutted dirt road? No? Then you don't need one - stick to the family car market and the Mazda6 size class (which also includes cars like the Toyota Avensis, Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat and Opel Insignia) is  where you'll get the best bang for your buck.

Let us know how you get on