Expert answer

Hi Joe,

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

Relevant reviews:

Kia Sorento review

Nissan Qashqai review

Toyota RAV4 review

Expert answer

Hi Caroline,

The new V60 Cross Country is on sale now from €40,845 (click here to go to Volvo's configurator for that car). We've not driven it as yet, but will be during the summer. For what it's worth, we really like the regular V60. Read our review of that here.

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

To be honest, if it's just the two of you, then you don't really need to trade up to an E-Class or 5 Series sized car - a 3 Series would do you just as nicely. That said, there is definitely a slight comfort benefit from going for the bigger model, so I can understand why you might want to. 

I'm going to suggest something a little left-field for you but I think it might just work - have a look at a Lexus GS 300h. It's perhaps not as obviously economical as a BMW 520d or Mercedes E 200 CDI, but it's enormously refined and comfortable, and endlessly reliable and solidly built. It's also really nice to drive and I think the quirky elements of the styling and engineering might appeal to a former Saab driver. Have a test drive and let me know what you think.

Relevant reviews:

Lexus GS 300h review

Expert answer

Hi Seamus,

This is quite a tricky one so we sought the advice of the car data experts at Cartell.ie. Here's what they came up with:

"This is an unusual query and you'll need to get confirmation from Revenue in Ireland and HM Revenue & Customs in the UK. Based on what we think, and we don't see this query a lot, you may be able to buy the vehicle brand new for export, meaning that the VRT isn't paid on it at all - so no need for refund. The vehicle may get a temporary registration so it can be exported. Also the VAT of 23% can be claimed back as it's a new vehicle and you'll have to pay the UK VAT rate when it's registered there. To be honest this is a bit of a minefield and we strongly advise getting all details and clarifications from the Revenue both in Ireland and the UK before proceeding."

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

Negotiable, at least from the point of view of the size of deposit, which of course then affects the amount your borrowing and therefore the monthly repayments. 

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

Crossover SUV? Only one at that price level; the Skoda Yeti has three individual seats across the back. However, while the outer two slide and their backrests tilt, it's not by enough to squeeze in larger booster cushions/seats with a rear-facing baby seat. Perhaps with particularly slim seats it may be possible, but otherwise we'd suggest not. Bring the seats to a Skoda dealership to try it for yourself though.

Estates generally don't have the width any more to take three seats abreast in the back, but there are conversions available (from EP Mooney in Dublin) that will allow a conventional estate (or any car for that matter) to take as many as four child safety seats.

Otherwise you're looking at larger SUVs or at the least, a compact MPV.

Expert answer

Hi Olive,

It's not easy to assess such issues from afar though it does sound as if the car is going into 'limp home' mode to protect the engine as the engine control unit (ECU) has sensed a problem. With such a new car it's most likely to be a wrong reading from a sensor rather than anything major.

As the car is new, bring it straight back to the dealer and we're sure it'll be sorted quickly.

Let us know how you get on and what the problem was.

Expert answer

Hi Jerry,

It depends. If you roll it up to a Nissan, Peuegot or Opel dealer in the next few weeks, then it could be worth as much as €4,500 off a new car. As a pure scrap value, at a breakers, it depends entirely on the condition of the car and the various parts that can be stripped from it.

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

Yes, you're right. It should be like that and there should be no more of this 'ex-works' cod-ology and everything should be given a simple on-the-road price. 

As ever, it's never that simple though. Dealers like to have 'Delivery and Related Charges' because it gives  them some wiggle room to offer discounts and money off. Also, the Competition Authority generally takes a dim view of car makers imposing specific charges on dealers for delivery etc, as it's seen as being anti-competitive.

Good old Ireland, eh?

Expert answer

Hi Laura,

I'm afraid there doesn't have to be visible water/oil mixing for there to be a head gasket problem so that may well be the issue. Before going to get that work done you should park the car somewhere dry and clean underneath and let it run and keep an eye under the engine. Are there any visible water leaks? It could be as simple as that.

If not, bring the car to a garage to have the system pressure-tested etc. Don't delay though; if the head gasket is gone and you continue to drive it, you really could do a lot of damage.

Best of luck