Expert answer

Hi Hugh,

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

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

Expert answer

Hi Joan,

There's no new alternative I'm afraid, but you could try to track down a Honda FR-V, which uses the same seating layout. They're getting thin on the ground now too though, as production ceased in 2009.

Expert answer

Hi John,

The critical question here is how much road tax and insurance pain are you willing to take? An early 2000s Porsche 911 will crack 5.3 seconds 0-100km/h all day long but you'll pay through the nose for tax, disc and servicing. And never, ever buy one without a full Porsche or Porsche Specialist service history.

Most Mercedes-AMG models from the same era will do similar but again the same caveats on servicing and running costs apply.

A BMW M3 Evolution will do 5.5 seconds, but watch for ones that have been badly fiddled with or modified.

Probably better would be a Ford Focus RS or a Volkswagen Golf R or R32. Both are pretty rugged in the reliability stakes but again you have to be wary of cars that have been modified or altered from standard. 

However, possibly the best bet is a Honda S2000. As long as you don't need back seats it's a fantastic thing to drive, will do 6.0 seconds 0-100km/h and it's rock solid in reliability terms. Loads around well within your price band but again watch carefully for badly done modifications or cars that haven't been cared for.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

Very, but listen carefully for any worrying knocks or clonks coming from the steering or suspension and insist on a full service history.

Expert answer

Hi Enda,

I'd tread carefully here. If you don't like the semi-auto box on the Citroen then just let it go - it's not going to get any better and it'll bug you for the rest of your time with the car. 

As for the Renault, I'm just not confident predicting reliability. Generally, Renaults are now a lot better built than they used to be, but long-term they can still be a bit shaky. Also, the reason it's a high-spec 2010 model for such a small price is because Renaults depreciate faster than snow in summer. 

So, I think you might need to shop around a bit and buy something on the basis of reliability and condition rather than year. Have a look at the likes of a Ford S-Max, Toyota Verso, Volkswagen Touran or, if six seats rather than seven will do the trick, a Honda FR-V. You might need to go back to a 2008 or 2009 model to get one within budget, but buy with a full service history and keep the maintenance up and any of those should give you long and hopefully reliable service.

Last, but not least, Shane, our Editor, is in the same position as you right now and he has homed in on the Mazda5, which has an exceptional reliability record.

Expert answer

Hi Pearse,

I wouldn't be too worried. You have a couple of things in your favour, first and foremost of which is that the Auris is about as solid and dependable as cars get, so even if it has been thrashed a bit, it can take it. Secondly, it's a long way from being the favoured car of boy racers, and a 2007 version would in any case probably be too expensive a car for the sort of person who adds a three-foot rear wing and goes doing handbrake turns in McDonald's car park at night. Basically, go with your gut. If the car seems to have been cared for, comes with a full service history and the dealer is willing to give you a decent warranty (one year at least) then it should be fine.

Expert answer

Hi Simon,

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

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

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

Expert answer

Hi Frank,

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

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

It depends on the year and service history to be honest but it sounds ok from here. Make sure you know the ins and outs of importing the car though. Has the seller paid the VRT yet? Has it been properly re-registered? Worth doing a thorough history and background check too, on any car, with Cartell.ie, but especially a UK import.

Read our guide to importing a car from the UK here

Expert answer

Hi Suzanne,

I'm sorry, but it's almost impossible to assess such a thing from afar. My first impression would be a fuel supply problem, or dodgy fuel in the tank and lines, but it could be plenty of other things.

I'd urge you bring the car to a good local mechanic as soon as you can to take a look at it before any damage is done.

Hope it doesn't work out too expensive to fix