Expert answer

Hi Daniel,

Definitely go for the 1.6. It's a much more modern unit than the 1.9 and is quieter and more frugal. I'd estimate that in real-world terms you should get around 5-10mpg more out of the 1.6 compared to the 1.9.

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Hi Josephine,

Our database shows that, if your car is fitted with 195/55 R15 V 85 sized tyres then the correct average pressure is 2.1 bar or 31 PSI. 

This information should be displayed on your car somewhere - either inside the fuel filler flap or on the door frame when you open the door. 

Hope that helps

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Hi Dave,

If you mean the C4 Aircross then no, we haven't. It's not a model that's sold on the Irish market so it's not really on our radar. That said, from what we've heard, we're not missing out on much... We do get the C4 Cactus though, which is a lovely little thing. Read our review on that here.

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Hi Teresa,

There's a pretty broad spread of values for 407s of that age - it depends on the engine, trim and above all condition and history. The ballpark is from €5,500 to €8,500. A diesel model will be worth considerably more than a petrol one and a full service history is essential.

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Hi John,

Suzuki buys that 1.6 diesel engine in from Fiat, but before you go running for the hills, as far as we are aware there are no major issues with it.

Have you read our review of the new Suzuki Vitara?

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Hi Mary,

I'd tread carefully where the Multitronic box is concerned. While the serious issues that plagued it pre-2006 have been mostly sorted, it's still not trouble free. Oil changes are needed at regular intervals if it's to be kept in good order. 

I do reckon, if funds allow, you'd better off going for the S-Tronic gearbox, which seems to have a much stronger reliability record.

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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

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Hi William,

They're generally very solid cars, A4s, and the fact that this one comes with a full service history bodes well. The weak points are the electrics (so check to make sure that everything with a button or a wire works properly) and the cooling system (so try and go for a good long test drive and let the engine heat up properly to see if the radiator is doing its job). 

On the dynamic front, there's no doubt that a BMW 3 Series is a more engaging drive, but the Audi's robustness and practicality make it a very sensible second hand buy.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

It may well be that the housing of those gearboxes is the same, and that they appear interchangeable, but there could be important differences internally that would make the swap less than ideal. Most mechanics won't necessarily know the answer either. We reckon you should should check with a well-established car dismantler, as they come across that sort of thing all the time.

Best of luck

Expert answer

Hi Martina,

Neither car suffers from any major recurring mechanical maladies, although both can develop minor electrical system issues, especially with the stereos. 

Being as they're basically the same car, it's entirely down to personal preference as to which one you should go for. As the Kia still has warranty left to run, that would be a good bet but check with the Hyundai's seller - there may be a warranty option there too.