Expert answer

Hi Michael,

Basically yes, it's almost impossible to kill an Avensis, but you could also consider a Skoda Superb, Honda Accord or Mazda6 as they will all be similarly reliable. The Mazda is the most fun to drive, the Accord the most luxurious (though they are pricey too) and the Superb the most spacious. The Avensis is a good mix of the three and with so many being on the road, you'll probably get the best value by shopping Toyota. Just avoid ex-taxi ones and it's worth buying an approved second hand example from a Toyota dealer to get a warranty and good after-sales care.

Let us know how you get on

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Hi Sean,

Well, any insurance company is going to load any male driver under 30 with a hefty premium, and if they're going for a BMW, any BMW, then that premium will be stacked higher still. Perhaps it would be better to seek out a version of the 1 Series that doesn't specifically have the word 'Sport' in its name? The SE model is just as good to drive and look at and there's no actually major dynamic benefit to having the Sport badge on the car.

Or, if the insurance is still working out too steep, why not consider a MINI? A One D would be pretty much as much fun to drive as the 1 Series, cheaper to run and insure and still has that BMW-style handling (front-wheel drive notwithstanding). Could be a better car to drive until he's past 30 and into the sunlit uplands of cheaper insurance.

What do you think?

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Hi Valerie,

Nope, they're excellent. Mazda's reputation for reliability is well earned and the 3 is a really nice car to drive. They're a little plain on the inside, but they're certainly hard-wearing so if you're a family motorist that should reassure you. The only problem to report is that some early models suffered from turbo failure, but it seems to have been an isolated problem. You will have to put up with a little more road roar and tyre noise than you might expect, though.

Go drive one for yourself to see what you think and let us know.

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Hi Brian,

That's a little bit tricky at the moment as there isn't currently a 'Match' spec Golf in Volkswagen's range. The current Mark VII Highline Golf though is the ritziest Golf you can buy short of getting a GTI or GTD. Over and above a standard Golf, you get things like 16-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel, front fog lights that include a cornering function, auto headlights and wipers, sports seats and nice trim on the seats and dash.

When the last Mark VI Golf Match was around, it included (for a relatively small extra outlay over a standard car) such items as automatic lights and wipers, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, USB and iPod connectors, a digital radio, a trip computer and alloy wheels. The current Golf probably won't get a Match version for a year or two yet but keep an eye out for when one arrives as it will probably be quite a good bargain.

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Hi Ali,

That sounds to us like the distributor is playing up. It's a common problem on early petrol Hondas.

Let us know if that fixes it.

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Hi Raska,

Well, you haven't specified which model, but I'm going to take a stab that you mean Auris, Corolla or Avenisis. On that basis, the answer is yes (reliable, comfy, practical, lots of them around to choose from) and no (Auris and Corolla's 1.4 D-4D engine is underpowered compared to the competition, Avensis cabin feels a touch old-fashioned).

If you need a little more than that come back to us with a specific model.

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Hi Mech,

There are few drawbacks to be honest. If you're importing the car from the UK then there is no drawback at all, other than the extra bit of legwork and travel needed to find and bring the car home. And of course you should consider potential difficulties with warranty, financing and trading in your current car.

If you're importing a Japanese model there can be a few issues to look at. Some parts are different, which can make repair and maintenance work a little tricker (and occasionally more expensive) and Japanese emissions laws are different too, so the car may need a tweak to the engine management system to pass the NCT emissions check. Helpfully, there are still several companies in Ireland that specialise in the importing of Japanese market cars and they'd be able to help you out with any of that.

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Hi Chelsea,

This is not all that unusual on modern cars and is usually nothing to worry about. Take the oil dipstick out, clean it and put it back in. Then take it out again and inspect. If that has anything other than clean oil on it then walk away.

With a car that new you'd hope the dealer will throw in a warranty in any case so ask about that too.

Expert answer

Hi William,

Ford is swearing blind that the all-new Mondeo (which has already been on sale for two years in the US as the Ford Fusion) is finally coming to these shores in the autumn of this year. The delay is being explained by the need to move the Mondeo's production line from the Ford factory in Ghenk, Belgium (which is being closed down) to Valencia in Spain.

Many of us car critics have pondered though whether or not Ford is simply stalling to try and let the European passenger car market recover before it introduces such a significant new model. If so, job done it would seem.

The new Passat is a little further away, but should be here by mid-2015 at the latest. Prototypes of the new car are already pounding the roads and test tracks of Europe racking up mileage and it's likely that we'll get a first look at the new car (which will be based on the same MQB chassis system as the current Golf) at the Paris Motor Show this September.

In the meantime, it's worth pointing out that the current Mondeo and Passat are still cars operating at the very top of their game and with new models on the way, it's likely you could argue yourself a decent deal on one.

Expert answer

Hi David,

Oh yes. In fact, I couldn't recommend it highly enough. Smooth, powerful, terrific to drive and yet decently economical too. Aside from a touch too much road noise, the Octavia RS TDI is one of the most accomplished all-round performance cars we've ever driven.

Here's our full road test of the Combi estate version