Expert answer

Hi Tommy,

Expert answer

Hi Seamus,

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

Generally speaking, the Sedona should be as close to utterly reliable as is possible. A 2008 model will still have up to a year's warranty left on it, which is reassuring, and the only repetitive niggle we can find with them is that the electric sliding side doors can have a mind of their own and you will probably often have to resort to manual control. Kia dealers don't seem to be able to locate the source of the problem, for some reason. 

We have heard reports of a few 'Friday afternoon' cars that have had troubles with clutches, brakes, air conditioning and gearboxes, but these seem to be very rare indeed.

Expert answer

Hi Chris,

The thing to bear in mind here is that the engine rarely has to directly power the wheels; most of the time it operates (at set optimum speeds) to turn the generator and charge the battery pack. Other than that, when it does power the front wheels it's at specific speeds in particular conditions, for which we assume it has been calibrated. The addition of a CVT may well enhance the situation, but it would add another chunk of weight to an already heavy vehicle.

Electric motors don't need a continuously varying gear ratio to operate efficiently.

You can read our drive of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV here

Expert answer

Hi Xavier,

Right, this is a bit of a finger in the air operation (as are all VRT estimates - the only one that actually counts is the final bill from Revenue...), but I'd say it’ll work out roughly like this: OMSP value should be in the region of €10,000 so at 36 per cent VRT that'll work out at €3,600.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Keith,

The extra spec probably won't make much difference I'm afraid. Once there's a few basic items such as air conditioning, a decent stereo and some nice wheels, most second hand buyers don't care about spec - they're only interested in the car itself, its history and its likely reliability. With that in mind I'd say you're looking at a value of between €8,000 and €9,000.

Expert answer

Hi David,

Not a terrible car but you could do better. The third generation Mégane atoned for many of the reliability sins of its forebears. It's well made, comfy and super economical. Make sure all the electrics work properly and argue yourself a good deal - Méganes depreciate heavily so make sure you're not putting too much into the front end.

Expert answer

Hi Deck,

There seems to be a bit of split in S-Max ownership between those who have solidly reliable cars and those who keep suffering annoying niggles. Electrical faults are surprisingly common, and can range from knackered windscreen wipers to a fault that drains the battery over the course of a couple of days. Other have complained of some loose-fitting interior trim, especially around the doors. Keep an eye out too for clonking noises coming from the steering, stiff brake pedals or the diesel engine cutting out mysteriously.

Expert answer

Hi Fionn,

You see, if we could answer that then we would have cracked the deep and dark mysteries of car depreciation and possibly time travel. In which case this would be written from the deck of our yacht, moored in the Caribbean. But it's not, so the short answer is we don't know. Fifty per cent depreciation over the first three years is the normal rule of thumb for most cars, and a 5 Series diesel would drop in value a little slower than that. So a five-year old one would probably be worth just under half of what it cost when new, assuming it's in perfect condition and has a full service history.

Hope that's of some assistance!

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

How long have you got? Right, here are the good points - they're utterly gorgeous and have a ride quality that makes even the worst roads feel like a billiard table.

 Now for the bad stuff. Jaguar was in the throes of the worst of the British Leyland years at the time so quality was, um, optional. In fact it was mostly terrible. Jag had a hard enough time keeping the straight-six XK engine running reliably so just try to imagine how much bother twice as many cylinders, HT leads, plugs etc. can provide.

For full comedy effect the damn thing even has two fuel tanks that hold roughly 50 litres each. Hope you've got a flexible credit card limit... 

The list of things that can break is essentially endless and the body will probably slowly destroy itself from within with rust. Paint peeling off in sheets is pretty common and keeping the carbs in tune is not the work of a moment.