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Hi Yvonne,

There are a huge number of different versions of the Transit and you've not told us the model year, so we can't give you any kind of accurate figure, but by way of example, for a pretty common 2006-on front-wheel-drive variant it should take no more than five hours to do the job. It then depends on the hourly rate of a garage, as that can vary considerably. And finally, the price of the parts is not particularly low, but it will vary from say a main dealer to a small motor factor.

A price of €200 sounds way too little for the job unless it's just the labour. I'd suggest that €450 is quite realistic from a decent garage with a good reputation.

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Hi Henry,

You've not told us which engine your car has, but there are a few known issues with the 207 that it might be:

- The catalytic converter can break up internally, damaging the oxygen sensor, leading to poor performance.

- Engine coolant temperature sensor becomes faulty, causing poor performance, especially when cold.

- Turbocharger failure (on diesel models) due to build-up of sludge in oil supply pipe.

I must admit, I don't think it sounds like any of those, but it does sound like an electrical issue with a failed sensor from your description. It's very difficult to assess such things from afar.

My advice would be to bring the car to a different mechanic as a starting point.

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Hi Patrick,

Tough to call. It is the unloved engine, which will hurt resale, and the mileage is about twice the average, but even so €7,000 sounds frighteningly cheap. Does it have a full service history? Have you done a history check with Cartell.ie?

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Hi Padraig,

Nope, the price doesn't change the fact that it's more thirsty and less practical than the standard V60. If your girls have outgrown a Zafira then neither the back seat nor the boot of the V60 hybrid will be any use to them or you. Better off by far with a standard one, or consider an upgrade to a well-cared for XC90.

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Hi Noel,

It's a belt, not a chain, and while Opel says that it needs changing only every ten years or 160,000km, we'd recommend having it at least inspected more frequently than that. 

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Hi Peter,

If you want a mix of fun, comfort and not diesel, it’s kind of hard to beat a Volkswagen Golf GTI. Superb performance, practical and comfy cabin and 45mpg if you drive it gently.

Other good options are a MINI Cooper (a touch noisy on longer journeys, but with very good seats), a Ford Fiesta ST (hands down the best hot hatch currently on sale, but perhaps lacking a little in comfort), or a Peugeot 308 in GT spec with the 130hp 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine.

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Hi John,

OK, lots and lots of options. How about a Fiat 500? Great looking, fun to drive, well made and that 1.2-litre petrol engine is willing enough to tackle motorway work from time to time.

Late 2000s MINIs fall into your budget too, and they're great fun to drive, roomier than the 500 (well, a bit) and solid on longer journeys.

You could be dead sensible and go for an Audi A3 1.6 petrol and there'd be nothing wrong with that - ticks all the boxes.

Or maybe something a bit more left-field? How about a Volkswagen Beetle? An original Mini (we did find one in your budget) or even a Smart ForTwo Brabus?

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Hi Kev,

Yes, it's a tricky combination of things you need. Normally we'd say go for the Lexus and just enjoy the ultimate in reliability, but as you rightly point out, there's an issue with luggage space. With that in mind, I think the best bet is the Audi A8, which has masses of space in the cabin and boot and which should be, aside from the Lexus, the most overall reliable car in your list. 

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Hi Donal,

Yup, Alfa is definitely offering some very sharp value deals on the Giulia at the moment, especially when you consider that you can effectively get a mid-spec car for the same price as a basic model. It’s a car we really like — it’s gorgeous, terrific to drive, practical and Alfa seems at last to have gotten on top of its quality issues. Two caveats, really — the infotainment system is not as sophisticated as you’d find in rival models, and to see the Giulia at its best, you really need to avoid the 2.2 diesel and go instead for the 200hp turbo petrol, although obviously that may not suit your needs.

Read our Alfa Romeo Giulia review here

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Hi Kay,

Yes, you should see a considerable saving on fuel, probably in the order of 10mpg at least, depending on how and where you drive. It is worth noting, though, that you will also be looking at considerably higher maintenance and servicing costs, as the 320d is much more sophisticated and high-tech than your Golf and, without careful, regular attention from a specialist they can start giving serious trouble.