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Hi Brian,

First up, 143,000 miles isn't much for the 1.8 TDCi engine so don't focus on that. This sounds like the car has gone into 'limp home' mode, which could be for a variety of reasons from a faulty sensor to a blocked diesel particulate filter (DPF). You really need the car hooked up to a diagnostic computer at a garage to get to the bottom of the problem quickly.

Let us know how you get on.

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Hi Tom,

It's a much smaller car, the Rio. The Focus would be significantly larger and more spacious in the cabin and boot. There is a roughly €6,000 difference between the new prices of both, which should give you an idea of the gap between them. That said, if you don't need the cabin and boot space, the Rio is a cracking little car. Good to drive, good to look at and with that famous seven-year warranty.

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Hi Greg,

Yup, they're a good 'un. Ford's reliability record has been steadily improving over the past few years and there are no major reported issues for that generation of Focus. Just watch that a recall to fix a leaking fuel return pipe has been completed and, of course, make sure the car has a full service history. Oh, and as many of these cars will have begun life as company cars, that can mean that they've been well cared for and serviced regularly, but it can also mean that they've been abused by uncaring owners. Check carefully.

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Hi Paulette,

This is quite a common problem causes by the washer jets leaking under the bonnet. They leak in use and afterwards. You'll need to replace the hoses, which won't cost a fortune.

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Hi Alanna,

I reckon the Qashqai +2 might be the best one to go for. The extra seats are pretty small but the boot on the +2 is simply massive when they're folded flat, so that's helpful when you're lugging around two small ones and their various chattels. Don't worry about running costs too much - the Qashqai looks like an SUV but it's really a hatchback with attitude and the 1.5 diesel engine is reliable, economical and has reasonably low emissions too.

That Toyota 1.4 diesel you mentioned would indeed be much less powerful than your Mazda's engine - it's about 20hp down and noticeably so. Volkswagen Jettas are indeed reliable, but I reckon that the Nissan would be slightly more so, so make that your first choice.

Let us know how you get on

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Hi Jason,

Depends what you mean by 'best' really. I'm going to assume, though, that what you mean is the best all-round; something that's fun to drive and good to look at, but also spacious, reliable and practical with an eye on fuel economy, right?

In that case, and at that budget, you're looking at three main cars: Honda Civic, Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus. All three are reliable and well made (the Civic the best in that sense), all three are good to drive (the Focus is the best to drive) and all three are economical (few cars are as good, real-world, on fuel as a diesel-engined Golf). Shop around, because there are loads of each one out there and your €6,000 will go a long way. Insist on a full service history and make sure you do a background check on the car if you're buying privately (we recommend Cartell.ie). Beware of silly boy-racer mods (especially on the Golf, but the other two are prone to such things too) and try to find something that hasn't been used and abused by a legion of crisp-munching kids.

Let us know how you get on

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Hi F D,

The new Ford Focus is expected to begin deliveries here in Ireland from July of this year, although that was a provisional date given to us at the preview of the car last month, so that date could move back by a month or so. The new 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine sounds like it will be a great choice for the new Focus, and should be available straight away in 150hp guise - there will also be a 180hp version. If you're planning on getting one of the new versions straight away, I'd advise paying a visit to your local dealer soon, as allocations are likely to be small when the car first goes on sale. 

Hope this helps.

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Hi Andy,

Well, they're two quite different cars. The Avensis is significantly bigger than the Focus, so if it's space you're looking for, that's the one to go for. To be honest, I think it's the Avensis to go for anyway. Assuming the prices are similar and condition and history are good, then Toyota's build quality and reliability is just that little bit ahead of Ford's, so its long-term longevity should be better.

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Hi Catherine,

Go for the Ford C-Max. They're ruggedly reliable and good to drive. Méganes of that era are best avoided.

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Hi Brid,

You might be able to but I'd suggest if you're buying it for your daughter you may not want to! Make sure you get a good one and be aware that the Focus didn't have anti-lock brakes (ABS) as standard back then and many cars were sold without it. Worth tracking down one with that life-saving tech.

Let us know how you get on or if you need more help