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Hi Olivia,

I'm afraid a timing belt change is not something that the average person can do on their own. It's a skilled job that really should be left to a trained mechanic. It's not simply a case of unbolting something sliding the belt off, sliding a new one on and bolting it all back together I'm afraid.

Please get it done professionally. Even if you do a lot of work on your own car, getting the timing belt wrong can have catastrophic consequences for the engine.

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Hi Sean,

Volvos tend to be built pretty tough, actually and the S40 is based on the second-generation Ford Focus, a car thatwas noted for its reliability, so it's starting from a strong base. There were a couple of recalls involving a potential fuel leak and some issues with the windscreen surround, and the key and remote locking system have been known to give trouble too. The popular 1.6-litre diesel engine can also develop problems with the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve and it needs to be topped up with high-grade oil at service time. Other than that, you shouldn't have any major problems.

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Hi David,

It's interesting that the 1.6 petrol Focus of that generation was generally more reliable than the 1.6 diesel version - probably something to do with the petrol engine being older, dumber and simpler. Not that the 1.6 TDCi is especially bad, it's just sensitive to having the right grade and type of oil at major services, the exhaust gas recirculation valve in the turbo can give trouble and software issues can cause slow starting and misfires.

Hope that helps

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Hi Laura,

I'd say you should be getting around €10,000 to €11,000 on a trade-in, but don't be surprised if dealers try to low-ball you; it's kind of endemic given the state of the car market at the moment.

Let us know how you get on

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Hi David,

Short answer? 20hp. Seriously though, it's basically exactly the same engine, just with different settings in the engine management black box. You will, though, notice a significant difference in performance in, say, a Focus equipped with either engine. The 115hp is, not surprisingly, much peppier to drive.

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Hi David,

It's actually a very good car, and as long as it has a full service history you shouldn't have too much to worry about. That 1.6 TDCi engine is robust, but just make sure that at each service it has been topped up with the correct grade and type of oil as it's a bit sensitive in that regard. The only regular weak point is the exhaust gas recirculation valve, which can give trouble. Any lack of power or sluggish acceleration is the giveaway. Loud? Not really. Of course, a petrol-engined version would be a touch quieter but the Focus is at least as refined as any of its main rivals. Of course, being a Focus, that means that there's lots around to choose from, so be picky and shop around until you find a really good one.

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Hi Ciaran,

Keeping your insurance affordable is mostly a matter of shopping around, although at 24 you may well be shopping for a size of car that most insurers will baulk at. You may get a better deal in that respect if you dropped down to a Golf/Focus/Astra-sized car. But if you must have the bigger machine then I'd go for the Mazda. It's sweeter to drive than the other two, vastly more reliable and spacious and practical too.

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Hi Philip,

The Octavia RS is a much sportier car overall with a more driver-focused chassis (though firmer and less comfortable). However, the new D4 Volvo engine is superior in every way (assuming you mean the new 181hp four-cylinder one tested here). 

So, personally, I would have the Skoda look, spec and chassis, but the Volvo engine and running costs!

Depends what's important to you...

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Hi Aidan,

I'd suggest either a Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi, a Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI or a Kia cee'd 1.6 CRDi. All of them fall into your price bracket, all are well built, reliable and economical and all are comfy for a lengthy daily commute. You won't go wrong with any of them and there are plenty of each available so shop around and be choosy.

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Hi Grainne,

I'd say you can expect to get about €8,000 and €9,000 as a trade-in value for your Corolla, although that could vary quite a bit from dealer to dealer. As for the cars you're looking at, a diesel Golf or Octavia would probably be ideal for the type of driving you're looking at doing, but if it's refinement you need, then I'd go for the Volkswagen over the Skoda - there's not a lot in it, but the Golf is that bit quieter.

Hope that helps