Expert answer

Hi Jillian,

OK, there's a few good options out there. You could try and track down a Mitsubishi Grandis - think of it as a Japanese Ford S-Max, with space for seven and endless reliability, but I'm slightly worried that you might be caught for space as your kids get bigger. How about something van-based? A Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Life has seats for seven, lots of space and  based on a commercial vehicle means it'll go forever. That 1.6 TDI  engine makes it cheap to run too.

If you need more space than that, then you're into big van-with-windows territory such as a Ford Transit Tourneo or Volkswagen Caravelle, but these are really big and unwieldy and can be pretty thirsty. If you can all squeeze into the Caddy happily enough, that's the one I'd go for.

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Hi Ronan,

Go for the Octavia. The Mazda3 is nice to drive and incredibly reliable and the Corolla is about as reliable and unbreakable as a granite rock, but the Octavia has the best interior space and reliability is generally excellent, so go for that. Case in point: once spent two consecutive weekends hauling my young family from Dublin to Waterford to visit relatives. First weekend with a Ford S-Max, second with an Octavia (this would have been 2006) and the Octavia carried the same amount of luggage as the S-Max...

Relevant reviews:

Skoda Octavia review

Toyota Corolla review

Mazda3 review

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Hi Frank,

It just so happens that we will have a first drive of the new Galaxy on the site in the next few days. Prices start at €38,760 and it'll arrive later this year in Ford showrooms.

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Hi Stephen,

If it won't turn over at all it sounds like the battery is flat (it takes a lot more charge to turn the engine than to light up the dashboard) or the starting motor has stopped working. As you mentioned slow degradation I'd suspect the battery, and perhaps the alternator isn't working to full efficiency. Best bet is to get a good mechanic or auto electrician to sort it out.

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Hi Peter,

To be honest, if it's just the two of you, then you don't really need to trade up to an E-Class or 5 Series sized car - a 3 Series would do you just as nicely. That said, there is definitely a slight comfort benefit from going for the bigger model, so I can understand why you might want to. 

I'm going to suggest something a little left-field for you but I think it might just work - have a look at a Lexus GS 300h. It's perhaps not as obviously economical as a BMW 520d or Mercedes E 200 CDI, but it's enormously refined and comfortable, and endlessly reliable and solidly built. It's also really nice to drive and I think the quirky elements of the styling and engineering might appeal to a former Saab driver. Have a test drive and let me know what you think.

Relevant reviews:

Lexus GS 300h review

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Hi Andy,

Totally different cars - the 407 is bigger and plusher than the Focus but it's the Ford we'd go for. It's actually got more useable space in the boot and it'll be more reliable, long-term. 

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Hi Donogh,

Yes, quite a few. Nissan, Opel, Peugeot and Ford are amongst those all offering so-called scrappage schemes at the moment. You can get up to €4,500 depending on which car you're trading in against. 

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Hi Phil,

We put this question to our resident Porsche 911 expert, Kyle Fortune, and this is what he said:

"As a 1998 model I assume you're referring to a 996 series 911 - which is currently the most affordable of all 911s. The first water cooled 911, the 996 has something of a mixed reputation - bargain buy or potential problem... Certainly early cars have a couple of well known engine problems based around he Rear Main Seal (RMS) and intermediate shaft (IMS). Both are potentially difficult and very expensive fixes to undertake, though many cars will have had work already done - ask any potential seller if that's the case. There are many specialists who can do the work with improved parts, so don't rule out a car - at the right price - if you're prepared to have it done.

Google IMS or RMS 996 and you'll find lots of information. Find a good one and you'll not buy anything else for the money that's as useable and enjoyable, so it's worth taking a bit of time and effort to find the best. Do so and you'll have a cracking sports car."

Hope that's of help.

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Hi Caoimhe,

Yup, I would too - assuming that you can get a similar quote for insuring the Toyota. That generation of Corolla is actually surprisingly good to drive, and it's far more comfortable and practical than the Corsa, not to mention close to indestructible when it comes to reliability. Plus, I always think it's better to learn to drive on the largest car you can afford to run and insure - it makes things easier when you upgrade in later life.

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Hi Syd,

It's a split decision I'm afraid - the Scenic is going to be much comfier and more refined, but the Opel will be the more reliable one. You'll have to make your own call based on what you prioritise most.