Expert answer

Hi David,

I would reckon you'd be better off going for the 1.3-litre Opel. If it's pre-08 it'll have cheaper road tax and given your age I would think keeping the engine capacity down as far as possible would be good from an insurance point of view.

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Hi Philip,

The Mustang will be launched across Europe in the summer, so Spanish deliveries should start around late June, early July.

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Hi Noel,

It dates back to around 2013 but there was a dealer-opt-in setup so not all dealers started offering it at the same time. If you're wondering whether a second hand Ford you're considering buying is covered by the warranty, check with the dealer who originally sold it.

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Hi Jerry,

Nope, unless you're really fussy about yours being the first and only name in the logbook, I'd march right in there and snap it up. It's unlikely to have been abused, it will have tiny miles on the clock and you'll be able to get a significant discount from the new price. Get yourself a bargain.

Further reading:

Ford B-Max review

Expert answer

Hi John,

The current Kuga is a really nice car, and quite an underrated one I reckon. Still though, €2k is a heck of a lot of money and the 3008 is nice so why not go for that and spend the change on a cracking holiday or a new kitchen?

Further reading:

Ford Kuga review

Peugeot 3008 review

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Hi Stephen,

Unless your surname happens to be Axa or Aviva, you need to stick to a 1.0-litre engine. Now, depending on your budget, that might not be the motoring purgatory that you think it is. If you can stretch to it, a Volkswagen up!, Skoda Citigo or SEAT Mii are all terrific to drive and funky to look at and all come with a rev-happy little 1.0-litre lump. Ditto recent versions of the Ford Fiesta with the non-turbo version of the three-cylinder Ecoboost engine.

Need to buy something older and cheaper? Track down an Opel Corsa 1.0. Not the most exciting car, but safe, solid and decent to drive. Older again? Consider a Nissan Micra from the '90s. Yes, it's slow but it's more enjoyable in the corners than you might think and they go forever on minimal maintenance.

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Hi Michael,

Well, if you can't afford to insure anything bigger then a turbo's a no-go. Legally, you have to inform your insurer of any modifications made to your car, and if an increase in swept capacity is a no-go then no insurer is going to let you strap on a turbo.

A K&N filter or similar would be fine though and should readily be available for an Almera. While you're at it, why not put the turbo budget to a proper service, some high-quality oil and new tyres? All far better options for improving performance and nothing that will bother your insurance provider.

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Hi Frank,

It's a totally different car - the Auris is a size bigger than either Fiesta or Polo, and much more spacious and refined than either. More expensive to buy, of course, as a result, but a good choice for those looking for pain-free, reliable motoring.

Relevant reviews:

Ford Fiesta review

Volkswagen Polo review

Toyota Auris review

Expert answer

Hi Mossie,

Assuming you mean the 1.25-litre petrol model, then yes, it has a timing belt and Ford recommends you change it every 100,000 miles (160,000km) or every 10 years.

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Hi Aoife,

I'd say you're just on the cusp of needing the diesel. It's probably down to what kind of mileage you do. If most of that 15,000km is driven on motorways or main roads then you could be just as well sticking with diesel. If you're mostly in town and suburbs, then it could be worth having a look at petrol.

Further reading:

Ford Fiesta review (1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol)