Expert answer

Hi Linda,

That very much depends on the ages of the kids, as the Volvo S40 is really only about the same size as a Ford Focus (it's actually made on that car's platform). You won't easily get three booster seats across the back seat and the boot is ok an acceptable size rather than an impressive one.

For reference, I have two kids (three and a half and five and a half) and we have the Volvo V50, which is the estate version of the S40. It's just about big enough. If we had another kid I'd be looking at changing cars.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Eoin,

I hate to say it but an SUV may not be what you need. To get three kids in comfortably, you really need a car with three individual seats across the back and only the likes of the Land Rover Discovery or Toyota Land Cruiser have those - and they're big, heavy and expensive to run. 

 So you may need to look down the MPV route. Don't panic - it's not as bad as it sounds. Have a look for a nice Ford S-Max. Tonnes of room, extra seats in the (massive) boot and affordable running costs. 

That said, it depends on the age of your kids. If they're big enough to not need booster seats (or if only a couple of them still need one) that opens up your options a little. If you still fancy an SUV, try a Nissan X-Trail; spacious, reliable, good to drive.

Let us know what you go for

Expert answer

Hi Richard,

Just be careful when buying any premium badge car for a low price like that. The BMW 3 Series is a well made, reliable car but you need to buy one with a full service history, one that has been looked after. If you don't, you can be getting yourself into a world of expensive trouble. 

A 320i will be quite affordable to run in terms of fuel consumption, but it will be more expensive to service and buy any spare parts for than a mass-market brand. If, as you say, you've never had a car before, you may be better off starting with something cheaper and easier to run. Can I suggest a Golf? Just as classy as the Beemer, but more affordable by far.

Expert answer

Hi Aisling,

Assuming that it has a full service history and is in good condition, then I'd say it's just about right, perhaps a touch high given the mileage. There are Galaxys (Galaxies?) out there for similar money with lower miles, so it's worth shopping around a bit.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Aparesh,

You know what? I wouldn't. Renaults from that era are not the most reliable things and your budget could be as easily eaten up fixing a catalogue of minor problems. Your budget though should be able to get you into a Toyota Corolla Verso - one of the most reliable cars around and a firm favourite in CompleteCar Towers when it comes to affordable, reliable family transport. 

Expert answer

Hi Margaret,

You need to book a session at your nearest NCT centre to have the car valued for Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT), which is the fee payable when importing a car from outside the state. According to the regulations, you have to book the inspection within seven days of the car arriving in this country, and then you have 30 days to complete the inspection and pay the fee, which will be calculated as a percentage of the estimated Irish market value, based on that model’s CO₂ emissions. You can find more details here: http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/vrt/vrt-guide.html

Expert answer

Hi Siobhan,

Although the Passat is a really well built car, I'd go for the Focus in this instance. The Passat's 1.6-litre petrol engine struggled with the weight of the car, and that made it both uneconomical and rather prone to developing problems. The Focus, although a smaller vehicle overall, struggles less with its 1.4-litre engine and the general build quality on that first generation Focus was excellent. Just check carefully underneath for signs of rust - some first gen Focus models didn't get proper underseal at the factory.

Expert answer

Hi Sharon,

I always think an estate is better for a two-kid family, rather than going for the styling and dynamic compromises an MPV forces upon you. A good idea for that kind of budget might be to upgrade to a more recent Focus Estate. A budget of €6k would get you a high-ish mileage 2008 version with the 1.6-litre diesel engine, which will cost you buttons to run - an easy 58mpg.

It's spacious and comfy and as long as you like your current Focus you won't go wrong. Looking for more of a change? How about a Kia cee'd SW 1.6 diesel EX? Again, cheap to run, really reliable and lots of room in the boot for buggies etc. A cracking family car, that one. Fancy something a bit more rugged? Maybe try a Nissan X-Trail, front-wheel drive with the 150hp 2.0-litre diesel engine. A really terrific car that, but obviously it will be more expensive to run than a smaller estate.

As for trade-in on your Focus, I'm afraid I wouldn't expect too much. Probably only about €1,000 to €1,500.

Expert answer

Hi Jim,

Yup, very good. Nicely specced these days and usually good value for money. One thing to watch - Zetec Focus models usually have stiffer, sportier suspension which can make the ride quite bouncy. Take a lengthy test drive to make sure it's to your taste.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Kellie.

Generally speaking, they should be OK. All the mechanical bits are old, proven Renault and Nissan parts, and thanks to the fact that Logans are pretty well shorn of equipment, there's not that much that can go wrong. Dacias also come with an optional five-year warranty, which should put your mind at rest.

However, it's worth pointing out that the Logan estate we tested recently had a wonky driver's door, putting some doubt over the quality of the assembly and the German TUV (the national safety and quality testing organisation) rates the Logan as having a 13 per cent fault rate. Now, that figure is only a guideline and it does encompass the old Logan (the one that was never sold here) as well, but just for comparisons, the TUV rates a Ford Fiesta at a 4.8 per cent fault rate.

In other words, they're probably fine, but try and make sure you buy one with lots of warranty left, just in case.