Expert answer

Hi John,

Don't be mislead by the 'twin cam' bit. All Subaru Justys of that era have a double overhead camshaft set-up (referred to as both DOHC and Twin Cam). However, there was a special edition model called the Twin Cam Special Edition. This had no changes to the mechanicals, but it did have a lot of extra equipment for the price. It might be worth a little more as a second hand car because of that, but not a lot in reality. Compare the equipment lists. However, we'd urge you to buy first on foremost on condition and mileage.

Hope that helps

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Hi Christopher,

I think what you need here is a car of medium height, not low slung like a hatch or tall like an SUV, but in the middle, so that it's easy (apologies for being indelicate) to get your bum on the seat and swing your legs in more easily. A tall hatch, essentially. So perhaps have a look at a five-door Ford C-Max, or possibly a Honda Civic or Volkswagen Golf Plus. They usually present an easier entry-exit setup than something more low and rakish. Try a few out and see what works best for you.

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Hi Joan,

Yes, absolutely worth considering. Yes, the mileage is a touch high, but Mondeos are built tough so as long as it's been serviced properly, there shouldn't be any major issues.

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Hi Ian,

There are really only two options when it comes to S-Max engines and those are the 125hp 1.8 TDCi diesel and the 2.0-litre TDCi diesel in 140hp form. There was a 163hp version as well, but they're pretty thin on the ground and forget about the rarer than hen's molars 2.5-litre 212hp petrol version with the engine from the Focus ST; it was fantastic fun but nobody bought one as far as we can tell.

Now, originally both the 1.8- and 2.0-litre engines shared the same 164g/km CO₂ rating, which makes road tax a bit on the pricey side (€570 a year), but in 2010, Ford facelifted the S-Max, dropped the 1.8 TDCi and introduced an updated 2.0 diesel with emissions of 143g/km, making for a much more palatable €390 a year tax bill. So, that's the one we'd advise you go for and as long as you get either a Zetec or Titanium spec version, you'll get a reasonable amount of toys to keep you happy in the cabin.

Cracking car, the S-Max actually. Spacious but terrific to drive. Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Myles,

With that length of a daily commute, I'd reckon that you should definitely go for diesel and back in 2008 there was actually a choice of Focus diesels, with the run-out 1.8 TDCi and the incoming 1.6 TDCi both available. Both are excellent choices, with the 1.8 possibly having an edge on overall reliability (it's an older and more proven design) but the 1.6 having the edge in terms of fuel economy and emissions. Find a well-cared for example with full service history (those diesel injection systems are complex and need looking after) and you won't go wrong.

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Hi Martina,

Both cars you've chosen there are pretty much neck and neck in every area, bar one. The Passat is arguably a little more 'premium' in its feel, the Mondeo is better to drive and we'd say a touch better looking (though obviously that's subjective!).

Both are impressively well built and have excellent reliability credentials. The area that separates them is quite simply fuel consumption. The Mondoe's 2.0 TDCi engine will be a bit more usefully grunty than that Passat's 105hp 1.6 TDI unit, but the Volkswagen's engine will prove to be a lot more economical. You should be able to average close to 60mpg in the Passat, which should be around 5-10mpg better than the Mondeo will manage. To illustrate it, we once managed to drive from Galway to Glasgow, back to Galway and up to Dublin on one tank in a Passat 1.6 TDI.

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Hi Erin,

Well, I have to put my hand up and declare an interest. I own a MINI , a Clubman Cooper D, and it's fab. Fun to drive, funky to look at and super-economical (it averages better than 55mpg). So I'd say if you're interested in a MINI, go for it. 

Just make sure anything you're looking at buying has a full service history. Don't forget that these are small BMWs with plenty of complex bits and need to be cared for accordingly. It's worth looking at MINI's 'cherished' second hand programme, from franchised dealers, which a gets you a two-year warranty and a full check over.

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Hi Denis,

Both are excellent cars, but we'd go for the Octavia. It's more spacious by far and surely that's the whole point of having an estate. Cracking car.

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Hi Vamshi,

Cheap to run and good boot space? Look no further than the Kia cee'd estate (or whatever it's called). It's a cracking car with a massive boot (makes the one in the Qashqai look puny) and it's comfy and good to drive too. The cabins get a bit rattly with high mileage, but other than that they're solidly built. €8,000 will get you the pick of the litter, so be picky and shop around and try and buy the youngest one you can afford to make the most of that lengthy seven-year warranty.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Stephen,

Depends on the history really. If it's got a fully stamped service book, is in good nick and a background check on its ownership gives the all clear, then it might just be a genuine bargain. If a history check reveals any skeletons (outstanding finance or that it was stolen or written off) or if there are huge gaps in the service history, or indeed if the seller seems shifty or evasive, then you know the old saying about things that look too good to be true, right?

A good start is a history and finance check with www.Cartell.ie