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Hi Majella,

We don't know of any widely reported issue with the brakes of the 2012 Volkswagen Golf.

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Hi Martina,

It's been a while since we drove the Volkswagen Golf Plus in truth, and bear in mind that the one that's on sale right now is based on the previous generation Golf. However, while it's usefully more spacious than the Golf itself, it's not the most practical or versatile car for the money. Nonetheless, it does everything well and that 1.6-litre TDI diesel engine is great. It's relatively quiet and refined, while having plenty of performance. It also is cheap to tax and fuel.

Let us know if you'd like alternative suggestions for your money.

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Hi Michael,

The official recommended interval is 150,000 kilometres, regardless of time.

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Hi Aidan,

The only concern here really is the value of your old Clio. As someone who recently traded in an early 2000s Renault, I feel your pain, but the sad fact is that it ain't going to be worth much. Even so, the best thing you can do is to start searching for a Volkswagen Golf. If you've got a family on the way, and you need something safe, solid and with a decent bit of space, then you won't go wrong, although it is of course worth looking for those evergreen Golf spinoffs, the Skoda Octavia and SEAT Leon. All three are equally good and the Octavia is particularly spacious.

Come back to us if you need more assistance.

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Hi Ano,

It depends on your priorities. The Almera isn't very interesting, but it is hugely reliable and roomy, so it’s a sensible choice. The Golf is more stylish, better to drive and has a classier cabin, but is perhaps around 90 per cent as reliable, overall, as the Nissan.

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Hi Leonie,

On a private sale, if it’s in exceptional condition, you might get €1,000 for it. As a trade-in, you’d be lucky to get a couple of hundred, unless you go for one of the current ‘scrappage’ trade-in boosters against a new car.

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Hi Eoin,

OK, first off you're not mad and an M Sport spec BMW 318d or 320d is just about as perfect a car as you'll find. Mind you, test drive carefully before you buy as the M Sport suspension can be pretty stiff and unforgiving on certain roads, and the steering, while more incisive than what you'd get in the Golf, can also be a bit heavy and fake-feeling.

That said, there are things you can do to make your Golf drive with a little more sharpness and the first place I'd start is with the tyres. Most, if not all, cars these days come with high-efficiency low rolling resistance tyres that are there to maximise fuel economy, but don't do much for steering feel or handling prowess. So why not swap the boots for something a little more aggressive? A set of Pirelli P-Zeros or Michelin Pilot tyres might just make all the difference, so it's worth a try if nothing else.

You could also look at modifying the suspension to dial out that understeer, but we'd recommend you seek professional mechanical advice before going down that road.

Let us know what you do in any case.

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Hi there,

We're surprised to hear you say this, as we've driven several versions of the new Golf on different wheels etc. without an issue. Even the sportier GTI model rides well.

Please come back to us with a few more details, such as the size of wheel, the tyres fitted and a description as best you can on where the rattle is coming from.

Of course, if it's a fault you should be talking directly to your dealer.

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Hi Pippa,

The short, glib answer is 'not much'. The trickier answer requires a bit of effort on your part, but mostly over the phone. Get on the blower with any car dismantlers in your area and see what they bid you. It might not be much, but it might be enough to kick start your next purchase. Equally, you might be surprised what a dealer would bid you on a trade in. I personally traded in an utter junker of an old Renault late last year and got more that I thought I would, and that was with a franchised dealer.

Let us know how you get on.

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Hi Paul,

I could be glib and give the standard one-word answer to all motoring questions: 'Golf.' But actually, for that kind of money, if you're really careful and track down a nice one with history, I'm going to say Mk1 Focus. Plenty of them about, the 1.4 was hardly a ball of fire but it wasn't too shabby either and it's as poised and as brilliant to drive as many a legendary sports car. Plus, it's spacious, well made and according to the German TUV, they're reliable too.

Just make sure you check underneath for rust. Some of the early examples had dodgy rust proofing so make sure the brown peril hasn't taken hold.

Hope that helps