Expert answer

Hi Adrian,

There's no doubt that premium cars of this age can come with costly repair bills. The older they get the more likely something will go wrong, no matter how reliable they are in general. The example you're looking at already has quite high mileage so we'd say budget for a grand or so of repairs a year just in case.

This generation of the A4 was reliable enough. Most problems seem to have stemmed from heating and cooling systems (in particular the air conditioning) and electrics so thoroughly inspect the car - preferably with a bit of professional help. Ensure that the gearbox (assuming it's manual) is smooth and noise-free and that there is no clonking from the front suspension.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Rory,

First of all, there are a huge number of factors that affect your fuel consumption. Tyre pressures is a major one - ensure they're in spec. Next up is your use of the air conditioning and other energy-sapping devices like rear window demister. The weight you carry in the car and whether you have a roof box or roof bars fitted will also have an effect. Last, but certainly not least, is your driving style.

You've not told us which engine you have so we'll assume it's the 1.5 dCi 105hp, as that's one of the most common in Ireland. The official urban figure for that car was 6.4 litres/100km (44.1mpg) and the combined consumption figure is 5.4 litres/100km (52.3mpg).

Hope that's of some help

Expert answer

Hi Holly,

This is correct I'm afraid. In 2008 the tax system changed over to a CO₂ emissions rating (from engine size bands) and the 1.3-litre Jimny went from €358 overnight to €677. It's quite an inefficient car for the size of the engine.

If you really do like the Jimny then you'll need a pre-2008 model to keep your annual tax bill down.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Florin,

Sorry to say that the Grand Espace, while brilliantly designed inside for family use, is not a reliable car. It fares very badly in owner surveys and if you are still tempted by an especially good deal make sure you get the car thoroughly checked over by an expert before parting with your cash. Engine, electrics and clutch issues lead to expensive repair bills.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Orla,

You've not told us which engine your car has, but assuming it's the 2.0 TDI 140 we'd suggest you go in with a cheeky low offer first of about €8,750 and see what they say. It's worth over a grand more than that potentially.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Conal,

Over the years the Focus has proven to be considerably more reliable than the Mégane, though this latest one is still relatively new so we wouldn't like to make such predictions. Renault claims to have improved reliability.

Without seeing the actual examples you're considering the Renault should have more equipment for the price, though its resale value may be lower later on, balancing that out.

If you can send us links to the two cars for sale we can give you more advice if that's not enough.

Expert answer

Hi Aidan,

Without knowing your budget and what your needs with regards to towing etc. are it's difficult to give a precise answer, but as a starting point, and in alphabetical order:

None of Audi's Q models are really suited to heavy off-road work, though the Q5 and Q7 are fine towing machines. Not that you'll find a Q7 with a manual gearbox.

Same story with BMW's X models. Fine for towing. You'll have to seek out an older X5 if you want a manual transmission though.

Citroen C-Crosser, Ford Kuga, Honda CR-V, Hyundai ix35: fine road cars.

Hyundai Santa Fe: depending on age and spec can be quite good off-road and as a tow car.

Hyundai Terracan: horrible beast of a thing, but it is big...

Hyundai Tucson: more car-like than most 4x4s.

Isuzu Trooper: hard as nails, durable workhorse.

Jeep Cherokee: good workhorse, but raucous on the road.

Jeep Compass: really not that great on the road despite its 'crossover' image.

Jeep Grand Cherokee: surprisingly good depending on age.

Jeep Patriot: a Compass with more upright bodywork...

Jeep Wrangler: tough, great off-road, but not so good on it.

Kia Sorento: first generation a tough tow car; latest more road-biased.

Kia Sportage: fine road car - especially the latest one.

Land Rover Defender: same comments as Jeep Wrangler above.

Land Rover Discovery: one of the very best all-rounders - newer versions way better.

Land Rover Freelander: good mix of on-road behaviour with all-road ability, but others at price better.

Range Rover line-up: luxurious regular model not bad off-road, Sport great to drive on-road and Evoque not really a 4x4 despite the badge.

Mazda CX-5: new SUV in the crossover mould - lovely on the road, where it should stay.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class: see BMW X5 comments.

Mitsubishi ASX/Outlander: very much road cars.

Mitsubishi L200/Pajero/Shogun: durable, strong, tough, but also rough and unrefined - proper 4x4 system though.

Nissan Navara/Pathfinder: see L200 etc. above...

Nissan Qashqai: a road car, even in 4x4 guise.

Nissan Terrano: old-school 4x4.

Nissan X-Trail: pretty good mix of attributes.

Opel Antara: road car - and not a good one.

Peugeot 4007, Renault Koleos, Skoda Yeti: just road cars.

SsangYong Actyon/Kyron/Rexton: rough and ready tow machines.

Subaru Forester: more a road car, though later one pretty good.

Subaru Outback/XV: road cars - nice ones.

Suzuki Grand Vitara: not bad as an all-rounder - relatively cheap and cheerful.

Suzuki SX4: car with 4x4 mechanicals.

Toyota Hilux/Land Cruiser: enviable reputation for toughness and reliability, though not very civilised.

Toyota RAV4: good road car, ok tow car.

Volkswagen Amarok: good all-rounder, though just a pick-up.

Volkswagen Tiguan: lovely road car, but most models so-so off-road.

Volkswagen Touareg: high quality car that's a good all-rounder.

Volvo XC60/XC90: good road cars - not for off-road.

So come back to us with more details and we'll talk you through a purchase.

Expert answer

Hi Niamh,

That's a nice problem to have. Thanks for sending the details of the cars to us via email.

In my opinion, the BMW is the better driver's car and more practical. However, the Mercedes is faster and much sportier looking. It also looks to be better equipped. Both are quite reliable in general, especially with low mileages, so I wouldn't worry about that unduly.

Maybe get a Cartell.ie car history check to verify the mileage and that there is no outstanding finance when you decide which you prefer.

It's imperative that you drive both cars yourself for as long as the seller allows you, as, no matter what we say, your preference is all that matter.

Now, onto money. A figure of €4,500 seems a little steep as a cost to change given the asking price of those cars and the estimated value of your own. I'd be tempted to offer €2,000 and see what they say. Don't be afraid to walk away, as there will be plenty of other cars like this. Also consider selling your car privately for a better price - if more hassle...

Come back to us if you need anything else.

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

That's a lot of questions! Let's start with the Santa Fe. Your budget is likely to limit you to the last of the older generation. It's a tough piece of kit, but not great on the road in terms of comfort. It's reliable, though expensive enough to maintain. Early versions had clutch judder, but this should have been fixed in later versions with a new flywheel. We've not heard about diesel pump and injector trouble.

Given that budget we'd rather the Hyundai Tucson. There are plenty of them about and it's much nicer to drive on the road. Saying that, it's a good deal smaller than the Santa Fe. It's not as expensive to service however. It's the same story with the older Sportage, though we'd prefer the Tucson.

The RAV4 is a fine choice all-round. It's generally reliable and good on the road. I wouldn't be very worried about extra wear and tear in the driveline.

Don't forget about the Nissan X-Trail, Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. All worth a closer look.

Has that helped you create a shortlist?

Expert answer

Hi Rory,

I'm sure you're aware that your budget will get you any number of relatively new regular cars such as the Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus, along with bigger models like the Ford Mondeo and Toyota Avensis.

However, given your current choice of car I'd suspect that you'd like to retain the elevated driving position and your mileage dictates a diesel engine. Most cars can take a tow bar and you don't have heavy towing needs so that's not a major consideration. Likewise, all SUVs etc. will have room for your golf clubs.

So the logical choices based on all that include:

BMW X3: Good diesel engine, spacious, but your budget may only get you an older example.

Citroen C-Crosser: Great 2.2-litre diesel engine; rest of car built on Mitsubishi mechanicals.

Honda CR-V: Bomb-proof reliability, but again may have to settle for older example.

Hyundai Santa Fe: Big and comfortable, though running costs higher than smaller SUV.

Mitsubishi Outlander: Spacious, well made, ok diesel, if loud.

Nissan X-Trail: Strangely forgotten, but plenty around at this price.

Peugeot 4007: Shares its engine and underpinnings with the Citroen above.

Suzuki Grand Vitara: Very reliable.

Toyota RAV4: Another with impressive reliability. Possibly the choice of the lot at this price.

There are loads of older, bigger SUVs for sale at that price too, but they'll cost you more to run for no real benefit.

If you're willing to change body styles completely it's worth checking out something like a BMW 120d Coupé or a diesel 3 Series Coupé. There are also plenty of great estates on the market for that budget, including the Audi A4 Avant and BMW 3 Series Touring. I know you don't need that space for a family, but it's useful for a lot of other things.

Come back to us with more information and we'll help to narrow your search further.