Expert answer

Hi Ali,

That sounds to us like the distributor is playing up. It's a common problem on early petrol Hondas.

Let us know if that fixes it.

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Hi Lisa,

Too utterly different cars but, thankfully, both ultra-reliable so both are good ownership prospects. 

So, it just comes down to what you want and what you need. The Honda is a little more practical, and will be cheaper overall to run. The Hyundai is bigger and more expensive, but also a bit cooler in its SUV style. Worth pointing out that the third row seats in the Hyundai are quite small, so if you're carrying a full load of people regularly it may be best to go for the six-seat Honda.

Let us know how you get on

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Hi Hento,

Not much in the difference, actually. Fuel consumption and CO₂ figures are broadly comparable and on the road you'll hardly notice the difference. The 1.4 has a little more grunt in depth for motorway work, but for the rest of the time I'd be perfectly happy with the 1.2.

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Hi Gillian,

Yes, it's really good. I've always liked the idea of a six-seat MPV with two rows (I'm also a Fiat Multipla fan) and the FR-V is just excellent. They're really reliable, spacious (even if that front centre seat is a touch cramped) and really quite nice to drive. Nothing major goes wrong with any regularity but just check the cabin for signs of family abuse beyond the call of duty. One downside - there's no compact diesel option, just the 2.2-litre diesel unit. That means you're much more likely to end up with the 1.8 petrol.

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Hi Pam,

It's pretty close to brilliant as a second hand purchase - there are no major reliability or warranty issues to report on the FR-V. The only things to really look for are obvious signs of damage or abuse on the inside (they are used as family transport, after all) and the outside (they're wider than most cars so check for bashed panels or kerbed wheels). That 1.8 won't be the most economical engine ever, but it probably won't break the bank as long as you're not doing lots of long motorway miles.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Rowland,

OK, there are a lot of parameters to go with here, but the basics are that you need a car that's cheap to buy (so it can't, sadly be too new), has affordable running costs and won't break down every time it rains. I reckon that gives you a choice of three or four key models: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla or Auris, Kia cee'd or Hyundai i30.

Have a shop around and you should be able to find several of those all well within your purchase price range, while they all have efficient engines and excellent reliability records. In the case of the Kia and the Hyundai, they also have lengthy warranties, which, even if there's none left on the one you buy, at least means that they're more likely to have been looked after. My personal choice would be the Honda. Track down a nice 1.4 petrol Civic and I don't think you'll look back.

Let us know how you get on

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Hi Jason,

Depends what you mean by 'best' really. I'm going to assume, though, that what you mean is the best all-round; something that's fun to drive and good to look at, but also spacious, reliable and practical with an eye on fuel economy, right?

In that case, and at that budget, you're looking at three main cars: Honda Civic, Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus. All three are reliable and well made (the Civic the best in that sense), all three are good to drive (the Focus is the best to drive) and all three are economical (few cars are as good, real-world, on fuel as a diesel-engined Golf). Shop around, because there are loads of each one out there and your €6,000 will go a long way. Insist on a full service history and make sure you do a background check on the car if you're buying privately (we recommend Cartell.ie). Beware of silly boy-racer mods (especially on the Golf, but the other two are prone to such things too) and try to find something that hasn't been used and abused by a legion of crisp-munching kids.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

Ah, a split answer this one: Honda replaced the Civic in 2006 with a new model, so I don't know precisely to which one you're referring. If it's the older model, there are almost no major problems. As long as the car has been serviced on schedule (and preferably by a Honda main dealer or independent Honda expert) you should have no troubles at all.

If it's the newer, space-age-looking Civic you're talking about then there are a few minor niggles to check for. The dashboards can get a touch squeaky and rattly, the fuel filler cap can stick shut and the wraparound front lights can get condensation or water building up in them.

Expert answer

Hi Ash,

It very much depends on your price bracket and what your requirements are in terms of size. If you want something small, cheap and fun to drive, why not try either a Nissan Juke or MINI Countryman? Need something with a bit more space and practicality? Nissan Qashqai then, or better yet, a Skoda Yeti. Want to get something with a lot more size and some proper 4x4 ability? Go for a Honda CR-V, a Hyundai Santa Fe (you can get those with seven seats by the way) or, a Nissan again, this time the under-appreciated X-Trail. Want something seriously big and impressive? Well, a Range Rover Sport is always a good buy but be sure to put aside plenty to cover the running costs. A Toyota Land Cruiser is rather less exciting to drive or to look at but its reliability is little short of legendary. Or, if you want something really cheap and old that can pack some abuse and come back for more, try either a Suzuki Grand Vitara (smallish) or a Mitsubishi Pajero (big). Both are reliable, both can off-road properly and both can be tracked down at bargain prices, as long as you buy according to condition, not age or mileage.

Come back to us if you need more help

Expert answer

Hi Bernadette,

Both are good but I'd go with the Jazz - it's more spacious, slightly sweeter to drive and Honda's quality and reliability ratings are just astonishingly good.