Expert answer

Hi Barry,

Right, the problem here is trying to balance the budget for buying (and running) against the need for seats plus luggage space. It's a tough equation to work out, especially as the bulk of MPVs on the market are the compact seven-seat type (think Opel Zafira) and in those, once you're using all seven seats, you effectively have no boot.

Now, there are a couple of ways around this. We did find a Chrysler Grand Voyager within the €10k budget, but with a 2.7-litre diesel engine the running costs may put it out of reach. If six seats is enough we did find a Honda FR-V within the same price range, and in that you still have a big boot even when every seat is full thanks to its three-across seating layout. It's reliable too so there shouldn't be any unexpected bills.

Otherwise it's go for a conventional compact MPV, and of the ones we found on sale, you'd be hard pressed to do better than a Toyota Corolla Verso - not the most exciting, but rigorously well built and your brother could always invest in a roof box if the boot's not big enough...

Expert answer

Hi Dee,

Try both. Sadly, unless it's in amazingly good condition with low mileage it's probably not going to be worth very much. Why not ask a local dealer what you'd likely get on a potential trade-in and then have a crack at selling it yourself? It's possible, given the old Civic's cult following, that you may find a better deal out there from an enthusiast with money to spend.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

It sounds like a sticking butterfly valve in the inlet manifold. Best solution is to clean the area with carburettor cleaner.

Let me know if that does the trick.

Expert answer

Hi Noel,

A few of suggestions here.

€5,500 gets you into a nice 2005 Audi A3 1.6 petrol Attraction three-door, from a dealer. Albeit it does have quite high mileage. Not necessarily a problem, but you would want to check and make sure all the paperwork is in order and the service record is complete.

Or, you could be really daring and go for a 2007 Daihatsu Copen two-seat cabriolet, with its zany combination of turbocharged 700cc motor and folding steel roof. Oddball but oddly appealing and we found one for €5,750 with 31,000 miles (about 50,000 kilometres) and a six-month warranty.

Going down the much more sensible route, how about a Fiat Panda 1.1 Eco? €5,950 (and you could probably argue that down a little), still fun to drive but very practical and more reliable than the reputation would have you believe.

Finally, and this is possibly the most sensible solution, a Honda Jazz 1.2 Sport, from a main Honda dealer, for €5,490. Spacious, comfy and as reliable as it's possible for a car to be.

If none of those work for you come back to us and we'll have another think.

Expert answer

Hi Mia,

That's a little difficult to answer as Honda Ireland never imported that generation Civic diesel here. In the UK, a 2004 1.7 CDTi is worth around £2,000 so I'd take a stab at a value of around €2,500 to €3,000 here.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Sunny,

It will depend on the condition and service history, but probably around €1,200.

Expert answer

Hi Colm,

Of the ones you’ve suggested, I’d say that the Octavia is the best bet, not least because a Mazda6 or Toyota Avenisis with a 1.8-litre engine is going to be at the very bottom of the range. Your budget should get you an Octavia with the 1.2 TSI turbo petrol engine (which is actually a better choice than a naturally aspirated 1.6 or 1.8) and probably with a 131 numberplate.

Yes, you might have to swallow a high-is mileage, but as long as you get one with a full service history, that shouldn’t be a major issue as the Octavia is a reliable car. Other models worth considering are the Toyota Corolla, VW Jetta, SEAT Exeo (if you can find one) and Honda Civic.

Expert answer

Hi Gillian,

With two small kids myself I completely understand your needs. Really, you're probably after something with a much bigger boot, but I assume you like the premium look and feel of the Audi. People in your situation would often upgrade to a bigger car in the same brand, say an Audi A4 or a compact SUV. I've taken a look through Carzone.ie with your budget and needs in mind and here's a list of potential replacements:

- Audi A4: way bigger inside and in the boot than your A3 and significantly more comfortable on the road. Your budget gets you a clean 2010 model saloon or Avant estate with a 2.0 TDI engine.

- Audi A6: much bigger again than the A4, but for the same money you'll get less equipment or an older model - you could afford the saloon or Avant estate though.

- BMW 3 Series: quite comparable to the Audi A4, though not as spacious inside and few Touring estate examples on the used market. Very efficient engines.

- BMW 5 Series: lovely car in same class as Audi A6, though your budget will probably mean a high mileage example. Insist on full service history.

- Honda CR-V: well made family SUV that was designed more for on-road than off-road use. Not all that common, but hugely spacious and reliable. Make sure you go for the newer model that has only just been replaced.

- Mazda6: I'm not sure if you're attached to the Audi badge, but this car is well worth a look. It's massive inside (especially the estate), good to drive, well equipped and reliable. Your budget gets you a low mileage 2011 example too.

- Skoda Superb: no kids will ever kick the back of your seat in this car such is its rear legroom! The boot is massive too and it comes with a range of different engine options. The 1.6 TDI is especially economical. You can afford a 2010-2011 saloon, though personally I prefer the Combi estate.

- Volkswagen Passat: there are a few 2011-2012 Passat saloons available for your budget and it'd be a sensible purchase in some ways. This car is still on sale now new. There aren't many estates about unless you go for the previous generation model.

- Volkswagen Tiguan: a good option, though supply is limited at you budget to 2008 versions. High driving position and spacious all-round.

If you'd like help narrowing your search further, please do come back to us. Also, with such a low annual mileage, it's worth seriously considering a petrol car if you find a well-priced one.

Expert answer

Hi John,

You're in an enviable position. We're assuming you'd like to stick with an open-top car and rear-wheel drive. The Irish market isn't exactly flooded with €50,000 sports cars that match that brief so in your position we'd seriously consider importing from the UK.

Fabulous cars that fall within your budget include:

- Honda S2000 - very reliable and huge fun, though even newest ones are getting on now

- Lotus Elise - one of the most engaging road cars at any price; you could afford a relatively new one with the more reliable Toyota engine

However, we'd put our own money into a Porsche Boxster. You should be able to afford one of the last of the just replaced generation Boxster S. It's very quick, genuinely brilliant to drive and reliable too.

What do you think?

Expert answer

Hi Derek,

Revenue's online VRT calculator is very poor and tricky to use at the best of times. There seem to be loads of different 2.2-litre diesel Accords if it's to be believed and some of the calculations are nonsense, putting the car in the top 36% VRT band instead of the 19% band, where it should be. The best way to clarify the situation is to contact Revenue direct.

However, you can do some calculation of your own. Based on asking prices of similar cars on sale in Ireland, the maximum OMSP (Open Market Selling Price) of this car now is say €20,000. That means a maximum VRT bill of €3,800 (19%).

In reality Revenue should value this car much lower, bringing the bill down considerably.

Let us know if we can help any further.