Expert answer

Hi Ian,

Simply because it’s much faster and more powerful than the Elise. The Elise, for all its amazing handling and the heritage that goes with the Lotus badge, still uses either a Rover K-series 1.8 or, latterly, a Toyota 1.8-litre engine, usually with a maximum if 190hp (unless we’re talking the more rarefied supercharged versions). By contrast, the S2000 had 240hp and, worse yet, has become a firm favourite of the tuning and modifying brigade, so doubtless as soon as you say the words ‘Honda S2000’ to any insurer, a little flashing red light and a sign saying ‘boy racer’ goes off in their office. Fair? Nope, but welcome to the Irish insurance industry…

Expert answer

Hi Daniel,

Sorry to hear about the Scirocco - that 2.0 TDI version is great.

A quick browse of Carzone.ie with your budget and needs in mind brought up a few interesting options:

- Audi A3 2.0 TDI 140 - in Sport or S Line guises for maximum style - loads around
- BMW 118d M Sport - quite rare, but great to drive
- BMW 320d Coupé - you'd have to go pre-2008 with your budget, but current style at least
- Honda Civic Type S - 2.2 diesel is great and post-2008 is taxed according to emissions
- MINI Cooper D - loads around in all different colours at your budget

I've picked out the cars I reckon you'll like and I've left out things like the Volkswagen Golf and regular Ford Focus (among others).

What do you think?

Come back to us and let us know if we're on the right track.

Expert answer

Hi Moss,

We've scoured Carzone.ie with your budget and needs in mind. There are loads of diesel SUVs available at that price, though we've shortlisted the ones here we reckon would do the job for you:

- BMW X3 - economical, though you're looking at an older one at this price

- Honda CR-V - great option if you can find a good one

- Hyundai Tucson - plenty around, though not as 'nice' as premium models

- Mitsubishi Outlander - with Volkswagen's 2.0 TDI engine - good bet

- Nissan Qashqai - great all-rounder, though possibly not quite SUV-like for your tastes

- Peugeot 4008 - stylish, good diesel engine, should be able to afford post-2008 car

- Toyota RAV4 - safe bet, though will be pre-2008 on your budget

If you'd like us to help narrow down your search feel free to come back to us.

Expert answer

Hi Paddy,

The Honda CR-V has a great reputation for reliability in general, but a surprising number of things go wrong. I'm going to assume you mean the 2.2-litre CDTi diesel version. Here's what we know about:

- Earth connection for ABS can cause various error codes, but is easily fixed.

- The ABS hydraulic modulator itself can deteriorate, meaning poor braking. That's expensive to fix.

- Issues with the air conditioning are usually to do with a faulty (and easy to replace) relay.

- The dual-mass flywheel can break up and cause vibration.

- The EGR valve sticks due to carbon build-up, causing poor running, stalling and intermittent power loss.

Along with all those things to look out for, there are loads of creaks and noises the car makes, but all can be fixed at relatively low cost.

Expert answer

Hi Declan,

Yup — glorious. Wonderful steering, howling VTEC engine and built like  a tank. Hard to find a good one now, though, and harder still to find one that hasn’t been tuned and mucked about with. Prepare for a long, careful shop around, and don’t go near anything that doesn’t have a full service history.

Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

It will depend on mileage and options to get the OMSP (Open Market Selling Price), but our estimates put the VRT at over €4,700.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Emma,

I’d go for the Micra, as it’ll be the most reliable of the cars you’ve mentioned. A budget of €2,000 should get you a 2006-2007 model, and I wouldn’t be bothered about mileage — buy on service history and condition. Other good options are a Toyota Yaris, Honda Jazz or, if you fancy a bit of driving fun, a Suzuki Swift.

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

There were actually some significant mechanical changes for the Type-S, including wider-track rear suspension, an upgraded interior and a more aggressive body kit. That said, it’s still not THAT sporty, and a regular Civic is near enough as good to drive. The 2.2 diesel is an excellent engine, with good economy and very solid reliability. As for an ‘air energiser’ I’m guessing this is some kind of aftermarket add-on? Beware such things — they tend to promise much and deliver little, and usually aren’t worth the money. 

Expert answer

Hi James,

We're not fans of the Civic Hybrid in terms of how it drives, but that doesn't mean it's a bad car necessarily. The pool of cars in Ireland is quite small so we've not heard anything negative about them from a reliability perspective, but the American forums seem to be full of owners with issues so perhaps it's best to do some research there to ascertain if the problems are likely to affect Irish cars.

Come back to us if you want more detailed assistance.

Expert answer

Hi Sadiya,

It really depends on condition etc. Most traders would advertise this at just under €6,000, but we suspect they'll sell for a lot closer to €5,000.

Hope that helps