Expert answer

Hi Owen,

There are strict rules forbidding the use of vehicles registered as commercials (as the Discovery described above is) for anything other than purely business/company use. The rule says you cannot use it for private use as you've described. Many do, I might add, and just hope not to get caught...

Insurance might be trickier, however. The insurers don't seem to like insuring private individuals on commercial vehicles. Only way to know if that will affect you is to ring around and see what they say. Or employ a broker to do the same. 

Expert answer

Hi David,

The good news is that you should be able to claim back the VAT. Because VAT now applies to all vehicles imported into Ireland from the UK, basically, you’re paying the VAT at the point of entry, at the standard rate of 23 per cent, so if you’re a VAT-registered company you should be able to claim that back as normal. Obviously, double check with your company accountant. 

You will be liable for VRT though, which will be charged at 13.3 per cent of the OMSP (Open Market Selling Price). 

Expert answer

Hi Charlie,

What you need to register and tax a vehicle as a commercial are:

1. Current commercial insurance certificate for the vehicle

2. Evidence of registration for VAT

3. Tax Clearance Certificate

4.. Notice of Tax Registration Form.

If you don’t have all or any of those then you’ll have to register it as a private vehicle. That’s actually easy enough — you just ring up your local motor tax office and tell them what you want to do, and all of the listings are on the motor tax website — but it does mean that you’ll be paying tax on the engine capacity, which, with a 3.0-litre Discovery, is going to be pretty chunky. Equally, insurance can be tricky for commericals-as-private cars, so get hold of a good, reliable broker to get you some quotes.

For more on this, we recommend our sibling site, www.CompleteVan.ie.

Expert answer

Hi Sheila,

Well, in theory the only thing you need to do to change the tax status of a car is to call your local motor tax office and tell them that’s what you want to do. As far as insurance is concerned, I think it would be a good idea to have a chat will a well-connected broker, who might be better placed to help you out. You might be able to find a policy that will allow you to insure the Land Rover as a private car even before it has been officially switched over, or possibly one that starts as a commercial policy but changes over once you’ve got the conversion. 

Expert answer

Hi John,

You should have no VRT to pay as you will have owned the vehicles already for for than six months. There will be small re-registration fees, that's all. Have a read of these for more information:

How Much VRT is Paid in Ireland?

Guide to Importing Cars from the UK

Expert answer

Hi Margaret,

If you’re looking for the new-shape Defender, there aren’t really any used examples around, although if you shop about you might track down a pre-registered, or dealer-demo model. As for the original Defender, they are VERY thin on the ground right now, not least because they’ve become a bit of an investment, with values firming, even rising, since the model went out of production. We have found a few here on Carzone.ie, but as we say, there aren’t that many available right now.

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

Short answer: yes. The good bit is that you can still pick up second hand crew-cabs, or large SUVs that (briefly, technically) qualified as commercial vehicles and they are generally cheaper to buy than their regular passenger car counterparts. However, if you tax such a vehicle as a commercial, you can only use it as such — no social, domestic, nor pleasure use and there are some hefty fines if you’re caught out. 

Expert answer

Hi Bill,

You can absolutely tax and insure a commercial vehicle for private use and, as it is more than 30 years old, it’ll be really cheap to import and to tax — the VRT will be a flat rate of €200 while the motor tax will be €56.

Insurance will, as ever, be the wrinkle — generally, if you want to put it on a classic scheme, most insurers will insist that you have another ’normal’ car for everyday use, and it might be tricky putting down your son as a named driver. I’d suggest getting in touch with a good local broker, who might be able to unearth a better deal for you than just searching around on the internet. 

Expert answer

Hi Matt,

In theory it would, but the seats would have to have been fitted as an original option to those specific chassis codes, so that might trip you up. It’s worth a try...

Expert answer

Hi Ruth,

There are lots of good choices for commercial SUVs. If you wanted something really swish, you could go for a Land Rover Discovery Commercial, but it’s a bit pricey. Smaller and more affordable is the Nissan Qashqai van, which is also pretty decent to drive. There’s also the Hyundai Kona Commercial, or if you’re feeling really futuristic, the Kona Commercial Electric. But actually, to be honest, your best bet might be to just buy a compact crossover, most of which are already pretty affordable, spacious (if you fold the back seats down) and which mostly have lower annual motor tax than the flat-rate €333 commercial van tax anyway. We’d suggest starting your shopping list with either the new Ford Puma or, if you’re really looking for bargains, the Dacia Duster. Some of our reviews to help you choose:

Land Rover Discovery reviews

Nissan Qashqai reviews

Hyundai Kona reviews

Ford Puma reviews

Dacia Duster reviews

Expert answer

Hi Alan,

It should be, as the vehicle would have conformed to the N1 regulations when it was first registered, but to be safe I’d check with your local motor tax office before making any firm decisions.

Expert answer

Hi John,

A Defender with only three seats in the front and no glass panels in the back would certainly qualify as a commercial vehicle, so as long as you can show that you require it for work, and that you’re not using it for social, domestic, or pleasure use, then you should be fine.

Expert answer

Hi Janice,

It depends when you bought it. If you bought it at least six months ago, and can show that it’s been taxed and insured for that period, plus you can show proof of transfer of residence, then there’s no import duty (Vehicle Registration Tax) to pay. When it comes to paying road tax, it depends on the model. If it’s a commercial vehicle, and used as a commercial vehicle, then it will cost €333 a year to tax. If it’s a commercial vehicle but used as a private car, then it will be €1,034 per year. If it’s a passenger model Defender, then with CO₂ emissions of more than 225g/km, it’ll cost you €2,350 per year in motor tax.

Expert answer

Hi Richard,

The phrase ‘can of worms’ springs to mind. In general, a car can be registered to a company, and taxed and insured by the company, and still used by an individual for social, domestic and pleasure use. That’s how company cars work, obviously, but equally obviously there’s a Benefit-in-Kind tax liability to be paid. So it’s possible that your friend with the Land Cruiser is trying to avoid paying BIK.

In the case of the SUV, in theory a car that’s taxed as a commercial cannot be used for personal, social, domestic, or pleasure driving and there’s a fine to be paid if you’re caught displaying incorrect tax. Now, we should state at this point that we’re neither legal nor tax experts, and that the people you’re talking about could be operating entirely above board, and we’re not going to cast any aspersions on anyone.

Of course, this is Ireland and as we know, we don’t like sticking to the rules...

Expert answer

Hi Emir,

You’re quite right — with kids of those ages, most seven-seat SUVs simply aren’t roomy enough, unless you go for something genuinely massive and expensive, such as a Land Rover Discovery. So, I’d say the Ford Galaxy is indeed your best choice — lots of space, seven proper seats for seven proper people and it's good to drive too. Other options well worth looking at are the VW Sharan and SEAT Alhambra, and — if you can afford the running costs — the old Mercedes R-Class. 

Ford Galaxy reviews

Volkswagen Sharan review

SEAT Alhambra reviews

Hyundai Santa Fe reviews

Expert answer

Hi Harry,

The most likely culprit is that there’s some electrical item draining the system as you’re driving. Or, possibly if you’re only driving for short hops, the engine is still in its warm-up phase and can’t be shut down by the stop/start. Or, and this is a wild guess, Land Rovers often have flakey electrics. 

Maybe read our Why won't my car's stop-start system work? feature for further understanding. We get a lot of questions like this.

Expert answer

Hi Barry,

Basically nothing. At 30 years old, your Land Rover will qualify for ‘vintage’ tax and insurance. The only wrinkle might be that your insurer might insist that you have a ‘modern’ car taxed and insured as well, as classics are supposedly only for weekends etc.

Expert answer

Hi Rob,

Yes, if you have registered the car to your London address, and can show proof of continuous tax and insurance for six months prior to your move, then you’ll be able to avoid VRT when you import it here. On the Discovery Commercial, you’ll be looking at rather more than €200 VRT to import it, I’m afraid. N1 and Cat B commercial vehicles don’t pay a flat rate any more, they pay 13.3 per cent of the Open Market Selling Price, or the Irish market price as defined by Revenue. The same will go for a crew-cab, and 13.3 per cent is the lowest possible rate of VRT. 

Expert answer

Hi Richie,

Yes, thanks to an odd quirk in our tax system, if you’re taxing a commercial vehicle for personal use (and a 110 Utility counts as one), then you revert to the old tax system, based on engine capacity, so with a 2.2-litre engine you’re looking at €951 a year. Pretty steep all the same, but a bit better than €2,350…

Expert answer

Hi David,

Short answer, yes — the Discovery would be far, far more refined and comfortable than most pick-ups. That said, pick-ups are improving all the time, and models such as the VW Amarok are starting to get into the same ballpark as cars like the Discovery when it comes to comfort and quietness. They’ve still a little way to go yet, though.

Expert answer

Hi Gerard,

It depends on whether you’re registering it as a commercial vehicle or a passenger car. If it’s a commercial vehicle, it’ll qualify for the standard €333 annual van-rate tax, but if it’s a private car then it’ll actually (and oddly) revert to the old engine capacity system, which could be a bit pricey. The Defender (annoyingly) doesn’t feature on Revenue’s VRT ready-reckoner, so an OMSP is tricky to predict, but given the way Defender values have gone of late, it will probably be between €10-18,000.

Expert answer

Hi Fergus,

There should be no difference in VRT between a Transporter van and a a crew cab conversion. While the N1 commercial vehicle rules were tightened up this year to close off the loophole that allowed such big (often luxurious) 4x4s as a Land Rover Discovery or a VW Touareg to be registered as a commercial, ‘genuine’ vans with a crewcab setup should still qualify for the commercial 13.3 per cent VRT charge. Just make sure the vehicle has a ‘BE’ bodywork code and make sure to use a reputable specialist to do the conversion. 

Expert answer

Hi Gearoid,

Unfortunately, we can’t track down archive pricing for the commercial model, as yet, but if it helps, the passenger Discovery range was priced between €56,945 and €79,010 in 2009.

Expert answer

Hi Justin,

If reliability is a key factor, then leave out the Land Rover. We love the Discovery to bits, but they just have a poor reputation for reliability. Of the other two, the Audi would likely be the most reliable overall, but we have a big soft spot for the XC90, which isn’t far behind on reliability and has the edge when it comes to safety, plus there’s a little more room in the third-row seats. Make sure it comes with a full service history, and if it’s a four-wheel-drive model, get it checked to make sure that the clutch that controls the system hasn’t burned out.

Expert answer

Hi Caroline,

That model has CO₂ emissions of 194g/km so it’ll cost you €1,250 to tax for a year.

Expert answer

Hi Anthony,

Assuming it’s the five-speed manual model with four-wheel drive then it has CO₂ emissions of 165g/km, and that means Band D tax at €570 a year.

Expert answer

Hi Enda,

There's a growing number of options for seven-seat SUVs. The new Skoda Kodiaq is excellent and €50k would buy you one with a lot of toys. The Kia Sorento is also in that price bracket and is big, roomy and hugely comfortable. Ditto the Hyundai Santa Fe. Peugeot's incoming new 5008 is worth a look too. Here are our reviews of them all to help you out:

Skoda Kodiaq review

Kia Sorento review

Hyundai Santa Fe review

Peugeot 5008 review

Expert answer

Hi Jonathan,

The 2.2 diesel Outlander has a timing belt, not a chain, so that will need inspecting depending on the mileage. As for cars with proper 4x4 ability, try a Land Rover Freelander 2 (more reliable than you’d think), Jeep Cherokee, Nissan X-Trail or Toyota RAV4.

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

Well, we certainly can’t do it for you, I’m afraid, but the process of importing a car has been made a little easier in recent years. Just make sure you’ve got your paperwork in order and are ready for the dreaded VRT payment.

Generally speaking, the rule of thumb is that going to the UK for a premium model, such as a Discovery, can save you around €4-5,000 depending on your final costs so it’s well worth looking at. Just make sure you’ve done a proper vehicle history and background check with Cartell.ie before committing to anything.

Expert answer

Hi Jacinta,

Mostly, SUVs with three ISOFIX points in the middle row are the really big ones - Land Rover Discovery, Audi Q7 and so on. The good news is that Peugeot is about to launch the new 5008 and that has three ISOFIX points in the middle row, but it won't be on sale until July in Ireland. 

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

Tricky one. You'll need to talk to the people at the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) as they're the ones that set the regulations for what counts as a commercial vehicle. More than likely you're going to have to get rid of the extra seats, but have a chat with them first and make sure. 

Expert answer

Hi Conor,

The two best SUVs of similar elevation to the Freelander would be the Honda CR-V and the Nissan X-Trail. Both are excellent choices (and the X-Trail can be had with seven seats), but the Honda’s more spirited driving experience nudges it for us. Also worth looking at a Land Rover Discovery Sport (effectively the third-generation Freelander), although they’re pricier than the Honda or Nissan.

As for choosing a buying time, yes, if you wait until the end of January, depending on how new car sales go, there should be a few more trade-ins and the like cluttering up dealer lots so you might get a sharper deal. Any of the big car rental companies will set you up with a good deal on a long-term rent, and Enterprise is probably the best place to start.

Here are a few of our reviews to help you choose:

Honda CR-V review

Nissan X-Trail review

Land Rover Discovery Sport review

Expert answer

Hi Jake,

It's a little hard for us to tell as we haven't driven it yet. It sure looks good and Land Rover's on a roll of good product lately. We'll be getting an early test drive in a few weeks so hang in there and we'll be able to tell you more then. In the mean time, here are a few articles that might interest you:

BMW X5 xDrive30d review

BMW X5 xDrive40e review

2017 Land Rover Discovery revealed in full

Expert answer

Hi Al,

BMW, Audi and Mercedes don't do an in-house commercial option, but you can get an aftermarket conversion, of course.

One option worth looking at is the Jeep Grand Cherokee. A really nice car, good to drive and Agnelli Motors on the Naas Road in Dublin do a five-seat commercial conversion with prices starting around the €45k mark.

There's also the Toyota Land Cruiser 'Business' model, but it's a bit more expensive,  at €57k. Utterly indestructible though and hugely comfortable.

Just make sure you've properly taxed it if you're planning on using it for domestic or family motoring as the fines for using a commercially taxed vehicle for that are pretty stiff. 

Expert answer

Hi Nick,

A genuinely remarkable vehicle. Seats for seven (and seven fully grown adults at that) and with the sort of on-road refinement and comfort you'd need a Mercedes-Benz E-Class to better. Yet it can get into and out of remote, rocky, boggy, muddy, snowy places in a manner that occasionally boggles the mind. Yes it's big, heavy and thirsty and it rolls a lot in corners, but it's a truly great car. Reliability is the only Achilles'  heel. It's much better now than it used to be, but older models still suffer from gearbox, electrical  and suspension issues. 

Expert answer

Hi Christine,

The Kia Sorento should fit three seats across the back, but you should always take along your seats (and preferably your kids too) on the test drive to make sure everything and everyone fits in nicely. Cracking car that Sorento - other good options are the Hyundai Santa Fe or Land Rover Discovery Sport. If you need to go for an MPV the Ford S-Max, SEAT Alhambra or Opel Zafira Tourer are your best bets, but it's worth considering the Volkswagen Touran too - not quite so roomy, but cheaper to run and very pleasant to drive. 

Here are our relevant reviews:

Kia Sorento review

Hyundai Santa Fe review

Land Rover Discovery Sport review

Volkswagen Touran review

SEAT Alhambra review

Ford S-Max review

Opel Zafira Tourer review

Expert answer

Hi Maike,

The process of importing a car into the UK is a lot easier and cheaper than it is in Ireland. If the car is quite old you probably won't have to pay any import fees on it in fact, you'll just have to get it MOT'ed and pay a small fee for the new registration.

But, buying the car in Ireland will represent much worse value than buying in the UK. Not only will you find fewer cars to choose from (the Freelander was always a much bigger seller in the UK than in Ireland),  but the Irish cars will probably be more expensive. I think you would be better off transferring your money to Sterling (using a low-cost service such as Transferwise) and shopping in the UK.

Expert answer

Hi Eoin,

I really like the Discovery Sport - it's gorgeous to look at and really nice to drive, but even though Land Rover has made many improvements to its build quality over the years, there's still a slight question mark over its long-term durability. So, my advice would be to go for the Disco if you like it, and you go in with your eyes open (and preferably with a good warranty backing you up), but the Hyundai would be the safer bet. In terms of comfort, the Hyundai also wins out, but not by a big margin. We'd expect there not to be much in it when it comes to resale value either.

Relevant reviews:

Hyundai Santa Fe review

Land Rover Discovery Sport review

Expert answer

Hi Oonagh,

Not many; you really need to be looking at MPVs such as the Volkswagen Touran and Toyota Verso, or the Ford S-Max or SEAT Alhmabra if you fancy something bigger. That said, the recently introduced Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are just about wide enough, but it depends on what seats you're using. Also, larger seven-seat 4x4s such as the Volvo XC90 and Land Rover Discovery will take three-abreast, but they're expensive to buy.

Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

There is no specific market data for Ireland in this respect. The old rule of thumb still holds true - if you want ultimate reliability, buy a Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Suzuki, Subaru or Mazda. You could probably pretty easily add Kia and Hyundai to that list too now.

The best I can do for you is to point you towards the results of the JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study for the UK market in 2015. An independent research agency, JD Power ranks the various brands surveyed by problems per 100 cars - although it's worth remembering that those problems can range from minor electrical niggles to total engine failure, so you can't read everything into the stats. The last set of figures, ranked from best-performing to worst, were:

Expert answer

Hi John,

The Q7 and BMW X5 would both be good choices, as would a Land Rover Discovery (although you'd definitely want to take out an aftermarket warranty on any of those three at that price level).

Better options are out there though. Volvo's XC90 is hugely spacious and built to last, but if you want something totally indestructible, track down a long wheelbase Toyota Land Cruiser.

Expert answer

Hi Louise,

Yup, the Outlander is a cracking car (although you'll have to accept that it's not as spacious as the Discovery) and Mitsubishi does indeed have PCP plans available. Your local dealer will have all the details.

Read our review of the Mitsubishi Outlander

Expert answer

Hi Ed,

Land Rover's quality has been getting better and better and it seems as if the current Discovery model has shaken off a lot of its reputation for weak gearboxes and electrical maladies. I think it's probably worth the punt, but there are two other good options - both the Mitsubishi Pajero and Toyota Land Cruiser are also available in 'business versions' that mean you can buy them for the price of a commercial but you get the back seats and luxury touches. That said, you'll have to tax them as a private car if you're going to carry the kids around - it's a €4,000 fine if you're caught with the incorrect tax.

Expert answer

Hi Cesar,

Yes, pretty much an instant fail there. If you take out the cat and the EGR valve you're going to push your emissions readings up significantly. Please don't do it - that equipment is there for a reason.

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

I'd say you're looking at in and around €45,000 for it.

Expert answer

Hi Steve,

Tread carefully. If it's the second-generation Freelander (the one that's only just been replaced by the new Discovery Sport) then you need to keep a careful eye on the engine, the gearbox and anything electrical for any potential trouble. It's not a terrible car from a reliability point of view, but they do suffer their little niggles. If it's the older model, the one originally launched way back in 1998, then to be honest we'd just avoid it - they were never built properly.

Expert answer

Hi Mike,

Actually, and please note that this is a dyed-in-the-wool Land Rover fan saying this, I'd actually go for the Kia. It's one of the best mid-size SUVs around, hugely comfortable and nice to drive and it's much better value than the Land Rover. Although the headline prices are quite similar, the Kia's much better equipped as standard. You'd have to spend well over €50k to get a Discovery Sport up to the same spec as the Sorento.

Relevant reviews:

Land Rover Discovery Sport review

Kia Sorento review

Expert answer

Hi Gerry,

OK, lots of options here. Seven-seat SUVs are the coming thing and Hyundai's Santa Fe is one of the best. Lots and lots around for that kind of money so be choosy and buy the most recent one you can, so as to make the most of that five-year warranty.

The rear seats are a little tight though, so maybe look at a Ford S-Max. Big, spacious and really good to drive, you'll probably get a good deal on a nearly-new one at the moment as there's an all-new version about the be launched.

Or you could go all-out and get a Land Rover Discovery, which is a wonderful car but don't say I didn't warn you when it comes to running costs, and you won't find a two-year old one for that money.

Relevant reviews:

Hyundai Santa Fe review

Ford S-Max review

Expert answer

Hi Liz,

A few key choices here - compact: Skoda Yeti or Mazda CX-5; medium: Honda CR-V or Kia Sorento; and large: Land Rover Discovery or Jeep Grand Cherokee. 

Of the lot, I think overall our pick would be the new Kia Sorento. It's big, comfy, spacious, has seven seats and is really well made.

Relevant reviews:

Skoda Yeti review

Mazda CX-5 review

Honda CR-V review

Kia Sorento review

Jeep Grand Cherokee review

Expert answer

Hi Niall,

I think you'd have to talk directly to Revenue about that - they have very strict rules about what does and does not count as a commercial vehicle (it depends largely on the boot space) and your business may well have a bearing on whether or not you're allowed to run it as a commercial.

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

There are some very good options here actually. Both the Land Rover Discovery Business and the Mitsubishi Pajero Executive have full five-seat, leather-and-everything cabins, but their boots are big enough to qualify for commercial VRT and motor tax (assuming you can demonstrate that your business needs a commercial vehicle). The Land Rover Defender can be had in similar layout but if you want something really rugged then go for the Volkswagen Amarok pickup, which matches comfort with utility. There's also the Toyota Hilux crew-cab and Mitsubishi is about to launch a new L200 pickup later this summer.

Expert answer

Hi Fergal,

Ford did have a patent on this technology, or more accurately, on a particular application of it and of course the brand name, Quickclear. The Ford patent dates from as far back as 1977, but it expired in 2011, as far as we can ascertain. Mind you, element heated windscreens are nothing new. The practice started in aviation in the 1950s and in the 60s Bentley even offered one as an option on Continental models - its heating elements were pure gold of course, the best conductor of heat.

 Nowadays, a number of car makers do in fact offer heated windscreens as an option. Companies formerly owned by Ford, such as Jaguar and Land Rover, are top of the list because they gained a licence to use Ford's own tech, but other car makers also have their own systems - Volkswagen offers it on a number of different models for instance.

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

As I guess you already know, Shane, Dave, Paul and myself from CompleteCar.ie are all on the APMP voting jury for Car of the Year, so we'll take this point by point if that's OK.

The Audi A3 Saloon was the model specifically being looked at, and while it's certainly at the pricey end of things for many families, more and more family buyers are being tempted in by the attractive repayments and resale figures offered by the German 'Big Three' premium brands. As for cabin and boot space, the A3 sits roughly between, for instance, a Golf and a Passat in this instance, and isn't far off the cabin space of  the current Audi A4. As a father of two, I've had my family out and about in various A3 models and can confirm that they're perfectly acceptably spacious.

It's a similar case for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Size-wise, it's pretty much spot on a rival for the Passat or Mondeo. Perhaps it's a little tighter inside, but not by much, and that's the price paid for a less space-efficient rear-wheel drive platform. Again, while it's at the expensive end of things for a family purchase, there are plenty out there defecting from the more traditional 'mass-market' brands such as Ford, Opel and Toyota to get themselves a slice of the premium action. Once again, it's often down to the tempting finance packages on offer.

As for the Outlander, it is, strictly in size terms, somewhat in-between things. Taking the BMW X5 as an example, it's slightly shorter (200mm) overall, but has a similar wheelbase measurement and it's slightly larger than the next BMW down, the X3. We judged that, given its overall exterior dimensions, its large boot space and the availability of a seven-seat version when specified with the diesel engine, that Large SUV was the best fit. A perfect fit? Perhaps not, but given the continual fracturing of the car market into ever smaller and more narrowly defined niches, it is close to impossible to find a perfect market segment for every car on sale without having an award 'for everyone on the audience'. We put the Outlander PHEV into the Large SUV category because we felt it would compete strongly there. Seeing as it took two awards home on the night (its PHEV drivetrain took the APMP Innovation Award) it looks like we were right.

The categorisation was discussed long and hard by the membership and somebody somewhere will always disagree.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

Well, the simple secret is to buy very carefully and don’t touch anything that doesn’t come with a full and complete service history. Old Land Rovers and Range Rovers are always a bit troublesome (although much less so than they used to be), but a Touareg should be a solid choice. Of course, if you want ultimate reliability you should just buy a Toyota Land Cruiser...

Expert answer

Hi Declan,

While the second generation Freelander is a heck of a lot better off in reliability terms than the woeful first-gen, there are a few things to watch for. Check all the electrical systems as these are the most common areas to go. The stereo, headlights and airbag warning lights can all give up on you, so keep an eye on them. Check the bumpers for damage as they can be hideously expensive to fix, and check the clutch and gearbox carefully for smooth, quiet action as these are perennial weak points. Finally, check the engine for excessive oil consumption - it can be a warning sign that something big is about to go pop.

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

I'm afraid not. Land Rover Ireland won't disclose the figures as yet...

Here's the full story otherwise in case you missed it.

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

Both excellent choices although it's worth pointing out that the petrol-powered Honda will struggle more to hold on to any value as the market is so diesel-obsessed at the moment. Still, that means prices are cheaper for you at buying time...

As with all Hondas, the CR-V is remarkably reliable, although this model has suffered from some issues. There have been some problems with trim scratching and scuffing too easily, as well as problems with the alternators. Some have had issues with the gearbox too and high front tyre wear. You should also check carefully underneath to make sure that any previous owner hasn't been taking the 4x4 bit too seriously.

That goes equally for the Hyundai and the good news here too is that reliability is excellent. The only regularly reported problems with the Santa Fe are that the air conditioning system can need regular re-gassing and that the stereo is pretty rubbish.

Both will be expensive to run though. The CR-V has CO₂ emissions of 194g/km so motor tax is going to be pricey. Despite being diesel, the Hyundai is no better, with CO₂ emissions of 191g/km. Both will average around 35mpg in regular driving.

I have to admit to a small bias - my father-in-law has owned his 2.0-litre petrol CR-V from new in 2007 and loves it. It's been massively reliable (only ever needing a replacement alternator) and he regularly gets better than 40mpg from it. That said, the Hyundai is also an excellent vehicle and I would say both are safe bets - try some test drives and see which one you prefer and let us know which way you go.

Expert answer

Hi Owen,

Not bad actually, but check it carefully for electrical gremlins, gearbox issues and look underneath for signs of abuse from over-enthusiastic off-roading.

Expert answer

Hi Eoin,

I hate to say it but an SUV may not be what you need. To get three kids in comfortably, you really need a car with three individual seats across the back and only the likes of the Land Rover Discovery or Toyota Land Cruiser have those - and they're big, heavy and expensive to run. 

 So you may need to look down the MPV route. Don't panic - it's not as bad as it sounds. Have a look for a nice Ford S-Max. Tonnes of room, extra seats in the (massive) boot and affordable running costs. 

That said, it depends on the age of your kids. If they're big enough to not need booster seats (or if only a couple of them still need one) that opens up your options a little. If you still fancy an SUV, try a Nissan X-Trail; spacious, reliable, good to drive.

Let us know what you go for

Expert answer

Hi Aisling,

No, it should be OK as long as you are absolutely on-the-ball when it comes to making sure that it has a full service history. The Tiguan is essentially a tall Golf, so all of the mechanical bits are pretty robust and well proven, but watch for some small niggles. The electronic handbrake (if fitted) has been known to fail. The rear door handles can stick open, but that should have been sorted under warranty and the air conditioning can fail, but that's usually just the dashboard switches and not the deeper mechanical bits of the system. Oh, and check carefully underneath for signs of off-roading damage - Tiguans aren't really designed for proper mud-plugging, but the four-wheel drive system sometimes fools people into thinking that they're Land Rovers...

Expert answer

Hi Jim,

How long is a piece of string? Sorry, but it is actually a tricky question to answer because it kind of involves asking 'which Range Rover?' That is to say that Land Rover's build quality, while it has consistently been improving over the past decade, can still be a touch variable. Many Range Rovers will get through big mileages with no trouble, while others simply won't.

The good news is (and I'm talking about post-2002 models here) that generally Range Rover unreliability has gone from trouble with major items such as brakes and suspension to minor niggles involving electrical components. Basically, if you're buying a Rangie make sure all the buttons work as they should and then budget a substantial amount of money to fix them when they don't. Engines, gearboxes and other bits are generally fine as long as the car has been serviced fully and has history to back that up. You won't get the flawless reliability that you'd get from a Toyota Land Cruiser for instance, but Rangies are certainly more solid than some of the rumours would have it.

Expert answer

Hi Jonathan,

Land Rover's reliability has been improving out of all recognition lately, and the RR Sport is based on the third generation Discovery, which is a generally reliable vehicle, so that's good news. Watch for issues with the gearbox and anything that has an electric wire attached to the back of it. Check all buttons and switches work properly and that the car has a full and complete service history. Make sure the air suspension raises and lowers as it should too - leaking units can be expensive to rectify.

Expert answer

Hi Sean,

Watch for dodgy turbos, flaky electronics and issues with the brakes not being strong enough (more of a problem on the heavier V10 TDI to be honest). That 2.5 TDI engine does give pretty decent economy for a big 4x4 though, and it feels more wieldy and manoeuvrable than rivals such as the Land Rover Discovery or Toyota Land Cruiser.

Expert answer

Hi Tom,

That one came with the first generation of Land Rover's own V8 diesel engine (the Range Rover had exclusively used BMW's 3.0-litre straight-six diesel prior to that) and brought with it much more power and torque and better fuel economy too. Good points are the comfort, the style, the on-road deportment, the off-road capability (mountain goats glare jealously at you) and the image. Bad points are fragile gearboxes and electronics and the mammoth running costs - you CANNOT run a Range Rover on the cheap, even if you can buy them quite cheaply now.

Expert answer

Hi Noel,

You can indeed get a lower rate of VAT and VRT when importing a commercial vehicle from the UK. For VRT you'll pay 13.3 per cent of the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP) - the price that Revenue reckons the car is worth in Ireland, not what you paid for it. Buying second hand in the UK and having the car converted is also a fine idea, but best to have the conversion done in the UK so that the car is already in commercial form when it lands here.

By the way, all this only applies if you're bringing in a commercial vehicle to use for work purposes. If you're using such a vehicle for social, domestic or pleasure use and paying VRT, VAT and motor tax at the commercial rate, you're technically breaking the law.

Here's our full guide to importing a car from the UK

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

Not half so bad as their reputation would have you believe. Keep a close eye on the gearbox (mostly fine but occasionally prone to being fragile) and carefully check to make sure that everything electric works as it should. Any doubts in that area and walk away - even minor electrical glitches can be wearingly expensive to fix. Engines, especially the BMW-sourced 3.0-litre straight-six diesel, are usually fine, as is Land Rover's own 3.6-litre V8 diesel, but make utterly sure that the car has a full and comprehensive service and maintenance history. Anything less than a full set of stamps should trigger a walk-away.

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

Land Rover's reliability has been improving out of all recognition lately, and the RR Sport is based on the third generation Discovery, which is a generally reliable vehicle, so that's good news. Watch for issues with the gearbox and anything that has an electric wire attached to the back of it. Check all buttons and switches work properly and that the car has a full and complete service history. Make sure the air suspension raises and lowers as it should too - leaking units can be expensive to rectify.

Expert answer

Hi Craig,

Thankfully, not as much as Land Rovers of old. It seems that, bar the occasional 'Friday afternoon car' the Disco 3 is a well-made, mostly reliable product. Check carefully though for any electrical gremlins (literally push every button and make sure that what it's supposed to control responds as it should) and check for any leaks or uneven sitting from the air suspension - could be a sign that the compressor is on its way out. Make sure that the automatic gearbox (few were sold as manuals) shifts crisply and cleanly too - the Disco 3 doesn't have the same reputation for chewing transmissions as its predecessor, but it can still be a weak point. And, as with any big off-roader, check carefully to see if it's been abused or worked hard as a builder's mate.

Expert answer

Hi Susan,

Wow, you're a glutton for punishment aren't you? You pretty much couldn't have picked two less reliable cars. The Discovery is best avoided. If you could afford to trade up to a third-generation model I'd say that's worth a go, as Land Rover was starting to get on top of its quality issues by then, but the old Series II is just bad news. Gearboxes go, electrics go and even the suspension can fail. I know what you mean about falling in love - it's happened to me too with old Land Rovers, but you're looking at a very high-maintenance partner there.

The Espace is a little better, but not by much. The diesel engines are very fragile - check for smoke, check for oil levels and if there are any signs of overheating, run don't walk away. Check anything with an electrical wire coming out the back of it too as it can all go wrong, although the electronic parking brake and electric windows are especially prone to wrongness. Also, keep an eye on the tyres. Espaces go through them like butter and 20,000km is about as much as you'll get out of a set.

If you really want a seven-seater that works properly, can I suggest either a Mitsubishi Pajero or Toyota Land Cruiser? Not as cool as the Discovery, but they won't let you down.

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

We can’t tell you the specific price for a specific car, but they seem to hover at around the €25-26,000 mark.

Expert answer

Hi Damian,

Keep it simple and go for a Toyota Hilux. It's utterly indestructible and not too shabby to drive either, although it simply can't match the handling and refinement of a car-based 4x4. Another good option is the 130-inch wheelbase Land Rover Defender crew cab. Again, not very refined but staggeringly capable and achingly cool.

Expert answer

Hi Vinny,

Hmmm. Yes and no. Land Rover quality control has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years, and the Disco 3 was one of the first cars to benefit from a new, higher quality regime. Mostly, they're well built and reliable, but a few 'rogue' cars still seem to slip through the net. The main fault is with the air suspension system, and the air compressor that pumps it up, which can fail, so make sure that the car rises and lowers as it should. Earlier cars had a lot of minor electrical glitches - everything from Bluetooth phone hookups to stereos to the electronic handbrake, but most of these should have been ironed out by now.

Expert answer

Hi Pamela,

There's a few: Renault Scenic. Toyota Verso. Peugeot 5008. Citroen C4 Picasso. Land Rover Discovery. Chrysler Voyager. Ford Galaxy & S-Max. SEAT Alhambra. Volkswage Sharan. Renault Espace.

That list isn't it either!

Expert answer

Hi Ian,

Right, the bad news is that the Yaris isn't going to be worth all that much at this stage. I'd say if you get €1,000 for it, either cash or as a trade in, you'll be doing well. The good news is that gives you a €4,000 budget and that puts an awful lot of really good cars well within your reach.

Now, funny story. When we had our first boy, he was born in February. That Christmas, I borrowed a Land Rover Discovery to bring us all down to my wife's parents in Waterford. And thanks to all the luggage, buggy, travel cot, bath etc. etc. etc. I couldn't see out of the back of the damned car for a whole week. That's a long winded way of saying you need to maximise your space.

So how about a Citroen Berlingo? €4,000 should get you into a 2005 1.4 petrol model and there's so much space in the back that all that baby gear will fit easily. Don't fancy a van with windows? Then how about a compact estate? There are some nice Chevrolet Lacettis around - not the most exciting car in the world but reliable, comfy, well-equipped and spacious. Your budget should get you into a 2006 or 2007 model. Or, if that's a bit too left field, what about a MkII Ford Focus estate? We found a 2005 1.6 diesel with air conditioning that's in your budget.

Best of luck with the car hunt and the baby!

Expert answer

Hi Sophie,

It's a bit tricky to say. There's no question that the 2002-2012 Range Rover was a massive improvement over its dreadful predecessor when it came to reliability and solidity but there are legions of potential problems - everything from minor electrical niggles to full-on major component failure. Fragile areas seem to be the gearbox (perennially a Land Rover weak spot) and the air suspension. The engines and bodies are solid as rocks though. Make utterly sure there's a full LR service history.

Expert answer

Hi Phillip,

Cars registered in 2007 (assuming this Freelander is classified as a passenger vehicle, not a commercial vehicle) are taxed according to their engine size. The Freelander's 2.2-litre engine is actually 2,179cc, so it falls into the 2,101- to 2,200cc category, which, since January 2013, costs €951 per annum.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Ian,

There are a couple of alternatives to the Q7 alright. The Land Rover Discovery is probably the best all-round seven-seat SUV on the market and easily matches the Q7 for driver appeal, cabin space and premium image. The only problem is that Land Rover is still working its way up from a low point in terms of reliability, and while the current Disco is certainly very well built, we'd reckon that a Q7 would be a little bit better in terms of reliability when you're talking about a car that's already a few years old.

In fact, we know of only two issues with the Q7. One, it's apparently quite hard on tyres and two, if it's got an electric tailgate, it can open or close with a mind of its own sometimes, although that should have been fixed in a recall by now.

You could go for a BMW X5 with seven seats, but there's not as much space in the third row in the BMW, so it depends on what you need those extra chairs for. If it's only for occasional use, for kids etc, then the X5 is well worth a look and is a fantastic car to drive. If you need to put adults back there, stick with the Audi. You could downsize to a Hyundai Santa Fe seven-seater of course, which is a reliable, affordable choice but lacking both third row space and the cachet of the Audi.

Or you could steer away from the SUV world altogether and get a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate with the extra rear-facing seats in the boot. Bit of an unsung hero that one, and much cheaper to run than a big 4x4. Or, of course, you could do the whole off-roader thing properly and get a long wheelbase Land Rover Defender, but you'll need ear plugs for long journeys.

Choosing between a 2007 or a 2008 Audi Q7 is all down to the price and the individual car. There was a facelift in 2009 that brought some engine updates and cabin and styling changes, but if you can find a good 2007 one, with a full Audi service history, you could be looking at paying as little as €20k. A Q7 for the price of a new Ford Focus? Not bad...

Let us know which way you go

Expert answer

Hi Niall,

Well, that kind of depends what you want it for. If you're looking at it because you want a big, four-door family SUV then, no. You see, that Pathfinder is based on the Navara pickup and it's a pretty crude device, lacking the kind of refinement and comfort you'd get from, say, a Land Rover Discovery. That said, if you're looking for something to do a bit of hard work and the occasional bit of off-roading, then go right ahead - it's perfect for that kind of life. Just watch the clutch, it seems to be a weak point and can be rather expensive to fix.

Expert answer

Hi Donal,

The Discovery is one of our very favourite cars, especially for the way it can carry seven full-sized adults in luxury-car comfort down the motorway. With big mileage like that though you will be rocking up the fuel bills, as a 2.7-litre V6 diesel Disco will only get about 29mpg in normal driving conditions. That said, you won't get any better from any of its rivals, so there you go.

As for reliability, Land Rover has come on in leaps and bounds in this respect recently, but there's no getting away from the fact that its vehicles tend to be more fragile than the Japanese competition. Small electrical niggles are the most likely problems but both the gearboxes and the air suspension can give problems too and those are rather more serious issues. The V6 diesel engine is pretty solid though.

It would be worth checking out both a Toyota Land Cruiser and Mitsubishi Pajero too, but while both of those would be more likely to have better reliability, neither can hold a candle to the Disco's on-road refinement and comfort.

Let us know which way you go

Expert answer

Hi Aleksandrs,

The most common fault with the RX 400h, as with any hybrid, is that the fuel economy won't be half as good as you think it will. The last RX model we tested returned just 29mpg overall, a figure we've equalled in both a Land Rover Discovery 3.0 diesel and a Porsche 911 Carrera 4S!

That apart, they're incredibly solidly built, as are pretty much all Lexus models. The high-tech in-car entertainment system, with its touch-screen controller, can throw up an occasional glitch but the only other serious concern lies in the hybrid electric drivetrain. Generally, it's totally reliable but we have heard of an occasional one having an AC/DC power convertor fail, which is a massively expensive job to fix if it does go wrong. As we say, it seems to be an isolated problem but one worth bearing in mind.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Niall,

There are two answers to this question. There's the right answer and then there's the answer that you can afford. The correct answer is the Land Rover Discovery; still the only car we've driven that can climb Everest yet carry seven fully grown adults in luxury car comfort. Trouble is, they're expensive as heck to buy and run. 

So, assuming you need the sixth and seventh seats for only occasional, child-transporting duties, there's the Hyundai Santa Fe. It's big, comfy, surprisingly good to drive and with excellent reliability. Circa €8k should get you into a 2006 model.

How does that sound?

Expert answer

I'm not sure I'd recommend a pickup for you, as, until the very recent arrivals of the Volkswagen Amarok and Ford Ranger, they were all a bit crude and dreadful. They're commercial vehicles, not family cars. That said, if you want something truly rugged, then what about a Land Rover Defender 130 with a crew cab? Iconic looks and unbeatable toughness, but they can be expensive to buy and run.

Actually my recommendation would be to track down an old-shape Kia Sportage. It's surprisingly good at going off-road, comfy and decent to drive on the road and circa €8,000 should pick you up a good one, potentially with still a bit of Kia's famous warranty left to run. Not as stylish as the current Spprtage it's true, but invest in a sturdy rubber liner for the boot and you should have the ideal log-carrying device.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Lisa,

With the help of SIMI we've found that the value should be €69,455 to help with your BIK calculations.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

There is a known issue with the Freelander concerning the central locking that may cause this, which annoyingly requires replacement of the fuel filler flap motor, then the central locking system fuse (F25 (10A) in fascia fuse box/relay plate if you want to check that before doing anything else).

Expert answer

Hi Paraic,

First and foremost is the running costs, but I guess they're on the same level as any large SUV-based commercial with an automatic gearbox - they're heavy on fuel and tyres, etc.

Other than that, while the Discovery 3 is proving to be more reliable than its predecessor, it's hardly the most dependable truck of its type. Some cars are perfect, but others have loads of issues, from the electrics to the air suspension and even to full engine failure.

Don't settle for anything less than a full service history and make sure you have the car checked out by someone that knows what they're looking at too.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Killian,

Bad news I'm afraid: this first generation Freelander was plagued with reliability problems. Saying that, Land Rover sorted most of the major issues by 2002. The 1.8-litre petrol engine is best avoided as it's susceptible to blown head gaskets, though the diesel alternatives are more durable. Otherwise, the issues come from the electrics (the windows in particular), the rear differential and the manual gearbox.

If you're still determined, take a close look at all those items and listen out for any unexpected grumbles through the transmission.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

This Range Rover is one of the better built cars from Land Rover in a while actually. Some early examples had issues with the automatic gearbox and water leaks, though these should have been well cured by 2005. Electrics and the sophisticated suspension system seem to be the biggest worries, and of course they're expensive to repair.

If you're serious about one, insist on a full, detailed service history, and invest in a professional inspection too.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Gerard,

We've spoken to Land Rover Ireland and, as we suspected, it has no plans to offer a commercial version of the new Range Rover. The previous model was never built as a commercial vehicle either.

Your only option would be to commission such a conversion, though we suspect that this would not make economic sense.

Sorry to not have better news for you,

Expert answer

Hi Joseph,

Both those cars are decent family motors, but go into it with your eyes open as large aging SUVs are expensive to run, service and repair. For the most part the Discovery and XC90 are reliable, though there are reports of some early examples of this Land Rover with (costly) air suspension and electrical problems. It's definitely worth getting a thorough professional inspection as offered by Cartell.ie as this should highlight any issues with the car you're considering.

Some XC90s have suspension, transmission and injector problems too - all expensive to fix. Don't be put off by this though, as these issues do not affect all examples sold.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Catherine,

That's an interesting one and the decision will probably come down to your personal preference. The Discovery certainly has a higher 'status' and it is a very good car, but a newer, highly specified Galaxy might be the logical choice. Both cars are relatively reliable and highly comfortable. The Galaxy has more space and probably more equipment, but that depends on the Discovery you're looking at.

One thing to be aware of is that the Discovery is likely to have higher running costs, from fuel, tyres, servicing and insurance to annual road tax.

Bear all that in mind and then take the Discovery for a good long test drive before you decide - and don't be tempted by 'too good to be true' prices either. Get a Cartell.ie history check to make sure there's nothing dodgy about the car you're considering.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi John,

I'm afraid that generation of the Freelander was very troublesome, though the diesel is the best option. Listen out for noises from the rear differential and gearbox and check that every single electrical switch and light is working as it should be.

A 1.9-litre diesel from 2001 would normally be €660, but commercial vehicle tax is currently only €310 per annum.

Hope that helps

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 Rebecca,

Brian O'Driscoll is brand ambassador for Lexus Ireland.

Land Rover's brand ambassadors are Amy Huberman and Jamie Heasiip, while it is also involved with the following this year:

1)      The Goffs Land Rover Bumper at Punchestown

2)      The Goffs Land Rover Sale

3)      The Land Rover Puissance at the Horse Show

4)      The National Ploughing Championships (as exhibitors)

5)      The Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park (through Young Motors in Kilkenny)

6)      Tattersalls International Horse Trials (through Newgate Land Rover in Navan)

7)      The Ballendenisk Horse Trials (through Johnson & Perrott in Cork)

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Rob,

For that budget we are assuming you are looking for a second-hand car. The Honda CR-V springs to mind, but the tax could be a little high for you as your budget will get you a pre-2008 version, which came with 2.0- and 2.2-litre engines. How about a five-door version of the Honda HR-V instead? We found this example on Carzone.ie and it looks the part. The 1.6-litre engine means it's not too much to tax either.

There are loads of Hyundai Santa Fes and the smaller Tucson around at that price too, though again their age and engine size might rule them out for you in terms of tax costs. Same story with the previous generation Kia Sportage.

Don't be tempted by older Land Rover Freelanders.

Another good option is the Suzuki Grand Vitara. A quick search showed that there are several 1.6-litre petrol versions with four-wheel drive within your budget, though most seem to be the less practical three-door body style, so you may need to look around to find a five-door example that suits your needs.

The Toyota RAV4 would be a great option, but keeping your tax bill down on a four-wheel drive version with five doors might be tricky. Recommeded though.

Hope all that helps. If you narrow down your search a little come back to us and we'll help you choose!

Expert answer

Hi Shane,

It goes back to the introduction of the previous version, the Land Rover Discovery 3, which was sold in the US as the LR3. Land Rover reckons that the American market prefers this type of naming strategy (though there are forums full of Land Rover fans that disagree!). Although the company won't admit as much, the name change was probably also influenced by the desire to distance the newer model from the unreliability of its predecessor.

Hope that's of interest

Expert answer

Hi Aaron,

I'm afraid a dealer won't value such an old car so highly. They're selling at about €3,000 on dealer forecourts now so you can expect to be offered significantly less on trade-in. You may be better off trying to sell it privately. Advertise at a little under €3,000 and expect to let it got for a few hundred Euro less.

Please do come back to us to let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Ciaran,

Sorry for the delay in coming back to you on this. Let me honest first and foremost and put my cards on the table and say that I probably wouldn't buy a second-hand Land Rover Freelander at all and especially one with 90,000 miles on the clock. You are right in what you say that the second one has proven to be more reliable than the first one but it still has been a little bit problematic. There aren't major reports of problems on the second version, but to be honest if I was looking at a vehicle a few years old and in SUV form I'd be looking at something from Japan or Korea. 

If you are going to get one and you have your heart totally set on it then only buy from a main dealer with a full service history and get the longest warranty you can find. 

For me though, I'd still be looking at something like Toyota RAV4, Nissan Qashqai or Hyundai ix35 to get something that will be reasonably headache free. 

I hope this helps. 

Expert answer

Hello Eamonn,

I am a little unsure of what you mean. Do you want a seven-seat car that has four-wheel drive but one that isn't an SUV?

There aren't all that many four-wheel drive seven-seaters around. Obviously the BMW X5, which you mentioned, the Volvo XC90, the Land Rover Discovery, the Hyundai Santa Fe, Audi Q7, Mitsubishi Outlander, Kia Sorento, Chevrolet Captiva, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota LandCruiser. 

A four-wheel drive seven-seat car is something that is harder to come by. The Mercedes-Benz R-Class seats seven and can be had with four-wheel drive.

Let us know if that's the sort of thing you're looking for.

Expert answer

Hi Maurice,

If I were spending my own money on something like this I would probably narrow my search down to a few key models. I would also look at something that was pre-July 2008 as the road tax is a little easier to stomach.  You didn't specify whether you need it to be a 4x4, because this does tend to make them a little harder on fuel.

The Toyota RAV4 isn't massive but it is seriously well put together and you could have a 2.2-litre 2007 model with low mileage for €17,950.

Here's an example on beepbeep.ie.

Road tax at €860 is still a lot though, so that might rule this out.

If you don't need 4x4, then a Nissan Qashqai is quite an obvious choice. You could have a 2009 model, with low mileage and road tax of a just €156 per year, for €20,495. These are popular for a reason, but forget about it if you need to go off-road.

Here's an example on beepbeep.ie.

Again, no four-wheel drive options for your budget, but you could have a Skoda Yeti, which is a great SUV with a decent 2.0-litre TDI engine for €22,750 - although I'd be pushing for closer to €20,000 in a cash deal.

You could have a Nissan X-Trail too, although they can be a little hard to find. They are really good value. Most are two-wheel drive but there are four-wheel drive ones about. This one is a two-wheel drive version, but at €18,500 for a 2008 model it is great value.

Finally, the latest Land Rover Freelander is much better than the model that went before it. You can have it with a 2.2-litre diesel engine and four-wheel drive and that would be in and around the right money.

Here's an example.

Out of this lot, I'd be inclined to go for the Nissan X-Trail.

Hope that helps. Let us know what you end up going for.

Expert answer

Hi Emer

As you know Toyota don't offer the Rav4 with seven seats in Ireland (but they do in the USA) so that is off the list.

We have spoken since and I now know you have a 2005 Toyota Rav4, petrol with 40,000 km on the clock, which is very low mileage. I would hope you would get about €6,500 - €7,000 for your Rav (perhaps even a bit more) as a trade-in against a new model and with the €15,000 on top of that to play with you have quite a few options.

The most obvious option for me, is the Nissan Qashqai+2. The Qashqai has been immensely popular and the +2 model adds extra seats to make it a seven seater. That only came on the market in 2009, so it might just not make your budget, but then again this depends on what you are offered for your Rav4. The cheapest of these is likely to cost around €25,000, so this might not be an option.

Never fear though, there are other good options. The Chevrolet Captiva was a lesser-known SUV that sold in small numbers but really was quite good and crucially, for you, came with seven seats. You should expect to pay about €17,000 for a 2007 one and you might even sneak into a 2008 for about €23,000.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Chevrolet/Captiva/LT-VCDI-/201019198001210/advert?channel=CARS

Another good option would be the Mitsubishi Outlander. You could have a 7-seater one of those, with a 2.0-litre 140hp diesel engine and a 2007 one would cost you about €19,000, and a 2008 one would cost about €23,000.

This could be quite a nice solution actually

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mitsubishi/Outlander/2.0-DI-D/201013197400203/advert?channel=CARS

The other thing you could do, is totally lord it up and get a Land Rover Discovery which has one of the most generous rear row of seats around. This 2006 model is under €20,000. Yes it will cost you an arm and a leg to run and service, but at least we are giving you your options.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Land-Rover/Discovery/3-TDV6-S/201015197653184/advert?channel=CARS

I do hate to use the 'S' word, but if you did think of something more sensible, then you couldn't really pass the Ford S-Max. Of the MPVs of that type, this is the best of them and it looks good too. Here is a 2007 diesel with low mileage for €19,300, leaving you plenty of change.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Ford/S-Max/1.8TDCI-/200928194542104/advert?channel=CARS

Anyway, I hope some of this helps, but feel free to come back to us with your thoughts.