Expert answer

Hi Pamela,

Unless you actually need the seven-seat layout of the Hyundai, I'd go for the BMW. It'll be much more affordable to run in terms of fuel costs (close to 60mpg versus more like 45mpg in the Hyundai) and cheaper to tax too. The only concern might be that the Hyundai would be more reliable than the BMW, pound for pound. If you're buying the Beemer with a full service history and a warranty though there shouldn't be any problems.

Expert answer

Hi David,

Yes they are - you can negotiate a higher mileage limit on a PCP but it means you'll reduce the guaranteed minimum future value so your monthly repayments will be a bit higher. 

Mind you, I'd hate to see a gorgeous Alfa fall by the wayside. Get a quote for a replacement and see how much it is. There's always the new Alfa Giulia coming next year...

If you decide on a replacement though, the best mid-size diesel saloons around at the moment are (in no particular order) the Skoda Superb, the Mazda6, the Volkswagen Passat and the Ford Mondeo.

A few relevant reviews:

Skoda Superb review

Mazda6 review

Volkswagen Passat review

Ford Mondeo review

Expert answer

Hi Dominic,

Toyota Ireland kindly provided the full service list for 60,000 kilometres. See below image.

Expert answer

Hi Catherine,

Right, we've been on to MINI HQ about this, and here's the reply we've received:

"In order to review this query MINI Ireland would require the vehicle to be diagnosed by a MINI Retailer to confirm the exact cause of failure. Once the vehicle has been diagnosed the MINI Retailer can then apply for goodwill to be considered towards the repairs. The owner/driver would be required to have the vehicle recovered to a MINI Retailer for diagnosis at their own cost."

Hope that helps a bit?

Expert answer

Hi Simon,

The only potential fly in the ointment here might be resale value, but we honestly don't think it'll be as big a factor on the 2 Series Coupé as it would on a 'normal' car, such as a 3 Series Saloon or a Ford Focus, for example. There is an element of risk on that, though not if the buyer is going for finance with a guaranteed future minimum value...

All that aside, we'd wholeheartedly recommend the 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. It's astoundingly good in the MINI, marrying ok economy and low runnings costs with cracking performance and bags of personality. Admittedly, we've not had a chance to drive the 218i for ourselves and though the rear-drive chassis should be a hoot with that engine, it's worth noting that the 218i M Sport is about 300kg heavier than a MINI Cooper. In an ideal world your friend would get to try it out first to make sure they're happy with the performance.

As an aside, with such low mileage, and most of it in the city, a petrol car would be best in the long run for your friend to prevent DPF clog-ups and the like.

Expert answer

Hi Khumbulani,

Very different cars - a Corolla is a mid-size family hatchback, a Polo is a supermini. It's a split decision anyway - the Polo will be slightly cheaper to run but the Corolla is more likely to be reliable, long-term.

Expert answer

Hi Eamonn,

Do you mean big or small? Actually, the new Fiat 500x we've just driven could be a good shout for a small crossover, or if you don't fancy that, take a look at the MINI Countryman.

Something more medium? There are only two players really - Skoda Yeti or Nissan Qashqai. Ford Kuga is also worth a look, but only the current model, not the old one.

Bigger than that? Honda's CR-V is always a good one, or if you're buying new have a long, hard look at the latest Kia Sorento.

Relevant reviews:

Fiat 500X review

MINI Countryman review

Ford Kuga review

Skoda Yeti review

Nissan Qashqai review

Honda CR-V review

Kia Sorento review

Expert answer

Hi Daniel,

Not sure how your maths is working out there. PCP is supposed to work like this: pay a deposit and then finance the balance, minus the agreed minimum value. That should add up to the total purchase price of the car, plus any interest payable on the amount financed.

The theory then is that the car's residual value at the end of the finance period is sufficient to pay off the final 'bubble' payment and leave some left over to act as the deposit for a new car.

If you're adding that all and coming up with more than the new purchase price then either (a) your calculator needs new batteries or (b) you're not allowing for the interest payable.

Further reading:

The CompleteCar.ie guide to car finance

Expert answer

Hi Kathleen,

When you say higher, do you mean an SUV or an MPV? Either way, you're going to have to spend more. In the world of automotive pricing, extra height equals extra cash. 

If it's an MPV you fancy, try a Citroen C3 Picasso (especially the attractive Code Edition) or a Hyundai ix20. Or the more expensive Opel Meriva if you fancy staying with the Opel family. 

Opel has an equally good small SUV, the Mokka although if funds allow it's best to buy new and get the new 1.6 diesel version. Other good small SUV options are a Peugeot 2008 or MINI Countryman.

Expert answer

Hi Stephen,

Unless your surname happens to be Axa or Aviva, you need to stick to a 1.0-litre engine. Now, depending on your budget, that might not be the motoring purgatory that you think it is. If you can stretch to it, a Volkswagen up!, Skoda Citigo or SEAT Mii are all terrific to drive and funky to look at and all come with a rev-happy little 1.0-litre lump. Ditto recent versions of the Ford Fiesta with the non-turbo version of the three-cylinder Ecoboost engine.

Need to buy something older and cheaper? Track down an Opel Corsa 1.0. Not the most exciting car, but safe, solid and decent to drive. Older again? Consider a Nissan Micra from the '90s. Yes, it's slow but it's more enjoyable in the corners than you might think and they go forever on minimal maintenance.