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Hi Paul,

A 2011 car should be the later eight-valve engine, with 116hp. Its belt should be changed every 200,000km or 10 years, whichever comes first.

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Hi Mags,

OK, there’s a bit of a balance to be struck, here. The Avensis would, normally, be a good, solid choice and of the two cars you’ve mentioned, it’s the more economical overall. However, we’re always slightly wary of cars that may have been used in the past as taxis, so you’d want to carefully check the history on that one, using Cartell.ie, for example.

The Mazda CX-5 is one of our favourite cars, but if it’s a 2017 model you’re looking at, then you’d want to make sure that it’s the second-generation CX-5 — not that the older car is bad or anything, but the newer version is a deal more sophisticated and refined, so worth stretching the budget for. The current version arrived in Ireland during 2017. It would be a bit thirstier than the Avensis but of the two it would be our choice.

Others worth looking at? Honda’s CR-V is always an excellent choice (massively roomy, hugely reliable), VW Passat (go for the estate), or the Skoda Superb. Here are a few our reviews to help:

Toyota Avensis reviews

Mazda CX-5 reviews

Honda CR-V reviews

Volkswagen Passat reviews

Skoda Superb reviews

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Hi Patrick,

It’s a bit of a catch-22, adding two-stroke oil to your RX-8 rotary. In theory, it can help with delaying the onset of rotor tip wear, but the problem is that it will destroy your catalytic convertor and that means you definitely won’t pass the NCT. I wouldn’t recommend it. Much better merely to make sure that the engine is properly and regularly serviced, rather than trying any short cuts like two-stroke oil. 

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Hi David,

OK, we found a few good options, via Carzone, but there are plenty more if you have a look.

How about a BMW 5 Series? It’s top of budget, but we found a 131-reg 520d in SE spec, with auto, air conditioning and cruise. A fabulous car to drive, and perfect for long journeys. Used BMW 5 Series for sale on Carzone. Maybe check out our BMW 5 Series F10 (2010-2017) used car buying guide if that piques your interest.

Or, if you need something a little more practical (and also faultlessly reliable) how about a Mazda6 Estate 150hp diesel? It’s a 2015 car, and they’re as good to drive as they are to look at. Used Mazda6 for sale on Carzone. (Read our Mazda6 reviews here).

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Hi Joe,

We couldn't find any paint colour called simply 'silver', but these seem closest:

Tonic Blue Metallic - 27P

Breeze Metallic - 33V

Hope that helps

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Hi Derick,

Revenue always seems to have a problem working out values for any car that’s not a thoroughly mainstream family hatchback or saloon, sadly. We’ve been through the calculations and our dead-reckoning is that you could be looking at a VRT bill of around €2,000 — which seems a bit steep for a seven-year-old car to be honest.

We don't think Brexit is going to alter the situation in favour of those importing cars from the UK, either, so no point waiting.

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Hi Gino,

That Ford 1.6 TDCi diesel engine is one of the most common engines around, as it has also been used by Mazda, Volvo, Peugeot, Citroen and MINI. It has one major vulnerable spot and that is that sooty, gummy deposits can build up in areas that are supposed to be kept cool and lubricated by oil. If the deposits build up enough, they can block the oil passage and cause component failure — most commonly of the turbocharger. The best way to prevent that happening is with regular servicing (at least once a year depending on mileage) and making sure that you always use a high-quality grade of synthetic oil for the engine.

The 1.6 petrol engine, the 100hp version, is a much simpler unit and it’s pretty reliable, mostly because it’s a much older design. It won’t be as economical nor as punchy in its performance as the diesel, but if it’s reliability you’re looking for, it might be the better option. 

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Hi Nathan,

Generally the Ford 1.6-litre diesel (also used by Mazda, Peugeot, Citroen, Volvo and MINI down the years) is a rugged and reliable unit, but there are a few things to bear in mind. First off, this is an engine that needs a regular diet of high-grade synthetic engine oil, otherwise a nasty sludge can build up in various parts of the engine, choking performance. Make sure you check the service history to ensure that a good quality oil has always been used. The stop-start system can occasionally cause starter motor issues, especially if the car has mostly been driven in town. If it has been mostly driven in town, or has very low mileage, be wary of potential issues with the diesel particulate filter, too.

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Hi Mark,

It has a timing belt. It must be changed at least every 200,000 kilometres or 10 years, whichever comes first.

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Hi Noreen,

If it’s taxed on the old engine capacity system, then it’ll cost you €636 a year. Theoretically, though, you could apply to have it taxed under the CO₂-based system, and with emissions of 162g/km, it’ll actually be a little cheaper, at €570 a year.