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Hi Nicola,

The best we can suggest is to have a good long ring around and a trawl through t'internet I'm afraid. Clearly, a car with GT in the title and 140 horses under the hood is going to flash alarm bells with any insurer when you give them your age. Quote Devil seem to be a good starting point for young driver insurance these days, but with a car that grunty you're going to be getting big quotes wherever you go, especially as you're still on a learner licence.

So, shopping around, lots, is really your only option. Either that or trade in the Golf GT and get a 1.0 Micra...

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Hi Mech,

There are few drawbacks to be honest. If you're importing the car from the UK then there is no drawback at all, other than the extra bit of legwork and travel needed to find and bring the car home. And of course you should consider potential difficulties with warranty, financing and trading in your current car.

If you're importing a Japanese model there can be a few issues to look at. Some parts are different, which can make repair and maintenance work a little tricker (and occasionally more expensive) and Japanese emissions laws are different too, so the car may need a tweak to the engine management system to pass the NCT emissions check. Helpfully, there are still several companies in Ireland that specialise in the importing of Japanese market cars and they'd be able to help you out with any of that.

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Hi Nicola,

It depends on the year, but judging by the price tag, you're not looking at the newer end of the scale, so I'd say that starts to look like a good price for that mileage. 

As for reliability, you shouldn't have any problems. Micras are tough as old boots. Just make sure there's some history with the car and that it's been regularly serviced.

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Hi Kal,

Right, you need to be aiming for an engine under 1.0 litres to keep the insurance costs as low as possible. If you're buying new, how about a Volkswagen up! or a Hyundai i10? Both excellent, both very safe. If you're buying used, stretch the insurance budget to a 1.2-litre engine and track down a nice, well cared for Nissan Micra - safe, easy to drive and ultra-reliable.

What do you think?

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Hi Elaine,

If you want to stay with a small car then can I suggest tracking down a nice Ford Fiesta? Your €8k budget won't quite stretch to a new EcoBoost model, but the older 1.25 petrol engine is still a sweet, economical and reliable unit.

If it's maximum economy you're after then you need to think of a small diesel. How about a Peugeot 207 1.4 HDi? Hard to track down but 65mpg is easy.

Better yet, you could trade up altogether. €8k should get you into a nice 2008 SEAT Leon 1.9 TDI - hugely reliable, spacious, economical and really good to drive.

Let us know what you think

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Hi Susan,

Nothing at all really, and if you're picking a Micra then you should be on a winner, reliability-wise. Fleet cars are often a better bet than private cars simply because their service history should be full and all major maintenance done on time and schedule. Will it have had a harder life than a private car? Possibly, but just have a careful check over for signs of excess wear and tear and if you're concerned, walk away; plenty more out there.

Let us know how you get on

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Hi Paula,

Yup, you're onto a winner there. A lot of motoring writers get a bit sniffy about the Nissan Micra, but actually it's a car with which there is very little wrong. That third generation model that you're talking about is actually probably the best one of all, with a nice, comfy, spacious interior, a peppy little 1.2-litre engine and a chassis that's actually more entertaining to drive than you would think. Of course, the automatic gearbox will sap a little bit of power, but as long as you're not entering any traffic light Grands Prix, you'll be fine. Reliability simply shouldn't be an issue as the Micra has always been conspicuously well built. Just check carefully to make sure it's been serviced regularly and that the oil for the automatic gearbox has been changed regularly too.

Let us know how you get on

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Hi Pandurang,

'Notchy' isn't a real word, which is why I discourage our writers from using it, though most of the large publishers allow it so it has become very commonplace.

It means there's some resistance in the gear change like moving the lever past a notch. In truth some like it and others don't. Best bet is to always test a car for yourself.

Hope that's of help?

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Hi Jeff,

If insurance is your main concern, then think smaller. Get as close to 1.0 litres as you possibly can. It’s a bit of a cliche, but the best cars in that arena are those good old reliables the Nissan Micra and Toyota Yaris. Lots around in your price range.

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Hi David,

The Figaro was only built for a very short time, most made in 1991 or 1992, so the youngest one is already old enough to drink in most US states... That said, two things play in the Figaro's favour. One, it's based on the third generation Micra, which was an astonishingly reliable car. Secondly, because it achieved instant collectors' item status, most have been cared for and owned by enthusiasts. Ask around before you buy; there are plenty of Figaro nuts out there who will be happy to help you.