Expert answer

Hi Claire,

Well, with a bike, why not go for a compact estate instead of a hatch? Same driving experience and same running costs, but a bigger boot by far. Best of the breed is a Kia cee'd SW, which is hugely reliable and has a massive boot. With you just driving at the weekends, I'd say it's worth trying to track down a petrol model, rather than the more popular diesel.

Expert answer

Hi Leah,

It all depends how long you want to keep the car for. If you're planning to change again in three years' time, then a PCP makes great sense as you get a new car (with a warranty) and you're basically protected from depreciation, plus your car is your deposit for your next car.

If you're planning to keep the car longer, then you're better off with a loan and a second hand car, although I'd suggest buying one younger than five years old and make sure you get a decent warranty with it, just to help keep costs under control.

Read our guide to car finance here

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Hi Joe,

They're both pretty similar to be honest, although at the moment the Corolla is only available as a four-door saloon and the Pulsar as a five-door hatch.

Both are solid, reliable, unremarkable workhorses. If you're looking for excitement, sexy styling or dynamism, you've come to the wrong place - but both major on space (the Pulsar in particular has massive space in the back seats), comfort and simplicity.

The Corolla's diesel engine lags a bit behind the Nissan's in terms of performance, but other than that, they're pretty closely matched and seeing as both will probably be endlessly reliable you can safely choose according to your taste.

New, Corolla prices start at €20,995 and Pulsar prices start at €19,995.

Relevant reviews:

Nissan Pulsar review

Toyota Corolla review

Expert answer

Hi P J,

The current model Nissan Qashqai, introduced at the beginning of 2014, is a really cracking choice - well made, frugal and nice to drive. Go for the 1.5 diesel if you do big miles, or the 1.2 petrol turbo if you're mostly doing short hops around town.  As for your Octavia, I'd say you could expect to get around €5,000 as a trade in, depending on the dealer and your car's condition and history.

Finance or cash? Easy: if you can afford to pay cash, do it. You'll be able to argue yourself a decent discount up front and you won't be paying any interest. As for finance, PCP offers are tempting and very good value, but they kind of rely on you coming back in three years' time for another car. If that's not your plan, then a personal Credit Union or bank loan could actually work out better value overall. If you have a financial advisor they can give you more detailed advice than I, and check out the CompleteCar.ie Guide to Car Finance for more information.

Expert answer

Hi Nigel,

Two totally different cars so they're quite hard to compare. The B-Max is small but spacious, and those sliding side doors make it very handy in tight parking spaces, but it's slow and not much fun to drive. The Juke is far more striking to look at (perhaps even a bit ugly?) and more engaging to drive, but space in the back and boot is really quite poor.

Relevant reviews:

Ford B-Max review

Nissan Juke review

Expert answer

Hi Terry,

They're very solid but you do need to keep an eye on a few areas. The rear suspension can be troublesome so listen for clonks or knocks. Check the front carpets for dampness from a leaking windscreen. Interior trim and electrics can be fragile while the clutch can give problems, but usually smells strongly before it goes.

Expert answer

Hi Joanne,

The RAV4 is most definitely worth the price, and it's one of the best cars Toyota currently makes - spacious, reliable and not at all bad to drive. Worth looking at the Nissan Qashqai and Renault Kadjar too, as well as the Skoda Yeti and Mazda CX-5. You won't go wrong with any of those choices, but given your high mileage take a very close look at the Renault and the Nissan - they'll be the most economical overall.

Relevant reviews:

Toyota RAV4 review

Nissan Qashqai review

Renault Kadjar review

Skoda Yeti review

Mazda CX-5 review

Expert answer

Hi Umberto,

Our information tells us that the 1.6-litre petrol engine has a timing chain, which has no scheduled maintenance.

Expert answer

Hi Elaine,

You're kind of on the cusp of being better off with a diesel with that kind of mileage. There are a few cars that are worth looking at. Sticking with petrol? Try a Honda Jazz - small but very spacious, and the 1.2-litre engine is pretty frugal. Want to go for a small diesel? Try a Volkswagen Polo. Want something a little more fun, but still very frugal (albeit not very roomy in the back)? Try a MINI Cooper D.

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

We asked the current Nissan importer and got a pretty stock answer:

"This is under continuous review - it is likely that Infiniti will be launched when the decision is taken that the demand, conditions and the model line-up are right for the Irish market."

From our point of view, the new Q30 and forthcoming Infiniti QX30 are steps towards that happening, but we believe that Irish new car sales would have to top 150,000 units a year consistently before it would be considered. Competition is already tough here and Infiniti hasn't done all that well over in the UK.