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Hi Bridget,

What year is your Micra? If it's a pre-2002 then upgrading to the post-2002 model could be what you need. It was bigger than the old Micra and had impeccable safety credentials. 

If you're already in a 2002 or later Micra then the best bet is to look at a Volkswagen Polo. They really do feel noticeably tougher than most other cars in the class, it's about the same size as the Micra and as good a small car as you'll find.

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Hi Nisll,

Depends on whether you want one with actual four-wheel drive or just a front-drive one. If you only want front-drive, the Honda CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC should do the trick - well over 55mpg in daily driving.

If you want all-wheel drive then I reckon the new Nissan X-Trail with the 1.6 dCi engine should get better than 45mpg in real world conditions.

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Hi Michael,

The Qashqai is a cracking car, but the problem here is that the new, second generation Qashqai, is so much better, it makes the old one seem just a tad disappointing. On that basis, I'd go for the cee'd - it's handsome, nice to drive, well made, has a massive boot and still has four years of its warranty left to run.

Let us know what you decide either way

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Hi Pat,

You need to change it every five years, or 120,000km, whichever comes soonest.

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Hi Roland,

Learning to drive and need an automatic? Frankly, you can't go wrong with a Nissan Micra auto and there are lots around. I just spotted a nice, old-shape one from 2006 with an auto box for just €4,995. As reliable as the day is long, nice to drive and perfect for a learner.

One thing though, yes, it's entirely possible to take your test with an auto, but then you will be only licenced to drive automatics from then on. It might be worth your while braving the transition to a manual for the test, just so as you're not restricting your car choice further down the line.

Best of luck with it

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Hi Richard,

I'm afraid the general consensus is that Daewoo never made a decent car in its history as a manufacturer, and gluing a Chevrolet badge on the front didn't do anything to improve them. 

The Nubira would be relatively cheap and painless to own - they tend to be reliable - but even for very little money you can find a better nine-year old car than this.

If it's the automatic that you're particularly after, we've found a bevy of mid-size auto saloons for Nubira money that are vastly superior. A Nissan Primera perhaps? Or how about a Toyota Avensis? Or even a Volkswagen Bora? They're all out there for sale right now. 

Either way, life's just too short to lumber yourself with a Chevy Nubira. Aim higher.

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Hi Shirley,

Generally speaking, the Micra (especially the 2002-onward model, which is probably the best Micra there's ever been) is something of a gold standard for reliability, but there are a couple of small recurring items to look for. The immobiliser system can sometimes go a bit haywire and drain the battery, the seat adjustor cables can snag, the boot and door seals occasionally leak and if you hear a knocking noise from the steering on full lock it means the front suspension is out of alignment.

Other than that, cracking little car and it should give years of solid service.

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Hi Tom,

It’s for the 1.8 petrol I presume? Should only be around €50 a side from a supplier such as MicksGarage.ie.

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Hi Edel,

The Golf. Sounds predictable I know, and I can see the appeal of the Juke's more exciting styling and sportier demeanour, but the fact remains that the Golf is more spacious, more practical, better to drive and more economical. There's a good reason they're so popular...

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Hi Evelyn,

I'd suggest choosing between a Skoda Yeti or Nissan Qashqai if your budget allows - both have high h-points, or the point at which the base of the seat lies, without being so tall that you have to climb up into them. Test drive both to see which one you find the more comfortable, and it's also worth considering the Kia Sportage and Hyundai ix35 if you can find either within budget.

Let us know how you get on