Expert answer

Hi James,

The Nissan X-Trail has a timing chain, so should be virtually maintenance free.

Expert answer

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?

Expert answer

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.

Expert answer

Hi Stephen,

Would you consider a Skoda Yeti? It's a similar size to the Juke but much more spacious, with a more sophisticated cabin and brilliant rear seats that can tip, fold and be removed altogether if you need extra load space. The boot on the front-drive diesel models should be plenty big enough to take a scooter or wheelchair too, and the DSG automatic gearbox is available. I presume you're already familiar with the work the Irish Wheelchair Association does with modifying cars for hand control, so that should be a simple enough process for you. A cracking car, the Yeti - brilliant to drive and very practical, and with a new model coming later this year, you should be able to argue yourself a decent deal on a new one.

Expert answer

Hi Carmel,

You haven’t given us a year, which makes valuing a bit vague, but assuming it’s a 2012 X-Trail, then the value is in the region of €10-12,000 - depending on condition and history.

Nissan X-Trail review

Expert answer

Hi Paddy,

Well, with that kind of budget to shop with you're well into the price range for most compact 1.6 diesel hatchbacks, and I'm talking new (or nearly new if you're looking to maximise the bargain). 

So I'd recommend going for one of Volkswagen's new trio of compact cars, the Golf, Octavia or Leon (sadly the Audi A3 is probably out of your price range).  All three are excellent, solidly build and share the same frugal 1.6-litre TDI diesel engine. Of the three, I'd suggest going for the Leon as it gets you the best all round car, but the classiness of the Golf or the practicality of the Octavia are equally strong draws. Can't go wrong with any of them really.

Expert answer

Hi Emilie,

Well, there are other Almeras around of that age and mileage for that kind of price, so perhaps we're jumping to conclusions here. It's also not unknown for a car to have multiple owners. Apparently there's a Honda Civic out there somewhere currently on its 40th owner! 

Nevertheless, if your antennae are twitching, it's always a good idea to follow up your suspicions. Check the service record. Does the car seem to have been back to the garage a lot? Can you contact any of the previous owners or a garage where the car has been looked after?

If you're still concerned, get the AA to inspect the car. They'll find out pretty quickly if there's anything wrong with it.

Expert answer

Hi Emilie,

It might be. It’s kind of impossible to tell without knowing a bit more about the car’s history. Six owners in 12 years is one new owner every two years, which isn’t too bad in general terms, but definitely something to get the antennae twitching. Check out the car’s history very carefully using Cartell.ie and see if you can get in touch with some of these former owners and see what their experience was.

Expert answer

Hi Dawn,

Going on personal experience, I'd say that the C4 Picasso would be the most economical of the bunch. All of them should be able to get between 45-50mpg, and I'd say the C4 should just nudge above 50mpg. That said, you have to remember that what dictates fuel economy more than the car is your driving style. Practice driving with light throttle openings, anticipating further ahead and always using gentle control inputs and you should be able to get that economy figure improved. Also, take any excess weight out of the car, make sure the engine is serviced regularly and the oil changed often and get a good set of low-rolling resistance tyres, and keep them at the right pressure. It all helps.

Expert answer

Hi Dawn,

Nissan quoted a combined consumption value of 5.4 litres/100km (52.3mpg) and we'd expect most drivers to get in excess of 40mpg (7.1 litres/100km) so long as all journeys aren't in stop-start traffic.

Hope that helps