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Hi Catherine,

Go for the Skoda; assuming that it's in good shape and has a decent service history as it'll be the most reliable of the bunch.

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Hi there,

There are many, with Ford, Nissan, Opel, Toyota and Hyundai, for instance, all having notably good offers. You can get as much as €4,500 'scrappage' (not really scrappage, but actually a trade-in bonus really), but it depends on which model you're trading in against.

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Hi Catherine,

Tread carefully. We've heard many a horror story about reliability issues on the old 9-3 and 9-5, so caution is advised. If you've owned and loved your 9-3, and it hasn't let you down, then well and good, but the overall experience is a negative one. One possibility might be to track down a last of the line second-gen 9-5. There aren't many around but they're cheap and use a lot of Opel components, which makes them easier to fix in the future. A really lovely car and one worth a punt if you can find one.

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Hi David,

There's no set warm-up time, as it depends on a number of factors, such as the ambient air temperature, how the car is being driven and which ancillaries are turned on. In general, diesel engines take longer to warm up than petrol (though the car makers are working on changing that) too.

I don't think there's anything wrong with your Mokka.

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Hi James,

A really good car that one, but just give it a thorough checkover to make sure that all of the electrical systems are working properly (the alarm and central locking seem to be especially vulnerable) and have a check in the back and the boot for any dampness coming from leaking boot seals.

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Hi Martin,

I'd say you should advertise it for around €6,000 all things being equal. As for the diesel controversy, it's a bit hard to say - there's nothing at all wrong and an awful lot right with the 2012 Passat - it's a cracking car, it's just that you need to bear in mind that the overall engine performance may well be altered when Volkswagen begins its recall in January. If that's putting you off, then a Mondeo is definitely well worth looking at, but also take a gander at a Mazda6, Opel Insignia or Hyundai i40.

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Hi Mark,

There are some individual brands still offering 'scrappage' (or schemes that are really trade-in bonuses for older models). Opel, for instance, is offering 'scrappage' of up to €4,500 depending on the model you're trading in against, while Nissan is offering up to €4,000 against some models. Check with your local dealer for details, but beware - some of the deals require you to drive the car onto the forecourt under its own power...

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Hi Melissa,

It's not possible to tell you what is causing the problem from afar, but oil pressure is critical to an engine's well-being so do not drive anywhere without getting it fixed. First thing to check is the oil level itself and top if up if needs be. If that doesn't fix the issue then get the car to a mechanic as soon as you can to look at it. Hopefully it's something small like the oil light switch itself.

Best of luck

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Hi Tara,

I'd actually go for the Ibiza. The interior is nicer and the reliability prospects are better.

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Hi Sinead,

Needing to fit three car seats but not wanting an MPV is a difficult juggling act. Normally I'd recommend something like a Ford S-Max, which ticks all your boxes and, while its an MPV right enough, it's an uncommonly sleek and good looking one. 

A good non-MPV option is the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer estate. Sleek and lovely to drive, it comes with the required three Isofix mounts and a big boot too for all the kiddy clutter. Easily as classy inside as your old Audi too.