Expert answer

Hi Laura,

It kind of depends which Astra estate you mean. Assuming you mean the current one then the answers are yes (good looking, lots of space, lovely to drive and a really well-made cabin), and yes (either the 1.0 petrol turbo or 1.6 diesel are very economical, but you might notice that the fuel tank is a bit on the small side on longer journeys).

Expert answer

Hi Martina,

At that budget your main choices, sticking with diesel for fuel economy reasons, are the Hyundai ix35, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi ASX, Opel Mokka and Skoda Yeti.

We're assuming you don't need four-wheel drive (correct me if I'm wrong), as the front-wheel drive versions of each car are always the most economical.

Here's the most economical version of each:

- Hyundai ix35 1.7 diesel 2WD: 5.3 litres/100km (53.3mpg): from €26,495

- Kia Sportage 1.7 diesel 2WD: 5.3 litres/100km (53.3mpg): from €26,590

- Mitsubishi ASX 1.8 diesel: 5.7 litres/100km (49.6mpg): from €25,950

- Opel Mokka 1.7 diesel 2WD: 4.7 litres/100km (60.1mpg): from €24,695

- Skoda Yeti 1.6 TDI Greenline: 4.6 litres/100km (61.4mpg): from €25,320

We've left out smaller options as you specifically asked for mid-size.

The Skoda Yeti turns out to be the most economical of that lot and for us it would be between that and the Kia Sportage.

Best thing to do is go and test drive as many alternatives as you like the look of as it will come down to personal preference.

Let us know how you get on and come back to us if you need anything else.

Expert answer

Hi Fintan,

OK, well you’re kind of cutting across class boundaries there — a Focus and a Mondeo are really quite different cars, with the Focus being smaller, cheaper and arguably more fun to drive, and the Mondeo being more expensive, but bigger, comfier and more refined. That goes pretty much the same for the Opel Astra and Insignia, or the Volkswagen Golf or Passat. So the first thing you need to work out is what you want, and what you need, and whether or not you need the bigger car, or if something more compact will do.

Of the brands you’ve mentioned, the VWs will probably do the best in reliability terms, with Ford being the most enjoyable to drive, and Opel falling somewhere in the middle, but you should also be considering the likes of the Toyota Auris and Avensis (best for reliability), the Peugeot 308 and 508 (stylish, good to drive) and the Mazda3 and Mazda6 (reliable and both very good to drive). 

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

The current model? It’s a little too early to tell, as it usually takes several years before any major reliability issues come to light. So far, they seem to be solid, and for the most part they use tried and tested Opel engines and gearboxes, so as long as you buy one that’s got a full service history, we wouldn’t expect too many problems.

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Hi Emma,

I’d go for the Micra, as it’ll be the most reliable of the cars you’ve mentioned. A budget of €2,000 should get you a 2006-2007 model, and I wouldn’t be bothered about mileage — buy on service history and condition. Other good options are a Toyota Yaris, Honda Jazz or, if you fancy a bit of driving fun, a Suzuki Swift.

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

Do you mean the EcoBoost engine, versus the Astra’s 1.4 Turbo? It’s a very close match, especially if you’re looking at the current models. The Astra is exceptionally good to drive, and that 1.4 Turbo is a good engine too. The Focus’ EcoBoost three-cylinder engine is, theoretically, more economical, but it depends very much on how you drive it. The Focus’ chassis and steering responses are better than those of the Astra,  but then the Astra has the nicer interior. Depends where you priorities lie, really...

Read our Ford Focus reviews here

Read our Opel Astra reviews here

Expert answer

Hi Jackie,

We would expect a car's brakes to be thoroughly checked during a service for sure, though whether they warrant changing really is up to the mechanic doing the job. As that noise was not there when you bought the car it's fair to assume there was no issue with the brakes then - though clearly the pads didn't have much left on them. It's good that they're doing it now for you, even if the person you are dealing with is dismissive.

It's quite poor that the mechanic wouldn't find out what the code 82 was about, but there you go. The Insignia's engine management system monitors several parameters such as number of cold starts and engine speed and calculates when you need an oil change. If you use your car more frequent short journeys rather than longer ones then it may require changing earlier. Many people ignore this read out and just change their oil according to mileage or time, but the official word is to stick to what the engine management computer says. Just make sure the garage resets it again for you.

Last point: I wouldn't expect the garage to pay for this oil service. If they do, it's a bonus!

Hope that all helps put your mind at ease.

Expert answer

Hi Craig,

Data is rarely available for specific models, but the Vectra has proven to be quite durable. The SRi specification with the 150hp engine is the pick of the line-up as well. However, we'd urge you to make sure the car has a full service history and check if it was the subject of a recall earlier in its life. The only major problem is with the suspension. If you test drive a car and it makes strange clonking noises then walk away.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Mike,

First thing to do is bring the car back to the dealer. It's very new and is hence covered by warranty. Trying to fix it yourself could invalidate the warranty.

Without hearing the problem for ourselves it sounds like it could be something small like the dust shield vibrating against the caliper, but definitely worth getting it looked at.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Daniel,

You've not told us which of the Insignia diesels you're looking at, and whether you're buying new or used, but in general Opel's diesel options in the Insignia are a little on the loud side. However, they all give good performance and economy, and the latest come with stop-start.

Come back to us if you need more detail than that