Expert answer

Hi Suzie,

Others to consider include the Citroen C3 and Fiat 500, Mazda2, Nissan Micra, Opel Corsa, Peugeot 207, SEAT Ibiza, Skoda Fabia and Suzuki Swift. They're all good small cars. Given your low mileage you're definitely better off with a petrol model.

I assume you know that you could afford slightly larger cars in the Ford Focus class as well with that budget, but that you don't want one that big? They'd be far more comfortable on the motorway.

With all that in mind, and sticking to your small car demand, we reckon one of the three Volkswagen Group cars makes the most sense - that's the Skoda Fabia, SEAT Ibiza or the Polo. If you'd like help narrowing down your search further come back to us.

Expert answer

Hi Hagen,

There's a lot of choice on the market for that price. Here's a few cars we'd consider good buys for the purpose you've described:

Citroen C3, Fiat Panda, Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Honda Jazz, Mazda3, Nissan Almera, Nissan Micra, Opel Astra, Opel Corsa, Peugeot 207, SEAT Ibiza, SEAT Cordoba, SEAT Leon, Skoda Fabia, Suzuki Swift, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Yaris, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Polo.

I appreciate that's a long list, but we've left out plenty too! If you'd like more in depth help with choosing from the above come back to us.

Expert answer

Hi James,

Come back to us with the asking price of that Opel if you want a more precise answer, but your Hyundai is worth in the region of €4,500. A trader may offer a good deal less however.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Mel,

As that car was registered pre-2008 its tax is based on engine size. For engines sized between 1,901 and 2,000cc the price is currently €660 per year. That change in January of this year following the Budget.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Eamonn,

Come back to us with your budget, but cars to consider include the Citroen C3, Ford Fiesta, perhaps the Ford Fusion, Honda Jazz, Mazda2 (also called the Demio as an import), Nissan Micra (called the March as an import), Opel Corsa, SEAT Ibiza, Suzuki Swift, Toyota Yaris and the Volkswagen Polo.

That's a long list, I know! It really depends on your budget. Our pick of all that lot would be the Honda Jazz given your requirement for a big boot that's easy to access.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

It sounds like this choice is down to personal opinion. The Passat has a better reputation for reliability, though the Insignia is not too shabby on that front. The creaking interiors affected early cars and you should be able to quickly check for it on a test drive.

We agree that the Insignia is a better looking car, though the Passat Highline has a great specification. Countering all that the Insignia's 2.0-litre engine is more powerful, if louder and less refined.

In summary, we'd probably go for the Passat, but regret it every time we see a good Insignia!

Best of luck - let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Lukas,

There are many different models of diesel Opel Astra, even for 2007. There were 1.3-, 1.7- and 1.9-litre CDTi engines that year, plus three-door GTC hatch, five-door hatchback and estate. Not to mention different mileages and trim levels.

The latest selection from Carzone.ie suggest a price variation of between €5,000 and €11,000.

Let us know specifics if you'd like us to help some more.

Expert answer

Hi Denis,

There's no simple answer to such questions. It will depend on the condition of your car, how much the seller of your next car wants the sale, whether it's the 1.6 or 1.8, etc. From a dealer's perspective that's quite high mileage, certainly in comparison to a lot of examples of the 2002 Zafira on sale. You may be offered as little as €1,500, though you could hope for a little more than €2,000 if you're lucky.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Barry,

Thanks for confirming via email that the total budget including trade-in is about €15,000.

One car that immediately comes to mind is the Honda Jazz. They're utterly reliable, easy to drive and park and are available with a decent enough CVT (continuously variable transmission) automatic gearbox. Here's an example on Carzone.ie. Emissions are in Band B so annual road tax is €225. The seating position is more upright in the Jazz than in most small cars so it's easier to get in and out of.

Another option is the Nissan Note. The automatic version's engine is 1.6-litre in size so emissions are higher, putting it into Band D for tax - costing €481 per annum. Otherwise it compares well with the Jazz, with easy access and good reliability in a compact package. Here's an example on Carzone.ie.

The Nissan Qashqai may also fit the bill, though it's a larger car overall, which I suspect is not what you're looking for.

If you need help narrowing the search down further come back to us - and let us know what you go for.

Expert answer

Hi David,

Your car is worth closer to €8,000. That might make a difference to the insurance, but don't be tempted to say it's worth less than it is.

Good luck and let us know how you get on