Expert answer

Hi Diarmuid,

There would probably be no saving at all. While the FSI engine is cleverer and more high tech and therefore technically more economical, the extra weight and bulk of the Passat will nullify that advantage. If you were to swap for an FSI Golf, you might do better, fuel-wise.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Diarmuid,

With that kind of mileage, I'm afraid the value just plummets and that's notwithstanding the fact that the Mazda6 is reliable and very well built. I'd say you're looking at a value of around €2,500 to maybe €3,500.

As for changing, with that kind of annual mileage I'd say it could be well worth looking at changing for a newer diesel model. The 2.2 diesel Mazda 6 is a bit of a favourite around here, really good to drive with good economy. Just get the calculator out and do your sums carefully to make sure that you'll be saving money in the long run. With the cost of changing your car, it can be worth looking at spending money on your existing car, giving it a good going over and a tune-up, which can both prolong its service life and improve the fuel economy.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Willy,

For most people, the differences are cosmetic, though the Cross Country has its own suspension settings, including greater ground clearance. For now though, the only four-wheel drive model is powered by the top-of-the range petrol engine, so it's not likely to be very popular in Ireland.

We've driven both and, if you like the look of the Cross Country, there's very little compromise. It drives as well, is actually a little more comfortable, yet is nigh on identical inside. The regular V40 line-up starts at a lower price point though.

Hope that's of some help

Expert answer

Hi Priscilla,

If it's either the 1.6 petrol or the 1.5 diesel then yes, it's an engine shared with the Nissan Qashqai (and sundry other Nissans and Renaults) and is generally pretty solidly built and reliable. 

With Renaults, it's the peripheral systems you have to watch. Major items like the engine and gearbox usually go on just fine but electric components (especially windows in the past), exhaust systems, cabin trim and such like can all be fragile. Check carefully and make sure there's a full service history.

Best of luck

Expert answer

Hi John,

I'd say on a trade-in you'd probably get about €2,500 to €3,000 for it. But make sure you do your sums carefully when changing. The cost of change can often outweigh what you're spending on petrol. Maybe practice some seriously economical driving techniques? Take any excess weight out of the car by emptying the boot etc. And get the engine properly serviced and tuned, with fresh filters and new oil.  Check the tyres for condition and correct pressure. You'd be surprised what a difference things like that can make to your fuel consumption.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

At that kind of mileage, you really should be going for a petrol. A 320i has plenty of poke, is very refined and nice to drive, and has decent fuel economy and emissions. 

Expert answer

Hi Alanna,

Anything pre-2008 with a petrol engine is pretty hard to shift on these days, sadly, so I'd reckon you're looking at a value of possibly as little as €5,500 for the Mazda3 at the moment. To get the best from it, I'd suggest staying within the Mazda family (a Mazda dealer will usually give you a better trade-in on a Mazda than will another dealer) and trade up to a Mazda6 Estate. Loads of space, brilliant to drive, reliable and, with the 2.2-litre 129hp diesel, very economical too. SUV? Do you live up a mountain or at the far end of a rutted dirt road? No? Then you don't need one - stick to the family car market and the Mazda6 size class (which also includes cars like the Toyota Avensis, Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat and Opel Insignia) is  where you'll get the best bang for your buck.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi David,

It's a pretty solidly built car the A4 Cab, but just avoid the 1.8T petrol engine as apparently it gives no end of trouble, and watch for clogging fuel fillers on the diesel models if you're doing low mileages. Clutch problems are also not unheard of, and check carefully for any signs of oil leaks in the engine bay. The good news is that because it has a folding cloth (not steel) roof there are no reported problems with an overly-complicated roof mechanism.

Expert answer

Hi Alanna,

If you like the Mazda, then it would be well worth considering an upgrade to the current-shape Mazda3 with the 1.5-litre SkyActiv diesel engine — it's smooth, refined, very economical and with the usual Mazda reliability. A lovely car. Also worth considering are the Honda Civic 1.6 iDTEC diesel or Kia cee’d 1.6 CRDi.

A few reviews for you:

Mazda3 review

Honda Civic review

Kia cee'd review

Expert answer

Hi John,

Yes, it certainly is. Now, that comes with the caveat that it will be replaced by an all-new model nest year, but the current V40 is still pretty good — handsome, good to drive, comfortable, and well made. It is a little short on cabin space, though, which is worth remembering, and it lacks a good down-sized turbo petrol engine in the mould of Volkswagen’s 1.0-litre TSI as yet.

Here are a few reviews for you:

Volvo V40 D2 review

Volvo V40 T2 R-Design review