Expert answer

Hi Michael,

We've not heard anything about this one to be honest, but that doesn't mean it's not a problem! Since 2008 the vast majority of the Zafiras sold have been diesel so there are not many petrol versions around now.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

That generation of Ford Mondeo was fitted with timing chains so no need to worry.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

It looks like nobody working with CompleteCar has driven this combination. The CVT is only offered with a 1.6-litre petrol engine in Ireland and our experience of any CVT gearbox with any petrol engine is not good. It is smooth, as there are no gear changes as such, but engine revs don't often correspond to forward motion, so it often feels that the engine is revving unnecessarily. CVT works well enough with diesel, but not with petrol engines.

Saying all that, you really should try it for yourself before discounting it completely.

Hope that helps.

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 Niamh,

That's a nice problem to have. Thanks for sending the details of the cars to us via email.

In my opinion, the BMW is the better driver's car and more practical. However, the Mercedes is faster and much sportier looking. It also looks to be better equipped. Both are quite reliable in general, especially with low mileages, so I wouldn't worry about that unduly.

Maybe get a Cartell.ie car history check to verify the mileage and that there is no outstanding finance when you decide which you prefer.

It's imperative that you drive both cars yourself for as long as the seller allows you, as, no matter what we say, your preference is all that matter.

Now, onto money. A figure of €4,500 seems a little steep as a cost to change given the asking price of those cars and the estimated value of your own. I'd be tempted to offer €2,000 and see what they say. Don't be afraid to walk away, as there will be plenty of other cars like this. Also consider selling your car privately for a better price - if more hassle...

Come back to us if you need anything else.

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 Anna,

As you're doing double the average annual mileage, and it's on motorway, we'd thoroughly recommend the diesel. It should save you a fortune on fuel, though of course you'll have to pay more in annual road tax. The downside is that you're likely to find that the 2.0-litre diesels within your budget have high mileage on them already. Seek out one with a perfect service history and as low a mileage as possible - and get it verified by Cartell.ie.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Ashlene,

In the past the Toyota might have been the automatic choice, but Kia has come on leaps and bounds. Toyota still has the reputation for longevity and troublefree motoring, but Kia is catching up, and its seven-year warranty is real peace of mind for a new car buyer.

Looking at the price lists (of the five-door models - the best-sellers), the Rio is available as a 1.25 petrol model for €15,550 to €16,775 or a 1.4-litre diesel for €18,190. They are all in Band A for tax with emissions of less than 120g/km.

The Toyota Yaris can be had with 1.0- or 1.33-litre petrol engines and a 1.4-litre diesel. Toyota offers far more trim levels, and pricing varies from €15,585 (1.0 Terra) to €19,725 (1.33 Sol). All versions appear to be in Band A as well.

Unless you plan on travelling more than say 12,000 kilometres a year it's best to stick with the petrol versions. The 1.0-litre Toyota is the most efficient, but not by much and the Kia 1.25 engine and Toyota 1.33-litre are largely comparable, though the Yaris engine has a little more go in it.

Kia is more generous with its equipment, but only a bit, and there are more Toyota trim levels to choose from so you can tailor your needs. We'd urge you not to go for the entry-level versions of either though (LX and Terra respectively), as the step up to the next model is well worth it for what you get.

So that's the overview. In terms of our personal opinions we prefer the Kia Rio. It feels and looks more substantial and it drives well. Best bet is to go to a Kia and Toyota dealer and try them both out for yourself.

Let us know how you get on.

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 John,

It's no firecracker, that's for sure, but it's not that bad really. Depends on your benchmark. Depending on the age of the car you're looking at it had either 112- or 117hp and 0-100km/h took about 11.5 seconds. Just don't expect to win any races when it's full of people and luggage.

Hope that helps