Expert answer

Hi Kathleen,

When you say higher, do you mean an SUV or an MPV? Either way, you're going to have to spend more. In the world of automotive pricing, extra height equals extra cash. 

If it's an MPV you fancy, try a Citroen C3 Picasso (especially the attractive Code Edition) or a Hyundai ix20. Or the more expensive Opel Meriva if you fancy staying with the Opel family. 

Opel has an equally good small SUV, the Mokka although if funds allow it's best to buy new and get the new 1.6 diesel version. Other good small SUV options are a Peugeot 2008 or MINI Countryman.

Expert answer

Hi Anthony,

The Pulsar or the cee'd would be the most sensible choices and both fall well within your budget. Both are reliable and decent to drive, and the Kia's not bad looking either. In fact, I reckon you should go for the estate version of the cee'd - it's one of the nicest, comfiest and most practical cars around.

Further reading to help you decide:

Kia cee'd review

Nissan Pulsar review

Kia Sportage review

Peugeot 3008 review

Expert answer

Hi Mick,

Yeti. 2008 is nice, really nice in fact, but the Yeti remains one of the most impressive all-round cars we've ever driven.

Further reading:

Peugeot 2008 review

Skoda Yeti review

Expert answer

Hi John,

The current Kuga is a really nice car, and quite an underrated one I reckon. Still though, €2k is a heck of a lot of money and the 3008 is nice so why not go for that and spend the change on a cracking holiday or a new kitchen?

Further reading:

Ford Kuga review

Peugeot 3008 review

Expert answer

Hi Mick,

We've tested the Allure model, not the Active but here you go - the only difference is some bits and bobs of equipment: http://www.completecar.ie/testdrives/article/Peugeot/null/2008/600/2540

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

If you want to go petrol then there are few better options than Volkswagen's 1.2 TSI turbo, and when it's fitted to the Skoda Octavia, you've got a near-perfect combination. Drive it gently, and you'll probably get very little difference in the overall fuel consumption compared to your old 407. That engine hasn't really been in the market for all that long, so it's a little hard to get a handle on whether or not there are any reliability landmines out there, but in general we've heard nothing bad. 

Expert answer

Hi Douglas,

Quite a difficult car to value that, as there are (a) so few 206 SWs around and (b) that 2.0-litre engine is going to make it quite a hard sell. On that basis I'd say you'd be lucky to get €2,500 for it retail. Even less on a trade in. 

Expert answer

Hi Marie,

Prices still seem to be holding up for the 407, probably because most of them came with Peugeot's frugal and low-tax 1.6 HDi diesel engine. We've seen them on for as little as €8,950 but others seem to be hovering around the €11,000 mark.

Expert answer

Hi Robert,

Yes, they're pretty good. We've heard no major reports of serious issues with the current-shape Focus and that 1.6 diesel is long-lived and has seen service in various Volvos, MINIs, Citroens and Peugeots. Just make sure that it gets a regular oil change and that you use a high-grade synthetic oil. 

Expert answer

Hi John,

Yeah, that's not bad actually. The 206 has long been popular as a starter car or for those looking for something small and cheap to run. Just have a good check that anything electrical is working properly and make sure that the cabin is all holding together - its fragile in there. Also make sure that the central locking and heating systems are working properly.