Expert answer

Hi Kirsty,

I'm afraid it's a classic case of how long is a piece of string? Insurance quotes are often plucked out of thin air and the only way to get the best value is to get on the internet and get on the phone and start looking. Now, based on the details you gave (and a bit of creative accountancy on our part - you do work in a call centre for an accounting firm and live in Skerries in Co. Dublin, right?) the best quote we were able to find for you came from AXA and it was €1,778 - that's for third party, fire and theft.

Obviously, having just third party would be a bit cheaper but it might be worth paying slightly extra this year and getting yourself a more solid insurance record. It's also well worth finding a good insurance broker and seeing what kind of deal they can swing for you. Brokers can often access deals that mere mortals cannot.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

I'd say you could potentially get between €4,500 and €5,000 if you sell it yourself, or probably between €3,000 and €3,500 if you trade it in. One tip though - don't try to sell it now. The value of cabriolets drops sharply in the winter. If you can hang on until the summer you'll potentially make a few more quid, or at least find it easier to sell.

Expert answer

Hi Ken,

It's difficult to know from afar, but there are several things that will affect this - assuming you're seeing a reduction in your car's economy:

1 - Tyre pressures need to be within specification

2 - Wheel alignment must be correct

3 - Perhaps the air filter and/or fuel filter is dirty and needs replacement

4 - Are you carrying extra weight in the boot?

5 - Is the rear window demister on permanently? 

Go through all of those things, starting with those that cost nothing to check and you should find savings. If not, then get the engine are car serviced and that might help. Perhaps a brake is binding.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Deirdre,

You realistically need to be looking at an MPV. How about a Peugeot 5008? It fits all your requirements, there are plenty out there, they're nice to drive and reasonably affordable to buy and run. 

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Hi Colin,

I'd say it's worth between €3,500 and €4,500 on a trade in, maybe as much as €5,000 retail if it's in exceptional condition.

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Hi Mike,

No, parts shouldn't be too pricey as all vans are supposed to be quick and cheap to fix. We haven't heard of any reliability scares and Peugeot vans tend to be pretty solid. The only concern would be on condition - vans, especially ones owned by companies rather than owner operators, tend to get dog's abuse so check it over carefully before you buy, and make sure it has been serviced properly. 

Expert answer

Hi Sinead,

To be honest, I'd avoid it. The 307 was never a great car to begin with and it was probably one of the lowest points for Peugeot build quality. They tend to suffer every electrical problem going, the cabins and interiors are very fragile and the suspension is prone to outright failure. 

If you still fancy a Peugeot, see if you can stretch your budget to a 308 - that was a much better built car, has decent reliability and if you get the 1.6 diesel then 65mpg in daily driving is a reality for you.

Expert answer

Hi Rory,

Full service history? Then you could be looking at around the €7,500 mark. Not a full history? Then probably more like €6,000.

Expert answer

Hi Tom,

How about a Fiat Multipla? OK, not everyone's idea of a good looking car, but it's got an amazing interior, bags of space, is terrific to drive and I found one for €4,500. Yes, I know... OK, on with the sensible stuff though.

There are plenty of Opel Zafiras around for that kind of money, but you will have to search hard to find a diesel one. They are out there though. Plenty of Peugeot 307 SW estates (which came with a seven-seat option) too, but tread carefully and make sure there are no electrical gremlins to deal with. Ditto Renault Scenics. Actually, the more ruggedly reliable Kangoo (or a Citroen Berlingo for that matter) might be a better option.

The most sensible suggestion would be a Toyota Corolla Verso, but they're very, very hard to find with a diesel engine at that price level. Might be worth biting the bullet and going for petrol to get the best.

Expert answer

Hi John,

There are two schools of, quite influential, official thought on this. If you consult reliability expert JD Power, which conducts an annual vehicle reliability and customer satisfaction survey, the 206 is pretty dreadful. JD Power rates its reliability as below average, with poor interior quality, and it regularly finishes in the bottom ten of vehicles surveyed.

Over at Warranty Direct though, which independently insures vehicles against mechanical failure as part of its aftermarket warranty products, the picture is a little rosier. WD rates the 206's reliability as good, and certainly ahead of most of its French rivals. Problems tend to stem from the electrical system, and most of the time they're pretty cheap to fix.

To be honest though, in general, if you're looking at an older French car, you're looking at trouble.