Expert answer

Hi Sandra,

Bit of a tricky one this as you haven't specified what kind of car you're talking about, but the fact that you want low emissions (which would suggest a post-2008 car to keep the road tax low) and want to keep the budget below €7,000 means things are a bit limited. So how about a Peugeot 207 1.4 HDi diesel hatchback for €6,950? That price includes a three-month warranty and the example I found has a full service history.

Come back to us with more information if you'd like us to narrow your search.

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Hi Eoin,

Have you tried the new Peugeot 3008? Great-looking, good to drive and comes with an (optional) six-speed auto. The 1.2-litre 130hp petrol turbo engine is the one to go for. Alternatively, you could try and grab a run-out Skoda Yeti (always one of our favourites and built like a tank), or have a look at the Toyota C-HR Hybrid, which is striking to look at and really good to drive. Here are our relevant reviews:

Peugeot 3008 review

Skoda Yeti review

Toyota C-HR Hybrid review

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Hi Dolores,

They’re pretty shoddy, to be honest. The alternators are troublesome, as are turbos on both petrol and diesel models. Head gasket trouble is common, and the timing chain on the 1.6 petrol needs regular checking. Electrical problems are common and the roof mechanism on the CC model is spectacularly unreliable, often getting stuck half open or closed. The timing belt/chain question rather depends on which engine you’re talking about, but economy will work out at around 35mpg for the petrol models, or 45-50mpg for a diesel.

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Hi Mary,

Expert answer

Hi Michelle,

Although you've not told us the model or engine size in your car, that sounds like a classic case of the engine management switching into 'limp home' mode, which is most often because of a clogged up diesel particulate filter (DPF). If the car will run properly, then take it for a long run at motorway speeds in a lower gear than usual to see if that will clear it out, but it may be that it needs further treatment or even replacement.

If in any doubt, bring the car to a good mechanic so they can plug the car into a diagnostic machine and obtain any error codes that will confirm what the issue is.

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Hi Harry,

All petrol and diesel engines fitted to the Peugeot 407 use timing belts, though the change interval varies between engine and model year.

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Hi Natash,

Your best bets are the Citroen C4 Grand Picasso, the VW Touran, the Peugeot 5008, or the Kia Carens 1.7 CRDi (the current-shape model). All of those slot into Band A for motor tax, as long as you get the 1.6 or 1.7 diesel models.

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Hi John,

In general the Peugeot 308 is proving quite reliable - especially the 1.6-litre HDi diesel engine. The 308 suffers the occassional electrical glitch so check that all switches and systems are working as you'd expect. Make sure that the particulate filter light comes on when you turn no the ignition, but goes out again when or soon after you start the engine.

Other than that, there were a few recalls affecting the early examples (as the 2007 one is) so run the chassis number by your local Peugeot dealer to ensure the car has had all the recall work done.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Coreen,

That does sound odd, especially the need for four tyres, not just the front two. Did you measure their tread depth for yourself? 

Tyre wear rate depends on many variables, such as the way you drive, where you drive, what make of tyre it is and whether the wheel alignment is right. If all four tyres in your car really do need changing then I'd suggest that you change to different brand of tyre and also get the four-wheel alignment checked by the tyre fitters. 

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Niamh,

It depends — do you want diesel or petrol? Any small-to-medium car with a 1.4 to 1.6-litre diesel engine is going to be very, very economical (e.g. the Toyota Auris, VW Golf, Ford Focus and Skoda Octavia), but if you want a petrol engine, the choice is a little different. Here, we’d be looking at the Volkswagen Group cars (Golf, Leon or Octavia) with the 1.0-litre or 1.2-litre TSI petrol engines, which have excellent economy, or a Peugeot 308 with the 1.2-litre PureTech engine.