Expert answer

Hi John,

The quoted weight on the V5 should be sufficient as the only thing that matters come inspection time is the maximum gross vehicle weight, the limit for which is 3,500kg. As long as you’re not carrying a two-tonne load (which the van wouldn’t take anyway) you should be fine. 

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

It does indeed. In fact, cruise control will be standard on all versions of the new Peugeot 208, from Active spec on up. Read our Peugeot 208 reviews here

Expert answer

Hi Sinead,

Bit of an odd one for that model, but for cars built up to July 2012 and registered up to that date, the interval is every 240,000km or 10 years, whichever comes first. For cars registered after that date, but with the same build period, the interval is 180,000km or 10 years. Either way you still have some time to go before your car needs a change.

Expert answer

Hi Nathan,

Generally the Ford 1.6-litre diesel (also used by Mazda, Peugeot, Citroen, Volvo and MINI down the years) is a rugged and reliable unit, but there are a few things to bear in mind. First off, this is an engine that needs a regular diet of high-grade synthetic engine oil, otherwise a nasty sludge can build up in various parts of the engine, choking performance. Make sure you check the service history to ensure that a good quality oil has always been used. The stop-start system can occasionally cause starter motor issues, especially if the car has mostly been driven in town. If it has been mostly driven in town, or has very low mileage, be wary of potential issues with the diesel particulate filter, too.

Expert answer

Hi Margot,

Well, you could go for the alternative option to both — the Toyota Auris Hybrid estate. Lots of space and excellent economy. I’ve put my reputation on the line recommending these to a couple of friends recently and so far, I’ve not been told off for sticking them with a bad car...

Other good alternatives are the Peugeot 308 SW, the Kia Ceed SportWagon, the VW Golf Estate and the Skoda Octavia Combi. The only issue, really, is finding any of these — estate sales in Ireland are so small that you may have to consider an import.

Here are our relevant reviews to help you decide:

Toyota Auris Touring Sports review

Peugeot 308 SW review

Volkswagen Golf Estate review

Skoda Octavia reviews

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

It goes by engine size if you privately tax a commercial vehicle, so the motor tax on that would be €514 per year.

Expert answer

Hi David,

We don’t know yet as the car hasn’t been launched on the Irish market, but we can hazard a guess at around €32-33,000, net of VRT rebates and the SEAI grant.

Expert answer

Hi Andy,

It’ll be on sale next year, but probably not until quite late in the year for Irish buyers, as the conventional models will be launched first.

Expert answer

Hi Mick,

We don't have a date for that as yet, but hopefully it will be before the end of this year. Keep an eye on the Peugeot 2008 reviews page for updates.

Expert answer

Hi Ed,

That is an answer that will vary massively depending on which model of car you’re talking about. There are some Hyundai i30s and Kia Ceeds from around that era that came with a 1.4 diesel engine that would be hugely economical. You might be able to track down some Peugeot or Citroen models (a 2008 would be a good choice) with a 1.4 HDi diesel engine that’s good on juice, too. There’s also the Toyota Corolla or Auris D-4D, or if you don’t fancy diesel, the same cars with the 1.33-litre VVTi petrol engine, which was not too thirsty.