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Hi Barry,

Depends on the specific model, but by and large, by 2006, Renault had sorted most of the reliability problems that had dogged the brand through the first half of that decade. Still not up to Toyota or Honda standards, mind, but better than before and within sight of the average.

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Hi Aidan,

More recent Clios, the current and just-replaced models for instance, would have decent reliability, but anything dating back before 2005 we'd have concerns over. Older Renaults are all too often bad news. If it's a 2005-2013 model you're looking at, make sure you carefully check brakes, suspension and anything electric for faults.

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Hi Martin,

If it's very very cheap then it might be worth a gamble, and even then only if all the electrics are working properly. Personally I'd not take the risk.

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Hi Barbara,

If the C-Max is in good condition and has a full service history, go for that one. It'll be more reliable than the Renault.

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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.

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Hi Pat,

Your commenters are right. Although the Fluence is reasonably well built, it cannot hope to match the likes of the Prius or cee'd in the reliability stakes, and it will be far, far duller than either. If your driving is mostly around town, I'd say go for the Prius - city driving is its natural environment. If you're doing a lot of longer journeys (drives that destroy the Prius' economy) then go for the Golf or cee'd. 

Let us know which way you go

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Hi John,

The Scenic has been heavily revised and updated since 2007 and really there's no comparison. A new 1.5 dCi diesel is going to be far more comfy and refined than a 2007 model. Besides which, Renault's build quality has also improved in the intervening years so it'll be more reliable too.

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Hi John,

As always this depends on condition and history but I'd say you're looking at around €4,500, maybe as little as €3,000 on a trade-in.

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Hi Susan,

Values seem to range from just over €8,000 to just over €13,000 - a pretty big variation. To be honest, the big numbers are being asked by dealers and we think they may be on the optimistic side. Probably around €10,000 is a fair valuation, maybe €9,000 as a trade-in.

Let us know how you get on

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Hi Joe,

If it's the 180hp 2.0 dCi model you mean then its CO₂ emissions are 172g/km, which means annual road tax of €750.