Expert answer

Hi Brian,

That is a slightly unusual situation we've not come across before and we'd urge you contact Revenue yourself for clarification.

With that in mind, my belief would be that you should not be liable for VRT so long as the van was converted properly to a crew cab vehicle and certified as such. It's important that it was not converted to what may be construed by Revenue to be a regular passenger vehicle - unless, of course, the owner that did the conversion already paid VRT to do that (which is highly unlikely).

In short, you're not changing the vehicle; you're just using a commercial vehicle for private use. If you yourself converted a van in this manner, then it may be a different situation.

But as I said at the top, this isn't a common situation and getting official clarification is advised.

Expert answer

Hi Brona,

That's a pretty open-ended brief to be honest. If you're looking a the MGS5 EV then we can assume your budget is in and around €30,000-€35,000. Even the entry-level model – Excite Standard Range – officially manages up to 340km on a charge.

Given your low daily mileage, that should be more than sufficient for your needs, even if the real-world figure drops a little in winter. That is of course if you are planning on getting a home charger. We'd recommend buyers only consider an EV if they can charge up at home or work.

Another good option for your needs is the Volkswagen ID.3 if you're not set on an SUV and, if space isn't a priority, maybe even the fantastic new Renault 5.

Come back to us with your opinion on the above and we'll try to help you narrow things down further.

Expert answer

Hi David,

With an engine capacity of 2,499cc, that falls into the 2,401-2,500cc band, costing €1,080 a year to tax for private use.

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

Looking at the facts first of all, the Grandland Electric and Scenic E-Tech electric start at roughly the same asking price, below €40,000 once all incentives are taken into consideration. However, for that price, the Grandland gets a 73kWh battery pack and an official range of up to 523 kilometres, while the Scenic's 60kWh battery means a range of 430km. The Grandland is more powerful as well, featuring a 213hp motor while a 170hp motor comes with the Scenic's smaller battery.

Nonetheless, that Scenic is a massive 300kg lighter than the Opel so it's actually faster accelerating, better to drive and a little more efficient.

The Scenic can be had with an 87kWh battery to extend the range to an official 625km, though that's more expensive again. On a three-year finance package that may not be an issue of course.

The Scenic is a bit smaller overall, with a length 200mm shy of the Grandland's, but it seems to be better packaged, as the interior is just as spacious and the boot, at 535 litres, is only 15 litres down on the Opel's. The better packaging is likely to do with the fact the Grandland underpinnings were developed to accept engines as well an electric powertrain, while the Scenic is only offered as an EV.

Both feel of good quality inside, though we much rather the infotainment and dashboard layout of the Renault. On the road, we also prefer how the Scenic drives.

Hopefully all that is of help, but don't hesitate to come back to us if you need more.

The best advice we can give you is to go and test drive the cars before you make any decision.

Expert answer

Hi there,

Go to the AA Approved Car Network and search by car or location to see if you can find the dealer you are dealing with. Aside from that we'd recommend you carry out a car history check on the registation of the car you are interested in. And make sure you physically visit the dealer's premises to discuss and see the car before you pay out a deposit.

Expert answer

Hi Christine,

The Symbioz uses a sophisticated transmission and hybrid system that couples and decouples the engine and alters the engine speed to best deliver the required performance or maximum economy at any moment. This depends on a variety of factors, and it can sometimes mean the engine becomes more audible. This characteristic is not uncommon in hybrids, but if you think there’s something out of the ordinary, do pay your Renault dealer a visit so they can put your mind at ease.

Expert answer

Hi Ciara,

In general, larger cars come with better seats, and the Auris is in a class above the Clio in size terms so that would normally hold true. However, there's two years between these cars and over 100,000km, to the benefit of the Clio, and that really goes against the Toyota as its seats (and everything else of course) will have been through a lot more use. On top of that, the Clio is one of the bigger and more substantial cars in its sector.

In this case, and without knowing anything about the condition or service history of both (just as important as mileage and year), I'd suggest the Clio would be a better bet for you. Both are similarly economical.

A quick look on Carzone.ie for a diesel hatchback for under €9,000 reveals plenty of good alternatives to the above, including the Nissan Note and Pulsar and Honda Civic. There are loads of others with higher mileages on the clock already. From what I've seen, the Honda Civic seems like a really good option.

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

Assuming it's no more than a 3.5-tonne van, then the VRT should be a flat €200. 

Expert answer

Hi Colin,

There's no definitive answer to this one as there are so many moving parts. First up, you'll get maximum value for your own car if you sell it privately. That is far less convenient than trading it in of course, but worth taking into consideration.

If you're going the trade-in route, there's no way to know for sure how much the cost to change will be until you start talking numbers with a dealer. I'd suggest you do that sooner rather than later with a number of different dealers to get a feel for the numbers involved. You don't need to commit to anything to do this. It'll take you time of course, but try to choose a few dealers that are not part of the same group or brand, and do the sums with them on both a new PCP and going for a used model as you mentioned.

Perhaps wait until the Budget announcements next month to see if there is anything new on EV incentives before committing to anything, but don't leave it much longer as some new cars can take a few months to arrive following an order.

The Enyaq is a fine electric car. Good alternatives include the Volkswagen ID.4 and forthcoming new Cupra Tavascan, plus the Renault Scenic. There's loads of choice at that price point.

Expert answer

Hi James,

I'd suggest either bringing the car to a Renault dealer to discuss your options or to a good mechanic or auto-electrician. Without knowing anything about the issue, it may be possible to replace it with a used unit from a scrapped car for example, but do go to the experts on this one.

Expert answer

Hi Ainsley,

In our opinion, the better EV out of the pair is the Tesla Model 3 - but there are caveats to that, and one very big one to consider. Subjective, of course, but the Megane E-Tech is nicer to look at outside and in, and the quality of its interior fittings are also better. It also drives very sweetly, so it's a strong contender.

However, the Model 3 has greater one-shot driving range (both official and real-world), is the more refined car at speed and, once you've tried it you'll realise just how much of a USP the proprietary Supercharger system is for Tesla; there is no finer public recharging experience than this.

The big caveat with the Model 3, though, is the placement of the indicators and the windscreen wiper controls on the steering wheel in the facelifted  version - it's a cackhanded piece of ergonomics if you come to it direct from a car with conventional column stalks.

On top of that, there's a vastly different customer service model at work, as Renault has a nationwide network of dealers you can just pop into, and Tesla does not.

We'd suggest you take all that into consideration while you go test-drive both cars for yourself.

Please do let us know which one you go for.

Expert answer

Hi Phil,

Without seeing it for ourselves we wouldn't like to say for sure, but we do know that massive dents are not ever easily repaired as you've described and panel beaters prefer to replace the panel completely where possible.

Expert answer

Hi Olivia,

In theory, once any vehicle is 30 years old or older, it qualifies for so-called ‘vintage’ tax — which is a mere €56 per year. If for any reason your truck doesn’t qualify, then it’ll be taxed according to its engine capacity. Rates for any goods vehicle under 3,000cc start at €333 per annum.

Expert answer

Hi John,

Citroen is currently reviewing options on potentially introducing the Ami to Ireland in the future. Initially the car was only to be produced in left-hand drive, but this is now being reconsidered due to high levels of interest in the car from the UK market. If the car was to be officially sold here it would be liable for the applicable VAT and VRT rates and would require motor tax and insurance, in the same way that the Renault Twizy does. These would also apply if you were to privately import one. 

Expert answer

Hi Graham,

If you're sure it is turning itself off (i.e. have you driven above the speed to test it is working?), then this sounds like a question for the Renault dealer you bought the car from. If it's very new than everything is under warranty and I'm sure they'll be helpful in getting to the bottom of the issue.

Expert answer

Hi Eduatd,

All 2008 cars should, by now, have been updated to the CO₂-based tax system, but the good news is that the 1.9 dCi-engined version of the Scenic has a CO₂ output of 159g/km, so costs €570 a year to tax, instead of the €673 you’d have spent on the old engine capacity system.

Expert answer

Hi Eimear,

I’m happy to report that you’re wrong — the Up (and the equivalent Skoda and SEAT versions) is one of those small car’s that’s oddly good on the motorway. OK, with 60hp you’re not going to be winning any Grands Prix, but it’s entirely adequate, keeps up with other traffic and is pretty decently economical too. Indeed, it’s probably a better bet than buying a basic Clio or similarly-sized car, which will be bigger and heavier but won’t necessarily be that much more powerful.

Read our Volkswagen Up reviews

Expert answer

Hi Nithin,

You’re kind of shopping in two separate segments of the market, there — small city cars (such as the Up and the i10) and larger superminis (such as the Yaris and Clio). If it’s one of the small ones you want, then the decision is kind of made for you. The Up is one of our favourites, but there’s no automatic option, so the Hyundai it has to be. No bad thing — it’s an excellent car.

If you fancy something a little larger and roomier, then I’d suggest going for the Toyota Yaris Hybrid — it gets you the automatic transmission you want, plus you’re future-proofing yourself a little with the hybrid powertrain.

Hyundai i10 reviews

Skoda Citigo reviews

Kia Picanto reviews

Toyota Yaris reviews

SEAT Ibiza reviews

SEAT Mii reviews

Opel Corsa reviews

Peugeot 108 reviews

Renault Clio reviews

Volkswagen Up reviews

Expert answer

Hi Haytham,

Sounds to us that your car has the Overspeed Alert system, which tells the driver when they are breaking the local speed limit. If your car has a button near the middle screen that looks like a road with broken lines down the middle, you can directly access the Driving Assitance menu and alter or disable this system. Alternatively, look for the settings menu entitled Vehicle and then something like 'Speed alert settings.'

Expert answer

Hi Emmet,

To be honest, the difference in height between the Fiesta and the Fiesta Active is pretty minimal and so it’s probably not worth the trade-up. The Puma, though, is a different story entirely. Again, in terms of height, the difference isn’t huge, but the Puma’s interior and boot are much larger than that of the Fiesta, and added to which it’s even more entertaining to drive. In fact, it’s one of our favourite cars of the year thus far, so we’d say go for it. Well worth also considering the likes of the new Renault Captur, the Peugeot 2008 and the Skoda Kamiq too.

Read our Ford Puma reviews

Read our Renault Captur reviews

Read our Peugeot 2008 reviews

Read our Skoda Kamiq reviews

Expert answer

Hi Anne Marie.

Well, normally for a learner driver and for mostly in-town driving, we’d recommend a hatchback, rather than an SUV or crossover, but if your heart is set on one… Of the list you’ve given us below, the Toyota is the best, although arguably as a 1.2-litre petrol, you’re not getting the best C-HR (which is the hybrid, but then that’s an automatic). The Volkswagen T-Cross would be an excellent choice, has a brilliant little 1.0-litre engine and is a bit more upright and square than the others, so is a bit easier to see out of, which might be helpful for your daughter while she’s learning. The Kona would also be an excellent choice, but we’d also add the Suzuki Vitara to your list as its a solid and rugged choice - and hugely reliable. 

Read our Renault Captur reviews

Read our Nissan Juke reviews

Read our Volkswagen T-Cross reviews

Read our Hyundai Kona reviews

Read our Opel Crossland X reviews

Read our Hyundai ix20 reviews

Read our Toyota C-HR reviews

Read our Suzuki Vitara reviews

Expert answer

Hi Wafaa,

Well, obviously vehicle weight will vary according to engine and equipment, but let’s take the best-case scenario in all cases: petrol engine and a manual gearbox (except in the case of the Toyota, which is only available as a hybrid). The officially quoted kerb weights are: Opel Astra 1.2 Turbo - 1,205kg. Renault Megane 1.3 TCe - 1,231kg. Toyota Corolla 1.8 Hybrid CVT - 1,345kg

Expert answer

Hi Jacob,

There is nothing specifically mentioning the glow plugs or the warning light for them in the NCT testing manual, but it's worth getting them done in any case.

Expert answer

Hi Anne,

Is that a 100km round trip every day? Or 100km each way? Either way, you could potentially get away with a fully-electric car, assuming that you can charge at home and charge again at work. Either way, though, you’ll have to spend big and go for one of the latest electric cars with a  50kWh or 62kWh  battery, such as the Hyundai Kona Electric or the new Renault Zoe. What could well be an easier (and much cheaper) option would be to go for a hybrid. There’s only one hybrid-engined car in the Polo-size class at the moment, and that’s the Toyota Yaris. The current version is pretty good, but there is an  all-new one coming next year, so you might be best off waiting for that to appear. By then, the new Honda Jazz, also a hybrid, should be available. Or, you could keep it a lot simpler and go for a new Polo with the excellent 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine. It'll be tough to beat your diesel Polo for outright economy, though.

Expert answer

Hi Martina,

When you say ‘changing’ do you mean trading-in, or having your existing van converted? If you’re trading in, then we’d have to know the make and model of the van you’re interested in buying to tell you the VRT charge. If you’re converting your existing van to a crew cab, then there’s no change unless you decide to tax it as a private vehicle. Keep it as a commercial and you’ll pay the same €333 in annual motor tax.

If you want to change it to private vehicle tax (so that you can use it for anything other than strictly work use) then, assuming it’s the 1.9 dCi engine, it’ll cost you €673 in annual motor tax. There’s no VRT charge if you already own the vehicle — that only applies to new purchases or to vehicles being imported for the first time. 

Expert answer

Hi Sharon,

OK, let’s deal with these questions one-by-one. There are a number of apps available that can give you the locations, availability and in-or-out-of-service condition of charging points. The ESB provides that through its e-Cars app, and there’s a very good independent one called Zapp Map, which also covers the whole of the UK if you’re planning any longer journeys.

All current electric cars (pretty much all brands will have at least one on sale by the end of next year, but for the moment the big players are Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, Mercedes, Nissan, Renault, Tesla and Volkswagen) can be charged at home overnight on cheap rate electricity. The crucial question there is not the car, but your electricity provider and the tariff plan that you’re on.

Finally, battery capacity has been hugely improved in the past few years and, although that does come with a cost penalty, the average useable range of an electric car has gone up dramatically. Generally speaking you should expect to get at least 250-300km from most mainstream models now, with as much as 450km available from some of the more expensive cars.

Expert answer

Hi Alison,

We have to give you a slightly cop-out answer on this one as Renault is in the process of launching the new Clio on the Irish market, and so isn’t prepared to confirm pricing and spec details with us just yet. What Renault has told us is: “The Dynamique version of Clio IV was by far our most popular, accounting for almost 9,000 of the 12,000 Clio IV sold in Ireland since 2013.  We’ve built the Clio V range to ensure that the new car has the easy-life features that Clio IV Dynamique owners enjoy, while now including a raft of life-saving active safety features as standard.”

The new Clio will go on sale in Ireland next week, so keep an eye on CompleteCar.ie, and at your local Renault dealer, for more details.

Expert answer

Hi Kev,

Have you tried switching it off and then switching it on again? Kidding. Try this — go to the System menu, and the System Settings. Then go to Home Screen. That should allow you to adjust what you see on the home screen. It may not allow you to have the full radio interface come up first, but it might be a start.

Expert answer

Hi Alma,

It’s most likely to be the 23kW battery, as the Zoe 4.0 was only launched at the very end of 2016 and, Irish car sales being what they are, few if any would have been sold before January 2017. If you need confirmation, check the VIN number with a Renault dealer and they will be able to tell you more precisely. 

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

Well, Ford still has the Galaxy and S-Max on sale, and both of those are very strong bets, with the Galaxy obviously being a better bet if you really need maximum possible space in the rear seats. Other than that… Erm… Yeah, it’s suddenly looking very thin on the ground for full-size MPVs. You could consider importing a new-shape Renault Espace from France, but then you’d be stuck with left-hand drive. Or you could have a ring-round SEAT and Volkswagen dealers to see if they still have any Sharans or Alhambras in stock. There is bound to be a a few still lurking around the back of someone’s forecourt. 

Expert answer

Hi Camillus,

There really isn't a whole lot to choose between them, to be honest - they're both decent crossovers with good interior space and likely both to have a good level of specification. Just don't expect either to have quite as much room or flexibility inside as your Scenic.

The only obvious black-and-white differentiator between them is that the Kia comes with a longer manufacturer warranty, which be useful if you're keeping the car for as long as you have done your current Renault...

Read our Kia Sportage reviews here

Read our Renault Kadjar reviews here

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

Renault currently doesn’t have a scrappage offer available, but other brands — including Hyundai, Skoda, Peugeot, Opel and more — do and,  depending on which vehicle you’re looking at buying, you can get as much as €4,500 off.

Expert answer

Hi Liam,

Renault’s satnav software is usually supplied by TomTom, so theoretically an update of the navigation software should do the trick, but there could be an issue that local authorities are altering or moving speed limits and not supplying the information to the mapping companies. You could complain to TomTom directly, and see if that gets you anywhere, but one quick observation — if a 60km/h limit is displaying as 40, is there a chance the satnav is set to miles per hour, not kilometres per hour?

Expert answer

Hi Joan,

It should be fine — French cars tend to have decent air conditioning, not least because it gets exceptionally hot in some parts of France and, as ever,  car companies build to what they know. If it’s an older one, though, you might want to have a look at getting the system re-gassed, as with age, air conditioning systems become progressively less efficient. 

Expert answer

Hi Seamus,

The same size, yes, but they are very different engines. Actually, both engines also have the same 130hp power output, but without question the Peugeot engine feels livelier to drive than the Renault one. Why? We can’t say, but the effect is definitely there. Economy should be fine though — especially seeing as most of your mileage is around town, you should get a pretty easy 40mpg on average. It’s definitely the best engine option for you. At 7,000km a year you’d be wasting your money buying a diesel.

Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

It shouldn’t be, and we’ve certainly never heard of any issues regarding the panoramic roof in the Scenic. Now, that said, it’s a lot of extra weight in the worst possible place to have extra weight (up high) and there may be some effect on the torsional rigidity of the car’s structure, so that’s worth bearing in mind. There can always be issues with any car when it comes to sealing and developing leaks in such roofs, but if it’s a fixed roof, rather than one that open, that’s usually less of a problem.

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

In this instance, the sales people are being entirely truthful — the new 1.0-litre turbo engines are indeed equivalent to an old 1.6 or even 1.8 engine in the way they drive. You certainly won’t find them too ‘revvy’ on the motorway, as the small turbo increases low-down torque and makes the car feel very relaxed and easy to drive. Certainly that’s true for the Volkswagen Group, Ford, Honda and Renault-Nissan engines anyway. The best ones to go for, in our experience, are the VW Golf or Skoda Octavia (both using the same engine, of course), the Honda Civic (which should be the most reliable in the long term) and the Ford Focus (which can be a little on the thirsty side). Read our reviews below for more detail:

Skoda Octavia 1.0 TSI review

Volkswagen Golf 1.0 TSI review

Honda Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo review

Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost review

Expert answer

Hi Hazel,

It will depend on the total specification, mileage etc, but at a rough guess I’d say you’re looking at around €1,500 in VRT for that.

Expert answer

Hi Mary,

Do you mean a Nissan Qashqai? The Mercedes GLA and B-Class are, although mechanically related, really quite different cars. The GLA is a compact crossover, similar in size to the Qashqai, but looking rather like a jacked-up A-Class hatchback. That said, it’s nice to drive, well made and very economical. The GLA 180 petrol or 180d diesel are the best models. The B-Class is a high-roofed five-seat MPV, a rival to the likes of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, and the Renault Scenic et al. Again, it’s no looker, but it’s not bad to drive, very roomy and again is well-made.

Compared to the Qashqai, they’re both of higher quality in the cabin and slightly sharper to drive, but the GLA is less roomy and the B-Class less stylish (to our eyes). And both will be more expensive to run, as Mercedes servicing costs are higher. Here are some relevant reviews to help you decide, but come back to us again if you need to:

Nissan Qashqai review

Mercedes-Benz GLA review

Mercedes-Benz B-Class review

Expert answer

Hi John,

Well, there are lots of good options. If you still like MPVs and like Renaults then the new Scenic is a bit of a cracker. Very comfy, and you can get it with an impressive 115hp 1.2 petrol turbocharged engine that should be rather more economical than what you’ve been used to. And it comes with cruise control as standard now.

Other, similar models worth considering are the Citroen C4 Picasso/Grand Picasso, VW Touran, Kia Carens or the Toyota Verso. Here are our relevant reviews:

Renault Scenic review

Citroen C4 Picasso review

Citroen C4 Grand Picasso review

Volkswagen Touran review

Toyota Verso review

Kia Carens review

Expert answer

Hi Seamus,

You haven’t actually specified a model here, so I’m going to guess that it’s an A4. To be honest, you’re not going to get an awful lot more interior space by changing for something the size of a Qashqai, 3008, or Kadjar. A little, but not a huge amount extra in real terms — most of the extra space in those cars is in the boot. If you’re determined, then go for either the Kadjar (it has the biggest boot) or see if you can stretch the budget to the new-shape VW Tiguan. Here are reviews of the cars you've mentioned, too:

Volkswagen Tiguan review

Mazda CX-5 review

Kia Sportage review

Nissan Qashqai review

Renault Kadjar review

Peugeot 3008 review

Expert answer

Hi Loraine,

As far as we’re aware you can’t turn off the traction control in a Captur. Like, at all. Sorry.

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

Yes, estates are definitely the most practical, and generally offer a lower purchase price and lower running costs than an equivalent SUV or crossover. They tend to have bigger boots, too. The best Qashqai spec is generally SV or SVE, which come with the touchscreen, air conditioning and some other nice toys. The Kadjar is essentially mechanically identical to the Qashqai, so should be fine from a reliability front.

The Skoda Octavia Combi estate would probably be the best overall bet for you. The rear seats and boot are massive and very kid-friendly, and they’re reliable. With your mileage, you’re probably better off with a petrol engine, so go for a 1.2 TSI for the best overall value.

It’s well worth looking at a Toyota Auris Estate too — it's huge inside and virtually unbreakable. Worth considering the hybrid as well. Hyundai is also well worth a look. The Tucson makes a good SUV option, and the i40 Tourer estate is a terrific car, but you’ll struggle to find anything other than a diesel. Here are a few reviews for further reading:

Nissan Qashqai review

Renault Kadjar review

Hyundai Tucson review

Skoda Octavia Combi review

Toyota Auris Touring Sports Hybrid

Expert answer

Hi Colin,

Yup, first world problem right enough, and actually not a new phenomenon at all. The old left-hand-drive-right-hand-drive swapover has been done better and worse by various car makers down the years, and it varies hugely from model to model. Anyone who’s driven a Mazda RX-8, and found the handbrake digging into their left thigh, for example, will have no doubts that even the Japanese, in spite of their right-hand-drive home market, often design cars for left-hand drive and then switch things around on the cheap.

Generally speaking, there should be no safety issues from the switch (wipers, as you point out, should really be swapped across and I can’t think of a model in recent years that hasn’t had that) although there was the old issue with the second generation Renault Megane that used a rod to switch the brakes across and which could still be activated by a passenger poking their shoes into the footwell…

As you point out, some buttons, switches, etc are often left the same and it’s all down to the investment needed to swap them around and the likely return on sales from right-hand-drive markets. Car makers do the maths very carefully, and while you’re right that it might only be €100 a car, that’s a multi-million up front investment, and one with no guaranteed return.

Incidentally, if you think it’s bad now, wait until after Brexit — if the UK car market slips, then the business case for right-hand-drive cars will fall further still.

Expert answer

Hi Rosalind,

If you go for the current Touran (which launched two years ago) then no, it's not boxy to drive at all. Rather good in fact. The new Renault Scenic is also quite nice to drive, and if you go up a size, the Ford S-Max is actually slightly nicer to drive than the Mondeo that it's based on. Here are a few reviews for your interest:

Volkswagen Touran review

Renault Scenic review

Ford S-Max review

Expert answer

Hi Anne,

The Captur, which has just been updated, is one of the best selling small crossovers around and it’s not hard to see why - it’s gorgeous, a really good looking car. Roomy enough inside too, and with a pair of excellent engines (either a 900cc turbo petrol or Renault’s long-serving 1.5 diesel). The downsides are that the cabin is quite plastic and it’s only very ordinary to drive.

The Peugeot 2008, by contrast, is rather more agile and sharper to drive, and also has some excellent engine options, especially the 1.2-litre PureTech petrol turbo unit. It’s also a little roomier than the Captur in the back, even if it’s arguably less handsome on the outside. On balance, it would be the Peugeot that we’d prefer, but you should also have a look at the likes of the new Suzuki Vitara (good to drive and very ruggedly reliable) and the Honda HR-V (a little larger and more expensive, but with exceptionally good quality on its side).

Peugeot 2008 review

Renault Captur review

Honda HR-V review

Suzuki Vitara review

Expert answer

Hi Meabh,

No, don’t send off the V5 — you’ll need that and Revenue in Ireland will send it off to the DVLA in Swansea when they’re done with it. You’ll also need proof of sale or a receipt, proof of date of the car’s entry into the state, a VRT declaration form that you can download from the Revenue website, proof of your own address (house bills etc), proof of your PPSN number and documentation confirming the vehicle’s CO₂ emissions — the V5 should cover that nicely.

Expert answer

Hi Carol,

Sure thing. We've tested two different versions of the current Hyundai Tucson:

Hyundai Tucson 1.7 diesel Executive review

Hyundai Tucson 2.0 diesel 4WD auto review

We've also pitched the Tucson against its two closest rivals in a unique three-way test if that's of interest:

Nissan Qashqai vs. Hyundai Tucson vs. Renault Kadjar

Expert answer

Hi Donna,

The current Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are both just about wide enough to take three child seats across the back, or you could try the SEAT Ateca or Volkswagen Tiguan too (this has the widest back seat of all those). The Skoda Kodiaq is brilliant, but it’ll be outside your budget if you want a diesel, or, if you can hang on until the summer, the new Peugeot 5008 is coming, which has three ISOFIX points in the back, and should come in for under €30k.

Relevant reviews:

Hyundai Tucson review

Kia Sportage review

SEAT Ateca review

Volkswagen Tiguan review

Skoda Kodiaq review

Peugeot 5008 review

Expert answer

Hi Nicola,

Go for the i40 — it’s much bigger and better built than the Fluence, and will be more reliable in the long term. It will also hold its value better than the Fluence.

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

It could be that the windscreen is either heat-reflecting or UV-reflecting, both of which will inhibit the tag being read by the scanners at toll booths. Have a look up around the rear view mirror - there should be a shaded area with small black dots. If you position the tag there it should work OK. 

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

It depends on what size you need. If it's a mid-size seven seater, then the Volkswagen Touran, Kia Carens, Toyota Verso and the new Renault Scenic. If you need something larger go for a Ford S-Max or SEAT Alhambra. Here are our reviews:

Volkswagen Touran review

Kia Carens review

Toyota Verso review

Renault Scenic review

Ford S-Max review

SEAT Alhambra review

Expert answer

Hi David,

Yes, you could just about do 48km each way in an electric car, certainly in the Ioniq and just about in the 30kWh Nissan Leaf, although it would be hugely helpful if there could be some way of charging up at work. A Renault Zoe might do the trick too.

Hyundai asks for a minimum €5,000-odd deposit on a new Ioniq, and the repayments are quite steep so that one might be out of the question, although they come down to around €360 if you can put a €10,000 deposit down. A basic Nissan Leaf, with €6,762 down, will cost you just €264 a month, which might leave enough wriggle room to go for the bigger battery, and Nissan has some tempting free insurance offers on at the moment, while Renault asks just €179 a month for a Zoe, but the battery rental is extra and it comes with some quite tight mileage stipulations.

The other, possibly better, option would be to go half-electric. Toyota can put you into a Prius or an Auris Hybrid for as little as €199 to €263 a month (again, depending on deposits etc.) or you can get the rather impressive new Kia Niro for €353 a month with a €9,000 deposit. All of those should average as much as 60mpg, which would put a big dent in your fuel costs.

Read our relevant reviews here to help you choose:

Kia Niro review

Hyundai Ioniq Electric review

Nissan Leaf review

Renault Zoe review

Toyota Prius review

Expert answer

Hi Alma,

The Nissan Leaf is the most affordable electric car, but the cheapest versions have limited range (less than 160km on a single charge). The new Renault Zoe has a brilliant claimed range of 400km, but that's quite pricey for a small car. The BMW i3 is probably the best electric car around at the moment, but is very expensive, sadly. So, I think the best one for affordability and useable range is probably the Hyundai Ioniq. It gets an easy 200km in real-world driving, it's roomy and not too expensive. Read our test drives of each below:

BMW i3 review

Hyundai Ioniq Electric review

Nissan Leaf review

Renault Zoe review

Expert answer

Hi Robert,

The estate (or 'Grand Megane' as Renault insisted on calling it) TomTom edition was announced in 2009 and introduced to the market in 2010. It was much better built and more reliable than the previous Megane, but there are still some weak points to keep an eye out for. Those include fragile fuel line clips, burned out coil packs on the 1.6 petrol, particulate filter problems on the 1.5 diesel, electrical problems especially with the windows and the heating system and premature clutch wear. 

Expert answer

Hi there,

Have you thought of a Toyota C-HR? Size wise and reliability wise it would seem to suit you perfectly, and it's also sweet to drive with a really nice cabin. It's technically a brand new model but Toyota registered a lot in late 2016 as dealer demos so you ought to be able to pick up a bargain 'nearly new' if you shop around. Otherwise I think your best bet would be a Skoda Yeti. 

Skoda Yeti review

Toyota C-HR 1.2 review

Toyota C-HR Hybrid review

Expert answer

Hi Lorraine,

They're OK from the point of view of reliability (although the 1.5 diesel can suffer from blown turbos and you need to keep an eye on the electrical systems), but if they're the same price then go for the Laguna - it's a much more sophisticated and better-driving car than the Fluence. 

Expert answer

Hi Ruairi,

The Auris stands out mostly because it will be the most reliable and also because it has the most interior space. That said, the 1.4 diesel isn't perfect and does develop oil pump issues so check to see if it's had any remedial work done.

Of the other two, the Megane is a solid and sensible choice and the 308 is roomy and very economical. Overall, I'd say the Toyota is the best bet though.

Expert answer

Hi Luke,

We certainly have done a few reviews... The closest cars to your Galaxy in terms of size and space are the Ford S-Max (a little smaller,  but still very roomy) and the SEAT Alhambra (not as swish to drive as the Galaxy, but very spacious and with sliding side doors). There's also the Volkswagen Sharan, which is basically identical to the Alhambra, but a little more expensive. It wasn't on sale in Ireland for a while but it's back now and there are a few second hand ones knocking about.

If you fancy something a little smaller, then try the Opel Zafira Tourer. It's a really underrated car - nice to drive, well made and with decent cabin space.

After that, you're into the smaller MPVs such as the Volkswagen Touran, Kia Carens and so on. Good cars,  but much smaller than your Galaxy so you'd be trading down in size terms.

With our practical hats on, we'd go for the SEAT - it's big and useful and those sliding side doors are great.

Here are the reviews themselves if you'd like more detail:

Ford S-Max review

Ford Galaxy review

SEAT Alhambra review

Volkswagen Sharan review

Volkswagen Touran review

Kia Carens review

A few others worth considering as well:

Citroen C4 Grand Picasso

Toyota Verso review

Renault Grand Scenic review

Expert answer

Hi Des,

You’ll need to check for a blown turbo (lots of smoke, no power) and also check that the diesel particulate filter hasn’t become clogged up if the mileage is low. The electric windows and ventilation fan are fragile, and make sure that the clutch is engaging cleanly as for some reason replacing the clutch is an expensive job on a Fluence.

Expert answer

Hi Tom,

Yes, it is. Renault has really gotten on top of the quality issues that plagued the brand in the early 2000s and the fact that the engine (and pretty much all the bits you can’t see) are shared with Nissan should tell you a lot about their potential reliability.

We have heard of that 1.5 engine blowing turbos, but it seems to be a relatively rare issue. Nonetheless, as it ages you should definitely keep an eye on the various electrical and electronic systems as they can throw up niggling problems. That said, if you stick to the service schedule, it should be fine.

Expert answer

Hi Colm,

They’re not bad, but there’s a reason that they’re cheap. Nonetheless, the Megane is a decent and solid car and reliability and quality are far, far better than was once the case with Renault.

I would be very wary of buying without a complete and full service history though, and with the 1.5 dCi diesel engine you need to keep an eye out for a blown turbo (symptoms include black or blue smoke, sluggish power delivery) or engine management system issues (surging or uneven running).

The real reason that they’re cheap though is because, in 2009-2010, Renault Ireland pursued an aggressive strategy of heavy discounting to try and grab as big a slice of the market as possible. It was the classic stack them high sell them cheap idea, and while it racked up some impressive sales figures, it did some terrible damage to residual values. At this stage, the worst of the depreciation will have been and gone, but remember if you’re buying it cheap today, you’ll be trading it in cheap when you’re finished with it.

READ: 2009 Renault Megane review

Expert answer

Hi John,

It probably depends what year you’re talking about, but if you mean the current models then I’d say there’s not an awful lot in it in reliability terms. I’d suggest that the Fiesta will just shade the Clio in overall reliability but there won’t be a huge difference. If we’re talking much older versions, then it’s the Fiesta by miles.

Expert answer

Hi Jinesh,

It depends on what kind of size you need. If it’s a compact seven seater, then the best on the market are the Volkswagen Touran, the Toyota Verso and the Kia Carens, but it’s worth looking at the Citroen C4 Picasso too, and maybe even the new Renault Scenic, which goes on sale in the New Year.

If it’s a larger car you need, then the two best choices, by far, are the Ford S-Max and the SEAT Alhambra.

Here are our reviews to help you decide:

Volkswagen Touran review

Toyota Verso review

Kia Carens review

Citroen Grand C4 Picasso review

Renault Grand Scenic review

SEAT Alhambra review

Ford S-Max review

Expert answer

Hi David,

The Renault Laguna Coupe was indeed a very small-selling car in Ireland. Being launched into the teeth of a recession didn’t help, and nor did being a big, expensive French car to be honest. We can only find four on sale in Ireland at the moment, and none of those are the Monaco GP Edition. I think a trip to the UK might be your best bet…

Expert answer

Hi F D,

It's simply because the UK market generally doesn't like compact four -door saloons. It's much more of a hatchback and estate market, so Toyota hasn't sold the Corolla in the UK since the Auris came along. It's the same reason you won't find a Renault Fluence or an Astra Saloon on sale there either. 

Expert answer

Hi Seamus,

The Skoda and SEAT are basically the same car with different badges. Neither are especially sophisticated, but they're roomy and pleasant to drive and very affordable. Personally I prefer the hatchback versions,  but that's just me. Both are preferable to the Fluence, which has never been a very satisfying car and which is about to be replaced by a new saloon version of the Renault Megane.

Relevant reviews:

SEAT Toledo review

Skoda Rapid review

Renault Fluence review

Expert answer

Hi Lurdes,

OK, lots to deal with here. Let’s go through it piece by piece. Theoretically, you will always get better value buying second hand than buying new. 'Buy at three, sell at five' (years old) is the rule of thumb to maximise your value and minimise your exposure to depreciation. But, you’ve been burned in the past by unreliable cars (been there, I feel your pain) so I would say that buying new is actually the best thing for you this time around, especially as you want to hold on to the car for an extended period.

Of the two cars you’ve mentioned, the Toyota Verso should be the most reliable. Nothing much wrong with the Ford, but if reliability is your priority then always buy Japanese. Happily, a manual 1.6 diesel Verso seven-seater is just inside your budget, at €29,100 and there is currently a €3,000 trade-in offer on that model, which means you’ll get a lot more for your old Scenic than you would if you traded it in normally.

There is only one hybrid people carrier so far, and that’s the Toyota Prius+, but to be honest, we couldn’t recommend it. For a start, a new one will bust through your €30k budget barrier, but beyond that it’s a disappointing car – far too thirsty unless all of your mileage is done in town at low speeds. The Verso is a far more versatile car.

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

It'll be more of a thorough facelift, but Volkswagen may well decide to break out the Mk8 badges. Expect to see a major interior update with a big central touch screen (with gesture control) and some new and updated engines - including, possibly, a new family of 1.5 TDI three-cylinder diesels. 

Expert answer

Hi Malcolm,

It should have both, as part of the standard Renault Anti Intrusion Device (RAID) system. 

Expert answer

Hi Jason,

No. Renault is still in the process of rolling out AdBlue, or Selective Catalytic Reduction, injection to its 1.5 and 1.6 diesel engines.

Expert answer

Hi Rob,

Well, as far as discounts go, most dealers operate on about an eight per cent margin, so if you're asking for more than a seven per cent discount you're asking for a below cost price. You should get a decent discount for cash right enough, but explore the credit options too - dealers often get bonuses for selling a credit plan so if you can get a good one (at zero per cent interest obviously) and pay it off from your lump sum, it may give the dealer a bit more wiggle room for a discount.

As for the model, with a starter car and the current cost of insurance you need to be looking at no more than a 1.0-litre engine. Happily your budget will easily get you into a Volkswagen up! 1.0, one of the best small cars around (or equally you could go for a mechanically identical SEAT Mii or Skoda Citigo). Can't go wrong really, although if you're looking for other options you could try an Opel Karl (plain but decent), a Renault Twingo (fun but not as well made as the up!) or the Fiat 500 TwinAir (fabulous car, but get an insurance quote first).

Here are reviews of all of those to help you decide:

Volkswagen up! review

SEAT Mii review

Skoda Citigo review

Opel Karl review

Renault Twingo review

Fiat 500 TwinAir review

Expert answer

Hi Donal,

Short answer – no. That’s partially down to the fact that such in-depth comparisons have to take into account the type of mileage you do, the electricity tariff you’re on and more. The best I can suggest is that you have a good long look through our various electric car reviews and then use the cost calculators on both the ESB and SEAI websites to further refine your research:

BMW i3 review

Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric

Nissan Leaf review

Renault Zoe review

Tesla Model S review

Volkswagen e-up! review

Volkswagen e-Golf review 

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

Short answer: no, they're not coming back. For a start, they only ever sold in pretty small numbers and so it's tough to justify the investment in creating new ones. Secondly, the folding hard tops themselves are generally significantly heavier than a cloth roof, and with every gramme counting towards the all-important CO₂ figure, don't bet on seeing a return any time soon.

Expert answer

Hi Kaara,

Caddys are really good, no question and one of them should definitely be top of your shopping list. It's also well worth looking at a Citroen Berlingo, Renault Kangoo and Ford Transit Connect too though.

As for common Caddy problems? Look out for fuel injection and air mass sensor problems on older models and make sure anything you're looking at comes with a full service history. 

Expert answer

Hi Declan,

That's an impossible question for us to answer I'm afraid - it's all down to the leasing company and what it says. You might have more luck with the likes of Volkswage, SEAT or Renault as they use their own in house banks who are more likely to say yes than a high-street financial institution, but if you've got bad credit then that's something you're going to have to work on. 

Expert answer

Hi Briege,

OK, couple of things to deal with here.  No, your repayments won't change as your car ages - the repayments on a PCP deal are fixed from the start and run for the life of package.

Actually, if you get a bank loan, you own the car from day one because you're paying cash (or cheque I guess) up front - you just have to keep paying the bank back the money and, when you come to sell the car, the entire second hand value is yours. 

That's the point of a PCP really - it insulates you from unpredictable depreciation because you know what the value of the car will be at the end of the agreement and the leaving of the bubble payment to the end reduces the cost of the monthly repayments. 

Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

There is no specific market data for Ireland in this respect. The old rule of thumb still holds true - if you want ultimate reliability, buy a Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Suzuki, Subaru or Mazda. You could probably pretty easily add Kia and Hyundai to that list too now.

The best I can do for you is to point you towards the results of the JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study for the UK market in 2015. An independent research agency, JD Power ranks the various brands surveyed by problems per 100 cars - although it's worth remembering that those problems can range from minor electrical niggles to total engine failure, so you can't read everything into the stats. The last set of figures, ranked from best-performing to worst, were:

Expert answer

Hi Elaine,

I don't think the Fusion is going to be much good to you if you reckon you need an MPV - it's basically a slightly taller Fiesta and not all that roomy. Have a try and see if it'll fit your needs.

As for another Scenic, sad to say they're just not the most reliable things around. Have a look instead for a Toyota Corolla Verso, a Volkswagen Touran, a Kia Carens or a Mazda5. You'll have to look hard to find one within budget but they are out there.

Expert answer

Hi Libby,

The Caddy Life is actually a really good choice - hugely versatile and not at all bad to drive, for a car based on a van. It's also worth looking at the Citroen Berlingo (similar, but doesn't have the long wheelbase Maxi Life option) or the Renault Kangoo. If you fancy something a bit more comfy and car-like, have a look at a Ford S-Max or the SEAT Alhambra.

Expert answer

Hi Niamh,

I'd go for the Polo - of the three you're looking at it's the one (all things being equal) that's likely to be the most reliable. One thing though - you'll have to change it again next year as then it will be 10 years old and it's now proving almost impossible to get an affordable quote for a 10-year old car. 

Expert answer

Hi Catherine,

Go for the Skoda; assuming that it's in good shape and has a decent service history as it'll be the most reliable of the bunch.

Expert answer

Hi Adrienne,

OK, let me take that section by section...

(A) Most small crossovers use 1.5- or 1.6-litre diesel engines so you're going to average between 40- and 50mpg in any of them. Ignore the official consumption figures - they're not representative of real-world driving.

(B) Standard spec on most will include at least air conditioning and probably Bluetooth, but the items you've listed will push prices up into the €25-30k region.

(C) Kia, Hyundai and Mitsubishi have the best warranties on the market at the moment - seven, five and eight years respectively. Ford, Renault and Peugeot all offer five-year warranties too, while Fiat offers a four-year one. Most others have three-year cover. In terms of reliability, Japanese and Korean brands will almost always beat their European and American competitors.

Of the cars you're looking at, I'd say the strongest contenders are Honda's new HR-V, the Jeep Renegade, the Peugeot 2008 and the Kia Soul. All well worth a look.

Relevant reviews:

Honda HR-V review

Jeep Renegade review

Peugeot 2008 review

Kia Soul review

Expert answer

Hi Aaron,

I'd tread very carefully. Although the engines in the Megane II are pretty robust, any and all of its electrical and electronic systems are suspect to say the least, and the suspension is prone to failure too. Only buy if it has a seriously flawless service history and appears to be in perfect condition - and even then I'd be wary.

Expert answer

Hi Joanne,

The RAV4 is most definitely worth the price, and it's one of the best cars Toyota currently makes - spacious, reliable and not at all bad to drive. Worth looking at the Nissan Qashqai and Renault Kadjar too, as well as the Skoda Yeti and Mazda CX-5. You won't go wrong with any of those choices, but given your high mileage take a very close look at the Renault and the Nissan - they'll be the most economical overall.

Relevant reviews:

Toyota RAV4 review

Nissan Qashqai review

Renault Kadjar review

Skoda Yeti review

Mazda CX-5 review

Expert answer

Hi Anne,

Most MPVs will, so Citroen C4 Picasso, Renault Scenic, Ford C-Max, Peugeot 5008, Kia Carens and so on. The bigger ones too, of course, such as the Ford S-Max and Galaxy and the SEAT Alhambra. If you want something sleeker, such as a saloon, estate or SUV then it comes down to how bulky the child car seats are. Rule of thumb is to always bring the seats (and preferably the kids, even though I know how awkward that is) on a test drive to make sure that they'll all fit in comfortably.

Expert answer

Hi Louise,

You're looking at two very different cars - the Auris is considerably larger and more practical than the Clio, but both are actually pretty frugal. The 1.4 VVTi petrol or 1.33 VVTi petrol in the Auris is actually quite economical, as long as you drive it with reasonable care: 45mpg should be easily achieved in daily driving.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

If you're going to get one, make sure you get it at a rock-bottom price. Because Renault sold most Fluences at a savage discount the residual values are very poor. As a car, it's OK - comfy and spacious and frugal but not much fun to drive.

Expert answer

Hi Fergal,

I presume you mean something small to medium if you're contemplating three doors. If you want to go really small, the best ones are the Hyundai i10, Volkswagen up! (as well as the Skoda and SEAT versions) and the Renault Twingo - a car I know isn't quite as technically good as the others but I personally really like it. 

If you want to go a bit bigger, then your best bets are the Honda Jazz (pricey but really well equipped), the Skoda Fabia or the Mazda2. The Hyundai i20 is also worth looking at but it might be better to wait until it gets Hyundai's new 1.0 turbo engine.

Here are some relevant reviews:

Hyundai i10 review

Volkswagen up! review

Skoda Citigo review

SEAT Mii review

Honda Jazz review

Skoda Fabia review

Mazda2 review

Hyundai i20 review

Expert answer

Hi Grace,

Clio prices start from €15,730 and yes, they all have power steering. All models come with daytime running lights, which illuminate automatically, but if you want automatic, dusk-sensing headlights you'll have to upgrade to a €17,230 Dynamique Nav model.

Renault Clio review

Expert answer

Hi John,

Go for the Jetta - it's nicer to drive, nicer looking (to my eyes, anyway) and better built, so it should be more reliable.

Expert answer

Hi Enda,

I'd tread carefully here. If you don't like the semi-auto box on the Citroen then just let it go - it's not going to get any better and it'll bug you for the rest of your time with the car. 

As for the Renault, I'm just not confident predicting reliability. Generally, Renaults are now a lot better built than they used to be, but long-term they can still be a bit shaky. Also, the reason it's a high-spec 2010 model for such a small price is because Renaults depreciate faster than snow in summer. 

So, I think you might need to shop around a bit and buy something on the basis of reliability and condition rather than year. Have a look at the likes of a Ford S-Max, Toyota Verso, Volkswagen Touran or, if six seats rather than seven will do the trick, a Honda FR-V. You might need to go back to a 2008 or 2009 model to get one within budget, but buy with a full service history and keep the maintenance up and any of those should give you long and hopefully reliable service.

Last, but not least, Shane, our Editor, is in the same position as you right now and he has homed in on the Mazda5, which has an exceptional reliability record.

Expert answer

Hi Tom,

There's no doubt that the 1.6-litre petrol engine would fit in the Laguna's engine bay, but it could be a world of pain getting everything to work, from the fuel system to the electronics and sensors. We wouldn't recommend such a project.

Expert answer

Hi John,

At the time of writing, the Renault Kadjar pricing ranges from €24,990 to €33,990, the latter for the top-of-the range Kadjar Signature Nav powered by the 130hp 1.6-litre dCi diesel engine featuring four-wheel drive.

It's not currently possible to pair an automatic gearbox with that 1.6-litre engine though, so the most expensive automatic Kadjar is the Signature Nav powered by the 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine with 110hp. That costs €32,290.

Read our review of the Renault Kadjar here

Expert answer

Hi John,

Sorry to hear you're still having trouble, but if it helps, you're not alone. Aviva (along with Allianz) have announced that they're no longer going to provide cover for new customers with cars older than 14 years. Now, in a statement last week, the company did say that it would continue to cover existing customers with such cars, and would provide cover for existing customers purchasing such cars, but from what you're saying there it seems that Aviva simply doesn't want your business anymore and is therefore giving you quotes deigned to push you into either replacing your car with something younger or moving to another insurer. 

Thankfully there are plenty of such insurers out there, so I'd say give customer loyalty a good kick up the backside (it's a worthless thing these days anyway) and get yourself a better quote from elsewhere. There are insurers out there who will cover you. I've just put a few random details into the One Direct system for instance and got a quote of €840. Too expensive? You'll just have to shop around but the best bet for you could actually be to find a good local insurance broker - they can get access to deals and policies denied to us mere mortals. Beware though, the unfortunate and inevitable downside of Avivia and Allianz's decision is that other insurers are going to start putting extra risk loadings on older cars, so your premium is probably going to be pretty expensive wherever you go.

A representative of AXA insurance asked to be put in touch with you, so hopefully that goes well.

Read the news story about insurance on older cars here

Expert answer

Hi there,

If you mean the all-new models, the replacements for the current Mégane and Astra, then yes, there'll be a massive difference. They're two entirely different cars built to different specifications in different factories by different companies. OK, so they're both mid-size family five-door hatchbacks, but that's where the similarities end. Obviously, we cannot say for certain yet, as we've driven neither car in final production spec, but the current cars differ quite a bit. The Astra feels classier and better built, the Renault is rather more engaging to drive (in spite of every rubbery steering). Will those characteristics carry over to the next models? We'll have to wait and see...

Here's our first news story on the new Opel Astra

Expert answer

Hi John,

Your best option is probably to break it for parts. As a complete car it would probably only be worth around €750 even if the engine hadn't blown. With no engine its effectively worthless so your best bet is a car breaker who'll buy it for spares.

Expert answer

Hi Syd,

It's a split decision I'm afraid - the Scenic is going to be much comfier and more refined, but the Opel will be the more reliable one. You'll have to make your own call based on what you prioritise most.

Expert answer

Hi John,

Yeah, €12k sounds about right for a 12-reg Insignia diesel, as long as it has a full service history and is in good nick. I'd be looking to knock a good bit off if it's as far back as an 09, though.

Sadly, you're not going to get much for the Laguna - it's a car the trade just doesn't like much, so even if it's in exceptional condition, you'll probably get €1,000 to €1,200 at best.

Expert answer

Hi Gerry,

OK, lots of options here. Seven-seat SUVs are the coming thing and Hyundai's Santa Fe is one of the best. Lots and lots around for that kind of money so be choosy and buy the most recent one you can, so as to make the most of that five-year warranty.

The rear seats are a little tight though, so maybe look at a Ford S-Max. Big, spacious and really good to drive, you'll probably get a good deal on a nearly-new one at the moment as there's an all-new version about the be launched.

Or you could go all-out and get a Land Rover Discovery, which is a wonderful car but don't say I didn't warn you when it comes to running costs, and you won't find a two-year old one for that money.

Relevant reviews:

Hyundai Santa Fe review

Ford S-Max review

Expert answer

Hi Denise,

No, you should be OK. Renault reliability and quality has come on a long way since the bad old days of the early 2000s. Check it out carefully and make sure it has a full service history.

Relevant review:

Renault Fluence Z.E. review

Expert answer

Hi Shane,

It's complicated because some of the providers are also providers to the providers - for instance Bank of Ireland provides the finance for many of the car companies themselves. 

Generally speaking though, it's a list of the usual suspects - AIB, Bank of Ireland, Permanent TSB, Ulster Bank and the Credit Unions followed by the big car company banks - Volkswagen Bank, Renault Bank, BMW Finance. There are some leasing companies too such as Lease Plan but they don't really work with individuals.

Expert answer

Hi Jacqueline,

I wouldn't wait for the Ka. It's being designed primarily for Asian and low-cost markets, so it probably won't be the most refined, comfortable or high-tech. That's perhaps jumping the gun on the review a bit, but it's certainly likely to be the case. Of the cars you've listed I'd say the Hyundai i10 and Skoda Fabia are the standouts. They're quite different cars (the i10 is significantly smaller than the Skoda), but both are excellent to drive, well-made, reliable and offer excellent value. Have a try of both, and see which one suits your needs, size-wise, better.

Further reading:

Hyundai i10 review

Skoda Fabia review

Peugeot 208 review

Renault Clio review

Toyota Yaris review

Expert answer

Hi Dave,

Well, it's been a few years since we drove one... The RX4 was Renault's idea of an SUV based on the practical family friendly Scenic. It had higher ride height, plastic bash-panels and permanent four-wheel drive. 

If you're thinking of buying one check the electrical systems very carefully and also check the suspension, as it could be very fragile. The cabin is a weak point too with disintegrating trim. Also, as it's a practical 4x4, check for abuse at the hands of builders and the like using them on sites.

Expert answer

Hi John,

OK, there's good news and bad news here. The good news is that the four marques of which you've spoken have all really lifted their quality and reliability games. Renault especially has come on a long way since the dark, unreliable days of the early 2000s. While electrical gremlins are pretty much guaranteed further down the line, that's something you could equally say of any Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Audi.

Dacia tend also to make very reliable cars, in no small part because they're so simple and lacking in the sort of high-end electronics that festoon other models. The brand regularly features very high up in the European JD Power customer satisfaction rankings.

Fiat tends to do less well in those rankings, but much of that is down to a dealer network that's still trying to get its head around modern customer service requirements. The fact is that Fiats these days are no more or less well made or reliable than any other brand (mostly - more on that in a tic). Certainly, we know of many Fiat customers who've had trouble-free motoring for many, many years.

Citroen too has really lifted its game and the latest generations, such as the C4 Picasso and C4 Cactus are really well put together. Long term reliability is still an unknown of course for these new models, but in general, longevity seems to be on the up.

However, just as these Franco-Italian brands have improved, so too have the Japanese and Koreans. There is still a distinct gap in overall solidity between the Japanese brands (Honda especially) and everyone else. It's still the case that if you want genuinely trouble-free motoring, the Japanese are still kings, with the Koreans and Skoda hot on their heels.

That said, I reckon if you bought any Fiat, looked after it properly and made sure it was fully serviced to schedule, you wouldn't have any major problems.

Expert answer

Hi Eva,

All of the ones you picked there are quite low slung but they're also all comfy so shouldn't present any major issues with seat height. 

The Mazda and Hyundai are going to be the most reliable and generally I'd go for the Mazda, but you'll want to go for the 1.5 petrol (if you're doing short journeys mostly) or wait for the new 1.5 diesel as the 2.2 diesel is just too thirsty day-to-day.

Expert answer

Hi Noelle,

The price seems about OK, but I think the engine has been misadvertised - the smallest engine for that generation of Clio was a 1.2.

Expert answer

Hi Breda,

Dacia is a stand-alone brand, not an actual Renault model (although the company is owned by Renault and shares its components with various Renault models). They're cheap and cheerful - you really do get what you pay for, which is basic, no frills transport. Nothing wrong with that, and by and large reliability seems to be a strong point, but don't go in expecting sophistication.

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Hi Irene,

Nothing major to report and by then Renault seemed to have sorted out most of its reliability and build issues. You will suffer crippling depreciation but the worst falls in value will already be behind the car. 

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Hi Irene,

You know what? Just don't... The actual build quality and solidity aren't so bad, but the Koleos is dull to look at, dull to drive (and thirsty for what it is) and has a really cheap and nasty interior. If you really want a Renault SUV, then why not have a look at the current Captur? It's smaller than the Koleos but a lot nicer. Or wait until later this year when Renault brings out its long-awaited Qashqai rival.

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Hi George,

I would tread very, very carefully indeed. The engine can be a big trouble spot with dodgy turbos and inconsistent power delivery. Watch for  excessive smoke (black or white), check the oil carefully and if it shows even the slightest sign of overheating, head for the exit.

Clutches can go pretty easily, so make sure the gearshift is working alright, and everything electrical is to be assumed broken until proven otherwise. They eat tyres too, and uneven wear is a sign of impending suspension doom. Also, a lot of Espaces tend to get used as ersatz delivery vans when they get past a certain age and price point so check carefully for signs of wear and tear in the cabin.

Basically, you should probably avoid it and track down a similar vintage Volkswagen Sharan or Hyundai Trajet instead.

Expert answer

Hi there,

I'm afraid to say it's very, very unlikely to be anything wrong with the NCT's equipment - Renaults of that era were not, ahem, the most robustly built vehicles and suspension issues with them were more or less endemic. 

That said, if you've replaced the shocks already and the problem has reoccurred then there may be another issue. Perhaps the mounting points are at fault and are allowing too much energy up into the shock, causing it to wear prematurely? I think a thorough diagnostic visit to your nearest Renault dealer might be in order.

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Hi Ed,

OK, we've been on to Renault about this and they say that the charge for Glacier White on the website was an error and has since been corrected, so you shouldn't be charged for it. If an extra charge does show up on the bill, give your dealer hell as it shouldn't be there. If he/she doesn't give you any joy, get on to Renault's head office about it.

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Hi John,

It's OK but tread very warily. Renault build quality was pretty shaky in the early 2000s and by 2006 the problem was only beginning to get sorted out. The upside is that the Clio is mechanically pretty simple, so there's a bit less to go wrong, but make sure everything electrical is free from gremlins and pay particular attention to the suspension - the Clio can be pretty fragile in that department so listen for untoward noises from under the car (creaks, bumps, banging etc) and check the top of the suspension mounts for any signs of damage or repair.

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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.

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Hi Grainne,

Yeah, at that price level I'd avoid a Scenic. They older they get the worse their reliability becomes. How about a Toyota Corolla Verso instead? It's within your price range, has the space and is ultra reliable. The only thing is you'll probably have to break your 1.5-litre boundary and go for a 1.6.

What do you think?

Expert answer

Hi David,

Not a terrible car but you could do better. The third generation Mégane atoned for many of the reliability sins of its forebears. It's well made, comfy and super economical. Make sure all the electrics work properly and argue yourself a good deal - Méganes depreciate heavily so make sure you're not putting too much into the front end.

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

Yeah, electric window failures are depressingly common on most Renaults of that vintage. I'd say generally you're looking at a trade-in value of around €3,000 but you can probably knock another €750 or so off that thanks to the knackered windows.

Expert answer

Hi Barry,

To be blunt, you're going to struggle to get a decent diesel engined car at that price level. There do seem to be one or two diesel Peugeot 307s or Renault Méganes around at that sort of money but we'd advise serious caution before purchase - neither have a great reputation for reliability. 

Unless you're covering mega-miles every week, you would probably be much, much better off getting a tidy 1.4 petrol hatchback, perhaps a circa 2002 Toyota Corolla? Really solid on the reliability front, excellent fuel economy and affordable motor tax. It would be a much better idea than going all out for diesel but ending up with a less reliable car.

What do you think?

Expert answer

Hi Carmel,

OK, full disclosure - I owned a 2003 Laguna estate for several years, so I know here what I'm talking about. Realistically, they're not very reliable at all. The engines tend not to break in and of themselves, but everything else does. Anything electrical is suspect (especially the electric windows and the credit card key system), the suspensions are fragile (especially the rear rubber bushings) and the catalytic convertors regularly pop a rivet or two.

Best avoided to be fair.

Expert answer

Hi Clare,

If you're looking for an MPV, I always tend to recommend a Toyota Corolla Verso. They're spacious, have plenty of room for boosters seats and the like and are very safe and reliable. If you get around €3k for your Renault, that should get you into a 2008 or 2009 Verso diesel.

Expert answer

Hi Aparesh,

You know what? I wouldn't. Renaults from that era are not the most reliable things and your budget could be as easily eaten up fixing a catalogue of minor problems. Your budget though should be able to get you into a Toyota Corolla Verso - one of the most reliable cars around and a firm favourite in CompleteCar Towers when it comes to affordable, reliable family transport. 

Expert answer

Hi Des,

As with all Suzukis the Grand Vitara is impressively well bolted together and there are very few reports of any major reliability issues. The only recurrent problems seem to be glitches in the electrical system, but as long as the car you're looking at has a full service history, you should be OK. There are only two major downsides: the interior looks and feels pretty cheap and old-fashioned compared to some rivals, while the 1.9-litre diesel engine (which Suzuki actually bought in from Renault) can be very thirsty, as the Vitara is no lightweight.

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Hi Bryan,

I'd say about €15,000 on average, perhaps slightly below the €14,000 as a trade-in.

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Hi Dawn,

Pros are that it's pretty, reasonably good to drive and on a nice day you can get a tan on the way to work. Cons are that it's heavy, thirsty, slow, the roof is complicated and prone to getting stuck half way up or down and Renault reliability in general isn't great...

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

The more recent versions of the Renault Grand Scenic are at least reasonably reliable, and the commonly-seen 1.5-litre diesel engine is a sold enough old lump, and well proven in various Nissans and Renaults. The recurring nightmare is that of electrical problems. Renaults, older ones at any rate, just seem to eat through their cabling and wiring and everything from electric windows to engine management and injection problems can crop up. Buy very, very carefully if you're looking at  anything older than 2008.

Expert answer

Hi John,

You know what? Just avoid the lot of them. In the early 2000s Renault was going through a period of very poor build quality that wasn't really resolved until the launch of the current Mégane in 2008. Older Renaults are generally just to be avoided. Electrical problems are commonplace and frustrating, and just because they're working now doesn't mean they'll stay working. These cars are marked down in price for a reason.

Hope we were in time to stop you buying!

Expert answer

Hi Kellie.

Generally speaking, they should be OK. All the mechanical bits are old, proven Renault and Nissan parts, and thanks to the fact that Logans are pretty well shorn of equipment, there's not that much that can go wrong. Dacias also come with an optional five-year warranty, which should put your mind at rest.

However, it's worth pointing out that the Logan estate we tested recently had a wonky driver's door, putting some doubt over the quality of the assembly and the German TUV (the national safety and quality testing organisation) rates the Logan as having a 13 per cent fault rate. Now, that figure is only a guideline and it does encompass the old Logan (the one that was never sold here) as well, but just for comparisons, the TUV rates a Ford Fiesta at a 4.8 per cent fault rate.

In other words, they're probably fine, but try and make sure you buy one with lots of warranty left, just in case.

Expert answer

Hi Mary,

I presume that's either a Laguna or a Scenic you're talking about? In that case, it looks like a very good price for a car with very low mileage. However, with that kind of small miles on a diesel you need to be careful of two things. 1 - make sure that the previous owners have been doing enough long, high-speed runs to generate temperature in the exhaust system to clear out the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and, 2 - carefully check the history of the car to make sure that the mileage is genuine. Renault build quality is generally a little better than you might think, but you still need to be more careful than with other brands. Check carefully that all the electrics are working properly, especially the windows, and make sure the car has a full and complete service history.

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Hi Suzanne,

I'd be wary. That second generation Mégane doesn't have the best reputation for reliability. Everything electronic, the credit-card style ignition keys and the brakes can all give trouble, as can the window seals (water gets in occasionally) and the electric windows themselves. A total of 112,000 miles isn't the massive mileage it once was, but on a car with a poor reliability background, I'd say it's of concern.

Expert answer

Hi Chris,

We checked with Renault on this and here's the response we got:

"There is nothing technical to stop a customer carrying out an LPG conversion on the TCe 90 engine, but there is no manufacturer support to do it.  There is no such thing as 'an approved convertor'  for LPG on any Renault/Dacia so the customer would need to be satisfied themselves in the quality of work and warranty provided by whoever carries out the conversion.

"Additionally, carrying out a conversion does not necessarily invalidate the manufacturer warranty as a whole and is still valid for non LPG related parts. However, if an incident arises that is directly or indirectly found to have been caused by the conversion, that would not be our responsibility. In other words, normal warranty applies on anything that is not in any way connected to the conversion (e.g. an internal electrical defect with an alternator would not have been influenced by the conversion)."

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Jane,

Sounds like you want to move back into a proper MPV and the best one around at the moment, for my money, is the Citroen C4 Picasso. Citroen registered a bundle of them last year for press and promotional purposes so there should be plenty of good nearly-new or dealer demo stock knocking around. It's a classy looking thing, comfy to drive and utterly massive on the inside. Other good options are the Ford C-Max (great to drive but the boot is slightly on the small side) and the Toyota Verso (a touch unexciting but with terrific quality and lots of space). Or, of you want something with a warranty to match the Mitsubishi's, track down a nice 2013 Kia Carens - a classy looking car with bundles of space.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Rowland,

OK, there are a lot of parameters to go with here, but the basics are that you need a car that's cheap to buy (so it can't, sadly be too new), has affordable running costs and won't break down every time it rains. I reckon that gives you a choice of three or four key models: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla or Auris, Kia cee'd or Hyundai i30.

Have a shop around and you should be able to find several of those all well within your purchase price range, while they all have efficient engines and excellent reliability records. In the case of the Kia and the Hyundai, they also have lengthy warranties, which, even if there's none left on the one you buy, at least means that they're more likely to have been looked after. My personal choice would be the Honda. Track down a nice 1.4 petrol Civic and I don't think you'll look back.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Richard,

The Alhambra would be my choice here. A budget of €6,000 won't get you the current model, but it should find you an old one and they're still good. SEAT's reliability is pretty solid and you should be able to find one at a lower mileage than an equivalently priced (and mechanically identical) Ford Galaxy. 

It would be worth keeping an eye out for a Ford S-Max too, though €6,000 is the very, very bottom end for S-Max prices, but keep your eyes peeled and haggle hard and you might just land a nice one. 

And, as I always advise anyone looking for a seven-seater, there's always the option of a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate with extra seats in the boot...

Expert answer

Hi Bobby,

Well, it's a lot better than the old Mégane, but then that's not saying much... It should be fine, actually. That 1.5 dCi diesel is a solid engine, and Nissan uses it too so it can't be bad, right? Keep an eye on all electrical systems though as these seem to be a perennial Renault weak point and carefully check the rather cheap-feeling cabin for signs of excess wear and tear.

Expert answer

Hi Catherine,

Go for the Ford C-Max. They're ruggedly reliable and good to drive. Méganes of that era are best avoided.

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Hi Riccardo,

No, it's not. You're quite right that the 1.5-litre CDI engine in the A 180 model is derived from Renault's long-serving dCi engine, but the 220 CDI unit is Mercedes' own 2.1-litre four-cylinder engine in 170hp trim.

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Hi Remigijus,

Renault’s official recommendation is not for a change at a specific mileage, but at a specific year. They say it should be changed every six years, so it sounds like yours is due.

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Hi Liam,

By and large, yes. Some minor electrical glitches here and there but Renault had really gotten on top of he reliability problems that plagued the previous Mégane.

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Hi Paul,

The coil pack would be the first place to start, as they fail regularly in that model Laguna. The vibration, we suspect, is from misfiring at low speeds.

It's definitely a job for a qualified mechanic, but let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Noel,

Not really, no. 

The second generation (the strikingly styled one with the bustle boot) looks great and is nice to drive, but suffered from a catalogue of reliability disorders including dodgy electrics and brakes.

The third generation (current model) is far better from a reliability standpoint but rampant discounting of the car during the most recent scrappage scheme has seen used values collapse, so while they're cheap to buy, you'll never get rid of it. 

Actually, the best Mégane to buy might just be the first generation, which ran from 1994 to 2002. Yes, they're all getting old now but they were reasonably robustly built, exceptionally comfy and not at all bad to drive. Pick one up for buttons and drive it until it owes you nothing.

Expert answer

Hi Dolores,

The Fluence isn't one of our favourite cars, to be honest, as it's a bit dull to look at and drive, but in reliability terms it should be mostly OK. The 1.5 dCi diesel is pretty solid in that regard, and it's very economical. Just keep an eye on the electrics, as things like electric windows can give trouble. Other than that the only concern is resale value - it's an area where many previous Renaults have fallen down, so you need to be aware of that. If you're planning to trade it in for another Renault in a few years' time, you'll be OK, but switching to another brand could prove a problem when it comes to trade in.

Expert answer

Hi Susan,

Wow, you're a glutton for punishment aren't you? You pretty much couldn't have picked two less reliable cars. The Discovery is best avoided. If you could afford to trade up to a third-generation model I'd say that's worth a go, as Land Rover was starting to get on top of its quality issues by then, but the old Series II is just bad news. Gearboxes go, electrics go and even the suspension can fail. I know what you mean about falling in love - it's happened to me too with old Land Rovers, but you're looking at a very high-maintenance partner there.

The Espace is a little better, but not by much. The diesel engines are very fragile - check for smoke, check for oil levels and if there are any signs of overheating, run don't walk away. Check anything with an electrical wire coming out the back of it too as it can all go wrong, although the electronic parking brake and electric windows are especially prone to wrongness. Also, keep an eye on the tyres. Espaces go through them like butter and 20,000km is about as much as you'll get out of a set.

If you really want a seven-seater that works properly, can I suggest either a Mitsubishi Pajero or Toyota Land Cruiser? Not as cool as the Discovery, but they won't let you down.

Expert answer

Hi James,

At that low mileage it should be fine. Electrical gremlins are what strike the Scenic, especially the electric windows, but also watch for problems with the cruise control, alarm, electric parking brake and even the indicators. The good news is that the engines are pretty robust and either the 1.5 or more powerful 1.9 dCi diesel engines are good choices. 

Oh, do watch for bits of the cabin coming off in your hand too...

Expert answer

Hi Denis,

While it shouldn't suffer from any massive mechanical issues, the second generation Mégane upheld Renault's unloved reputation for electrical problems. Basically be suspect of anything with a copper wire coming out of the back - electric windows especially, but also wiper and light stalks, keyless ignition and remote central locking, which all seem to give problems. The engine management system can also go for a bit of a bath, causing sluggish throttle response and poor starting. Squealing brakes usually just means that the pads need changing.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi George,

By and large, if you’ve got a Volkswagen on a list, then it’s going to be the most reliable, and the Caddy is hugely spacious inside too. However, most vans are generally very reliable (simply because a van that’s off the road isn’t earning money), so as long as you’re buying carefully and with a full and complete service history, you should be fine with any of those listed.

Expert answer

Hi Gerard,

It’s a very good family car from the point of view of safety and comfort, and yes that 1.5-litre diesel is hugely economical (you should see better than 50mpg on a regular basis). You just need to keep a close eye on electrical items such as the central locking, the key-card and the windows and beware of traditionally steep depreciation for large French cars.

Expert answer

Hi Gerard,

I write this as a former (recovering?) Laguna owner and the best I can tell you is to tread very, very carefully. Admittedly, I owned the previous generation Laguna that was quite simply a reliability disaster and one that cost Renault a fortune in warranty claims. The third-generation car, the one you're looking at, is much better in reliability terms, but still, you need to be suspicious of anything that uses electricity – make sure absolutely everything electrical is working properly and watch it like a hawk to check for failures. The 1.5 dCi engine is actually pretty good, and robust too, and you should pretty easily get high-forties mpg out of it. However, you're going to be on a pretty steep depreciation slope as nothing loses value faster than a big French car. That's fine if you're planning to keep and use it until it dies, but not so good if you're planning to trade-in in a few years. As a family car, it's actually quite good though – spacious and comfy, with a big boot and Renault has an excellent reputation for safety too.

Expert answer

Hi Brid,

Let us know which way you go

Expert answer

Hi Katie,

We've been on to Renault about this, and its response was that no current Renault models come with flat-beam headlights, and that your best bet is to use stick-on beam deflectors that can be bought from any good motor factors. 

Expert answer

Hi William,

In general, Renault has picked its reliability game up over recent years,  but we would still advise a little caution. Electrical problems are quite common, especially with the windows and the engine management system, so buy carefully and make sure that it comes with a full service history.

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

OK, you've a couple of good options here. There are five-seat versions of the Citroen C4 Picasso and Renault Scenic that are slightly less bulky than the seven-seat models and which will easily take three car seats across the back. Or you could try one of our very favourite cars of all, the Skoda Yeti, which has just about enough width to fit all three seats in the back. My best advice is to make sure you bring the kids and seats on any test drives you might be doing and make sure that all three fit and that the bigger ones can happily clamber up into their perches.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Andrew,

Hmmm. Well, spotted. The Sharan has indeed disappeared from Volkswagen price lists in Ireland (much as has the S-Max and the Galaxy from Ford's) and we're awaiting a call back from Volkswagen Towers as to its fate. The good news is that SEAT's definitely still selling the identical Alhambra, and that's a crackingly good car. You do need to go for the top spec Exclusive DSG model if you want to get an automatic version though.

Next year, Ford will be launching an all-new S-Max, which might be worth holding on for, while Renault's surprisingly still-good Espace (a touch old school but very, very comfy) is still just about on sale, and there's always the Chrysler Voyager. And then there's the Opel Zafira Tourer, a more direct rival to the S-Max than anything else. There's a 2.0-litre CDTi diesel automatic for €34,495 and it's almost as good as the S-Max to drive.

What do you think?

Update:

Just an addendum to this: Volkswagen Ireland has confirmed that the Sharan is no longer available, not even to individual order. 

Presumably, if you really, really want one your local Volkswagen dealer could get hold of one for you, but why go to the hassle when the cheaper, better-equipped Alhambra is there?

Expert answer

Hi Pamela,

There's a few: Renault Scenic. Toyota Verso. Peugeot 5008. Citroen C4 Picasso. Land Rover Discovery. Chrysler Voyager. Ford Galaxy & S-Max. SEAT Alhambra. Volkswage Sharan. Renault Espace.

That list isn't it either!

Expert answer

Hi Colin,

I'm afraid a people carrier is pretty much your only option. The Renault Scenic, Toyota Verso or Citroen C4 Picasso can all take three abreast, as can the Peuegot 5008. If you want a conventional car that can carry three kids, your only choice is probably a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate with the optional pair of rear-facing seats in the boot.

Expert answer

Hi James,

Both are good, although French brands are never the most reliable, but of the two we'd go for the Picasso, simply because it's more stylish and strong second hand demand should keep your residual values shored up.

Expert answer

Hi Don,

Ah, a familiar problem this one, especially to anyone who's owned a second generation Renault Laguna (yes, that's my hand up). It's most likely that the clunking noise is coming from the top suspension mount, which is a spectacularly weak area on second generation Lagunas. It's not a massive job to replace but get it done now before the mount breaks and takes other expensive items with it. In extreme cases, the noise could be coming from a broken spring, but if that were the case you'd probably notice the car sitting lower to the road on one corner. When you're getting the work done make sure the garage checks out the other suspension mounts as if one's one the way out, the others could be too.

Expert answer

Hi Joan,

We highly recommend the Hyundai i40 Tourer. It has a huge boot (though the Passat's is larger again) and is very comfortable. It's not easy to choose between the i40 and Passat at a fixed budget, so see what you can get for your money. The Hyundai, for instance, comes with a great five-year warranty from new and a high level of standard equipment. Its 1.7-litre diesel engine is also better than Volkswagen's 1.6-litre TDI equivalent, though the Volkswagen 2.0 TDI engine is better again if that's within reach.

Either way you're making a good choice and we'd recommend you test drive both cars to see which you like best.

Expert answer

Hi Darlene,

Realistically, you're going to have to go down the MPV route to get three seats across the back. There are few, if any, conventional saloons and hatchbacks around now that can accommodate three full-size child safety seats next to each other. 

The obvious choices are the three French MPVs: the Citroen C4 Picasso, Peugeot 5008 and Renault Scenic, all of which have three individually adjustable rear seats and all of which will easily swallow three car seats in the back. The seven-seat versions of each (the 5008 comes only as a seven seater) will also give you some extra seating flexibility for when you need it. Ditto for the Volkswagen Touran, but not for the Ford C-Max or Mazda5, both of which use a narrow central-rear 'jump seat' layout, which isn't wide enough for what you need.

You could also, if you're looking for something a little more affordable, go the van-derived car route and the Renault Kangoo, Citroen Berlingo, Fiat Doblo and Volkswagen Caddy will all swallow three side-by-side car seats.

But actually, the best two tips of all are the Toyota Corolla Verso (or latterly, just plain old Verso) and the Honda FR-V. The Toyota is a car we keep coming back to for recommendations here, as it's massively spacious, massively reliable and actually pretty nice to drive. There are also plenty of them around. That's sadly not the case with the Honda, but it's worth seeking one out if you fancy something a little more left-field and the six seats (in two rows of three) give you lots of options for loading people and/or luggage. Like the Toyota, the FR-V is hugely reliable and it's a bit more engaging to drive than its Japanese rival.

Expert answer

Hi Dawn,

Going on personal experience, I'd say that the C4 Picasso would be the most economical of the bunch. All of them should be able to get between 45-50mpg, and I'd say the C4 should just nudge above 50mpg. That said, you have to remember that what dictates fuel economy more than the car is your driving style. Practice driving with light throttle openings, anticipating further ahead and always using gentle control inputs and you should be able to get that economy figure improved. Also, take any excess weight out of the car, make sure the engine is serviced regularly and the oil changed often and get a good set of low-rolling resistance tyres, and keep them at the right pressure. It all helps.

Expert answer

Hi Dawn,

The problem here is that you need space for three child seats across the back, and it's getting harder and harder to find a car that can accommodate that. The Qashqai is a fab car, no doubt, but yes, unless it's the 1.5 dCi diesel model you're talking about, they can indeed be hard on petrol. Besides, it will also fall down on the three-across-the-back test. The Xsara Picasso should be able to manage three across though, so is the best suggestion out of the ones you've been looking at, but here's another possibility: if you're looking for space on a budget, try going for a van-based MPV such as a Citroen Berlingo or Renault Kangoo. They're surprisingly nice to drive, have masses of space both in the back and boot, and both can be found with 1.4-litre petrol or 1.5- or 1.6-litre diesel engines so tax and, generally, fuel economy shouldn't be an issue. Also, being van-based, they're often more reliable and ruggedly built than their car cousins.

Expert answer

Hi Jean,

Sadly no, they're not. At least, not as reliable as a Toyota, so if it's a people carrier you're looking for, I'd say stay within the Toyota family and get yourself a Verso. Solidly reliable, just like your Avensis.

Expert answer

Hi David,

To be honest, I'd be tempted to hang on to the SX4. Suzukis are generally astonishingly reliable, whereas with the best will in the world, Renaults are not. Even if your mileage is increasing, there are cheap and simple ways to improve your economy (a tune-up, low rolling resistance tyres, practice) so my best advice is to stick with what you've got. 

In the meantime, I'd say you're looking at a trade in value of around €8-9,000.

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

Not great I'm afraid. The current Espace, which dates back to 2003, is based on the same platform as the second generation Laguna and suffers the same problems. So expect lots of electrical issues (not great on a car with an all-digital dashboard) and the electric windows are especially fragile. Front tyre wear is also an issue, and we've heard reports of collapsing front suspension and a tendency for the exhaust system to give problems, especially with the catalytic convertor.

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

The most common fault with that generation Clio was with the bonnet catch that could fail and allow the bonnet to fly open when driving! Worrying that, and it never triggered a full recall, although Renault did offer to inspect and repair cars for free - make sure the one you're looking at has had that done. Engines are pretty solid, but watch for electrical issues with the windows, the CD player and the engine immobiliser. There are reports of cold starting problems, usually because of a faulty air pressure sensor and the cable-operated gear shift can give problems too. If you have difficulty selecting a gear, then the gearbox is on its way out. Cabin trim is pretty fragile and you need to watch for problems with the brake servos and front suspension arms.

Expert answer

Hi Ben,

Watch for faulty exhaust cats, failing electrics (especially the electric windows), fragile suspension mounts and bushings, disintegrating cabin trim and cracked engine mounts.

Expert answer

Hi Carol,

Well, we'd definitely go for diesel unless your mileage is really low, and while both cars are reasonably reliable, both have issues with electrics and fragile cabin trim. 

If you want something with (near enough) total reliability in this class, go for a Toyota Corolla Verso.

Expert answer

Hi Gareth,

Unfortunately, if the dealer from which you bought the car is now in liquidation, then your options are a bit limited. You can of course apply to have your case heard by the liquidator, or bring a case to the small claims court, but I would suggest that the first thing you do is talk to Renault head office directly.

A figure of 200,000km is not excessively high mileage for a car such as the Laguna III (it’s only just over 120,000 miles in old money) so there’s no reason for the engine to fail. If the dealer in question was a Renault franchised dealer, then there may well be some comeback on it. The only problem is that, at nine years old, the car is long, long out of warranty so you are, as you suggest, relying on Renault’s corporate goodwill.

Expert answer

Hi Albert,

Generally speaking, it should be fine. In fact, depending on which options the original owner ticked on the sales form, it may even still have a couple of years worth of warranty to run. Most of them are fitted with the 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine, which is a proven and rugged design. It's also very economical, which is a bonus.

As ever, with any French car, watch the electrical systems like a hawk. Renaults are prone to throwing an odd warning light at you, which could be something major about to go bang, or it could just be a faulty warning light. Either way, pounce on any potential issue and get it sorted, quick. Watch for the diesel particulate filter clogging up too if the previous owner has only been doing low-speed, around-town mileage.

Hope that helps and let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

To be honest, if badge snobbery were outlawed in the morning, the Kangoo is what we'd all be driving. Massively spacious, comfy and not at all bad to drive, it's the closest modern successor to the original Renault 4. And yes, that's a good thing.

As for reliability, they're pretty good. Being van-based, the mechanical bits are generally of an older design, so the kinks have been long since ironed out and they don't break down much. The only thing to watch for, as on any French car, is the electrical system, which can storm off in a Gallic huff, especially where electric windows are concerned.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Priscilla,

If it's either the 1.6 petrol or the 1.5 diesel then yes, it's an engine shared with the Nissan Qashqai (and sundry other Nissans and Renaults) and is generally pretty solidly built and reliable. 

With Renaults, it's the peripheral systems you have to watch. Major items like the engine and gearbox usually go on just fine but electric components (especially windows in the past), exhaust systems, cabin trim and such like can all be fragile. Check carefully and make sure there's a full service history.

Best of luck

Expert answer

Hi Breon,

First of all, congratulations on the incoming arrival. As for finding the right car seat, we're really not the experts in terms of advice on specific seats, but we know some people who are. Pop in to your local branch of Mothercare or Halfords (or Tony Kealy's if you live in the Dublin area) and you should be able to get some very helpful advice on which is the correct kind of seat for your kids. As a rule of thumb, the longer you can keep them in a rear-facing seat, and then the longer you can keep them in a full-backed seat, with integral harness, the better. It's down to the size and weight of the individual child though. 

As for cars, you have several choices but they're all MPVs, I'm afraid. Sorry about that... Still, all is not lost, as the Citroen C4 Picasso and Peugeot 5008 are both pleasantly comfy, economical and easy on the eye. Kick up a price and size band and you'll find the Ford S-Max, which is one of our favourite cars, whether or not space is your priority. Handsome and good to drive, that one.

If you're in the second hand market, you could do worse than track down a good used Fiat Multipla (if you can live with the looks, it's got one of the best cabins of any car, ever) or there's always the evergreen Renault Scenic or the (slightly dour) Volkswagen Touran. Finally, there's the Toyota Verso, which isn't the most exciting choice but is solidly built and spacious. Finally, the six-seat Honda FR-V is a left-field choice that's one of those classic "try it and you'll never have anything else" cars.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Aidan,

The only concern here really is the value of your old Clio. As someone who recently traded in an early 2000s Renault, I feel your pain, but the sad fact is that it ain't going to be worth much. Even so, the best thing you can do is to start searching for a Volkswagen Golf. If you've got a family on the way, and you need something safe, solid and with a decent bit of space, then you won't go wrong, although it is of course worth looking for those evergreen Golf spinoffs, the Skoda Octavia and SEAT Leon. All three are equally good and the Octavia is particularly spacious.

Come back to us if you need more assistance.

Expert answer

Hi Wayne,

Depends on the age and on the condition. The 1.5 dCi diesel is a pretty solid engine (look for turbo problems though) and if a Scenic is properly cared for and serviced on the button, they can be fine. Beware of electric gremlins on older cars and don’t buy anything that doesn’t come with a full service history.

Expert answer

Hi Bridget,

Do you mean medium or large seven-seater? If it’s a medium one, then the best ones are the VW Touran, Kia Carens, Toyota Verso, Citroen C4 Picasso, or Renault Grand Scenic. If you mean a bigger one, then the best ones are the Ford S-Max or SEAT Alhambra. Here are our reviews of them all:

Volkswagen Touran review

Kia Carens review

Toyota Verso review

Citroen C4 Grand Picasso review

Renault Grand Scenic review

Ford S-Max review

SEAT Alhambra review

Expert answer

Hi Keith,

No, it's not a waste of time at all. It's almost always better value to keep and fix an existing car rather than pay the cost-of-change to upgrade to something newer. That said, if you're convinced you need a better solution, then you won't do better than to go for one of the many car-vans on offer now. The Renault Kangoo and Citroen Berlingo are the best known versions, but there are also similar models available from Fiat, Volkswagen and Peugeot.  My personal pick would be the Fiat Doblo, fitted with the 1.6- or 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel engines. You'll find the cabin surprisingly comfy, it's quite pleasant to drive, very economical and good on tax and massively spacious in the back. There's even a seven-seat version available if you want to be really popular at the school gate.

Expert answer

Hi Chris,

Very economical — you should expect better than 50mpg. Reliable? Not so good — you should expect lots of electrical problems, and check the engine carefully for any turbo issues. 

Expert answer

Hi Bartlomiej,

Well, it kinda depends what you mean by SUV. If you mean large, the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda CR-V etc, then it's probably best to wait until the new 1.6-litre, front-wheel drive version of the Honda arrives later this year, as that will be a big, spacious SUV that has emissions of under 120g/km, although the lack of four-wheel drive might not appeal.

If it's the smaller ones you're looking at then I'd suggest a Skoda Yeti. It bridges the gap, size-wise, between the very small Nissan Juke and the large stuff like Mazda's CX-5 and the Kia Sportage. Go for the 1.6 TDI Greenline version and you'll have a spacious, rugged, practical family car with Band A4 tax (€200 a year) and it should do a pretty steady 50mpg most of the time.

Want something a bit more flash? The MINI Countryman, with its 1.6-litre diesel engine, is super-frugal, but you do need to spend a bit on options to get the right look.

It may also be worth waiting a couple of months until the new Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008 arrive on sale, as both should prove very affordable to run.

Expert answer

Hi Pippa,

The short, glib answer is 'not much'. The trickier answer requires a bit of effort on your part, but mostly over the phone. Get on the blower with any car dismantlers in your area and see what they bid you. It might not be much, but it might be enough to kick start your next purchase. Equally, you might be surprised what a dealer would bid you on a trade in. I personally traded in an utter junker of an old Renault late last year and got more that I thought I would, and that was with a franchised dealer.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Jason,

I would imagine that the simplest thing to do would be to contact your nearest Renault dealer and ask if they can update or upgrade the software in your Megane. There is a faint possibility that the system might not be compatible with newer phones, but I think a call to the service department should get things moving.

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

Renault Ireland tells us that we should be able to test one in July, so that's likely to coincide with the cars arriving in dealers as well. We'll be at the international launch of the car this week.

In case you missed our earlier news item here it is: Stylish new Renault SUV on the way

Expert answer

Hi Tom,

Power steering aside (that's strange...) it really sounds like you might have connected the battery incorrectly or shorted the battery somehow. Have you any way to safely test the battery?

If you're not confident in finding the problem for yourself we'd really recommend you get an auto-electrician or a mechanic to take a quick look for you.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Fran,

We really like the Kia cee'd. It's a high quality offering that does everything well, is decently specified, refined, comfortable and relatively spacious. We wouldn't ever have compared it to the Renault Clio though, as it competes with the Mégane. The cee'd is bigger and more comfortable than the Clio. Saying that, the Clio is more interesting looking for sure and drives just as well.

In terms of diesel engines, Kia offers a 1.4- or 1.6-litre CRDi diesel and Renault has a 1.5-litre dCi unit. The latter and the 1.4-litre engine put out 90hp, but the Clio feels quicker and is a lighter car. Likewise it's better on fuel and a little cheaper to tax.

Try to test drive both in a scenario that reflects your daily driving. The cee'd is more refined and a better long distance cruiser, for example.

Feel free to come back to us if you need more assistance.

Expert answer

Right, tough combination this as I'm assuming you want to be able to carry the bike inside the car, rather than on a boot-mounted carrier. If you're going down the carrier route, then you won't go wrong with one of the old favourites like a Fiesta, Corsa or Punto.

If, however, it's space inside you need then you need to go a little left-field. How about a 2006 Renault Modus 1.2 Dynamique? True, Renaults of that age aren't the most reliable of cars, but the 1.2 petrol engine is a well-proven unit and the space inside the Modus is not to be sniffed at. Plus it's one of the safest cars you can buy. All that and we found one listed at only €3,950 from a dealer.

What do you think?

Expert answer

Hi Alan,

We don't know of any widespread common issues with this car. It's built on Nissan/Renault mechanicals that are quite well proven. It's moderately spacious for the money, but it's not a car we'd often consider, as there are plenty of other better cars available for the same price. Apparently many unsold examples found their way from Ireland to the UK, where they were never marketed as a new car.

In summary: not bad really, but not recommended either.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Nigel,

It depends on the condition and service history, but it should be worth in the region of €2,000.

Expert answer

Hi Tommy,

First up, gearboxes: a six-speed gearbox in a given car usually means it is officially more economical than it would be if it had a five-speed gearbox, but that really will depend on the type of roads it's driven on and the driver's own style. It's not correct to say that a six-speed Renault, for example, is automatically more economical than a five-speed Ford though, as there are many more factors to consider. Best to look at the official combined consumption figures as a gauge - even though they're not usually achievable in the real world they are a good measure of one car against another.

A quick search on Carzone.ie reveals that your budget may get you into a 2009 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi. There are plenty of different trim levels and 90- or 110hp derivatives available so take a close look at the specifications, history and mileage. Most of those are now in Band A4 with emissions of less than 120g/km and fuel consumption as low as 4.3 litres/100km (65.7mpg).

In terms of Golfs, it looks like you'd be lucky to get a 2008 version (the old one) for that same money, which means it'd have to be a 1.9- or 2.0-litre TDI engine. These cost more to tax (especially if you go pre-2008) and are a little less econonomical than the Focus above.

There don't seem to be many Renault Méganes fitting your description and budget, though a look elsewhere reveals that you may find a 2010 version at this price powered by the 1.5-litre dCi engine. This came in 86- and 110hp guises. The former is virtually as economical as the Focus and the latter only uses a little more fuel.

Finally, the Citroen C4: in terms of economy, the 2008 1.6 HDi 92hp engine is up there with the Focus etc, though there are more powerful versions available too.

In summary, if fuel economy is your priority then it's probably best to stay away from the older Golf, with its larger engine. The others are all very close and so it comes down to personal preference. We'd go for the Focus, not least because of the much wider choice of examples on the used market.

Come back to us if you need more assistance narrowing your search.

Expert answer

Hi Seamus,

As discussed via email, it's imperative that this car has had a full service history. Assuming there's been just one owner since new then the high mileage is possibly a good sign that this car has had few issues. Its predecessor was notoriously troublesome, though this model seems better. Watch out though for build quality issues like the doors closing properly and make sure the access card works as expected.

Other than that, check every single electric switch and system.

Even so, we'd only feel comfortable going for such a high mileage example if it really was a bargain - or you managed to get a warranty thrown in.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

It depends where you’re doing most of your driving. The Toyota Prius+ has CO₂ emissions of just 106g/km, and can get 60mpg if driven very, very gently, but it’ll be way too thirsty if you’re doing lots of motorway miles. The best diesel-engined MPVs are probably the 1.6 TDI VW Touran, the 1.6 HDi Citroen C3 Picasso, or the 1.5 dCi Renault Scenic.

Expert answer

Hi Emma,

I’d go for the Micra, as it’ll be the most reliable of the cars you’ve mentioned. A budget of €2,000 should get you a 2006-2007 model, and I wouldn’t be bothered about mileage — buy on service history and condition. Other good options are a Toyota Yaris, Honda Jazz or, if you fancy a bit of driving fun, a Suzuki Swift.

Expert answer

Hi Rory,

First of all, there are a huge number of factors that affect your fuel consumption. Tyre pressures is a major one - ensure they're in spec. Next up is your use of the air conditioning and other energy-sapping devices like rear window demister. The weight you carry in the car and whether you have a roof box or roof bars fitted will also have an effect. Last, but certainly not least, is your driving style.

You've not told us which engine you have so we'll assume it's the 1.5 dCi 105hp, as that's one of the most common in Ireland. The official urban figure for that car was 6.4 litres/100km (44.1mpg) and the combined consumption figure is 5.4 litres/100km (52.3mpg).

Hope that's of some help

Expert answer

Hi Bilal,

There's a lot of choice at that price, but scouring Carzone.ie we came up with a few options:

• Alfa Romeo 156
• BMW 3 Series Coupé
• Hyundai Coupé
• Mazda MX-5
• MG ZR
• Peugeot 205 GTi
• Renault Clio Williams
• Subaru Impreza
• Toyota Celica

Let us know your preferences if you'd like help narrowing down the search.

Expert answer

Hi Florin,

Sorry to say that the Grand Espace, while brilliantly designed inside for family use, is not a reliable car. It fares very badly in owner surveys and if you are still tempted by an especially good deal make sure you get the car thoroughly checked over by an expert before parting with your cash. Engine, electrics and clutch issues lead to expensive repair bills.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Conal,

Over the years the Focus has proven to be considerably more reliable than the Mégane, though this latest one is still relatively new so we wouldn't like to make such predictions. Renault claims to have improved reliability.

Without seeing the actual examples you're considering the Renault should have more equipment for the price, though its resale value may be lower later on, balancing that out.

If you can send us links to the two cars for sale we can give you more advice if that's not enough.

Expert answer

Hi Catherine,

Put simply, no, they are not. There are examples out there that run without a problem, but we've heard a lot of complaints from a lot of owners and it's a used car we'd steer people away from, as some repairs - especially the electrical ones - are expensive to fix.

No doubt you've been tempted by low pricing, but we couldn't recommend it.

Expert answer

Hi Eamon,

To us that seems like an unfair comparison given the price gap between the two, as the newer car will be far fresher in every way - but so it should be at that price. We'd be slow to recommend the older diesel Clio purely because of the mileage it has accrued already - and you plan on doing above average annual mileage on top of that. It would definitely start costing you money and, worse, could be out of action while being repaired - which would be a massive inconvenience.

In pure overall cost terms it might win out (taking into consideration the purchase price as well), but even so our advice would be to go with the petrol model - or look at alternative diesel options. There's a lot of choice out there.

Let us know if you want help finding something suitable.

Expert answer

Hi Aidan,

Without knowing your budget and what your needs with regards to towing etc. are it's difficult to give a precise answer, but as a starting point, and in alphabetical order:

None of Audi's Q models are really suited to heavy off-road work, though the Q5 and Q7 are fine towing machines. Not that you'll find a Q7 with a manual gearbox.

Same story with BMW's X models. Fine for towing. You'll have to seek out an older X5 if you want a manual transmission though.

Citroen C-Crosser, Ford Kuga, Honda CR-V, Hyundai ix35: fine road cars.

Hyundai Santa Fe: depending on age and spec can be quite good off-road and as a tow car.

Hyundai Terracan: horrible beast of a thing, but it is big...

Hyundai Tucson: more car-like than most 4x4s.

Isuzu Trooper: hard as nails, durable workhorse.

Jeep Cherokee: good workhorse, but raucous on the road.

Jeep Compass: really not that great on the road despite its 'crossover' image.

Jeep Grand Cherokee: surprisingly good depending on age.

Jeep Patriot: a Compass with more upright bodywork...

Jeep Wrangler: tough, great off-road, but not so good on it.

Kia Sorento: first generation a tough tow car; latest more road-biased.

Kia Sportage: fine road car - especially the latest one.

Land Rover Defender: same comments as Jeep Wrangler above.

Land Rover Discovery: one of the very best all-rounders - newer versions way better.

Land Rover Freelander: good mix of on-road behaviour with all-road ability, but others at price better.

Range Rover line-up: luxurious regular model not bad off-road, Sport great to drive on-road and Evoque not really a 4x4 despite the badge.

Mazda CX-5: new SUV in the crossover mould - lovely on the road, where it should stay.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class: see BMW X5 comments.

Mitsubishi ASX/Outlander: very much road cars.

Mitsubishi L200/Pajero/Shogun: durable, strong, tough, but also rough and unrefined - proper 4x4 system though.

Nissan Navara/Pathfinder: see L200 etc. above...

Nissan Qashqai: a road car, even in 4x4 guise.

Nissan Terrano: old-school 4x4.

Nissan X-Trail: pretty good mix of attributes.

Opel Antara: road car - and not a good one.

Peugeot 4007, Renault Koleos, Skoda Yeti: just road cars.

SsangYong Actyon/Kyron/Rexton: rough and ready tow machines.

Subaru Forester: more a road car, though later one pretty good.

Subaru Outback/XV: road cars - nice ones.

Suzuki Grand Vitara: not bad as an all-rounder - relatively cheap and cheerful.

Suzuki SX4: car with 4x4 mechanicals.

Toyota Hilux/Land Cruiser: enviable reputation for toughness and reliability, though not very civilised.

Toyota RAV4: good road car, ok tow car.

Volkswagen Amarok: good all-rounder, though just a pick-up.

Volkswagen Tiguan: lovely road car, but most models so-so off-road.

Volkswagen Touareg: high quality car that's a good all-rounder.

Volvo XC60/XC90: good road cars - not for off-road.

So come back to us with more details and we'll talk you through a purchase.

Expert answer

Hi Jack,

The scrappage scheme is over sadly, though Renault is running a similar offer until the end of June. You can get another €1,500 off if you're trading in a car that's over eight years old. Even without that offer you're more likely to maximise the value of that Laguna at a Renault dealer.

Saying all that, I'm sure you know that the Laguna isn't worth a whole lot at that age so it's probably not worth going for a new Renault just because you'll get a better trade-in price for it. If you do decide to go down the new Volkswagen Golf route, check with the dealer how much they'd be willing to knock off the price of the Golf by taking the Laguna. If it's a tiny amount then consider selling the Laguna privately. It's more hassle, but you're likely to get a better price.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Expert answer

Hi John,

It's no firecracker, that's for sure, but it's not that bad really. Depends on your benchmark. Depending on the age of the car you're looking at it had either 112- or 117hp and 0-100km/h took about 11.5 seconds. Just don't expect to win any races when it's full of people and luggage.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Donal,

Before talking about the Renault Fluence specifically, diesel cars in general are better when used on longer trips regularly - for the DPF and other components. We're not aware of any problems with Renault's DPFs in particular.

We asked Renault Ireland about the differences between the 90- and 110hp Fluences and they essentially said that most people are more concerned with saving money, so the 90hp option is, as you've discovered, the best-seller. Here's Renault's statement:

"Both the 90- and 110hp Fluences are great value. It depends on the usage of the car by the customer. €700 can be sometimes hard to upsell these days so dealers prefer to offer the best value, which is the 90hp. It's the customer's choice, and down to what they want to purchase.

Both engines are in Band A and theyare under the same servicing/maintenance programme. For the last point (DPF), this is not an issue on Fluence."

So essentially it comes down to whether you want the extra power. In our view whether it's worth it or not will depend on how often the car is full of people and luggage. In those situations you'll want the higher power output.

Hope that helps - come back to us if you want to discuss it further.

Expert answer

Hi Dave,

This Laguna has a bad reputation, as you said. The two largest customer and reliability surveys in this part of the world consistently put it near the bottom in its class, which is not great, especially if you're considering a high mileage example.

However, because of all that the prices are low and I am guessing that you've got a bargain.

So, first thing to look at is if the car has had all its recall work done. Call a Renault dealer with its chassis number to confirm, as there were several recalls that applied to this car.

As with any used car check that every switch and control is working as expected and that all the warning lights come on when you turn on the ignition and go off again when the car is started.

Apparently the tyre pressure sensors are inaccurate as well, so check the pressures with a gauge for yourself.

Best of luck

Expert answer

Hi Noel,

There is no onus on the dealer to do that I'm afraid. When did he order the car? The dealer may not have known about the new car as yet. On top of all that, it's unlikely that the new car will be initially offered with the same incentives as the current one.

Hope that's of help

Expert answer

Hi Eric,

I'm afraid there's no easy answer to that. It'll depend on your circumstances and on the amount of money you wish to borrow as much as anything. While it is not as easy as it once was to obtain credit banks are happy to loan to 'good bets'.

Beyond the high street banks it's well worth checking out what finance the dealer you're buying from offers. Several car makers have effectively set up their own car finance arm to make the process easier. This includes BMW/MINI, Ford, Renault and the Volkswagen Group.

As ever shop around, but if want some specific help please do come back to us.

Expert answer

Hi Hugh,

We spoke to Renault about this. The official line is: "It's hard to know what exactly is wrong but based on the information provided it sounds like the electronic keycard reader might be damaged or may have become dislodged. If the keycard reader has broken or has fallen down behind the dashboard, it will need to be replaced or refitted by a Renault Technician. Contact your nearest Renault dealer who will be able to advise."

Unfortunately there doesn't appear to be a way to start the car without fixing that.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi John,

You didn't tell us what engine your car has so we're assuming it's the 1.5-litre dCi turbodiesel. You should get somewhere between €16,500 and €17,500 from a dealer on trade-in.

Please do come back to us to let us know how you get on.

Thank you

Expert answer

Hi Donal,

The specification will help, but when you are trading it dealers tend not to pay too much attention to extras on the car, but in this case the climate control and double sunroof are a decent selling point. If you were to trade it in against a new car I would expect you to be offered around €9,000 for it and you could ask perhaps €10,500 if you were to advertise it privately, obviously to take less. 

Expert answer

Hi Dave,

There is no simple answer to this - but as a rule of thumb, on a new car (average Ford Focus or Golf) you should expect to get around €700-€1,000 off the new price if buying straight. Much more than this is unlikely unless it is a Renault, or a luxury car! Shop around and don't be afraid to look outside of Dublin for the best deal.

Expert answer

Hi Donal, 

That is a very good question, but one that you really might not have a choice on. The scrappage scheme ends in just six days, you would have to have scrapped the Micra and registered your new car by then to ensure that you get the scrappage allowance. Having said that, if you get a car that is already in stock then you would certainly probably be best getting the most amount of money possible for the lower value car and that will certainly be the Micra. 

As we have mentioned here before, Renault offer the most amount of money off a new car through the scrappage scheme so in effect if you bought something like a Megane or Fluence you could make your Micra very valuable. I am doubtful that you would want to go from a Passat to a Megane or Fluence however, despite the fact that you do mention you would get something smaller. 

The other side of this arguement is though, that you would have to put less money towards your new car if you traded in the Passat - so I guess that part really depends on your own circumstances. If you scrapped the Micra you would still be left with the Passat, which you will need to change again at some stage I am sure. Economically, it might make decent sense to hold on to the Micra. Just because it is old doesn't mean it has to go. It could last another few good years doing the job it has been doing well. If the Micra is costing you little or nothing now, it isn't likely to depreciate too hard, while you could maximise the value of your Passat by trading it in now rather than letting the mileage get too high. 

To be honest, the obvious choice for me, if you were intending getting something similar but not quite as big would be to go for the new Volkswagen Jetta. It isn't quite as big as the Passat but feels every bit as good. You didn't mention a budget to us, so if you need to be more specific then come back to us, but the new Jetta would be an ideal purchase. 

Expert answer

Hi Mary,

You have sure left it late! There really is only a matter of days left on the scrappage scheme so make sure that you fit all the criteria and that you can get your car scrapped in time.

You can read our article on this here.

Anyway, since you have little time and you need a decent car that is cheap, economical and spacious I would say that a good buy would be the Renault Grand Mégane. You are likely to find one in stock and it is superb value. We reviewed the car recently here. It is a super car for the money. There is more available from the Renault website and if you are after space then this would fit the bill.

Anyway, you don't have a lot of time, so hurry!

Expert answer

Hi Bill,

As with all such jobs, we'd recommend it is done by an experienced mechanic. Special tools are sometimes required to remove these connections from fuel filters, though most of the time they're held on with clips that need to be pushed/pulled or squeezed in a certain way.

If you send us on a photograph we may be able to give you more specific advice.

Expert answer

Hi Sidney,

Changing body work on cars is always fiddly. Without seeing the car in front of us we couldn't give you a detailed set-by-step guide, but generally you'll need to get access from underneath the car to start with. It's possible that there will be several unusual fixings that require special tools so make sure you have a good look at what's holding it on before you start work.

Taking a quick look at a picture of the 2001 Mégane, make sure you pop the bonnet when you're doing the work, as there may be fixings hidden under there, as there may be behind the headlights.

Systematically remove each of the fixings from underneath first and don't forget to disconnect wiring from the fog lights - if fitted.

Obviously do not leave the keys in the ignition when carrying out this work and, as always, we recommend that this kind of job is only carried out by an experienced person.

Good luck!

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

It's not too difficult, but you need to access it from underneath the car, behind the bumper.

Enjoy!

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

Firstly Renault tell us that "All aftersales operations must be performed under very clean conditions and that work should ony be carried out by quailified person/s."
 
The Fuel filter is located behind the wheel arch liner on the driver's side.
 
1/To gain access, remove the driver's front wheel.
 
2/remove the wheel arch liner.
 
Depending on the vehicle,
 
DRAIN THE WATER IN THE FUEL FILTER - Drain the water in the fuel filter periodically

1/For filters without a water presence sensor: open the drain plug, let the water flow out, close the plug.

2/ For filters with a water presence sensor: disconnect the water presence sensor offset connector, unclip the water presense sensor connector, loosen the water presence sensor by one turn, let the water flow out,tighten the water presence sensor.

I hope this helps. If in doubt, seek the help of a trained service technician.

Expert answer

Hi Niamh,

We spoke by e-mail and now I have a better idea of your budgets there are a few good ideas. I think the Ford S-Max is probably my favourite car of this bunch. I quite like this one. It is diesel, looks great and has low mileage. We reckon you could get them down in price a little too. 

In relation to the choice between manual and auto in the C4 Picasso, that really is down to personal choice. It isn't the greatest auto ever but it isn't the worst either. You really should try it and see. The EGS box is a little jerky. Personally I wouldn't really fancy it but you should be the judge. This one is quite nice and has really low mileage. 

I wouldn't say not to consider Renaults, but they weren't a good vintage at the time, so personally I don't think I would be spending money on a 2007/2008 Scenic. They have got a lot better since then though. 

Lastly, you could try a VW Touran. It isn't that exciting but they hold their value really well and are nicely built. 

Anyway Niamh, if it were my money, I'd have the Ford S-Max.

I hope this helps.

Expert answer

Hi Noel,

Can you give us a little more information? The model year would be a good start. I assume you mean that the 'close' button on the key fob is the problem?

Thanks

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

The previous generation Renault Laguna had an awful reliabilty record, but this has certainly changed with the latest model. It actually ranked first in its class in the German JD Power reliability survey. 

There was a recall over a defective seatbelt, but this isn't mechanical and by and large the latest model has been pretty solid. 

That is about all the evidence we have so far on the car and up until now anyway the 2007 Laguna has been fine. 

I hope this helps! 

Expert answer

Hi Irene,

We're a little surprised that those two cars are being compared, as the Avensis Tourer is quite a bit more expensive than the Grand Mégane. To buy new anyway.

Because of the price gap it should be no surprise that the Avensis is a better car. It feels of higher quality and has a great reputation for reliability.

Still, don't dismiss the Mégane just yet. Although the Renault is technically a smaller class of car, the Grand Mégane is huge inside and the boot is not a lot smaller than the Toyota's (491 litres vs. 543).

The Renault is crammed with equipment as standard too, especially if you opt for the new 'Irish Edition'. It's also cheaper to run than the Toyota and there are Band A versions of the Mégane available so annual road tax could be cheaper.

In summary, if your decision is based on value, running costs and price then the Renault wins, but if those are not your priorities then the Avensis is a better car.

If you need more information please do come back to us.

Expert answer

Expert answer

Hi Mairead,

I guess it depends on how bad your Ibiza is. You will generally get a better deal as a cash buyer, but it will also probably cost you money to get rid of your Ibiza if you bring it to a scrap yard. Sadly you don't qualify for scrappage. but there are lots of good offers around, especially from the likes of Renault, who will give you a great scrappage price on a car eight years old or over. You could have any Renault Mégane within your budget. We recently drove the GT Line version of the Mégane and it looks great with tons of equipment including a built in TomTom navigation system. 

The Mazda3 diesel is €19,995 and you get air conditioning, Bluetooth, cruise control and alloy wheels as standard and it is a cracker of a car. I think given your budget that this would be an excellent choice. It has low emissions too, so annual road tax is just €104. 

Feel free to come back to us if any of these suggestions don't work. 

Expert answer

Hi Gerard,

That is a bit of a hard one. To be honest I would probably be looking in the direction of a pick-up truck and a Mitsubishi L200 would be the one I would go for with your budget. You would have to add a cover or find one with one, but something like this could really work.

Or if you needed a van, then this Renault Master could be ideal. It is within your budget and has lots of seats!

Expert answer

Hi Susan,

The answer is yes. We contacted Renault and they said if you pop back to your dealer they can sort it out for you. 

I hope this helps!

Expert answer

Hi Sharon,

Earlier Renault Méganes were not without their problems, but the latest ones have improved a lot. If you could let us know what year your Mégane is we can investigate your problem with Renault and see what they say.

Let us know.

Expert answer

Hi Lisa,

You don't mention whether your car is petrol or diesel or how many miles it has on it and that makes it difficult to give you an idea of the price on it. Could you come back to us with these details and we will do our best to help you?

Thanks

Expert answer

Hi Jane,

First things first. The petrol versus diesel debate. Everyone is very caught up on diesel cars right now and that makes a lot of sense when you are buying new because they have lower road tax, but since small cars tend not to use a lot of fuel, the road tax should be quite low anyway. The mileage you are likely to do might warrant a diesel, but the diesel small cars tend to be a lot more expensive, so in this case I would say that a petrol model would do you fine and still won't cost the earth to run.

The VW Polo is an excellent choice because it is really nicely built and holds its value well too. I did a search for ones with the lowest mileage within your budget from main SIMI dealers (so there is more security and better history checks on the car). A 2007 Volkswagen Polo with just 15,000km on the clock is within your budget and would be a really nice buy. It would be dead cheap to run too. 

This 2008 Ford Fiesta is really nice too; with 11,000km on the clock so it is practically brand new. This is a five-door model so it might be a little more practical. It is at the upper end of your budget but you wouldn't pay the advertised price. 

One I would love you to consider though is the Suzuki Swift. It is a smashing little car. It is really reliable, cute, nicely built and fun to drive. It's a 2008 model with low mileage for less than €9,000. 

I've always had a bit of a soft spot for the Renault Clio (it was my wife's first car and it was great) and you could find another one with ridiculously low mileage for less than €9,000 too. Here is one I liked the look of.

You wouldn't really go wrong with any of these. Personally, I'd be really tempted by that low-mileage Polo as a long term investment because you will always get a good bit of your money back. 

I hope all that helps

Expert answer

Hi there,

Well the obvious choice would be to go and get the latest Renault Laguna Sports Tourer, which could cost you as little as €23,090 under the scrappage scheme with a 2.0-litre diesel engine. This might be a bit over budget though. 

You are almost certainly going to get the best deal from a Renault dealership. The Grand Mégane is another option, but this only comes with a 1.5-litre diesel or 1.6-litre petrol. I am not sure why you would need it to be over 1.6-litre because the modern smaller engines are really good and the 1.5-litre diesel in the Mégane is really very competent. 

Hope that helps - if you need further advice please drop us a line in the comment box below

Expert answer

Hi Hany,

I guess this depends on you budget really and whether you can get the full scrappage allowance from Renault on your Fluence. If your car is ten years or older then obviously this car becomes very cheap and therefore very appealing.

If you are asking which is the best car of the two then I would say that the Mazda3 is a better car. It feels a little better built, has a better diesel engine and will almost certainly be worth more in three or four years time. 

However at the moment, the Fluence is so much cheaper that it really is hard to ignore it, so all things being equal, at the moment the Fluence is probably a better buy. I hope this helps! 

Expert answer

Hi William,

The first thing I would say is, do you really need a diesel? The diesel version of small cars tend to cost more and if you aren't really doing excessive mileage then you might not reap the benefits of owning one. For example a diesel Ford Fiesta costs €1,000 more than a petrol model and the annual road tax on the petrol model is only €156 - just €52 more per year than the diesel option. Often, in a small car, a petrol engine is really the best option.

The first car that you mention, the Fiesta, has been one of the real stars of the scrappage scheme and one of the best-selling cars in 2010 and for us, it is still the best supermini in the class. It is well built, drives really well and has pretty styling. The offers on the Fiesta for scrappage are very tempting and you can shop around to get the best deal, but you will find that there are greater discounts on the petrol models.

A car we rate here at CompleteCar.ie is the Volkswagen Polo and the 1.2-litre TDI BlueMotion model in particular is excellent offering outstanding fuel economy and ultra-low emissions. The Polo is the sort of car that you would like holding on to for four to five years as they age well.

There are obviously some incredible offers in the Renault range, as the company is offering by far the most generous discounts when it comes to new cars. You could have a petrol Clio from €8,990 under scrappage. There is a diesel version available too and with all the discounting this would come out as one of the cheapest five-door diesel superminis around.

I think if you are intent on diesel then perhaps you should look in value terms at a slightly larger car. I would be very tempted by a Hyundai i30 1.6-litre diesel. You can have one of these, which has five doors, is going to be very reliable and will cost you from €14,995 under scrappage, which is really excellent value.

However a car that has really impressed us of late is the new Nissan Juke. Here you are getting lots of car for the money. The diesel Juke starts at €20,195 (full price list here) and this car would qualify for scrappage as it has Band B emissions. 

That's a few for you to consider but do come back to us if you have more questions!

Expert answer

Hi Richard,

Firstly the car needs to be safe; it needs to be good value; and it needs to be reliable. We tend to encourage buying from SIMI dealers because you do have a little more comeback and the cars tend to be a little better, so having a look on the beepbeep.ie website we found a few options. 

The first model we have chosen is the Toyota Yaris, which will be ultra reliable and painless to run. There is one in Ardee that is within budget (you should get it for less if you haggle) and while this 2003 model has done 89,000 miles it will be capable of a whole lot more. 

I really like the Ford Fiesta and the model that was around in 2003 onwards is a great little car. This Fiesta is right on budget. 

The Renault Clio from 2004 was a lovely wee car and this one here has just 46,000 miles on the clock. I think they really suit young women, as they are rather chic. 

I guess the sensible choice here would be the Yaris, but I would probably have the Clio. 

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Alan

The scrappage scheme has been good news and as you might have seen today SIMI is calling for an extension of this. Unless this happens, there would be no point in you getting a new car at the end of the year under scrappage because the €1,500 that you would get off this in the case of something like an Insignia would not be as much as you could lose eventually by buying a car later in the year. 

Sure enough, you could buy the Laguna and get €3,000 off. It isn't an awful car, but there really isn't anything remarkable about it and I personally wouldn't spend over €20,000 on one. I actually think the Renault Fluence is a better buy than the Laguna and it costs much less. It is a fine big car and really well equipped. 

However, with your budget we could do a whole lot better. Supposing that you get at least €1,000 for your Corsa, then you still have a generous budget. There is always the temptation to look at the German cars and as long as you realise that these can get pricey to service and run as they get older, they can be a great buy. 

You have a staggering amount of choice. For sheer ease of ownership I have noticed that Lexus IS models are really good value now. You can get a 2008 IS 220d for under €25k and that would be a pretty nice car to own. Here is an example. 

If you were buying new or almost new, this 2010 Subaru Legacy diesel is also within your budget. 

However, you could go a little larger and get yourself a 2007 BMW 520d. This example is from a main dealer and has tiny mileage and would be a really nice car to own. It has done just 20,000km and is an automatic too with a nice spec for just €28,000. I would find it very hard to pass up on this car to be honest. You could opt for one with a manual gearbox and get lower road tax, but to be honest, this is where my money would go.

I hope this helps

Expert answer

Renault have come back to us with the information. 

The pressures in are front: 2.1 bar (30 psi)and rear 2.0 bar (29 psi) on the 225/55 R17s.

If you do a lot of motorway driving then these should be 2.2 bar (32 psi) front and 2.0 bar (29 psi) rear.

I hope this helps.

Expert answer

Hi Donal,

We got a little more information from you and we now know that your budget is around €20,000 with scrappage. The Corolla has grown in size as a saloon so I guess you aren't after something of that size. My first thought had been a Skoda Octavia diesel, which starts at €19,340, but this is also quite a big car so might not appeal.

Another excellent choice would be the new revised Mazda3. This comes with a good diesel engine and is available as a saloon, but isn't overly bulky. We drove this car recently and found it really competent. The four-door saloon version starts at €22,525, though there is €3,530 off in the scrappage deal so it would cost you €18,995, which is well under budget.

Another option would be the Renault Fluence. This is a substantial car and you get so much for the money. We had the top spec TomTom edition and although the sticker price is €23,500 it drops to €19,000 under scrappage. Read our review of the car here. However, if you think the new Corolla is too big, you may find that the Fluence is as well.

It is very hard to look beyond the Ford Focus too. The saloon might be just over your budget, but there is an excellent offer on the hatchback, which is €21,015. With scrappage this would be under budget.

In answer to your question, best for comfort, economy and reliability (and not too big), the Mazda seems to suit you best out of this lot, especially when it comes to the price. They are pretty good at holding their value too.

I hope this helps. Please feel free to come back to us if you have more questions. Just drop them into the comment box below.

Expert answer

Hi Patricia,

You're right, most seven-seat MPVs have tiny boots when all seven seats are in use. One car that springs to mind straightaway is the Renault Grand Espace. This has a little more luggage space than the regular Espace. We found one on beepbeep.ie for well under your budget: click here to have a look.

You mentioned that you don't like the idea of a minibus style car, but it's worth checking a few out. The Mercedes-Benz Viano can be had for your budget for instance.

Safety and reliability are your priorities. The Espace scored well in the Euro NCAP safety ratings when it was launched and though there were reliability issues early in its life, these seem to have been ironed out by now.

I realise that's a very limited response. It might be worth considering using a roof box. That would widen your choice a little.

Let me know if we can help any further and what you decide upon. You can reply by logging in and putting a comment in the box below.

Expert answer

There is no denying that the Fluence is a lot of car for the money. The TomTom edition you mention is €23,500 and it comes with all the bells and whistles and depending on your car and how old it is it could end up costing you just €19,000. This Renault is loaded with kit and the multimedia system in it is really good.

The Astra will cost you €24,155 in SRi spec so you are starting off at a higher price and the Fluence will still have better equipment levels than the Astra.

These are two quite different cars. The Astra will be much more sporty and will feel more agile, while the Renault is aimed more at comfort and space. You are likely to get a better offer on your Corsa from the Opel dealer, but a greater discount from the Renault dealer.

It really would depend on the driving you intend to do and how long you will keep this car. If I were up and down a motorway all day and in the car a lot, I would have the Renault. If I was a keen driver and enjoyed the odd back road blast I'd probably have the Opel. In terms of value, the Renault has the edge, but the Opel might be worth more in three years time.

This is a case where you really just have to drive both cars and trust your feeling on them.

Up to you from here. Let us know in the comment box below how you get on.

Expert answer

Yes, your car is eligible for the scrappage scheme. The best car you could get, if your budget stretches, is the Renault Fluence, which would cost €15,800 under the scrappage scheme. 

Renault also has a special option for taxi drivers:

"Renault has a specific extended warranty programme of up to 5 years with unlimited mileage for taxis.

Renault Ireland is the first car company on the Irish market to offer very high mileage customers like taxi drivers who purchase a Renault, this extended warranty programme. Drivers can opt for a 4^th year or 5^th year extended warranty with unlimited mileage from €529.00."

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Damian,

The Scenic's problems are well documented. We're not aware of a good set of data from Irish buyers, but in the UK, the Driver Power Survey 2010 revealed that 20 percent of Scenic owners reported electrical problems and the car scored particularly poorly in terms of reliability and build quality.

It also depends on what model you are talking about. Look out for the following:

1999 - 2003 model: leaky sunroofs, broken wiper motors, automatic gearbox problems and oil leaks.

2003 - 2009 model: ignition coil, auxiliary belt tensioner, timing belt, alternator, fuel filter, crankshaft sensor, oil leaks, idler pulley, water pump, thermostat, catalytic converter, door seal and sunroof leaks, problems with the key card and battery faults.

We're not saying that every version will have all or any of those problems, but these have been reported by previous owners.

Expert answer

Hi Sinead,

Well your car does qualify for the scrappage scheme, which ends on December 31^st this year. All dealers who have cars that qualify for scrappage (new cars with emissions of 140g/km or less, Band A and B cars) are partaking in the scheme - at this stage most mainstream brands have some cars that qualify.

Renault is offering the best deals when it comes to the scrappage scheme and although you might not have considered a new car, it would probably make the most cost effective way of getting into another car as you will get the most money for your current Clio and the most money off a new one.

For example, if you were to trade-in your current Clio against a new version under the scrappage scheme it would cost you just €8,990 for a new one, so essentially, along with the Government allowance, you are getting a total of €5,050 off the price of a new car, and you certainly won't get this off a used one. You might, at best, hope for €1,000 off a used car for your 1999 model, so you might just get a 2008 Clio with your budget.

In summary, if your budget allows, go and get a new Clio under the scheme.

Expert answer

Well firstly, congratulations on your impending arrival. I am going to be conservative and say that you might get around €4,000 for your Focus, but let's say that you have a budget of around €14,000.

You could indeed have a Ford Galaxy for this price, with a 2005 model with 79,000 miles (1.9 110hp diesel) costing you €12,950. 

It seems to be hard enough to find examples of the Alhambra around that are on sale from official SIMI dealers, which is something we would recommend, but you would pay very similar money for an equivalent Alhambra.

The Sharan is pretty much identical to the Alhambra, but they tend to end up a little bit more expensive because of the VW badge on the front, so I think these should probably be avoided, as there is no major benefit for quite a lot of extra money.

In terms of alternatives, there are a few you could look at. Have you considered the Opel Zafira? The rear seats might not be as big as you would like, but they are fine for small ones and it is a nicer car to drive than the ones you have mentioned.

If you wanted something a lot newer, you could have a petrol Renault Grand Scenic. We found a 2008 example with low mileage for under €14,000. I know you might prefer a diesel, but if your mileage is low then this could be a good buy.

In terms of your query on mileage on older cars, it isn't unusual for cars like this to have low mileage, because they tend to do things like short school runs and are often second cars in families. However, you can always be as sure as possible by buying from an SIMI dealer. 

Expert answer

Hi there,

There are very few small diesel cars available under the scrappage scheme that match your budget, but there are quite a few small petrol models that run the diesels close in terms of fuel economy. 

You could have the Fiat 500 for €9,995 under the scheme, which although it is petrol, is Band A, with just €102 per year road tax. 

You could have a Fiat Grande Punto, a much larger car, for €9,995 or, if you really wanted a diesel one you could have that for €12,495.

The Ford Ka, a similar car to the 500, would cost just €7,995 under the scheme, with the even better Fiesta costing €11,700, but again these are petrol models. 

Similarly, the Renault Clio is a smashing little car and a petrol one will cost you just €8,990 under the scheme, but a diesel one will cost you €12,200. 

The Hyundai i10, a five-door model, is also worth a look. The 1.2-litre, 78bhp petrol i10 is a good little car and comes with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions. Hyundai will add a further €2,000 to the Government's €1,500 discount, so the i10 effectively starts at €8,495. 

Our advice is that you forget about a diesel under scrappage unless you are prepared to up your budget. 

Out of that lot, I'd take a strong look at the Fiesta, or if you must stick to €10,000, perhaps the Ford Ka or the Fiat 500.

Expert answer

The short answer is yes this is a good car and more so because the scrappage offer is outstanding and no other car firm can quite match what Renault is offering in terms of discount. There is no other car out there at the moment that offers so much for the price and of course it is also very cheap to run and looks great.

Hope this helps.

Expert answer

The reason we have talked about the Qashqai+2 a lot of late is that there seems to be quite a few people asking us about seven seats, but not really wanting an MPV. The Verso is an MPV, so as such is usually compared to its main rivals such as the Ford C-MAX and Renault Scenic.

Compared to the Qashqai+2, the Verso comes with a 2.0-litre diesel engine and the Qashqai+2 usually comes with a 1.5-litre diesel engine. The Verso has more power with 125hp against 104hp in the Qashqai+2. The Verso has faster acceleration (about two seconds faster to 100km/h from rest) and in terms of fuel economy the Verso again is slightly more frugal. The CO₂ emissions in are both Band C, with road tax of €302. However the new Qashqai+2 does drop a tax band to Band B.

Both cars have five-star Euro NCAP safety ratings and come with multiple airbags. ESP (electronic stability control) is standard fit on both cars too. The rear-most row of seats would be more generous in the Verso compared to the Qashqai+2 even though they share an almost identical wheelbase. There is also more shoulder room in the second and third row of seats.

In terms of price, a 2009 Verso will cost you about €25,000 - €27,000, while a new Qashqai+2 will cost you from €30,450 for a new one and about €26,000 - €27,000 for a 2009 model.

Both have pretty poor luggage space with the rear-most seats in place, but loads with the third row folded, so it depends how often you intend using the seats.

I hope this helps.

Expert answer

Hi Ray

I understand that your Corolla saloon has 68,000 km (42,000 miles) on it. Prices seem to be fairly consistent for them and you should probably expect about €8,000 - €9,000 as a trade-in, which isn't bad because your mileage is quite low.

Your budget is €4,000 and you need a seven-seater and you want something that is going to be reliable, comfortable and safe. I understand that you are being asked to spend €3,000 with your own car for a 2005 model and €4,500 for a 2006 model Scenic. This seems a little steep to me and steep to our Renault advisor. Also the Scenic, as it ages doesn't always stand up in terms of reliability. 

However, if money is an issue, I would be inclined to go for a petrol version of the Scenic, which can be picked up for half the price of the petrol models.

However if you want something reliable I would think you might stick with Toyota and get a Verso. 

Something like this 1.6-litre petrol model would be a super buy and it is from an SIMI dealer.

http://tiny.cc/47qyu

Expert answer

Hi Pat

The Nissan Tiida could probably be best described as an experiment that didn't really work in Ireland. Once Nissan had stopped production of the Almera, a car that was very popular in Ireland, Nissan were left with something of a gap in their product range. Rather than leaving this empty they took on the Tiida, which was a car that was sold in markets such as the Middle East, and as the Nissan Versa in the United States and in any market it was sold it was a budget buy.
There is nothing wrong with the Tiida, but it just isn't the most exciting car to drive or probably own and for that reason it has received a pretty lukewarm reception in Ireland.

There is €4,000 off the Tiida at the moment (including government allowance), so that means you would get the Tiida Diesel for €16,480. If you just want a car for getting from A to B then this will do the job perfectly fine.

However, the reason Nissan haven't been overly worried by the Tiida is that they have been selling shedloads of their Qashqai and that is a really excellent vehicle. It sits quite high up, is quite cheap to run and will be reliable. There is a new 2010 model too and there is a €4,000 scrappage offer on that too at the moment.

The Qashqai 1.5d XE costs €23,995 and with €4,000 off that you would be just about under budget and this would be an infinitely better buy than the Tiida, albeit a fair bit more expensive that the Tiida.

You can read our review of the new Qashqai here

http://www.completecar.ie/testdrives/article/Nissan/Qashqai/Qashqai/231/53

And details on the new Qashqai can be found at this part of the Nissan site

http://www.nissan.ie/new_vehicles/pricing.aspx?CarID=137

There are lots of other cars to consider with your budget

You could have a Hyundai i30, which is an excellent 5-door hatchback from €15,995 under the scheme.

The Ford Focus 1.6 Diesel would be well under your budget, or you could try the new Renault Fluence, if you fancied a saloon. Here is a review I did on it for The Irish Times recently http://tiny.cc/30ag3

I am not sure if any of these will float your boat, but please feel free to come back to us for more advice.

Out of this lot, I'd have the Qashqai though.

Expert answer

There is a relatively new version of the Fabia and that might not come in under budget, even with scrappage. The new model starts at €12,265 so with scrappage it would be €10,765, but if you could stretch to this it would be a very good buy.

The Ka will cost you just €7,995 under the scheme and this is great value for what is a smart little car, but it is small and only available as a three-door. 

The Hyundai i10 is a car that is superb value under scrappage, costing just €8,495 for the five-door and €9,495 for the three-door model.

As regards the Clio, you can have a three-door for €8,990 under the scheme. A five-door model will cost more, at €11,280.

Out of these, for a car to keep for 10 years, I'd suggest you try to haggle and get the Fabia as I think it would age best, but following that it would be the i10 because this car should be ultra reliable to. 

Without sitting on the fence though, I would say to try all of these and make your mind up after the test drive.

Expert answer

Hello Breda,

I have driven both of these cars and they are both good value and will be cheap to run too. The offers on the Renault Mégane at the moment under the scrappage scheme are pretty hard to resist.

An 86hp diesel version will cost you from €14,800 and that is seriously good value. You can get better equipped variants for a little more and the higher powered version is €18,400. I enjoyed my week in the TOMTOM edition and it came with a very clever multimedia centre.

You can find the prices and details here:

http://renault.ie/cars/grandmegane/prices.html

The Mégane never really stood out against its rivals until the scrappage scheme, but now it is the second-biggest selling model under the scheme. Price is the key here. It is a decent sized estate car for the price of a supermini. Renaults are way better built than they were before, so you can probably expect few problems if any.
To drive it is comfortable, very easy to live with and the fuel economy is super.

The other French car you have in mind is the Peugeot 308 SW. This starts at €25,475 (for the diesel) and comes with a more powerful 110hp diesel engine. Obviously this is quite a major price difference. Under the scrappage scheme however you get €4,000 off this so it will end up at €21,475. This is good value for what is a high quality car and it is much better than the 307 SW that is replaces.

Here are the details of the Peugeot scrappage offers:

http://www.peugeot.ie/contentv3/index.cfm?fuseaction=page&pageID=18547&parentID=18457

There is a €6,675 difference between the two cars as it stands under the scrappage scheme and equipment levels are likely to be very similar. Under normal circumstances, if the prices were similar, I would say go for the Peugeot, but I'd say out of these two you are getting so much for your money with the Renault, then perhaps go for that.

Expert answer

Hi Angela,

Let's start with looking at the prices of the cars you listed when bought new:

Kia cee'd: 1.6-litre diesel starts at €18,550. There are four versions to chose from, including an automatic and a version that sneaks into band A for tax.

Kia Venga: only available with Kia's new 1.4-litre turbodiesel engine. There are just two trim options, LX and EX and the price is either €18,320 or €19,615. Both have emissions of 117g/km, which means cheap band A road tax.

Hyundai i30: five versions of the same 1.6-litre diesel engine (CRDi) available. Ranging from €18,495 to €25,495. There's an automatic option and two different power outputs, the lower of which is in band A.

Peugeot 308: five versions of the same 1.6-litre diesel engine (HDi). Ranging from €19,795 to €24,335. Four of these are in band A, including the 'Ecomatique' automatic version.

SEAT Leon: a massive eight-model diesel (TDI) range in both 1.9- and 2.0-litre sizes. Two of them drop into band A, while the fastest 2.0-litre model is in band C. Prices range from €20,105 to €26,290.

As your question was purely about value, then it comes down to the Hyundai and Kias. We found the Venga to be quite impressive, though it's a pity there is so little choice in the range.

This appears to boil down to the Hyundai i30 and Kia cee'd. The latter was facelifted earlier this year and it's an even better car than before, but what tips the balance in the Kia's favour is its untouchable warranty. All models get a seven-year warranty, which is huge peace of mind.

Depending on your budget limits you should also take a look at the Skoda Octavia.

I assume you don't have a car to trade in on the scrappage scheme, as that would change things a little. Renault for instance has fantastic offers on its Mégane.

Obviously all of these cars can be had second-hand too, where you'll get a higher spec car for the same money, albeit with kilometres on the clock.

Let us know what you decide or if you have any other questions just pop them in the comment box below.

Thank you

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

That is a very interesting question. You only have to look at the difference in pricing through various different genre of cars to see that we have not had cars as cheap here in Ireland in years and even when you compare them to prices in Europe things are favourable. This is of course little solace to those who find obtaining credit virtually impossible.

Manufacturers are constantly streamlining methods of production and there is much greater co-operation between manufacturers in terms of powertrain sharing and platform sharing, but the simple explanation of the reduction in prices here in Ireland is of course the easing of taxation slightly. New cars, as I am sure you are aware, are now taxed according to their CO₂ emissions and this means that cars that might once have been subjected to 30 percent VRT under the old system are now only subject to 16 percent, because of advances in engine technology. When you look at cars like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series now with emissions of less than 140g/km, as long as the present taxation system is in place, prices will remain quite low. Manufacturers are also likely to keep prices low to their retailers as every incentive needs to remain in place to keep sales moving throughout a sluggish global economy.

In answering your question, I would say that the lowering of prices certainly hasn't finished, especially here in Ireland. This year there has been a lot of discounting from manufacturers such as Renault who is aggressively targeting market share. Even when scrappage ends in December I can't see an end to this straight away, as next year, without the scrappage incentives, manufacturers and retailers will need to come up with a whole new set of incentives to draw nervous buyers back into the showrooms.

Expert answer

Hi Paul.

It's true, Lada's owners, which include the Renault-Nissan alliance, have said that it makes sense to bring the brand back to this side of Europe. If that happens it's also likely that the cars will be made in right-hand drive for the UK and Ireland.

I agree it'll take some marketing genius to turn around the image side of things, but bear in mind that Skoda was once seen as no better than a Lada - and look at it now.

The reasoning behind all this is apparently to beat the Chinese car makers to it. Renault-Nissan will be represented at the super-cheap end of the market by Dacia and Lada before the likely arrival of a handful of Chinese manufacturers.

Whether they'll be successful in Ireland or not remains to be seen. You reckon that the budget end is already pretty busy? Maybe there's room for new cars at an even lower price.

Expert answer

That is a very good question. The scrappage scheme makes sense to a certain number of people, but it certainly isn't for everyone. It was set up to clean up the nation's car park and to that effect is designed to get cars of 10 years or more off the roads. Plus, there is the additional clause that any car bought under scrappage must be from Band A or B, with CO₂ emissions of less than 140g/km, which isn't going to suit all buyers either.

The Government has offered €1,500 off the VRT of the car and while you might argue that you could haggle this off in a cash deal, the fact is that you will get this for even the worst car that could be worth barely €50. Even the most skilled haggler is unlikely to get more than €1,000 off the price of a small car from a cash deal, but you will get this in a scrappage trade-in.

Also, in many cases the manufacturers are offering further incentives for scrappage deals such as additional discounts. In the case of Renault for example, there are thousands given to owners of cars of 8 or 10 years or older that you wouldn't get if you were buying in cash. So in this case scrappage is a strong incentive and is worth it.

Expert answer

Firstly, there are probably more diesel automatic cars in Ireland than you might think, but they tend to be executive models rather than mainstream family cars because it seems that there still isn't a huge demand for them.

Toyota does in fact sell an automatic version of its Avensis. It is a 2.2-litre 150bhp diesel and that costs €35,530. Since you mentioned the Toyota Avensis we must assume that you are after a family saloon or hatchback so for a start you could have a Ford Mondeo 2.0-litre TDCi Style Auto for €32,225 - that comes as a saloon, hatchback or estate.

For you a few quid more you can have the run out version of the Jaguar X-Type 2.2 Diesel Auto for €32,995 or you could have the Mercedes-Benz B180 CDi Auto from €33,640.

There are loads of versions of the excellent Opel Insignia available with a choice of 130- or 160bhp diesel engines in saloon, hatchback or estate body styles. There are 24 different Insignia diesels available in total. Prices start at €30,380. You can have a Renault Laguna 2.0-litre dCi 150 TomTom Edition for €36,890.

A Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI with the excellent DSG gearbox will cost you from €35,960 and Skoda will sell you something with DSG for even less. How about an Octavia RS 2.0-litre diesel with 170bhp and DSG for €31,195? For us, that last car is the top choice. However you could stick with Skoda and go much bigger and that would be the Superb. You can have that with DSG and 170bhp for €31,195.

There is a fuel economy penalty in some cases and that is because the traditional automatic transmission has a torque converter. Automatic cars are generally a little heavier too, to the detriment of economy. Saying that, the latest generation of dual-clutch automatics and some of the newest conventional autos have massively improved.

Fuel economy and CO₂ emissions are directly linked, so often the manual version of a car can be in a lower tax band than their automatic siblings, but this is starting to change as mentioned above.

Expert answer

For this we spoke to Gerry Devine in Team PR Reilly: "There are three things that need to be done to fix this problem. Step 1, remove the bird poo from the car with Turtle Wax Bug and Tar Remover. Spray some Bug and Tar Remover onto the affected area and leave for approximately 45 seconds to let it work. Wipe off all bird poo and residue. Step 2 is to rectify the burnt spots on the car. We suggest you use a cutting compound to try and get rid of the mark left behind (we recommend Turtle Wax Safe Cut liquid). Step 3 is to polish the car using a polish with a slight cut in it (we recommend Turtle Wax Original). Make sure the car is clean and dirt free before polishing. This should do the trick. If the bird poo has been embedded on the car for some time, the burnt spot may be too bad to remove yourself and you may need to get the job done professionally."

Hope that helps Maura.