Expert answer

Hi Liam,

Generally speaking it is reliable, but there are a couple of things to keep an eye out for. Electrical problems can usually be traced to an engine management system fault. It can often be fixed by a software update but sometimes the whole black box will need replacing. 

Rear seat folding hinges can jam and door locks can give trouble too. Oh, and if it's an SVE model beware of tyres - they're an odd specification and can be hard to source. 

Expert answer

Hi Sandra,

Dodgy diesel can do a lot worse than just damage the fuel pump. I reckon, and sorry to be the bearer of bad news, you either need a complete strip-down and rebuild or possibly a complete replacement engine. That laundered diesel (and petrol) is nasty stuff, so avoid any fuel seller that appears to be even slightly less than kosher, especially in the areas around the North/South border. Sticking to the big brands may cost a few more cent per litre, but a new engine is a heck of a lot more expensive than that.

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Hi Stephen,

Unless your surname happens to be Axa or Aviva, you need to stick to a 1.0-litre engine. Now, depending on your budget, that might not be the motoring purgatory that you think it is. If you can stretch to it, a Volkswagen up!, Skoda Citigo or SEAT Mii are all terrific to drive and funky to look at and all come with a rev-happy little 1.0-litre lump. Ditto recent versions of the Ford Fiesta with the non-turbo version of the three-cylinder Ecoboost engine.

Need to buy something older and cheaper? Track down an Opel Corsa 1.0. Not the most exciting car, but safe, solid and decent to drive. Older again? Consider a Nissan Micra from the '90s. Yes, it's slow but it's more enjoyable in the corners than you might think and they go forever on minimal maintenance.

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Hi Mick,

Well, there's a significant difference here in that the Juke is much smaller (and in fairness less expensive) than either the Yeti or Sportage. It's fun to drive too but to be honest I think its lack of rear seat and boot space counts it out here (though the 2015 model has a larger boot than before in two-wheel drive guise). 

The Sportage is a good choice - good looking, high quality and with that long Kia warranty. But it's the Yeti we'd go for. It is well made, good to drive and massively practical.

Further reading:

Skoda Yeti review

Skoda Yeti vs. Fiat 500L Trekking twin test review

Nissan Juke review

Kia Sportage review

Expert answer

Hi Eva,

Actually, these are two quite different cars - the Tucson is a heftier vehicle. If we were comparing new Hyundai ix35 with new Qashqai then I'd have to give the nod to the Qashqai, but in the case of these older versions, I think the Hyundai just might shade it. It's bigger inside, with more space in the back seats and boot than the first generation Qashqai.

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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.

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Hi Wayne,

The Mii has a tank capacity of 35 litres, including a 'reserve' of four litres. That's when the warning beep occurs. Obviously how far the car will then drive will depend on a wide range of factors, so don't take a chance...

Expert answer

Hi Thomas,

I've just emailed you the full PDF brochure from Audi, but the spec highlights are:

Priced from: €63,350 on-the-road (€2,600 extra for S Tronic automatic)

Standard:

- 19-inch five-arm alloy wheels

- Metallic Paint as standard

- Fine Nappa Leather upholstery with S embossing

- Extended Leather Package

- Super Sports Seats

-LED Headlights

- Anti-Theft Alarm

- Virtual Cockpit (S Model Specific with rev clock front and centre)

- Audi Drive Select

Hope that's of help

Expert answer

Hi Jane,

I have to admit I'm not a big fan of the current X3. Too hard-riding and not practical enough for my liking, although I'll grant you it's very good to drive. 

But, while the Outlander isn't the most exciting or dynamic vehicle around, it does have a few advantages. It can be had as a seven-seater, it comes with an eight-year warranty and Mitsubishis tend to be very reliable.

Best of all, for the price of an X3 you could get into the PHEV plugin hybrid Outlander, which is a properly ground breaking car. Get an E-Car charger on the driveway (you should still be able to get a free one if you're quick) and you'll be able to go 50km without using the petrol engine, but you still have a proper fuel tank on board for long journeys and can average 40mpg with the petrol engine going. 

Can't go wrong, really...

Further reading:

BMW X3 review (pre-facelift model)

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV review (first Irish drive)

Expert answer

Hi Barbara,

It's always cheaper overall to stick with the car you've got and repair it, unless we're talking about an old Ferrari or something...

I'd say a new timing chain could keep your Micra going for a good long while yet but if you really want to change to something new then your best bets, in terms of similarly sized cars, are the Honda Jazz, Toyota Yaris, Skoda Fabia, Volkswagen Polo or SEAT Ibiza.