Expert answer

Hi Jon,

I'm afraid this sort of thing is nigh on impossible to diagnose from afar as there are so many factors at work. Here are a few things to look at, but really, you need a mechanic to take a look:

- Hook it up to a diagnostic machine and get any error codes - that could save time

- Perhaps the glo plugs aren't working - they'd be needed in this cold weather (if it's diesel)

- Maybe the fuel tank pump isn't working. Turn the ignition on and you should hear a buzz from under the rear seats

- Is there sufficient fuel in the tank?

Best of luck with it - let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Jonny,

The Astra is not a bad choice and the current Ford Focus Estate is simply massive inside too. But, to be honest, if it's a compact estate you're after then there are really only two serious games in town - the Kia  cee'd SW and the Skoda Octavia Combi. Both are terrifically well made, reliable and, if you get the 1.6 diesel engine in either, very frugal. And both have absolutely enormous boots - more than 500 litres each. Cracking cars both, so simply take your pick. The Kia has the better warranty, the Skoda is perhaps slightly nicer inside.

Let us know which way you go with it

Expert answer

Hi Laurie,

Well, I'm assuming that, as you have a Rio, you won't want to see your price tag or running costs rise by too much, so how about a Skoda Fabia Combi estate? Similar in size and running costs to the Rio, but with a massive boot that should easily take your golf clubs (although you should bring them on the test drive to make sure they slot in OK - better safe than sorry). 

If the Fabia is still too small and you want to stay within the Kia family, then what about a cee'd SW estate? Masses of space, frugal 1.6 diesel engine and you should get a decent deal on a one- to two-year old example, still with lots of that nice full-sized Kia warranty to run.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi there,

If you don't need acres of space in the back seats, go for a Suzuki Swift - it's small, reliable, frugal and lots of fun to drive. If you need a bit more in the way of cabin or boot space, consider a Skoda Fabia Combi estate.

Expert answer

Hi Shane,

If it's a small petrol hatch you're looking for then I think the best options are either a Ford Focus with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo engine (the 100hp version is the sweetest) or either one of the three Volkswagen Group hatches (Golf, Skoda Octavia or SEAT Leon) with the brilliant 1.2 TSI turbo. Both engines, if driven gently, should yield close-to-diesel fuel economy.

Incidentally, your point about higher seats being easier to get in and out of for elderly drivers is well made. It might be worth checking out something nearly-new along the lines of a Golf Plus or Ford C-Max in that regard.

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

OK, cards on the table - I'm a bit of a MINI fan. In fact, I actually own one - a Clubman Cooper D. Which possibly makes me more susceptible to the charms of a Countryman than would otherwise be the case. Which also possibly explains why, when many of my colleagues deride it for being too big, too fat and too ugly to be a proper MINI, I argue in its defence. I point out that, just as Porsche with the Cayenne or Maserati with the Quattroporte, there's no point in trying to limit a brand to one car or one type of car - all brands have to expand to draw in as many customers as they can. Then there's the fact that, while it's VERY colour and spec sensitive when it comes to looks, I think that in the right rig-out, a Countryman is actually quite a desirable looking car.

Apart from all of that, it's a big, spacious family hold-all that manages to retain just enough of the small MINI handling and steering characteristics to justify it wearing the same badge. While a similarly priced Skoda Yeti makes for a much more sensible purchase, I've got a soft spot for the MINI. Other opinions are available. They're wrong, but they're available.

Expert answer

Hi Shane,

Ok, if you want to trim your tax, then your best hope is to get into a much more compact car. I'd suggest trading down to a five-door hatchback, and seeing as you do such low mileage, I'd suggest going for petrol - you'll find it much less trouble than diesel. 

How about a Skoda Octavia 1.2 TSI petrol turbo? Near to diesel levels of economy but no diesel particulate filter (DPF) to worry about, Band B emissions so you'll pay just €280 to tax it and it's also nice to drive and damn near as spacious as your old Mondeo.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

You've not mentioned whether you have the Superb or the Octavia, but either way our data suggests that the recommended service interval for the 1.6 TDI timing belt is 140,000 miles (225,000 kilometres) or every four years.

We'd suggest erring on the side of caution with timing belts always, especially on a car that you've not owned yourself from new.

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

Right, obviously it's always a bit of a scare when you slip on the road and damage your car, and it's natural for the reaction to be "I'd better get a 4x4." Hang on though, because there are 4x4s and 4x4s... First off, the Tuscon. According to the official figures, the 2.0-litre diesel 4x4 Tuscon does 39mpg while the 2.0-litre petrol model does 35mpg. We'd bet that you'll struggle to match those figures on the road and will instead get around 30mpg on average. Also, 4x4 Tuscons are a little tricky to track down in Ireland.

So, as an alternative, why not consider a Skoda Octavia 4x4? You know you like the car, the all-wheel drive system is just as good at finding traction as any big SUV's and the lower, lighter body means you won't pay as heavy a fuel consumption penalty. We've found one for sale on Carzone for just over €10k, so they're not even too expensive.

Worth a look, at any rate.

Expert answer

Hi Susan,

For your budget, you could consider an Audi A3 1.9 TDI five-door. Classy, good to drive and very economical. Perhaps not the most spacious car in the world in the back and boot, but it will take a buggy.

Or, how about a car based on the same mechanical package as the A3, but with the boot space to be able to handle a whole creche's worth of kiddy clobber? I speak of course of the Skoda Octavia. A brilliant car, with tonnes of space, and your budget would get you a 2008 model with the 1.9 TDI diesel engine in range-topping 'Elegance' trim. So, comfy then.

Skoda not your thing? Want something classier? I have just the thing... How about a 2008 Volvo V50 estate with the 1.6-litre diesel engine? An easy 50mpg, family practicality thanks to the estate body and your mind will be forever at ease on the safety front.

What do you think?