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Hi Paxton,

Well, it depends what you mean by SUV. Large? Small? Proper 4x4 or front-wheel drive? Our favourites run the gamut from Peugeot 2008 to Skoda Yeti to Honda CR-V to Kia Sorento to BMW X5, but it just depends what you’re looking for.

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Hi Steve,

That fault code indicates a wiring issue somewhere that may well be your problem, but would require a good auto electrician to sort out. 

However, before doing that, a known issue with that car causing similar problems is a faulty engine coolant temperature sensor that intermittently sends the wrong signal to the car's brain and causes all kinds of problems. It needs to be replaced and shouldn't cost the earth.

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Hi Philip,

The Octavia RS is a much sportier car overall with a more driver-focused chassis (though firmer and less comfortable). However, the new D4 Volvo engine is superior in every way (assuming you mean the new 181hp four-cylinder one tested here). 

So, personally, I would have the Skoda look, spec and chassis, but the Volvo engine and running costs!

Depends what's important to you...

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Hi Grainne,

I'd say you can expect to get about €8,000 and €9,000 as a trade-in value for your Corolla, although that could vary quite a bit from dealer to dealer. As for the cars you're looking at, a diesel Golf or Octavia would probably be ideal for the type of driving you're looking at doing, but if it's refinement you need, then I'd go for the Volkswagen over the Skoda - there's not a lot in it, but the Golf is that bit quieter.

Hope that helps

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Hi Paul,

You know what? While I'm a big, big fan of the Skoda, especially in estate form, I think I'll recommend the Hyundai. It's more expensive, true enough, but it's also bigger, exceptionally well equipped, frugal and very comfy to drive. And of course it has Hyundai's excellent five-year, unlimited mileage warranty too. It's something of an unsung hero in fact.

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Hi Emer,

If you're spending around €10k and want the car to last for a decade, I'd say your best bet is to buy nearly-new and go for one of the Volkswagen small car triplets - the Volkswagen up!, Skoda Citigo or SEAT Mii. All three are genuinely brilliant cars, mechanically quite simple (which means reliable), safe, fun to drive without being fast and really quite cool. Should keep your student drivers happy.

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Hi Christopher,

I think what you need here is a car of medium height, not low slung like a hatch or tall like an SUV, but in the middle, so that it's easy (apologies for being indelicate) to get your bum on the seat and swing your legs in more easily. A tall hatch, essentially. So perhaps have a look at a five-door Ford C-Max, or possibly a Honda Civic or Volkswagen Golf Plus. They usually present an easier entry-exit setup than something more low and rakish. Try a few out and see what works best for you.

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Hi Stephen,

Would you consider a Skoda Yeti? It's a similar size to the Juke but much more spacious, with a more sophisticated cabin and brilliant rear seats that can tip, fold and be removed altogether if you need extra load space. The boot on the front-drive diesel models should be plenty big enough to take a scooter or wheelchair too, and the DSG automatic gearbox is available. I presume you're already familiar with the work the Irish Wheelchair Association does with modifying cars for hand control, so that should be a simple enough process for you. A cracking car, the Yeti - brilliant to drive and very practical, and with a new model coming later this year, you should be able to argue yourself a decent deal on a new one.

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Hi Denis,

Both are excellent cars, but we'd go for the Octavia. It's more spacious by far and surely that's the whole point of having an estate. Cracking car.

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Hi Deirdre,

Well, if you're not actually pulling anything, you shouldn't really need actual four-wheel drive, so I suggest either a Skoda Yeti Greenline or, if you fancy something a little larger, a Mazda CX-5 150hp Sport. Both have CO₂ emissions of 119g/km so cost just the €200 a year to tax. By comparison, a MINI Cooper diesel costs €190. 

If you really need the four-wheel drive, there are all-wheel drive versions of both cars but you're into higher purchase prices and tax bands in both cases.

Come back to us if you'd like more help