Expert answer

Hi James,

It sounds to us that the car is losing fuel pressure and there is air in the system. You really need to take it to a qualified, experienced mechanic to fix this properly.

Let us know how you get on

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Hi Philip,

We put this to Kyle Fortune, one of our UK-based writers, as he's the only one of the team that has driven both cars:

"The Jaguar will undoubtedly feel like more of an event initially, the V6's engine and exhaust note are superb, though in some ways it's extrovert sound does promise more than the engine ultimately delivers. It's agile, fast and easy to drive, with an edge that makes it fun, too. The Cayman GTS is a different proposition; it's mid- rather than front-engined, which immediately makes it feel more exotic, even if familiarity - there are lots of Boxsters and Caymans out there, and less F-Types - does lessen its impact. Neither will disappoint, but the Porsche is the more engaging, more polished drive. It's arguably the best sports car you can buy, though the Jag runs it close. Clincher for me would be that the Cayman GTS is available as a manual, the Jag only an automatic."

Hope that's of interest!

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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. 

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Hi Kevin,

Absolutely, an impressively reliable car. What the old-shape Sportage lacks in style compared to the current model, it makes up for in solidity of construction and also being quite a pleasant car to drive. Check underneath for damage caused by over-enthusiastic off-roading (a 4x4 Sportage really will tackle the tough stuff too) and make sure it has a full service history so that the remains of the seven-year warranty are intact. The cabins can be prone to wear and tear too, so check carefully for anything falling off inside, but mechanically they’re very robust.

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Hi Jim,

Because it has the slightly less desirable petrol engine, I'd say you're looking at a value of around €9,000. €8,000 on a trade-in.

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Hi Ann,

Yeah, you might just scrape into a 2012 model in either car but to be fair, though rolling back to a 2011 or even a 2010 (assuming that condition and history are OK) isn't really going to be any hardship. As for the C4 Picasso, well it's a very, very different type of car altogether - a big, spacious family MPV rather than a low-slung sports saloon. They're nice and comfy, but won't be as well built as either of the German cars.

If it were our choice to make, we'd go with the Audi - comfy, decent to drive and reliable.

Expert answer

Hi Ian,

It's a rough calculation but I reckon you're looking in the region of €7,000 of VRT. Of course, if it's a new car you may have to pay the VAT as well, but the best thing to do is contact your local Revenue office and talk it through. They're pretty helpful, generally.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Jim,

No, I'd say you're in the right ballpark. Obviously any dealer worth their salt will try to low-ball you, but I'd say between €7,500 and €8,500 is a reasonable target. The nice thing is that your E60 5 Series is often better regarded than its replacement, the F10, and with the turbo problems that afflict the 520d, your petrol 523i could well find a welcoming home.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Jim,

Yup, very good. Nicely specced these days and usually good value for money. One thing to watch - Zetec Focus models usually have stiffer, sportier suspension which can make the ride quite bouncy. Take a lengthy test drive to make sure it's to your taste.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Keith,

The areas you have to check carefully on an E60 5 Series are the suspension and electrics. If there are any nasty noises coming from underneath, or if the steering feels anything less than precise and solid, you've got possible trouble. The run-flat tyres can also cause trouble, suffering from little air leaks that play havoc with the tyre pressure monitoring system. The iDrive infotainment system can also be wayward, sometimes taking as long as 20 minutes to boot up, but apparently post-2005 cars are far better in this regard. Finally, check all the electrical and electronic systems to make absolutely sure that everything is working as it should be, and don't even consider a car that doesn't have a full service history.