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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

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Hi Alan,

Actually a really good car, that. Not as sophisticated as the later, more stylish Sportage, but fine to drive, more rugged than you’d think and actually surprisingly capable off-road. Fuel economy will be a bit steep compared to a more modern car (you’ll get around 35mpg on average) and the cabin is nothing to write home about, but it’s hugely reliable and, if it has a full Kia service history, should continue to be so.

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Hi Jonathan,

I'd say you should be looking at a price of around €14-16,000.

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Hi Samanta,

Well, you haven't specified what kind of car you need so I'm taking a bit of a stab in the dark here. If you were looking for a sports car, luxury saloon or a pickup; sorry...

But given as a good hatchback generally fits most needs, I'm going to be predictable and say go for a Toyota Auris. Not the most exiting car, perhaps, but reliable, long-lived and light on running costs.

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Hi Philip,

I'm assuming you're referring to TDI diesel versions of both. The Superb is a much larger and heavier car so it doesn't feel quite as rapid, but it's not at all disappointing. That engine has plenty of torque to make it feel usefully quick when you need it to. The Octavia RS, however, is undoubtedly more of a performance car, even in diesel guise. The Octavia feels sportier in general because of its RS interior bits and pieces, low profile tyres and sports suspension too. A review for you:

Skoda Octavia Combi RS TDI review

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Hi David,

Skoda all the way. It may not have the prestige of the others but it'll do them for reliability, space and practicality.

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Hi Michael,

Yes, it should be. OK, so we're talking about a 12-year old car so literally anything could go wrong, but that generation of Astra was sturdy, certainly compared to the rather poor previous generation. The 1.4 petrol (I'm assuming that's the model you are looking at) is robust and quite sporty to drive and because it was never especially loaded with equipment in the first place, there's less to go wrong now. Just tread carefully, make sure there's at least some evidence of previous servicing and if it looks damaged or abused, walk away.

We can't comment on specific cars without seeing them for ourselves and likewise if you need a history or finance check we recommend you go to Cartell.ie.

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Hi Stan,

OK, well currently (as of the end of September), the best selling cars in Ireland are, in descending order, the Hyundai Tucson, the Nissan Qashqai, the Volkswagen Golf, the Skoda Octavia, the Ford Focus, the Ford Fiesta, the Kia Sportage, the Toyota Yaris, the Toyota Corolla and the Volkswagen Tiguan. The biggest-selling market segment is the SUV/H1 segment (that’s the Qashqai-Tucson-Sportage mid-size SUVs) all of which cost between €24,000 and €40,000 depending on spec.

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Hi Ed,

€20k should get you into the best one - a 520d with the optional M Sport pack. Fab car, that.

Expert answer

Hi Colm,

The biggest and most expensive area of common trouble on a Range Rover Sport (and this is the original, 2005 model we’re talking about) is the air suspension. Check that the car sits level on its springs, and that when you adjust the suspension height, the system responds briskly. If not, walk (quickly) away because you’re into a world of expense. The transfer box part of the transmission is also a trouble spot, as is the electronic handbrake. The 2.7-litre diesel V6 engine is pretty robust, but if it feels sluggish to respond then there could be an issue with the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve.