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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.

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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. 

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Hi Patrick,

With that kind of criteria, and if you’ve driven your wife’s Prius and liked it, I’m minded to recommend the Lexus. The hybrid systems are related (although of course the Lexus is considerably more powerful and sporty), it’s well-equipped (most of what you want is on the standard equipment list) and with mileage of 10,000km a year, it should be just about ideal. Plus, it’s unbreakably reliable.

Here are a few reviews that might interest you:

Lexus IS 300h review

BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo review

Volvo V40 review

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Hi Sandra,

Yes, the N47 diesel certainly had its share of troubles with that timing chain, and sadly it’s not as simple as getting it changed at a specific mileage. It’s an engine-out job to change, and they can go without warning.

Because of that, if nothing else, we’d steer you to the 520d with the older engine, but also that’s a genuinely fantastic car, especially with the M Sport body kit - and hugely entertaining to drive. Plus it’s more practical and comfortable than the 3 Series Coupe. Just make certain that it comes with a full service history.

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Hi Patrick,

The official fuel figure for the Sportage petrol model of that era was 27mpg, but we'd expect you will probably do a little lower than that, most likely around 25mpg. It's not terrible, and you have to play that off agains the extra that a diesel model would cost, but it's not exactly economical. Then again, with a bit of practice and technique, you may be able to do better.

Other than that, it makes entirely good sense. Sportages are rugged and pleasant to drive and very practical too. One thing; the price seems a touch high, although that could have to do with there being a dearth of good 2009-2010 used cars around in general, as well as the very low mileage.

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Hi Diarmuid,

On the site we have a full test of the XF Sportbrake estate here, powered by the diesel engine. I never added in the average economy figure as my driving that week was mostly in an urban setting. For the record, it used about 9.0 litres/100km (31.4mpg). It should do a lot better on the motorway.

Is that of help?