Expert answer

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. 

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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?

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Hi Patsy,

BMW offers three different diesel engines with xDrive four-wheel drive in the X3, the xDrive20d, xDrive30d and xDrive35d. The xDrive20d can be had with a manual or automatic gearbox and the official figure is 50.4mpg (5.6 litres/100km) no matter which transmission is fitted. The xDrive30d and xDrive35d are only available with automatic gearboxes and the official fuel economy figures are 47.1mpg and 46.3mpg respectively (6.0- and 6.1 litres/100km).

Those figures won't be obtainable in the real-world, obviously! We spent time with the xDrive20d during snowy conditions a few years back (read the full review here) and averaged 34mpg (8.3 litres/100km), though in normal conditions it should do a lot better than that. We also tested the xDrive30d (read that full review here), though apologies, but I didn't record the average fuel consumption figure at the time...

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Hi Patrick,

Generally Chevriolet Lacettis (and Chevrolets in general) are pretty solidly built, but they're a long, long way from being the most inspiring car around. Essentially, they're cheap, cheerless but solid transport, just as they were when they were still badged as Daewoos.

As for choosing between an Almera and a Lancer, we'd go for the Almera simply because it has a (slightly) nicer interior and is (slightly) nicer to drive.

Hope that helps

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Hi Alan,

The Sport only has minor trim differences on the Passat — it’s not a separate model, just a slightly sportier-looking body kit and some extra equipment on the inside. Essentially, there’s no difference at all.

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Hi Ger,

We always did have a big soft spot for Saabs in general, but the sad fact is that the last-gen 9-3 was neither a great car in and of itself, nor especially reliable. The 1.8t petrol engine was, at least, a little better than the diesel options in terms of reliability, but it’s probably going to be troublesome. Definitely don’t buy one that doesn’t have a full service history, and don’t pay too much for it either. I reckon €4,000 would be top value.