Expert answer

Hi David,

In general that's a good car to drive, well-equipped and highly reliable and economical. We found the 1.6-diesel engine a little loud and the car itself to emit a lot of road noise on the motorway, but they're not bad enough to be deal-breakers.

It's still too new for there to be meaningful reliability data, but in general Mazdas have a good reliability record. Ensure that it has been serviced according to the schedule and take it for as long a drive as you can.

Best of luck

Expert answer

Hi Alan,

This really is an exceptionally good car. The engine is powerful and really economical. It's smooth too, if not the quietest in the world. Just make sure it has been serviced properly and avoid the sports suspension if you can.

Come back to us if you need more detailed assistance.

Expert answer

Hi David,

That's a tricky one to answer accurately. It really depends on the dealer you bring the car to. There's undoubtedly a real lack of good second-hand cars so dealers do want such things, but the Impreza Diesel is, as you say, quite rare.

We reckon your expectations are fairly realistic, especially if you are happy to go into a dealer right now for a 2012-plate car. New car sales are slow at this time of year. Aim a little higher than that and try a few Opel dealers.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

Another reader asked a very similar question, though for the Sport version. Our answer was:

"In general the new C-Class is proving quite reliable. There are a few known minor issues that should all be covered by a dealer for previous recalls so it's worth checking with a Mercedes-Benz dealer and the chassis number of the car you're looking at. These include software glitches for the automatic gearbox causing slow gearchanges. Make sure you get the spare key too, as these sometimes fail."

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Ian,

We spoke to Ford and Volkswagen representatives in Ireland and the UK to get some answers. Seems there's no firm information on either as yet. If the Golf Plus goes ahead it'll not be in right-hand drive markets until 2014, though there may well be a proper Golf-badged MPV instead.

Ford is pretty tight-lipped on the EcoSport pictured above. It's under consideration. We're at a Ford future event in September where further announcements may be made so keep an eye on the site for news.

Expert answer

Hi Shane,

If this is the exhaust noise we think it is then this is quite normal in the sportier MINIs - it was engineered in! The spark timing is retarded intentionally to allow a small amount of unburned fuel into the exhaust, where it then combusts giving a distinctive sound on the overrun. Many think it sounds sporty.

If it happens at other times then you may have a problem. Best to get it listened to by an expert.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Gerry,

In general the new C-Class is proving quite reliable. There are a few known minor issues that should all be covered by a dealer for previous recalls so it's worth checking with a Mercedes-Benz dealer and the chassis number of the car you're looking at. These include software glitches for the automatic gearbox causing slow gearchanges. Make sure you get the spare key too, as these sometimes fail.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Sandra,

The biggest difference is of course price, as I'm sure you're aware. You pay about €2,000 more for a new 2.0 TDI model with 140hp than you do for the 1.6 TDI 105. Clearly the bigger engine is more powerful and it does make the car feel quicker, but the smaller engine is absolutely fine too. The 1.6 is quieter, though as the 2.0 comes with a six-speed gearbox it's better for a lot of motorway mileage.

There's very little between the two on official combined cycle economy figures and both are in Band A for tax so running costs (other than insurance) are similar.

If you prefer a car with more get up and go, take the 2.0, but for most, the 1.6 is more than adequate. Either way, try to get a decent test drive in both to make up your own mind.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Aidan,

Without knowing your budget and what your needs with regards to towing etc. are it's difficult to give a precise answer, but as a starting point, and in alphabetical order:

None of Audi's Q models are really suited to heavy off-road work, though the Q5 and Q7 are fine towing machines. Not that you'll find a Q7 with a manual gearbox.

Same story with BMW's X models. Fine for towing. You'll have to seek out an older X5 if you want a manual transmission though.

Citroen C-Crosser, Ford Kuga, Honda CR-V, Hyundai ix35: fine road cars.

Hyundai Santa Fe: depending on age and spec can be quite good off-road and as a tow car.

Hyundai Terracan: horrible beast of a thing, but it is big...

Hyundai Tucson: more car-like than most 4x4s.

Isuzu Trooper: hard as nails, durable workhorse.

Jeep Cherokee: good workhorse, but raucous on the road.

Jeep Compass: really not that great on the road despite its 'crossover' image.

Jeep Grand Cherokee: surprisingly good depending on age.

Jeep Patriot: a Compass with more upright bodywork...

Jeep Wrangler: tough, great off-road, but not so good on it.

Kia Sorento: first generation a tough tow car; latest more road-biased.

Kia Sportage: fine road car - especially the latest one.

Land Rover Defender: same comments as Jeep Wrangler above.

Land Rover Discovery: one of the very best all-rounders - newer versions way better.

Land Rover Freelander: good mix of on-road behaviour with all-road ability, but others at price better.

Range Rover line-up: luxurious regular model not bad off-road, Sport great to drive on-road and Evoque not really a 4x4 despite the badge.

Mazda CX-5: new SUV in the crossover mould - lovely on the road, where it should stay.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class: see BMW X5 comments.

Mitsubishi ASX/Outlander: very much road cars.

Mitsubishi L200/Pajero/Shogun: durable, strong, tough, but also rough and unrefined - proper 4x4 system though.

Nissan Navara/Pathfinder: see L200 etc. above...

Nissan Qashqai: a road car, even in 4x4 guise.

Nissan Terrano: old-school 4x4.

Nissan X-Trail: pretty good mix of attributes.

Opel Antara: road car - and not a good one.

Peugeot 4007, Renault Koleos, Skoda Yeti: just road cars.

SsangYong Actyon/Kyron/Rexton: rough and ready tow machines.

Subaru Forester: more a road car, though later one pretty good.

Subaru Outback/XV: road cars - nice ones.

Suzuki Grand Vitara: not bad as an all-rounder - relatively cheap and cheerful.

Suzuki SX4: car with 4x4 mechanicals.

Toyota Hilux/Land Cruiser: enviable reputation for toughness and reliability, though not very civilised.

Toyota RAV4: good road car, ok tow car.

Volkswagen Amarok: good all-rounder, though just a pick-up.

Volkswagen Tiguan: lovely road car, but most models so-so off-road.

Volkswagen Touareg: high quality car that's a good all-rounder.

Volvo XC60/XC90: good road cars - not for off-road.

So come back to us with more details and we'll talk you through a purchase.

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

You have two options for orthopaedic seats in your Yaris. The first is to try and track down a Japanese import 'Vitz RS', which was a turbocharged sports version of the Yaris. This may be difficult due to their rarity in Ireland.

The other (much more troublesome option) is to fit off-the shelf orthopaedic seats from the likes of Recaro or Sparco. We say more troublesome as these seats are rarely car specific and will require you to fit separate rails in addition to the seats.

We hope this helps.