Expert answer

Hi John,

Well, you should get about €15,000 as a trade-in so you'll probably need to find around €8-9,000 (depending on options) to get a new Corolla 1.4 D-4D Luna, which lists at €24,650.

Expert answer

Hi Jim,

There are a number of other potential options you could look at, but seeing as you've been a Corolla driver, I'm guessing you want something that's going to match the Toyota for reliability. So, in that case, have a look at the Honda HR-V or Skoda Yeti. Both are taller than a normal hatch but not so big as a Tucson and both are really well built and reliable.

Relevant reviews:

Hyundai Tucson review

Skoda Yeti review

Honda HR-V review

Expert answer

Hi Elaine,

I don't think the Fusion is going to be much good to you if you reckon you need an MPV - it's basically a slightly taller Fiesta and not all that roomy. Have a try and see if it'll fit your needs.

As for another Scenic, sad to say they're just not the most reliable things around. Have a look instead for a Toyota Corolla Verso, a Volkswagen Touran, a Kia Carens or a Mazda5. You'll have to look hard to find one within budget but they are out there.

Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

Both decent cars. Go with the Corolla if reliability is your overriding priority (although the Skoda's hardly fragile or anything) and go with the Skoda if space and a big boot are your priorities.

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

They're both pretty similar to be honest, although at the moment the Corolla is only available as a four-door saloon and the Pulsar as a five-door hatch.

Both are solid, reliable, unremarkable workhorses. If you're looking for excitement, sexy styling or dynamism, you've come to the wrong place - but both major on space (the Pulsar in particular has massive space in the back seats), comfort and simplicity.

The Corolla's diesel engine lags a bit behind the Nissan's in terms of performance, but other than that, they're pretty closely matched and seeing as both will probably be endlessly reliable you can safely choose according to your taste.

New, Corolla prices start at €20,995 and Pulsar prices start at €19,995.

Relevant reviews:

Nissan Pulsar review

Toyota Corolla review

Expert answer

Hi Mary,

It's a little high, and it would have to be in truly exceptional condition and with a full and unblemished history to command that kind of price. You can get 2001 Corollas for as little as €1,100 so perhaps you should shop around a bit more.

Expert answer

Hi Zubair,

Nope, not at all. In fact for a car of that age that's pretty much average mileage. The trick is to make sure it's been looked after. A fully-stamped service book and a thick sheaf of receipts showing that it's been properly cared for should mean it's fine. 

Expert answer

Hi Cónal,

Ok, it depends what you need. Do you need to use all seven seats regularly? Get the Verso, as it has at least decent space in the third row. If you just need a couple of vey occasional flip-up seats for short journeys then the Qashqai is nicer to look at and better to drive.

Expert answer

Hi Kathryn,

It would theoretically be possible, but the cost would be completely prohibitive. A large number of new components would be needed under the bonnet and under the dashboard to make it work and I suspect the cost of those, plus the considerable amount of labour needed to do the work, would make it not economically viable.

Expert answer

Hi Ronan,

Go for the Octavia. The Mazda3 is nice to drive and incredibly reliable and the Corolla is about as reliable and unbreakable as a granite rock, but the Octavia has the best interior space and reliability is generally excellent, so go for that. Case in point: once spent two consecutive weekends hauling my young family from Dublin to Waterford to visit relatives. First weekend with a Ford S-Max, second with an Octavia (this would have been 2006) and the Octavia carried the same amount of luggage as the S-Max...

Relevant reviews:

Skoda Octavia review

Toyota Corolla review

Mazda3 review