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 Martin,

Go for the Octavia or Avensis according to taste - both have superior reliability (crucial when you're buying an older car) and the Avensis will, just slightly, have the edge in that respect.

Expert answer

Hi Sally,

Generally speaking, automatics and small engines don't go well together, but there are a few good ones. Any Volkswagen Group cars using a combo of either 1.2 TSI or 1.4 TSI petrol with the DSG gearbox should be pretty smooth and there are some Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4D diesels around with self-shifters. The Auris, while not exciting, is certainly smooth and comfy.

Actually, your best option could be to go hybrid or electric. The Honda Insight has a 1.3-litre hybrid powertrain and is an automatic and is surprisingly good to drive. Or what about the Nissan Leaf? If the roughly 160km electric range suits your lifestyle, there's nothing smoother than an electric motor.

Expert answer

Hi Dave,

The Land Cruiser is indeed getting a new 2.8-litre diesel engine, which is claimed to be nine per cent more efficient than the old 3.0. It has CO₂ emissions of 194g/km, 177hp and 420Nm of torque. Shared with Fiat though? No - Fiat does have its own 2.8-litre diesel, but it's a commercial vehicle engine, usually used in the Ducato van. For its passenger cars (Jeep Grand Cherokee, Maserati Quattroporte, etc.) the Fiat group uses a VM Motori built 3.0 V6 diesel.

Expert answer

Hi Darren,

We checked this with Toyota Ireland. Here's the response:

"The 2011 Avensis D-4D has a DPF. C2 is a low ash oil - it must be used with the DPF. Any Toyota Dealer Parts dept. can supply this oil. Once it's a C2 grade it is fine."

Expert answer

Hi Olive,

It depends on which engine you're considering. The Auris Terra 1.33, at €20,750, is €1,750 cheaper than the Aura model with the same engine. The difference is €1,250 when it's the 1.4-litre D-4D diesel, which costs €22,250 as a Terra or €23,500 for the Luna specification.

If you're using PCP or Hire Purchase to pay for the car then these differences become negligible in terms of additional monthly costs.

Expert answer

Hi John,

Both excellent - spacious, reliable, comfortable and reasonably frugal if you go for the diesels. The Avensis will be more economical overall, but the Mazda is much more enjoyable to drive and better equipped as standard. Head says Avensis, heart says Mazda.

Expert answer

Hi Des,

As a trade in, probably around €1,500 to €2,000, but it would have to be immaculate to reach that.

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 there,

There are many, with Ford, Nissan, Opel, Toyota and Hyundai, for instance, all having notably good offers. You can get as much as €4,500 'scrappage' (not really scrappage, but actually a trade-in bonus really), but it depends on which model you're trading in against.