Expert answer

Hi Michael,

Basically yes, it's almost impossible to kill an Avensis, but you could also consider a Skoda Superb, Honda Accord or Mazda6 as they will all be similarly reliable. The Mazda is the most fun to drive, the Accord the most luxurious (though they are pricey too) and the Superb the most spacious. The Avensis is a good mix of the three and with so many being on the road, you'll probably get the best value by shopping Toyota. Just avoid ex-taxi ones and it's worth buying an approved second hand example from a Toyota dealer to get a warranty and good after-sales care.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Lee,

You've got to keep the engine size down, basically, if you want cheap insurance, but we would also suggest getting something that's good to drive, simply because exposure to good vehicle dynamics early on makes better drivers of us all. So, probably the best balance is to go for a Ford Fiesta 1.25. There are loads of them around and they're cheap to run, decently reliable and very safe. It would also be worth tracking down a Suzuki Swift 1.3, as they're fab to drive and close to indestructible.

However, if even those engine sizes are running the insurance bill up too high, then you need to think  smaller and go down to a 1.0-litre engine. In that case, I'd suggest either a Toyota Aygo (or a mechanically identical Citroen C1 or Peugeot 107) or, if the budget will stretch, a Volkswagen up!, Skoda Citigo or SEAT Mii.

What do you think?

Expert answer

Hi Raska,

Well, you haven't specified which model, but I'm going to take a stab that you mean Auris, Corolla or Avenisis. On that basis, the answer is yes (reliable, comfy, practical, lots of them around to choose from) and no (Auris and Corolla's 1.4 D-4D engine is underpowered compared to the competition, Avensis cabin feels a touch old-fashioned).

If you need a little more than that come back to us with a specific model.

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Hi Paul,

Yes, it does. The iQ has disappeared off the price lists in Ireland, but it's still available in the UK and across Europe. It's a shame that Irish buyers never really took to it as it's an immensely clever car and actually really quite good to drive. It was always expensive for such a small car though, and that's probably what scuppered its chances in this market.

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Hi Bernadette,

I'd say between €7,000 and €8,000 on a trade-in, depending on what you're trading it in against.

Expert answer

Hi Bernadette,

You're most likely looking at a value of between €5,000 and €7,000 for your Corolla. If you're looking to trim your running costs then downsizing to a Yaris could be a good idea. You just need to do your sums carefully to make sure that the cost of upgrading (the price of the new car minus your trade in) isn't more than what you could potentially save in terms of petrol and road tax over the same period. 

Choosing an Auris isn't downsizing - it's the car that replaced the hatchback Corolla and is the same size. The only way it could save you money is if you went for the diesel version and that would only work if you're doing big mileages - 15,000km a year or more.

So, with that in mind, it may be worth looking at simply keeping your current car. A mileage of 89,000km is barely run in for a Corolla and it may be worth looking at simply getting your existing car serviced, valeted and maybe updated (new alloys? a nicer stereo?). It may work out cheaper in the long run.

Expert answer

Hi Emer,

Both are excellent in terms of reliability (they are after all a Mazda and a Toyota), but it's the Mazda that will be more fuel efficient. Simple physics really; while there's not much difference in the overall weight, the RAV4, being an SUV, is taller and therefore less aerodynamic. Unless you need (and I mean REALLY need) the RAV's extra ground clearance and rough road abilities, then a Mazda6 (especially the estate one) should prove a reliable, spacious and enjoyable ownership prospect. 

Let us know which way you go

Expert answer

Hi Jane,

Sounds like you want to move back into a proper MPV and the best one around at the moment, for my money, is the Citroen C4 Picasso. Citroen registered a bundle of them last year for press and promotional purposes so there should be plenty of good nearly-new or dealer demo stock knocking around. It's a classy looking thing, comfy to drive and utterly massive on the inside. Other good options are the Ford C-Max (great to drive but the boot is slightly on the small side) and the Toyota Verso (a touch unexciting but with terrific quality and lots of space). Or, of you want something with a warranty to match the Mitsubishi's, track down a nice 2013 Kia Carens - a classy looking car with bundles of space.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Alanna,

I reckon the Qashqai +2 might be the best one to go for. The extra seats are pretty small but the boot on the +2 is simply massive when they're folded flat, so that's helpful when you're lugging around two small ones and their various chattels. Don't worry about running costs too much - the Qashqai looks like an SUV but it's really a hatchback with attitude and the 1.5 diesel engine is reliable, economical and has reasonably low emissions too.

That Toyota 1.4 diesel you mentioned would indeed be much less powerful than your Mazda's engine - it's about 20hp down and noticeably so. Volkswagen Jettas are indeed reliable, but I reckon that the Nissan would be slightly more so, so make that your first choice.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Sean,

Watch for dodgy turbos, flaky electronics and issues with the brakes not being strong enough (more of a problem on the heavier V10 TDI to be honest). That 2.5 TDI engine does give pretty decent economy for a big 4x4 though, and it feels more wieldy and manoeuvrable than rivals such as the Land Rover Discovery or Toyota Land Cruiser.