Expert answer

Hi Patsi,

Go for the Tiguan. It's a really sweet car and much more refined and pleasant to drive than that generation of RAV4. One thing to watch; the boot on the Tiguan is a little on the small side, so bring your dog along for a test drive to make sure that he/she is comfy in the back.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Gerald,

It's possible that the alternator is 'overcharging' as it's called. Best to have the car checked over by an auto-electrician.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Richard,

It kind of depends on a couple of things. First of all, which Mondeo do you mean? Current or previous, petrol or diesel? And what are you using it for? Mostly urban, mostly motorway? Family and kids to haul around or just yourself?

Generally I would always say to go with the Mondeo, as it's such a fantastic and (yes) a 'complete' car.

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Hi Valerie,

If you're looking for something reliable for just doing short trips then get yourself a Toyota Yaris. I know, I know, not the most exciting car in the world, but reliable as the day is long and with a 1.0-litre engine (that's surprisingly peppy and powerful) your tax bills will be as affordable as possible.

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Hi there,

I'd go for the Hyundai. It's got a better engine, it's nicer to drive and the warranty is pretty hard to beat too. As for trade in on your Ford, I'd take a stab at around €6,000 to 7,000.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Grainne,

I'd say you can expect to get about €8,000 and €9,000 as a trade-in value for your Corolla, although that could vary quite a bit from dealer to dealer. As for the cars you're looking at, a diesel Golf or Octavia would probably be ideal for the type of driving you're looking at doing, but if it's refinement you need, then I'd go for the Volkswagen over the Skoda - there's not a lot in it, but the Golf is that bit quieter.

Hope that helps

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Hi John,

It just so happens that I've got the latest 1.4 diesel Toyota Corolla on test this week. Over half a tank it has averaged 5.4 litres/100km (52.3mpg). The car had two to three people in it most of the time over a variety of roads and speeds, though no long motorway journey. That's not bad going. For reference, Toyota Ireland quotes a combined cycle figure of 3.9 litres/100km (72.4mpg) for the Luna model we have on test.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi John,

The official combined economy for that model was quoted at 49mpg (5.8 litres/100km).

Hope that helps

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Hi Pat,

Hmmm. That generation of Corolla doesn't seem to be keeping Toyota's usual reliability standard up. There have been reported issued with brakes (squealing, not failing), troubles with the automatic gearbox, clutch failures, slipping handbrakes and noisy gearboxes. If your potential purchase isn't displaying any of those symptoms, then it might be just fine, but be prepared to raise merry hell with your nearest Toyota dealer if it starts to develop problems. After all, if you're selling your cars on the basis of their reliability, then you'd better be prepared to back that up...

In terms of efficiency, well, it's a quite a small engine in quite a large car, so no, I wouldn't reckon it would be more economical than a 1.2 Fiesta - quite the reverse in fact, unless most of your mileage is on the motorway, in which case the Toyota's extra torque and power should make it more frugal than an over-stretched 1.2.

That price sounds pretty good - maybe even a touch low. Have you done a thorough history check on the car with Cartell.ie?

Expert answer

Hi Pamela,

There's a few: Renault Scenic. Toyota Verso. Peugeot 5008. Citroen C4 Picasso. Land Rover Discovery. Chrysler Voyager. Ford Galaxy & S-Max. SEAT Alhambra. Volkswage Sharan. Renault Espace.

That list isn't it either!