Expert answer

Hi Breda,

Yes, very, partially because they're Toyotas and partially because they're very simple and basic inside, so there are fewer things to go wrong.

Expert answer

Hi Jean,

Sadly no, they're not. At least, not as reliable as a Toyota, so if it's a people carrier you're looking for, I'd say stay within the Toyota family and get yourself a Verso. Solidly reliable, just like your Avensis.

Expert answer

Hi Anne,

If you're looking for reliability, then you're always best served to go Japanese and at that price level, I'd recommend you get a Toyota Corolla. Not the most exciting car, to be sure, but it's as solid as the day is long and your budget should get you into a nice 2003 one. The 1.4 petrol engine in that model is the most common, and thankfully also the best one to go for.

Expert answer

Hi Roisin,

When you say large boot, exactly how large do you mean? Ford C-Max is an excellent choice, and if you're looking in the MPV market then there's always the solidly reliable Toyota Verso too, or the Mazda5. For slightly less money, and indeed for slightly lower running costs, you could be into a compact estate though, a class of car that gets unfairly ignored these days. The Focus Estate is excellent and has a massive boot, but the absolute best choice is a Skoda Octavia Combi. It has a simply massive boot, lots of space in the back seats for the kids and, if you get one with the 1.6 or 1.9 TDI engine, you've got an excellent long-haul, economical family car. Reliable too.

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

The Toyota Previa, which is close to indestructible, but good luck finding one. Failing that, go for a (smaller) Toyota Verso, or a Volkswagen Touran, or a Kia Carens. 

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

Easy: Toyota Verso. Or, if you're looking for something bigger, the SEAT Alhambra. A Honda FR-V would also be spectacularly long-lived, but it's now becoming hard to find a good one.

Expert answer

Hi Ian,

Right, the bad news is that the Yaris isn't going to be worth all that much at this stage. I'd say if you get €1,000 for it, either cash or as a trade in, you'll be doing well. The good news is that gives you a €4,000 budget and that puts an awful lot of really good cars well within your reach.

Now, funny story. When we had our first boy, he was born in February. That Christmas, I borrowed a Land Rover Discovery to bring us all down to my wife's parents in Waterford. And thanks to all the luggage, buggy, travel cot, bath etc. etc. etc. I couldn't see out of the back of the damned car for a whole week. That's a long winded way of saying you need to maximise your space.

So how about a Citroen Berlingo? €4,000 should get you into a 2005 1.4 petrol model and there's so much space in the back that all that baby gear will fit easily. Don't fancy a van with windows? Then how about a compact estate? There are some nice Chevrolet Lacettis around - not the most exciting car in the world but reliable, comfy, well-equipped and spacious. Your budget should get you into a 2006 or 2007 model. Or, if that's a bit too left field, what about a MkII Ford Focus estate? We found a 2005 1.6 diesel with air conditioning that's in your budget.

Best of luck with the car hunt and the baby!

Expert answer

Hi Samanta,

Well, you haven't specified what kind of car you need so I'm taking a bit of a stab in the dark here. If you were looking for a sports car, luxury saloon or a pickup; sorry...

But given as a good hatchback generally fits most needs, I'm going to be predictable and say go for a Toyota Auris. Not the most exiting car, perhaps, but reliable, long-lived and light on running costs.

Expert answer

Hi Samanta,

As far as we can find out, the only issue with that generation Corolla is that the paint can be a bit on the thin side and prone to stone chips. That's literally it. As long as you find a good one, with history, you should have no problems. 

Expert answer

Hi Mary,

Both equally reliable but the Auris is by far the safer car. On the independent EuroNCAP crash test, it scored a full five-star rating while the Urban Cruiser managed just three. As an aside, the Auris is also a lot more sophisticated and comfortable to drive.