Expert answer

Hi Sam,

Split result here. The Golf is a terrific car, handsome, spacious and fun to drive and of course very desirable too. But with the basic 1.4 petrol engine it's going to be slow. 

The Corolla by contrast has a surprisingly peppy, rev-happy 1.4 engine that's a joy to drive. A shame that the chassis, styling and cabin are all on the dull side but the upshot is of course near faultless reliability. 

So, Golf for desirability, Corolla for longevity.

Expert answer

Hi David,

If the 2005 one has been better looked after, then go for that one. Condition is always far more important than age or mileage, and given that there’s no mechanical difference between the two cars, you won’t benefit from the newer model if it’s been less well cared for.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

If depreciation is your primary concern, then it’s best to go for a Toyota, which in general has the best reputation for retained value in the Irish market. An Auris is the same size as a Golf, and while it’s not as interesting to look at, it’s not at all bad to drive, and hugely reliable too.

Expert answer

Hi Frank,

I'm afraid we can't provide vehicle histories, but we do recommend you go to Cartell.ie and purchase one there.

Expert answer

Hi Louise,

Well, in terms of reliability and solidity there aren't any major issues to report. Daihatsu is owned by Toyota and the most significant fact is probably that Toyota sells the current Terios under its own badge in Japan. Parts could be a small issue as Daihatsu has departed the Irish market following several years of falling sales, but independent retailers such as MicksGarage.ie can provide most of the major bits and pieces. Just check and make sure that any previous owner hasn't bashed panels and underlying mechanical parts in off-road use, and make sure that the cabin is in good shape as it's full of cheap plastics that mark and scratch easily.

Expert answer

Hi Stan,

OK, well currently (as of the end of September), the best selling cars in Ireland are, in descending order, the Hyundai Tucson, the Nissan Qashqai, the Volkswagen Golf, the Skoda Octavia, the Ford Focus, the Ford Fiesta, the Kia Sportage, the Toyota Yaris, the Toyota Corolla and the Volkswagen Tiguan. The biggest-selling market segment is the SUV/H1 segment (that’s the Qashqai-Tucson-Sportage mid-size SUVs) all of which cost between €24,000 and €40,000 depending on spec.

Expert answer

Hi Carol,

Well, we'd definitely go for diesel unless your mileage is really low, and while both cars are reasonably reliable, both have issues with electrics and fragile cabin trim. 

If you want something with (near enough) total reliability in this class, go for a Toyota Corolla Verso.

Expert answer

Hi Mary,

It's probably worth around €9,000 to €10,000 depending on condition and mileage. The Kia Rio is an excellent choice but do bear in mind that it's a significantly smaller car than the Auris, so you are coming down in terms of cabin space and refinement.

Expert answer

Hi Denise,

Go for the Avensis, by a country mile. Both cars are solidly reliable but the Avensis is bigger and comfier. The Tiida's only advantage is that it came with standard Bluetooth, but that's easily remedied with an aftermarket kit for the Avensis.

Let us know what you do

Expert answer

Hi Aideen,

Wow. That's a request, and frankly, space and time simply don't permit. So I'll boil it down to the two best options for pre-and-post 2008. Pre: Toyota Corolla Verso. Spacious, simple and very reliable. A very hard car to beat.

Post 2008? Ford C-Max (the current model). Perhaps not as utterly reliable as the Toyota, but solidly built, spacious and with an excellent and efficient 1.6 litre diesel. Good cars, both.

Is that enough information for now?