Expert answer

Hi Eamonn,

Come back to us with your budget, but cars to consider include the Citroen C3, Ford Fiesta, perhaps the Ford Fusion, Honda Jazz, Mazda2 (also called the Demio as an import), Nissan Micra (called the March as an import), Opel Corsa, SEAT Ibiza, Suzuki Swift, Toyota Yaris and the Volkswagen Polo.

That's a long list, I know! It really depends on your budget. Our pick of all that lot would be the Honda Jazz given your requirement for a big boot that's easy to access.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

On its own, the RAV4 2.0 D-4D is a fine car, with loads of power. It has plenty of low-down torque for towing too, though how heavy is your caravan? The manual Santa Fe has a higher towing capacity and it's a heavier car too, which will help in certain situations. Added to that, the Hyundai has more power and torque - (assuming you're talking about the newer 2.2-litre model) though obviously you pay for that with fuel consumption and tax.

Both cars have a good reputation for reliability though in fact it's the Toyota that has some history of issues - particularly with RAV4s used as tow cars. Apparently early versions (pre-2003) had transmission problems, though we'd hope the 2005 model is better.

Still, based on what you've said, we reckon the Santa Fe is the better bet in this instance, especially the newer model launched in 2006.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Anna,

As you're doing double the average annual mileage, and it's on motorway, we'd thoroughly recommend the diesel. It should save you a fortune on fuel, though of course you'll have to pay more in annual road tax. The downside is that you're likely to find that the 2.0-litre diesels within your budget have high mileage on them already. Seek out one with a perfect service history and as low a mileage as possible - and get it verified by Cartell.ie.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Ashlene,

In the past the Toyota might have been the automatic choice, but Kia has come on leaps and bounds. Toyota still has the reputation for longevity and troublefree motoring, but Kia is catching up, and its seven-year warranty is real peace of mind for a new car buyer.

Looking at the price lists (of the five-door models - the best-sellers), the Rio is available as a 1.25 petrol model for €15,550 to €16,775 or a 1.4-litre diesel for €18,190. They are all in Band A for tax with emissions of less than 120g/km.

The Toyota Yaris can be had with 1.0- or 1.33-litre petrol engines and a 1.4-litre diesel. Toyota offers far more trim levels, and pricing varies from €15,585 (1.0 Terra) to €19,725 (1.33 Sol). All versions appear to be in Band A as well.

Unless you plan on travelling more than say 12,000 kilometres a year it's best to stick with the petrol versions. The 1.0-litre Toyota is the most efficient, but not by much and the Kia 1.25 engine and Toyota 1.33-litre are largely comparable, though the Yaris engine has a little more go in it.

Kia is more generous with its equipment, but only a bit, and there are more Toyota trim levels to choose from so you can tailor your needs. We'd urge you not to go for the entry-level versions of either though (LX and Terra respectively), as the step up to the next model is well worth it for what you get.

So that's the overview. In terms of our personal opinions we prefer the Kia Rio. It feels and looks more substantial and it drives well. Best bet is to go to a Kia and Toyota dealer and try them both out for yourself.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

That's a lot of questions! Let's start with the Santa Fe. Your budget is likely to limit you to the last of the older generation. It's a tough piece of kit, but not great on the road in terms of comfort. It's reliable, though expensive enough to maintain. Early versions had clutch judder, but this should have been fixed in later versions with a new flywheel. We've not heard about diesel pump and injector trouble.

Given that budget we'd rather the Hyundai Tucson. There are plenty of them about and it's much nicer to drive on the road. Saying that, it's a good deal smaller than the Santa Fe. It's not as expensive to service however. It's the same story with the older Sportage, though we'd prefer the Tucson.

The RAV4 is a fine choice all-round. It's generally reliable and good on the road. I wouldn't be very worried about extra wear and tear in the driveline.

Don't forget about the Nissan X-Trail, Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. All worth a closer look.

Has that helped you create a shortlist?

Expert answer

Hi Rory,

I'm sure you're aware that your budget will get you any number of relatively new regular cars such as the Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus, along with bigger models like the Ford Mondeo and Toyota Avensis.

However, given your current choice of car I'd suspect that you'd like to retain the elevated driving position and your mileage dictates a diesel engine. Most cars can take a tow bar and you don't have heavy towing needs so that's not a major consideration. Likewise, all SUVs etc. will have room for your golf clubs.

So the logical choices based on all that include:

BMW X3: Good diesel engine, spacious, but your budget may only get you an older example.

Citroen C-Crosser: Great 2.2-litre diesel engine; rest of car built on Mitsubishi mechanicals.

Honda CR-V: Bomb-proof reliability, but again may have to settle for older example.

Hyundai Santa Fe: Big and comfortable, though running costs higher than smaller SUV.

Mitsubishi Outlander: Spacious, well made, ok diesel, if loud.

Nissan X-Trail: Strangely forgotten, but plenty around at this price.

Peugeot 4007: Shares its engine and underpinnings with the Citroen above.

Suzuki Grand Vitara: Very reliable.

Toyota RAV4: Another with impressive reliability. Possibly the choice of the lot at this price.

There are loads of older, bigger SUVs for sale at that price too, but they'll cost you more to run for no real benefit.

If you're willing to change body styles completely it's worth checking out something like a BMW 120d Coupé or a diesel 3 Series Coupé. There are also plenty of great estates on the market for that budget, including the Audi A4 Avant and BMW 3 Series Touring. I know you don't need that space for a family, but it's useful for a lot of other things.

Come back to us with more information and we'll help to narrow your search further.

Expert answer

Hi Oliver,

You can't go too far wrong with a Toyota Land Cruiser. Your budget should get you a 2006 version with four-wheel drive and there are plenty around. Mitsubishi Pajero also worth a look.

If you'd consider pick-ups there's the Mitsubishi L200, Nissan Navara, Toyota Hilux.

Come back to us with a shortlist if you want us to help you decide further.

Expert answer

Hi Rob,

For that budget we are assuming you are looking for a second-hand car. The Honda CR-V springs to mind, but the tax could be a little high for you as your budget will get you a pre-2008 version, which came with 2.0- and 2.2-litre engines. How about a five-door version of the Honda HR-V instead? We found this example on Carzone.ie and it looks the part. The 1.6-litre engine means it's not too much to tax either.

There are loads of Hyundai Santa Fes and the smaller Tucson around at that price too, though again their age and engine size might rule them out for you in terms of tax costs. Same story with the previous generation Kia Sportage.

Don't be tempted by older Land Rover Freelanders.

Another good option is the Suzuki Grand Vitara. A quick search showed that there are several 1.6-litre petrol versions with four-wheel drive within your budget, though most seem to be the less practical three-door body style, so you may need to look around to find a five-door example that suits your needs.

The Toyota RAV4 would be a great option, but keeping your tax bill down on a four-wheel drive version with five doors might be tricky. Recommeded though.

Hope all that helps. If you narrow down your search a little come back to us and we'll help you choose!

Expert answer

Hi Jaunkeypersad,

The Kia Rio is available in 1.0 LX or 1.0 EX. Both are petrol and manual and they cost €11,865 and €12,810 respectively. WIth 99g/km emissions they're in Band A, which now costs €160 per annum. Kia quotes 4.2 litres/100km on the combined cycle, which equates to 67.3mpg.

For the same money you could pick up a low-mileage 2010 Toyota Yaris 1.0 or even the 1.33-litre version. There are more grades to look through to see what you're getting for your money, but in terms of economy and emissions, both of those engines sit in Band A as well. The Yaris isn't as economical as the Picanto though, with the 1.0-litre returning 55.4mpg (5.1 litres/100km) and the 1.33 quoted as about 54.3mpg - or 5.2 litres/100km.

The added benefit of buying the Kia new is of course gaining the full seven-year warranty.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

Toyota Ireland has confirmed that the plug-in Prius will go on sale here in June 2012. No word on pricing as yet though.

Hope that helps