Expert answer

Hi Paulina,

There’s a common wiring fault that can disable the speedometer, and check too for corroded brake discs. Leaking shock absorbers are common too, but thankfully that’s about it for the known issues. But do bear in mind that it’s 15 years old now so check the whole car over very carefully and insist on a full service history.

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

The NCT testing manual doesn't specifically mention each and every warning light, but that light usually means there is something up with a system in the engine that may affect its emissions. Hence, it may fail its NCT on that basis. We'd always recommend you get such things remedied before bringing a car for testing.

Expert answer

Hi John,

A very credible option, but it does depend on where you do your driving. With a Prius of that age, you need to be doing almost all your driving in town to make the most of its powertrain. Long journeys on the motorway are not the Prius’ forte, at least until you get into the current model, so if you’re a townie, then it’s definitely a good choice. Hugely reliable too.

Expert answer

Hi there,

It depends on your driving style, and on where you do most of your driving. If you’re in town all the time, and stuck in stop-start traffic, then it could be worth tracking down a Toyota Prius or a Honda Insight hybrid, bot of which should sip fuel in such circumstances. If you’re up on main roads and motorways all day long, then diesel is still a good idea. A VW Golf 1.6 TDI BlueMotion would be a solid bet for maximum economy then, although if you fancy something a little more stylish, a MINI Cooper D (with the 1.6 diesel engine) will crack 60mpg on a long run.

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

We'd expect a well-maintained version to return up to 35mpg on average - that's 8.1 litres/100km in new money...

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Val,

Generally it's a bad idea to fit mis-matching tyres across the same axle of a car (i.e. both front tyres should be the same and both rear tyres should be the same, but front and rear can be different brands etc. so long as the size is within manufacturer guidelines). In an ideal world all four tyres would be matching, but we realise that people need to save money.

On that note, we'd urge caution with regards to buying second-hand tyres. You can't possibly know their history and though they might be fine, it's still not a great idea.

Final point from us: a tyre is one of the most important parts of your car to maintain safety. Please don't scrimp on that.

Hope that's been of assistance.

Expert answer

Hi Ruth,

The two-wheel drive 2.2 D-4D 150 emits 156g/km, which puts it in Band D. That's €481 per annum. The same engine with four-wheel drive costs the same with 159g/km.

Go for the automatic version with four-wheel drive and emissions rise to 186g/km, with motor tax costing €677 per year - Band E.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Bilal,

There's a lot of choice at that price, but scouring Carzone.ie we came up with a few options:

• Alfa Romeo 156
• BMW 3 Series Coupé
• Hyundai Coupé
• Mazda MX-5
• MG ZR
• Peugeot 205 GTi
• Renault Clio Williams
• Subaru Impreza
• Toyota Celica

Let us know your preferences if you'd like help narrowing down the search.

Expert answer

Hi Stephen,

The official combined cycle figure is 65.7mpg for that year - or 4.3 litres/100km.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Trish,

We don't know your budget or the year of car you're looking at, but assuming it's a 2009 model and that you're looking at diesel versions for better economy, the Toyota and Mazda both have better reliability records and decent economy, though the Opel has higher economy figures - especially if you can find a 1.7 CDTi diesel for your budget. Unfortunately, the diesel Zafiras can be problematic.

Come back to us with more details if you'd like advice on a specific car.