Expert answer

Hi Noel,

As much as we dislike these, we've not heard of many problems with their reliability - other than early systems from Jaguar.

You could argue that every extra electronic sub-system is a cause for worry, but the modern car is already full of such devices.

Expert answer

Hi Jimmy,

Basically: no; this car has so far proven to be very reliable. Some people don't get on with the DSG automatic, though there are aftermarket experts that'll recalibrate it for you. Also, brake wear can be high so check for that, tyre condition and that it has been properly serviced.

Enjoy!

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Hi Ian,

We spoke to Ford and Volkswagen representatives in Ireland and the UK to get some answers. Seems there's no firm information on either as yet. If the Golf Plus goes ahead it'll not be in right-hand drive markets until 2014, though there may well be a proper Golf-badged MPV instead.

Ford is pretty tight-lipped on the EcoSport pictured above. It's under consideration. We're at a Ford future event in September where further announcements may be made so keep an eye on the site for news.

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Hi Orla,

You've not told us which engine your car has, but assuming it's the 2.0 TDI 140 we'd suggest you go in with a cheeky low offer first of about €8,750 and see what they say. It's worth over a grand more than that potentially.

Let us know how you get on.

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Hi Nyron,

I assume you've seen our drive of the prototype? We don't know anything new I'm afraid. That means there's still a possibility that Volkswagen Ireland won't offer it for sale.

Sorry to not be of more assistance!

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Hi Robbie,

Replicas of GTIs appeal to a minority of buyers so it's a tricky car to value. It may be worth a little more than a standard 1.6 the a few people, but your biggest challenge is to find those people, as someone looking for the basic car may be put off by the add-ons.

Sorry to not be of more assistance.

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Hi Dermot,

This doesn't appear to be very good value to us. Even though your Passat is probably only worth €1,000 or so to the dealer, the mileage of the Santa Fe is above average and the price is therefore quite optimistic - though clearly the service, tyres and NCT make it considerable more appealing.

Hope that helps

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Hi David,

We really like the DS3. It's great to drive and certainly different to the norm. I assume practicality and space in the rear are not a priority, as the Citroen is lacking in those departments.

Going with that, an alternative is the Volkswagen Scirocco. It's great to drive, of even higher quality than the DS3 (which is quite good by the way) and a sure thing when it comes to resale values. Saying that, they're relatively scarce at your price point and the DS3 you've found has more equipment.

Other more interesting cars available at that price that we'd recommend include the Audi A5 Coupé and BMW 320d Coupé.

Come back to us if these are wide of the mark and you'd rather stick to a regular hatchback shape.

Expert answer

Hi Joseph,

The Hyundai offers more for the money in terms of comfort, space and equipment, but the Polo is much better suited to learning to drive. Its lower mileage is appealing too, though the i30 is a relatively reliable car. Along with all that the Polo will be cheaper to run.

Best to take a close look at both for yourself though, as you might prefer the Hyundai.

Expert answer

Hi Maria,

I'm afraid such a car is not likely to be worth very much. That's very high mileage no matter how well it has been kept and hence will not be in demand. If you get €500 for it we'd be very surprised.

Best of luck