Expert answer

Hi Kieran,

With that kind of mileage, you could probably look at saving yourself a bit of money by going for a petrol model - as long as the price gap between it and a diesel covers the fuel cost. Get your calculator out...

Of the cars you've mentioned, we'd go for a 3 Series. Few cars are as good to drive and it's the kind of thing you should own once at least. Check it carefully for wear and tear though and don't buy anything without a full service history. 

The only catch could be trying to find one that ISN'T a diesel...

Expert answer

Hi Susan,

For your budget, you could consider an Audi A3 1.9 TDI five-door. Classy, good to drive and very economical. Perhaps not the most spacious car in the world in the back and boot, but it will take a buggy.

Or, how about a car based on the same mechanical package as the A3, but with the boot space to be able to handle a whole creche's worth of kiddy clobber? I speak of course of the Skoda Octavia. A brilliant car, with tonnes of space, and your budget would get you a 2008 model with the 1.9 TDI diesel engine in range-topping 'Elegance' trim. So, comfy then.

Skoda not your thing? Want something classier? I have just the thing... How about a 2008 Volvo V50 estate with the 1.6-litre diesel engine? An easy 50mpg, family practicality thanks to the estate body and your mind will be forever at ease on the safety front.

What do you think?

Expert answer

Hi Bart,

We asked Volvo Ireland about this for you. Here was the response:

"The flexi fuel engines generally have shorter service intervals (10,000km or one year) and the system will say book for the next service if the mileage or engine hours or time have been reached. Even if the customer has not reached 10,000km, which seems to be the case, he might have reached the engine hours or time requirement for a service. I would advise bringing it into the dealership to get it serviced and make sure the correct oil and filters are used."

Hope that helps explain the situation.

Expert answer

Hi Sean,

Go for the 1.6. It's more economical, has lower emissions and is more common than the 1.8, so parts and bits are easier to come by if anything goes wrong. Now, watch the turbo like a hawk, the exhaust gas recirculation valve can give trouble and make sure you insist on proper, high-quality synthetic oil whenever it's serviced. The older 1.8 is actually a bit of a cracking engine, and an in-house Ford designed unit, not shared with other brands as the 1.6 is (Peugeot, Citroen, Volvo and MINI have all shared the same engine). It's a good unit, but the easier running costs of the 1.6 just make it the better choice.

Expert answer

Hi Meeka,

I personally bought a 2006 Volvo V50 1.6 diesel, which is the estate version of the S40 so I know a little about them. I'm assuming that S40 is 1.6 diesel as well, as most are from that year. The most important thing about this engine is that it is used regularly at motorway speed (to burn off deposits on the diesel particulate filter - DPF) and that oil changes are also regular, and done with the right oil. Insist on a full service history and the more reputable the garage the better.

Make sure the DPF warning light is present when the ignition is turned on and that it then goes out soon after the car is started up. If it's missing completely it means there's a reason someone removed it - walk away.

Other than that I found the car to be very well equipped for the price, making it much better value than a similarly priced Focus or Golf from the same year. It's also more spacious than those cars - though not by much.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Dan,

Of all the ones you've mentioned there, I'd actually have a long, hard look at the Volkswagen Jetta. True, it's not the most exciting car of all, but with the 1.6 TDI diesel engine coupled to the DSG automatic gearbox, you should be able to squeeze terrific fuel economy out of it: 55mpg should be easily do-able, perhaps even the sunny side of 60mpg. It's sweeter to drive than you'd think too, really comfy and built like a tank.

What do you think?

Expert answer

Hi Bart,

Sorry to say but this can't really be done. The frame that joins the bar to the car is usually custom made to the make and model. It might be possible that a good welder and fabricator could adjust it for you, but it'd probably be cheaper to buy a new tow bar.

Expert answer

Hi Dave,

Really highly to be honest. Big, spacious, comfy and very well made. The S80 isn't as sharp to drive as a BMW 5 Series, but it's reliable and incredibly comfy. The only wrinkle here is that the FlexFuel engine isn't the best - it's thirsty and there's nowhere selling the biofuel for it anymore. Unless your mileage is low, it's worth seeking out a 2.0-litre diesel model.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Andrew,

We asked Volvo Ireland about this. Here's what we were told:

"The Volvo XC90 will be launched at the Paris Motor Show in early October 2014. We expect first deliveries of the car in early 2015.

We expect to have prices confirmed in time for the Paris Motor Show.

Please contact your local Volvo Dealer to be kept updated on the latest news.

www.volvocars.ie/findadealer

There is also a link on our website to keep the customer updated on any XC90 information that gets released: http://www.volvocars.com/ie/all-cars/all-new-volvo-xc90/pages/keep-me-updated.aspx "

For your information Andrew, we'll be at the global reveal of the XC90 on August 25th if we can help you answer anything else.

Expert answer

Hi Andrew,

We asked Volvo Ireland this for you and here's the response:

"The Volvo XC90 will be launched at the Paris Motor Show in early October 2014. We expect first deliveries of the car in early 2015.

We expect to have prices confirmed in time for the Paris Motor Show.

Please contact your local Volvo Dealer to be kept updated on the latest news.

www.Volvocars.ie/findadealer

 There is also a link on our website to keep the customer updated on any XC90 information that gets released:

 http://www.volvocars.com/ie/all-cars/all-new-volvo-xc90/pages/keep-me-updated.aspx"

Hope that helps