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Hi Robert,

Yes, they're pretty good. We've heard no major reports of serious issues with the current-shape Focus and that 1.6 diesel is long-lived and has seen service in various Volvos, MINIs, Citroens and Peugeots. Just make sure that it gets a regular oil change and that you use a high-grade synthetic oil. 

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Hi Patrick,

It certainly should be possible, although how much it will cost is a bit of a how-long-is-a-piece-of-string? question. Probably not a huge amount but you'll want to make sure the work is done properly. In fact, you have to make sure the work is done properly as Revenue will only accept a car as being legally converted if the firm carrying out the work meets certain minimum standards. You can find more details here: http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/vrt/vehicle-conversions.html#section3

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Hi Willy,

Lots. Want something compact? Track down a Skoda Yeti 2.0 TDI 4x4. Surprisingly good off road, that one.

A little bigger you say? Well, I've got a big soft spot for the Subaru Forester, both the current and previous models. Permanent four-wheel drive, a peachy flat-four diesel and they're virtually indestructible. 

There is also the fleetingly rare Nissan Qashqai 4WD but good luck finding one if you're buying second hand.

Have a yen for something luxurious? Try a Volvo XC70. 

Of course, with all of these cars, and especially when buying second hand, make sure they're actually equipped with four-wheel drive. Most of them are sold with front-drive and a great many owners simply don't know or can't tell the difference.

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Hi Gavin,

I'd have to say nope. It's not very big inside and it has needlessly heavy steering that makes manoeuvring in town a chore. 

Do you really need an SUV? Why not consider a nice estate? BMW's own 3 Series Touring is a belter. Or, for your budget, you could probably stretch to an Audi A6 Avant. Track down one with quattro four-wheel drive and leave all the front-drive SUVs standing when it snows. 

Or, if you're determined on the SUV front, consider one of the following: Honda CR-V, Volvo XC60, Hyundai Santa Fe or Mazda CX-5.

What do you think?

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Hi Conor,

Tread very, very carefully. Saab 9-5s are generally very troublesome, with electrics and suspension being the key weak points. According to Warranty Direct in the UK, it's probably the least reliable prestige car you can drive. 

In terms of parts, it shouldn't be a major issue and there are Saab specialists such as www.saabparts.com from whom to source them. 

To be honest though, you're probably better off going for something else. Maybe track down a nice Volvo S60 T5 instead? Terrific car, that and much more reliable.

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Hi Derry,

We’ve been on to Volvo to ask for expert help, but they sadly can’t diagnose a problem in a car they’ve never set eyes on. Best advice is get it to your nearest Volvo dealer for an inspection, but it sounds as if the engine replacement hasn’t been carried out correctly if it’s running that badly.

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Hi Justin,

Nice car, but just make sure that you're not planning lots of long motorway journeys in it as that 2.0-litre petrol engine can get a bit thirsty. Otherwise, check for electrical gremlins and make sure that the front tyres are wearing evenly - if not, the suspension could need adjusting or repair.

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Hi Mike,

It depends which engine is in your car. The 2.0-litre diesel is every 150,000 miles (241,000km) or two years, while all models with a 2.4-litre diesel (or petrol engine for that matter) come with a 108,000-mile (174,000km) interval - or two years again.

Always err on the side of caution with timing belts.

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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...

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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?