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Hi Philip,

The Octavia RS is a much sportier car overall with a more driver-focused chassis (though firmer and less comfortable). However, the new D4 Volvo engine is superior in every way (assuming you mean the new 181hp four-cylinder one tested here). 

So, personally, I would have the Skoda look, spec and chassis, but the Volvo engine and running costs!

Depends what's important to you...

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Hi Justin,

The nice folks at Volvo Car Ireland helped us out with this one, and the advice seems to be very up-front. Here's what they had to say:

"Key areas to look at include the gearbox: make sure it's smooth and pulls correctly in every gear. These can be big money to replace if there are problems. The D5 engine is fairly reliable - it and the XC90 have been around for a long time and any bugs have been ironed out. Service history is essential (Volvo preferably) with these vehicles. Lots of UK imports about so I would advise a history check [we recommend Cartell.ie]. Recalls are specific to the vehicle so can't really comment here although your local Volvo dealer will be happy to look these up with a reg or a VIN number."

Hope that helps

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Hi Pat,

Volvo Car Ireland has helped us out with the advice here. Here's what they had to say on the S40:

"These are an oil sensitive engine so full service history is a must as the wrong grade of oil used can cause serious problems. This engine (it's a PSA unit) is reasonably economical at about 45-50mpg. The DPF or Diesel Particulate Filter was on these versions and this should have been replaced by now on this vehicle, but make sure to check as these are expensive. A lot of UK imports so a history check is a must (this and the XC90 are the most imported Volvos in Ireland)."

We recommend Cartell.ie for the history check Pat - best of luck.

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Hi Annette,

Our very own Shane O' Donoghue has been out driving the new Fiat 500L MPV this past week, which should be just the thing you're looking for. Tall and spacious, sub-1.4 and with very comfortable seats. Well worth trying. If the 500L doesn't float your boat, then it's always worth having a look at something Swedish (although that will inevitably violate your 1.4 limit) or if you're not keen on a Volvo and their truly wonderful seats, try an Opel. All of Opel's seats, dating back to the 2002 Vectra, have been approved by the Aktion Gesunder Rikter, or German bad back association, and their seats are almost uniformly excellent.

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Hi Justin,

It's a little tricky to tell, actually, as there aren't that many other S80s from that year about to help us judge the price. Plus there's the fairly high mileage, which will depress the value a little, even though Volvos are well made and capable of shrugging off high mileages. I'd take a stab at a price of about €7,500, possibly a little less if you're trading in.

Hope that helps

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Hi Willy,

The latest Volvo V60 D2, whether maual or automatic, is in Band A3, which costs €190 per annum. The V60 D3 with a manual gearbox is in Band A4 (€200 per year) and with the Geartronic automatic it moves into Band B1, which costs €270 per year.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Willy,

Split decision: the Mercedes is better to drive (slightly), but the Volvo is more comfy and more spacious. If you're doing lots of long journeys, I'd take the Volvo.

Then it's down to personal taste in terms of interior and exterior styling.

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Hi Rory,

Normally, I would say the Volvo hands down. But, at that kind of budget, you're looking at an older car and the XC90 is a complex premium car, which needs looking after. Tread carefully at that price level, which is why I'm suggesting you should go for the Nissan. It can't hold a candle to the Volvo for cabin ambience, comfort or on-road dynamics but it's simpler and more rugged, and therefore less likely to give any problems.

Let us know how you get on

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Hi Marietta,

I wouldn't like to pronounce absolutely on whether the Kuga is suitable for an elderly driver with arthritis.  Generally, Ford is very good at designing cars for elderly drivers, and was one of the first car companies to take limited joint mobility into account when designing the interior and access points. It would of course depend on which parts of the body your dad has the arthritis in, and how much it's restricting his mobility. I wouldn't be medically qualified to pass judgement on that.

Off the top of my head though, I would suggest that the Kuga might actually be a bit too tall, and require an up-and-in motion that may not be any easier than the down-and-in of the S40. I would have throught that a Ford C-Max, which is more between the heights of the Focus and the Kuga, would be a better bet. Easier to slide straight into. Worth a look anyway.

If you're trading in the S40, I'd reckon you should be getting offers of around €9,000 to €10,000, depending on the condition, history and which engine it's got.

Come back to us if you need more help.

Expert answer

Hi Gerard,

Generally the S40 is a solid enough car, but watch for leaky windscreen surrounds, some issues with faulty wheel nuts, vacuum pump failure leading to reduced braking power and, on the 1.6 diesel, problems with the exhaust gas recirculation valve.