Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

With that kind of criteria, and if you’ve driven your wife’s Prius and liked it, I’m minded to recommend the Lexus. The hybrid systems are related (although of course the Lexus is considerably more powerful and sporty), it’s well-equipped (most of what you want is on the standard equipment list) and with mileage of 10,000km a year, it should be just about ideal. Plus, it’s unbreakably reliable.

Here are a few reviews that might interest you:

Lexus IS 300h review

BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo review

Volvo V40 review

Expert answer

Hi Jim,

Very reliable I hope, as I've just bought a 2006 version! It's essentially unchanged since then and before I bought I did a good deal of research. The most important thing to watch is the oil. It needs to be the correct grade and I'd recommend changing it more often than the manufacturer recommends. At the rear of the engine there's a small timing chain linking the camshafts and it is known to break. This is thought to be down to poor oil maintenance.

Other than that, it seems to be a robust choice.

Let me know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Adrian,

Rather surprisingly, given Volvo's reputation for reliability and solidity, that generation of S40 was the subject of quite a few recalls in its lifetime, mostly for small niggly problems but some more serious ones too, including fuel leaks. 

The general feeling seems to be that if you get a good one, they're pretty well made and reliable, but a bad one is seriously bad with problems including air conditioning pumps, haphazard central locking and immobiliser units, faulty brake sensors and more.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

They’re pretty solid, but watch for issues with the 1.6-litre diesel engine (exhaust filter, water pump, turbo) and the ignition and central locking system. Make sure it has a full and complete service history and don't ignore the warning lights.

Expert answer

Hi Frank,

It depends on the condition and service history, but I would suggest it’s worth around €4,000.

Expert answer

Hi Ronan,

Thankfully the potential glitch list on XC90s seems to be pretty small, especially if you go for the diesel engine and the Asin-Warner automatic gearbox. Apparently most XC90 problems relate to the petrol engined versions, running a GM gearbox.

Make sure that the timing belt has been changed at 100,000-mile intervals. Check for outer-shoulder tyre wear caused by suspension mis-alignment. The top suspension mounts can be weak on the early models, but as the one you're looking at is a 2008, you should be OK, as Volvo replaced many under warranty. Wheel bearings can wear, so listen for rumbling noises and the brakes pads and parking brake mechanism are both prone to early wear.

Hope that helps; let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Rosemary,

This car was built between 1997 and 2006 so it's on the pre-2008 tax regime, which is done according to engine size. The 2.0-litre C70's capacity is actually 1,984cc, meaning an annual tax bill of €710.

With regards to the roof, it's pretty durable, but best to avoid any cars in which it looks torn or in need of repair, as it's an expensive job.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Sue,

I think you might need to look for a big seven-seat MPV, so. Have a look for a Ford S-Max or SEAT Alhambra. Both are exceptionally roomy, and both are reliable and good to drive. A touch on the thirsty side though. The only ‘conventional’ car I can think of that might fit the bill would be a Volvo S80 or V70, which have just about enough space across the back seat for three child car seats, and plenty of legroom up front.

Expert answer

Hi Dino,

It’s actually a very common engine, the PSA DV4 unit, also shared with Ford, Volvo, Peugeot, Citroen and MINI. It’s a four-cylinder turbodiesel, usually with 110hp, although some later versions had 115hp.

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

Our research suggests this is worth in the region of €9,000 to €11,000 depending on condition, history, specification and who it is doing the buying and selling.

Hope that helps