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Hi Rob,

If it’s the original manufacturer warranty, then yes — they’re pan-European warranties (mostly, check the small print) and will be honoured by any dealer within the EU. If it’s a warranty offered individually by a dealer, then possibly not. Definitely not if it’s from an independent dealer, but there might be a chance if it’s one offered by an Audi or Volvo franchised dealer in the UK. 

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Hi David,

One of the last of the 2010 Saab 9-5s could be a good purchase, but it's a bit tricky for us to get a handle on how reliable they are as so few were sold. We've always fancied one ourselves actually. Another good option, and not one of the obvious German saloons, is the Lexus GS, especially if your budget stretches to the newer GS 300h hybrid. The safest option would be a Honda Accord, which is reliable enough to out-live the Solar System, but if you like your Swedes then the Volvo S80 is a great buy - reliable, hugely comfortable, and temptingly cheap these days. 

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Hi Declan,

Don’t get an X3 then — it has great seats, and is higher up, but has a ride every bit as hard as that of the 4 Series. Would you consider a Lexus? The NX SUV is really very comfy, and softer riding than most competitors, as is the Volvo XC60 (either the new model or the old one) as long as you avoid larger optional alloys and the R-Design pack.

Read our BMW X3 vs. Lexus NX twin test

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Hi Mike,

Back as far as 2008 and 2009 sadly you're missing out on the Volvo V60, which is a cracking car and very affordable to run. You could get a bigger V70 with the 1.6-litre diesel engine, but it's a bit more expensive. The smaller V50 estate might be too small for you.

Would you consider a Skoda instead? An Octavia Combi is hugely spacious, reliable, cheap to buy and cheap to run. 

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Hi Padraig,

Nope, the price doesn't change the fact that it's more thirsty and less practical than the standard V60. If your girls have outgrown a Zafira then neither the back seat nor the boot of the V60 hybrid will be any use to them or you. Better off by far with a standard one, or consider an upgrade to a well-cared for XC90.

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Hi Martin,

We haven’t actually done that, as yet, but here’s a quick rundown of our favourites:

1. Skoda Superb Combi: massive, roomy, cavernous, spacious, replete with space — whatever way you want to put it, the Superb is the best estate around simply because you can fit the most amount of stuff into one. Looks good too, and is exceptionally comfortable. Not the sharpest thing to drive, but you won’t really care.

2. Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate: really good looking, massive boot, staggeringly high quality cabin, comfortable, smooth 2.0-litre diesel and surprisingly good to drive.

3. Volvo V90: another one that’s surprisingly good to drive, with sharper steering than you’d expect. Gorgeous interior, exceptionally comfy seats and the only problem is that the boot isn’t quite as big as it should be. Exterior styling does kind of make up for that, a little.

4. Volkswagen Golf Estate: not the obvious choice perhaps, but adds extra space (lots of it — a 605-litre boot) to the Golf’s usual other qualities of quality and classiness. An ideal family car and more affordable to buy and run than an average SUV.

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Hi Eileen,

It will depend on the service history, but probably about €7-8,000 as a trade-in.

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Hi Martin,

Yes we have, although not yet in a properly scientific way. Thus far, it’s Volvo’s Pilot Assist that is the best. None of them will take control for more than a few seconds at a time, and you always have to have your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel, but they can take a good deal of the strain out of longer journeys. The Mercedes system is very good too, with the BMW one just fractionally behind for now, but all are improving with every generation.

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Hi Jakov,

In general, the built-in boosters leave more space between them for a third seat than using other styles of seat, but check it out carefully and make sure that the seat you're planning to use fits comfortably. 

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Hi Bob,

Like all Volvos, the V50 is pretty solid, but you do need to check for some specific faults. The air conditioning compressor is prone to damage from salt and road debris, so check to make sure that it’s working properly. The 1.6 diesel has a weakness in its oil and water pumps and it needs a steady diet of high-quality oil. The diesel particulate filter will also give trouble if the car has only done low mileage or has been mostly driven around town. Excessive vibration can be the dual mass flywheel on the way out. Black smoke from the exhaust is usually a blown turbo or exhaust gas recirculation valve. Sunroofs can leak, electric components can be tricky, especially the ignition and central locking system, and you need to check for cracked springs, broken balljoints, and wishbone bushes.