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Hi Joy,

I'd go for the Yaris, if only because it's fractionally less likely to give any trouble than the Polo, but to be honest it's a close run thing in that regard. A nice 2005 model with an automatic gearbox (if she fancies) can be snapped up for between €5,000 and €6,000.

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Hi Des,

If you mean the new model, which was introduced in the summer of 2013, then it's generally excellent. Gorgeous to look at (well, we think so anyway) with a fantastic interior, lots of space and excellent economy from the familiar 1.6-litre diesel engine. Citroen's build quality has greatly improved over the past few years, so you shouldn't have any major reliability worries and it's an immensely comfortable car in which to do long journeys. Here's our Irish road test of the five-seat model.

If you're talking about the previous generation then there are a couple of points to keep an eye on. The 1.6 diesel has a habit of developing problems, usually with the turbo's exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve. It's a relatively easy fix but it can be pricey so shop around for quotes. Buy as recent a car as you can, as Citroen was constantly improving the build quality as the car developed. Avoid the automatic EGS gearbox - it's awful to drive with and can develop problems with the clutch. Check the cabin very carefully for loose or rattling trim and inspect the bumpers, especially the enormous one-piece front bumper, for any damage - they can be hugely expensive to repair.

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Hi Rory,

Both cars use dual clutch semi-automatic gearboxes, which are pretty slick-shifting, but Volkswagen's DSG transmission just edges it for smoothness and quickness. 

On the emissions front it's rather bad news I'm afraid. If you're buying 2008 model year cars then you're looking at emissions of 189g/km for the Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Powershift and 175g/km for the Passat 2.0 TDI DSG. That means tax of €750 a year.

It gets a bit better if you can spool forward to 2010 when the Passat's emissions drop to 158g/km so that means a tax bill of €570 a year. 

Just for reference, the Mondeo 2.0 diesel auto gets an official 39mpg while the 2010 Passat with DSG gets 47mpg.

To be honest, if you can live without an automatic gearbox you would be better to go for the 1.6-litre diesel versions of either car. Both have decent performance and much better economy and emissions. For instance, a 1.6 BlueMotion Technologies Passat gets 62mpg and has emissions of just 118g/km so tax of €200 a year.

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Hi there,

Welcome to Ireland! I'd suggest you have a look for a Honda Civic 1.4 petrol automatic. That's probably the best balance between reliability (Civics are very reliable), economy and sticking within your budget. The higher road tax comes from the changeover to a carbon emissions based system in 2008. Prior to that cars were taxed according to their engine size, but the Civic's 1.4-litre petrol engine should keep your tax bills down to a reasonable level. Sadly, there's nothing you can do to change the NCT test - every car requires one every two years once it's more than four years old, and every year once it's more than ten years old. Again, the Honda will help here - they're really well built so less likely to develop problems that would cause you to fail an NCT test, as long as you look after it and keep it serviced.

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Hi Paddy,

There aren't any major reported problems on the 1.4 TSI petrol Passat, but just watch the fuel consumption; it's a big car with a small (albeit turbocharged) engine so you may need to work it harder than you think to keep up with traffic. The DSG gearbox can give some problems though. Take a test drive and make sure that the automatic changes are crisp and almost seamless. If not, suspect a dodgy box an walk away.

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Hi Brian,

That's a little bit tricky at the moment as there isn't currently a 'Match' spec Golf in Volkswagen's range. The current Mark VII Highline Golf though is the ritziest Golf you can buy short of getting a GTI or GTD. Over and above a standard Golf, you get things like 16-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel, front fog lights that include a cornering function, auto headlights and wipers, sports seats and nice trim on the seats and dash.

When the last Mark VI Golf Match was around, it included (for a relatively small extra outlay over a standard car) such items as automatic lights and wipers, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, USB and iPod connectors, a digital radio, a trip computer and alloy wheels. The current Golf probably won't get a Match version for a year or two yet but keep an eye out for when one arrives as it will probably be quite a good bargain.

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Hi Francis,

I reckon you should be looking at a Kia cee'd Sportwagon. Handsome to look at, excellent 1.6-litre diesel engine, lots of space, massive boot and, even if you're buying nearly new, a long, loooooong warranty. A tough package to beat and it's more enjoyable to drive than you might expect. Does it fall foul of your 'not boring' requirement?

OK so, one man's meat etc. How about a Skoda Yeti? Not as practical or big in the boot department, but funky and fun to drive and if you get a 4x4 version, a proper off-roader too.

What do you think?

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Hi Tanya,

Actually, both cars have exactly the same engine - BMW's long-serving 3.0-litre straight-six diesel. The first generation X5 is little short of excellent, with terrific handling and a gorgeous, comfortable cabin. Reliability isn't the best though. The engines have occasional problems with fuel injectors and developing cracks in the inlet manifold, while steering and suspension are also prone to damage and wear. X5s are also notorious for chewing through tyres at a ferocious rate. The engine's air mass sensor can also fail, leading to poor acceleration although you'll spot that easily enough on a test drive.

Basically, it's worth getting any potential purchase checked over by the AA for any faults, and just ignore anything that doesn't come with a full service history. Oh, and it's better to go for the 2004 one - that should have the newer six-speed automatic gearbox (ignore manuals - they'll be worth much less come trade-in time) that improves fuel economy to just over 30mpg.

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Hi Gerard,

OK, it's basic consumer law at work here. Assuming your contract was made with the dealer when he was still a Citroen main dealer, then he must honour the original deal that was made. If not, you've been supplied with the car either as a mistake or under false pretences. It doesn't matter that he doesn't have the Citroen franchise any more - he can still order a car from them under the EU's block exemption rules. If he tries to fob you off saying that his new franchisee won't let him, don't buy it - he must still fulfil the original contract. If there's still no joy, contact Citroen Ireland directly - they're located in Airside Retail Park, Swords, Co. Dublin and explain your situation.

Do let us know how you get on.

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Hi Frank,

The registration you provided is for a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML 300 CDI BlueEfficiency with an automatic gearbox. That falls into the emissions band 191- to 225g/km, which costs €1,200 per annum to tax.