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Hi Helen,

While there is no direct replacement for the Grandis, the Mitsubishi Outlander comes as a seven seater, with the choice of manual or automatic gearboxes. It's also got selectable four-wheel drive. From a pricing perspective, the Outlander seven-seat manual is in the same price bracket as the old Grandis.

Here's our recent road test of the Outlander for your information

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Hi Stephen,

Would you consider a Skoda Yeti? It's a similar size to the Juke but much more spacious, with a more sophisticated cabin and brilliant rear seats that can tip, fold and be removed altogether if you need extra load space. The boot on the front-drive diesel models should be plenty big enough to take a scooter or wheelchair too, and the DSG automatic gearbox is available. I presume you're already familiar with the work the Irish Wheelchair Association does with modifying cars for hand control, so that should be a simple enough process for you. A cracking car, the Yeti - brilliant to drive and very practical, and with a new model coming later this year, you should be able to argue yourself a decent deal on a new one.

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Hi Joseph,

A nice car that, with a very smooth chassis, and while the 1.8-litre supercharged petrol engine sounds a bit rough and ready, it's pretty economical. 

Now, this car comes from an era when Mercedes-Benz quality took a distinct dip, and although the C-Class wasn't as badly affected as the E-Class, there are still some issues. Chiefly they're electronic (engine management, faulty keys) and issues with incorrectly specced brake discs being fitted, although a previous owner should have caught that one.

Listen for clonking sounds from the rear suspension too - it's not an especial weak point but can be indicative of problems ahead. 

Finally, don't if you can avoid it, go for the manual. Not only will an automatic have a better resale value down the line, with Merc's awkward foot-operated parking brake, manual C-Classes are just too awkward to drive.

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Hi Denis,

Yes, it seems to be a recurring problem on the 320i, but it may not be as serious as you think. If the source of the leak is the crank-case ventilator (CCV) then it can be a bit pricey to get fixed, and it's most definitely not a DIY job, as bits of the engine have to be removed and the whole assembly tilted to allow access.

If though, the leak is coming from the vacuum pump then it's most likely simply a failed o-ring seal on the pump, which can be relatively easily replaced. The obvious signs of a leak are a smell of burning oil in the cabin at tickover and, of course, visible oil leaks within the engine bay. A quick steam-clean of the engine will show up easily where any leaks are coming from.

Of course, if you've not comfortable tackling this sort of thing yourself make sure you bring the car to a professional.

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Hi Patrick,

We have a lot of experience with this car actually. Both Neil and I ran Exeo saloons as long term test cars for a while, and I also had the ST estate for nearly a year.

I definitely preferred the estate in terms of looks and though it had more space in the boot, the Exeo saloon isn't bad at all in that regard. You probably know that it's essentially a previous generation Audi A4, down to the interior switchgear and engines. That's no bad thing of course, as the Audi was a premium model at the time, though it does mean that the Exeo feels dated in places.

Nonetheless, it is solidly built and everything works well. The TDI diesel engines are well-proven and particularly satisfying when specified in conjunction with the CVT automatic gearbox. They're not the most refined engines on the market, but good performers and pretty economical too.

Note that rear legroom isn't all that great, though it was improved in the latest versions.

Overall, if you can get the Exeo for a good price then you're buying a dependable car that is below most people's radar.

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Hi Kevin,

It depends. Are you talking about the older model of Sharan, the one that was shared with the old Ford Galaxy? If so, then it’s simply down to the fact that, at the time, automatic gearbox technology was not as advanced, and they tended to be more thirsty than an equivalent manual gearbox.

If it’s the newer model you’re talking about (the current-shape one, with sliding side doors) then it could be that the DSG automatic needs servicing. It requires more intensive care and attention than a manual gearbox, and if it’s left alone it can malfunction, which could affect economy.

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Hi Gary,

Automatic small cars are generally a bit hard to come by in Ireland, but I suggest a MINI One or First. Unlike some other small cars, the MINI's auto box is a sophisticated ZF unit and it's as much fun to drive as the manual. €5-7,000 picks you up a good one.

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Hi Conor,

You've not told us which model it is, which might help us get a better answer for you, but we do know that the automatic transmission in the E60/E61 5 Series suffers from oil leaks. It may be that your gearbox has a problem because of that.

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Hi Jackie,

Yes, it is highly likely that a 2008 bumper would fit your 2007 Corsa. The gearbox has no bearing on it, but if the 2008 donor is from a three-door model it's worth comparing them as closely as possible.

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

I've just recently driven the BMW 318d GT with an automatic gearbox in Irish specification (Luxury to be exact) on Irish roads and it's a fabulously comfortable car. It feels (and is) hugely spacious inside and in the boot too. Surprisingly, it's quite different to drive and in character to both the 3 Series saloon and Touring estate. It's even more comfortable on the road and more refined. However, if you're coming from one of those cars and you like how they drive you may not appreciate the reduced 'sharpness' in the dynamics. Most people won't care though and they'll relish the comfort.

The 318d engine seems to cope well enough with the car's weight and the eight-speed automatic transmission is a gem.

Which version are you considering?