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Hi Laura,

I'd say you should be getting around €10,000 to €11,000 on a trade-in, but don't be surprised if dealers try to low-ball you; it's kind of endemic given the state of the car market at the moment.

Let us know how you get on

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Hi Richard,

It kind of depends on a couple of things. First of all, which Mondeo do you mean? Current or previous, petrol or diesel? And what are you using it for? Mostly urban, mostly motorway? Family and kids to haul around or just yourself?

Generally I would always say to go with the Mondeo, as it's such a fantastic and (yes) a 'complete' car.

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Hi David,

It's actually a very good car, and as long as it has a full service history you shouldn't have too much to worry about. That 1.6 TDCi engine is robust, but just make sure that at each service it has been topped up with the correct grade and type of oil as it's a bit sensitive in that regard. The only regular weak point is the exhaust gas recirculation valve, which can give trouble. Any lack of power or sluggish acceleration is the giveaway. Loud? Not really. Of course, a petrol-engined version would be a touch quieter but the Focus is at least as refined as any of its main rivals. Of course, being a Focus, that means that there's lots around to choose from, so be picky and shop around until you find a really good one.

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Hi Ciaran,

Keeping your insurance affordable is mostly a matter of shopping around, although at 24 you may well be shopping for a size of car that most insurers will baulk at. You may get a better deal in that respect if you dropped down to a Golf/Focus/Astra-sized car. But if you must have the bigger machine then I'd go for the Mazda. It's sweeter to drive than the other two, vastly more reliable and spacious and practical too.

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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 Ben,

I would suggest you try a Hyundai i40 1.7 CRDi diesel. On personal experience it's the most economical big saloon or estate I've tried, easily cracking the 60mpg barrier in real-world driving conditions. A great car all round, really.

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Hi Aidan,

I'd suggest either a Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi, a Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI or a Kia cee'd 1.6 CRDi. All of them fall into your price bracket, all are well built, reliable and economical and all are comfy for a lengthy daily commute. You won't go wrong with any of them and there are plenty of each available so shop around and be choosy.

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Hi Derry,

The S line spec on an A4 is nice, especially in styling terms, but it does also include lower, stiffer suspension, so if you value your comfort and refinement, maybe go for an SE instead. As for things to watch for, obviously with any car of that age you need to check pretty much everything very carefully, and don’t buy anything that doesn’t come with a full service history. Check that the MMI infotainment system is all working properly (it’s a major trouble spot), and check the carpets for damp spots as the air conditioning system often leaks. S line models often develop tracking issues, so check the front tyres for uneven wear, and a dull thud from the suspension when going over bumps means the anti-roll bar drop links need replacing, too.

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Hi Derry,

Nothing much to keep an eye on mechanically speaking, as these are well-built and reliable cars. Just watch for kerbed alloys as that could mean that the steering has been knocked out of alignment. Obviously, you'll want a fully-stamped-up service history. As for the S Line model, try before you buy. Yes, the styling add-ons look good, but the A4 already has quite a firm ride quality and the S Line suspension firms that up even more. It may not be to your taste.

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Hi Patrick,

Right, first off; good choice. Well, sort of. The 3 Series is the good choice - it's handsome, beautifully built, sublime to drive and, crucial these days, extremely economical. 

But, you've picked the wrong one in our opinions. Well, at least you've picked the wrong diesel. True, the 318d's torque and power figures look impressive, but the fact is that, on the road, it feels barely any quicker than the cheaper 316d and the 316 is sweeter and smoother to drive. So go for the 316d, save yourself a few bob and have the nicer engine.

As for extras, go for nice leather, an upgrade to the Business stereo pack and (though this splits opinion) get the all-important M Sport styling upgrade.