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Hi Breda,

Well, on the one hand, both the Aygo and the Auris are very well built and reliable so both will minimise any potential for expensive maintenance costs, and both are very frugal and economical, so either would be a fine choice. The Auris might be a bit more of a painless switch if you've been used to a Golf, as it's similar in size and comfort levels.

But, as you say that your journeys have decreased in length, switching cars may not actually save you any money. Changing cars is usually more expensive than maintaining and running an older car, and you need to sit down and do your sums very, very carefully. Work out what the actual cost of change is for you (the price of either car you are considering minus the trade-in value of your Golf, but including the cost of finance) and balance that against the cost of continuing to run and fuel your existing car, factoring in some cash for a good service and a new set of tyres (often the best way to improve your fuel economy).

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Hi Dawn,

The problem here is that you need space for three child seats across the back, and it's getting harder and harder to find a car that can accommodate that. The Qashqai is a fab car, no doubt, but yes, unless it's the 1.5 dCi diesel model you're talking about, they can indeed be hard on petrol. Besides, it will also fall down on the three-across-the-back test. The Xsara Picasso should be able to manage three across though, so is the best suggestion out of the ones you've been looking at, but here's another possibility: if you're looking for space on a budget, try going for a van-based MPV such as a Citroen Berlingo or Renault Kangoo. They're surprisingly nice to drive, have masses of space both in the back and boot, and both can be found with 1.4-litre petrol or 1.5- or 1.6-litre diesel engines so tax and, generally, fuel economy shouldn't be an issue. Also, being van-based, they're often more reliable and ruggedly built than their car cousins.

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Hi Morgan,

Can't go wrong with either of those, to be fair. The Golf is classier, the Focus slightly better to drive and a bit more affordable. Also consider the SEAT Leon (same as a Golf but a bit cheaper to buy, incredibly solid and reliable) or the excellent Kia cee'd.

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Hi Donie,

It's a pretty new design, the A7, and Audi has an enviable reputation for build quality, so if there are any recurrent problems, they haven't come to light yet. That 3.0-litre diesel engine is a proven design, and doesn't seem to give much trouble in the other models it does service in, so we wouldn't expect many issues. That said, as always with a premium brand car, the A7 is massively complex and high-tech, so if there's not a full and proper Audi service history, walk away. Lack of proper maintenance on a car like this is a sure sign of future problems.

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Hi Mairead,

Typically for a Hyundai, there are no major problems to report with a Tucson. Just tread slightly carefully, as they were popular with hard working types such as builders etc. and many have lived hard lives as beasts of burden, so be alert for signs of excessive wear and tear. Otherwise, just make the usual checks for history and condition and you should be OK.

As for fuel consumption, you're dealing with both an older-tech engine (that 2.0-litre has since been replaced by Hyundai's new 1.7 diesel) and a tall-ish, heavy-ish SUV body. So you're probably looking at around 35-45mpg, rather than the 45-55mpg you'd expect from a newer model.

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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 Ian,

Right, the bad news is that the Yaris isn't going to be worth all that much at this stage. I'd say if you get €1,000 for it, either cash or as a trade in, you'll be doing well. The good news is that gives you a €4,000 budget and that puts an awful lot of really good cars well within your reach.

Now, funny story. When we had our first boy, he was born in February. That Christmas, I borrowed a Land Rover Discovery to bring us all down to my wife's parents in Waterford. And thanks to all the luggage, buggy, travel cot, bath etc. etc. etc. I couldn't see out of the back of the damned car for a whole week. That's a long winded way of saying you need to maximise your space.

So how about a Citroen Berlingo? €4,000 should get you into a 2005 1.4 petrol model and there's so much space in the back that all that baby gear will fit easily. Don't fancy a van with windows? Then how about a compact estate? There are some nice Chevrolet Lacettis around - not the most exciting car in the world but reliable, comfy, well-equipped and spacious. Your budget should get you into a 2006 or 2007 model. Or, if that's a bit too left field, what about a MkII Ford Focus estate? We found a 2005 1.6 diesel with air conditioning that's in your budget.

Best of luck with the car hunt and the baby!

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Hi Andrew,

Yes, the new Qashqai has just arrived and is already on sale, and the X-Trail will be following on very shortly (in fact by the time you read this you should be able to order one). Note that it's more an update than an all-new car, though. 

Here are our reviews on both:

Nissan Qashqai review

Nissan X-Trail review

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Hi Philip,

I'm assuming you're referring to TDI diesel versions of both. The Superb is a much larger and heavier car so it doesn't feel quite as rapid, but it's not at all disappointing. That engine has plenty of torque to make it feel usefully quick when you need it to. The Octavia RS, however, is undoubtedly more of a performance car, even in diesel guise. The Octavia feels sportier in general because of its RS interior bits and pieces, low profile tyres and sports suspension too. A review for you:

Skoda Octavia Combi RS TDI review

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Hi Cindy,

I would go for either the Skoda or the Opel. The Skoda 1.9 TDI is very economical (50mpg should be pretty easy) and Skodas are well built and reliable. 

The only downside is that if it's pre-2008, it'll have a high rate of tax. That's something that the Opel with the 1.3 CDTi engine avoids, and it's still very economical, albeit slightly less so as you'll have to work the smaller engine a bit harder to keep up with the flow of traffic.