Expert answer

Hi Colm,

The biggest and most expensive area of common trouble on a Range Rover Sport (and this is the original, 2005 model we’re talking about) is the air suspension. Check that the car sits level on its springs, and that when you adjust the suspension height, the system responds briskly. If not, walk (quickly) away because you’re into a world of expense. The transfer box part of the transmission is also a trouble spot, as is the electronic handbrake. The 2.7-litre diesel V6 engine is pretty robust, but if it feels sluggish to respond then there could be an issue with the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve. 

Expert answer

Hi John,

As far as we're aware the Chevrolet Cruze was only ever offered with a single diesel engine option - a 1.7-litre unit with 130hp.

Come back to us if we can be of more help.

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Hi Jack,

The Toledo is too new for us to have any angle on its reliability but you'd have to say the prospects are good. SEATs in general are exceptionally robust (we have family experience of four that have been near faultless) and the new one is based on the latest, highest Volkswagen Group components, so we'd be surprised if it's anything over than very reliable. The only concern, we suppose, is that there are a lot of high-tech electronics on even the base model so the potential for issues there is higher than once it was. The same can be said of any modern car really.

As for the Yeti, again, Skodas tend to be very reliable indeed, usually right up at the top of customer satisfaction surveys with the likes of Toyota, Honda, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz. We have heard some isolated stories of issues with fuel pumps and power steering, but they appear to be just that: isolated.

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Hi Ivor,

Between €7,500 to €8,500 we'd say. Popular car too, so you shouldn't have too much trouble offloading it.

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Hi William,

We'd be tempted to say that you should be grand - Hyundais in general, and the old Sonata in particular, are built like tanks. That said, with that kind of mileage, you need to make sure that the service history is complete and that all the major replacement jobs (clutch, brake pads and discs, timing belt) have been done. The Sonata has also always been a popular car with taxi drivers so check it carefully for signs of heavy use and abuse. If it all checks out though, and the service history is there, then you should be fine.

Let us know how you get on

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Hi Karl,

No, the 1.2 (actually it's a 1.3 really) diesel in the Opel Combo is the same unit that Opel co-developed with Fiat, so it should have either 75- or 90hp and plenty of torque. Clearly, a larger engine means you can haul larger payloads, but unless you're a gym weights delivery company, you should be OK.

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Hi Phillip,

Cars registered in 2007 (assuming this Freelander is classified as a passenger vehicle, not a commercial vehicle) are taxed according to their engine size. The Freelander's 2.2-litre engine is actually 2,179cc, so it falls into the 2,101- to 2,200cc category, which, since January 2013, costs €951 per annum.

Hope that helps

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Hi Ciaran,

Yes. We like the Insignia and it does a pretty good impression of an Audi A4 for a lot less money. As with any long-run mass-produced car, keep an eye out for faults and while the Insignia is well built, gearbox and steering issues are not unheard of. The 2.0-litre CDTi diesel engine is the best one to go for, especially in ECOFlex form as it's in Band A for road tax and if you can track down one of the gorgeous and practical estates. you're on to a winner.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

At that kind of mileage, you really should be going for a petrol. A 320i has plenty of poke, is very refined and nice to drive, and has decent fuel economy and emissions. 

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Hi Alanna,

Anything pre-2008 with a petrol engine is pretty hard to shift on these days, sadly, so I'd reckon you're looking at a value of possibly as little as €5,500 for the Mazda3 at the moment. To get the best from it, I'd suggest staying within the Mazda family (a Mazda dealer will usually give you a better trade-in on a Mazda than will another dealer) and trade up to a Mazda6 Estate. Loads of space, brilliant to drive, reliable and, with the 2.2-litre 129hp diesel, very economical too. SUV? Do you live up a mountain or at the far end of a rutted dirt road? No? Then you don't need one - stick to the family car market and the Mazda6 size class (which also includes cars like the Toyota Avensis, Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat and Opel Insignia) is  where you'll get the best bang for your buck.

Let us know how you get on