Expert answer

Hi Austin,

You didn't specify the engine so here are the possibilities:

1.6 petrol 100hp: has a timing belt, to be changed every 90,000km or six years

1.8 petrol 122hp/110hp or 118hp dual fuel: same as above

1.9 diesel 120hp: has a timing belt, to be changed every 120,000km or six years

1.9 diesel 150hp: has a timing belt, to be changed every 100,000km or ten years

2.0 diesel 100hp: has a timing chain

2.0 turbo petrol 175hp: has a timing chain

2.2 diesel 125hp/117hp: has a timing chain

2.2 petrol: has a timing chain

There were larger engines again in the Vectra, but we doubt you have one of those as they are very rare.

Expert answer

Hi Shane,

The 2.0litre diesel engine in the S40 is shared with the Ford Mondeo and it's a 140hp unit. A pretty good and robust one too, with few major reported problems, but watch earlier models for niggling electrical issues. 

There were also problems with leaky windscreen surrounds, some 2008 models had faulty wheel nuts, watch for ECU and fuel pump failures and brake issues because of a faulty vacuum pump.

Other than that, you might find the S40 slightly tight on legroom. It's a smaller car than the BMW 3 Series to begin with and Volvo compromised the cabin room further by allowing for more crush zones up front. So safer, but a touch more cramped if you've got long legs.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Carol,

Well, we'd definitely go for diesel unless your mileage is really low, and while both cars are reasonably reliable, both have issues with electrics and fragile cabin trim. 

If you want something with (near enough) total reliability in this class, go for a Toyota Corolla Verso.

Expert answer

Hi John,

Generally speaking, yes, as Suzukis are very solidly built. Just watch the diesel particulate filter - it's in a vulnerable position if you're planning to use the car off-road much and it clogs up easily with low mileage.

Expert answer

Hi David,

There are some issues with this version of the 307, mostly as it uses an older wiring system that was replaced in 2005 by a new, more reliable, multiplex design. Basically it's beware anything electronic, especially the odometer, which can give inaccurate mileage readings. Cabin trim, especially the wiper and indicator stalks, can be very fragile, while any noise from the suspension means you should run, not walk, away. 

On the good side, the engines, especially the 1.6 HDi diesel, are pretty solid and economical.

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

Wow, lucky you. The obvious answer would be to play safe (assuming you like your current BMW) and pick up a new 520d. It really is all the car you'll ever need. 

But I'm going to advise you to be a bit more daring and switch to Jaguar. Your budget gets you a nicely equipped XF 2.2 diesel, which is a seriously gorgeous, seriously good to drive car and one with the reliability and build quality to match BMW. A modern great.

Let us know which way you go or if you need more help

Expert answer

Hi Margaret,

I'd say circa €4,500 to €5,900 depending on condition but 1.4s are hard to find. You might have to go for a 1.6 or a diesel.

Expert answer

Hi Andrew,

There are no major recurrent problems to report on the Focus 1.6 TDCi. The nice thing is that the same basic engine design is also used by Peugeot, Citroen, Volvo and some MINIs so any potential issues tend to come to light pretty quickly. 

Just with that high mileage, make sure it's been serviced properly and on schedule, make sure the timing belt has been replaced and check for any electronic issues.

Expert answer

Hi Igor,

There was a changeover of Santa Fe models in 2006, when the first seven-seat model was introduced. Go for that, not the older model which was pretty crude, if reliable. 

The 2006 on version is much better - smooth and comfy and with lots of space. Astonishingly, there seem to be no common reported problems. Hyundai builds its cars pretty tough and only the occasional wobble from a stereo seems to surface. An excellent choice.

Best of luck

Expert answer

Hi Denise,

Go for the Avensis, by a country mile. Both cars are solidly reliable but the Avensis is bigger and comfier. The Tiida's only advantage is that it came with standard Bluetooth, but that's easily remedied with an aftermarket kit for the Avensis.

Let us know what you do