Expert answer

Hi Vincent,

Our prices were correct at the time of each article - the date is displayed in each case. For clarity, at the time of writing this, the pricing is as follows:

- Dacia Duster Alternative: €15,990

- Dacia Duster Signature: €17,990

- Dacia Duster Signature 4x4: €19,990

All are powered by the same 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine producing 110hp. The front-wheel drive cars are in Band B1 and the 4x4 one is in Band B2.

Hope that clears it up?

Expert answer

Hi Gerry,

I'm afraid we've not driven the X3 sDrive. For those not in the know, that's the rear-wheel drive version of the BMW. It's offered in Ireland in '18d' format only, which means a 143hp 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine. It comes in manual and automatic guises and in SE or M Sport trim levels with on-the-road prices starting from €43,690.

Non-quattro Audi Q5s are powered by a 143hp 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine as well. While there are more trim levels offered (base, SE and S Line) this car can not be specified with an automatic transmission. On-the-road prices start from €41,760.

For the record, with a manual gearbox, both cars are in Band B2 for tax purposes though the X3 uses marginally less fuel on the combined consumption cycle (5.1- vs. 5.4 litres/100km) and it's a second quicker accelerating to 100km/h at 9.9 seconds.

Hope that helps in some way

Expert answer

Hi Seamus,

As discussed via email, it's imperative that this car has had a full service history. Assuming there's been just one owner since new then the high mileage is possibly a good sign that this car has had few issues. Its predecessor was notoriously troublesome, though this model seems better. Watch out though for build quality issues like the doors closing properly and make sure the access card works as expected.

Other than that, check every single electric switch and system.

Even so, we'd only feel comfortable going for such a high mileage example if it really was a bargain - or you managed to get a warranty thrown in.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Jack,

The 1.6 HDi diesel engine is pretty good (although you have to keep an eye on the water and oil pumps, and make sure it gets a diet of high-quality oil at service time), but the Peugeot 307 itself always had a reputation for poor electrics and cheap cabins, so tread carefully. 

Expert answer

Hi Killian,

Bad news I'm afraid: this first generation Freelander was plagued with reliability problems. Saying that, Land Rover sorted most of the major issues by 2002. The 1.8-litre petrol engine is best avoided as it's susceptible to blown head gaskets, though the diesel alternatives are more durable. Otherwise, the issues come from the electrics (the windows in particular), the rear differential and the manual gearbox.

If you're still determined, take a close look at all those items and listen out for any unexpected grumbles through the transmission.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Sindy,

That really does depend on which version of the TT you're trading in and which model MINI Coupé you're interested in. The MINI line-up includes petrol and diesel options with power ranging from 122- to 192hp. None of them are slow, but if your TT is a turbocharged petrol version then you'll need the MINI Cooper S Coupé at least to keep up. The Cooper SD is virtually as quick as well and way more economical.

In terms of comfort, the Audi TT generally is more comfortable than the MINI. The latter has harder suspension settings. However, that does again depend on the model you're looking at, as the lesser Coupés ride on smaller wheels, which enhance the ride quality.

Come back to us with the specific models if you'd like more comment.

Expert answer

Hi Clare,

I think your best bet is a circa-2007 Honda CR-V. Masses of space inside, incredibly reliable and really very pleasant to drive. It is a 2.2-litre diesel, but it has economy every bit as good as a rival 2.0-litre unit. Just make sure you get one with a full service history.

Expert answer

Hi Tommy,

First of all a quick list of possibilities we found on Carzone.ie that we would consider wise buys:

- Audi A4 - Good to drive and plenty about, though you'd have to look at 2005 - 2007 within your budget. Not all that spacious either.

- Audi A6 - Hugely spacious and comfortable, but again you'd have to settle for an older car with higher mileage, which could bring unexpected costs.

- BMW 3 Series - Most examples at this price are 2005-2007. Economical diesels and great to drive, but we'd worry about potential bills - and not as spacious as non-premium brands.

- BMW 5 Series - We'd be sorely tempted by this 2005-2007 model as it's such a great car. Seek out a low mileage example with a full service history and a warranty though.

- Citroen C5 - Comfy big car with decent specification and well-proven diesel engines. Not a huge number on the market, though at least you could afford a 2008 car.

- Ford Mondeo - One of the default options here. It's big, comfortable, good to drive and there are loads and loads about. Relatively cheap and easy to maintain too.

- Honda Accord - Relatively unknown here, but the 2.2-litre diesel engine is a gem and the car is very reliable and comfortable. Look for a post-2008 one to keep your tax bill down.

- Mazda6 - This is probably the car we'd put our own money on. Go for a post-2008 diesel example in a decent specification. It's spacious, well-equipped and great to drive. Reliable too.

- Toyota Avensis - Your budget might get you one of the last of the old models from 2009, though taxi drivers tend to snap these up as well. Make sure you check the history and mileage with Cartell.ie.

- Volkswagen Passat - Plenty about and it's a spacious and comfortable car, but there have been a few niggles with the electrics that'd steer us elsewhere.

There you have it. Come back to us if you'd like more help narrowing down your search.

Expert answer

Hi Teresa,

There are a couple of problems with the Zafira diesel, mostly to do with the diesel particulate filter (it gets clogged and has to be replaced, which is expensive), the exhaust gas recirculation valve (which jams, and which means you need to replace it), and the dual-mass flywheel. On the inside, check for faulty central locking and rear seats that won’t lock into position when you lift them up out of the boot. Economy should be around the 40mpg mark, depending on how you drive it.

Ford Focus 1.6 diesels of similar age might have turbo trouble too (if the engine feels hesitant or down on power), and you need to listen for creaking steering racks, check for faulty air conditioning and listen for noisy suspension.

Expert answer

Hi Claire,

Purely in terms of the technical definition of power, yes, the 1.2 TSI 105hp Golf has the same power as a 1.6-litre TDI diesel with 105hp. However, something called torque is more important to everyday driving, and the diesel has a good chunk more of that. That will mean the diesel will feel quicker without the need to put your foot down, i.e. how most people drive.