Expert answer

Hi Philip,

The Sportage is very much on its way out right now, with a new model due next year. That said, it's still a nice car, but it can't match the Qashqai for handling or for the emissions from their diesel engines. As for petrol, there really isn't a viable Sportage petrol option right now, but the Qashqai's 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine actually makes pretty good sense if you're doing low mileage and mostly drive around town.

Further reading:

Nissan Qashqai review

Kia Sportage review

Expert answer

Hi Kathleen,

When you say higher, do you mean an SUV or an MPV? Either way, you're going to have to spend more. In the world of automotive pricing, extra height equals extra cash. 

If it's an MPV you fancy, try a Citroen C3 Picasso (especially the attractive Code Edition) or a Hyundai ix20. Or the more expensive Opel Meriva if you fancy staying with the Opel family. 

Opel has an equally good small SUV, the Mokka although if funds allow it's best to buy new and get the new 1.6 diesel version. Other good small SUV options are a Peugeot 2008 or MINI Countryman.

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Hi James,

No, if you're doing that kind of mileage then you probably don't need a diesel - you'll be a long, long time getting back the cost of purchase in fuel savings at any rate. Nothing much wrong with the 07 Verso - they're as solid as you get.

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Hi Charles,

For the seven-seat model it's up to 2,500kg with a braked trailer or 750kg with an unbraked one.

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Hi Laura,

It's a home-grown Mitsubishi engine, called the 4N1, which was first introduced in 2010. 

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Hi Caroline,

It's a bit hard (actually impossible) to predict where values are going to be next year, but if you were to chop it in now, I reckon you'd get around €22,000 for it, depending on condition and history. Selling it yourself might grab you a little more but you'll need to make sure it's spotlessly clean and has all its paperwork in order to get the best price and the easiest sale.

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Hi Dave,

Very reliable - a really safe choice. Only go for diesel over petrol if you're doing upwards of 15,000km a year. 

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Hi Anthony,

Yes, I quite like the Mokka and our ed, Shane, says that the one with the new 1.6 CDTi diesel engine is a cracker. That said, the cee'd would be a good bit more practical from a space point of view so you need to work out exactly what you need.

Further reading:

Opel Mokka 1.6 CDTi review

Expert answer

Hi Mike,

The A6 is a cracking choice - reliable, frugal, stylish and hugely comfy, but it's not as sweet to drive as the 5 Series. That said, it is more spacious and if you can track down an Avant estate you'll have one of the best looking cars around. 

If you're concerned about driving on snow and ice there are two avenues you should explore, no matter which car you go for. One is to look into fitting either winter tyres (which you'll need to swap back over to normal tyres in the spring) or all-season tyres, such as the new 'CrossClimate' one from Michelin. Better again, go on a winter driving techniques course. BMW runs one at Rally School Ireland in Monaghan and the skills you'll learn there would get you through even the worst blizzard, no matter which set of your car's wheels are driven.

Further reading:

Audi A6 review

BMW 5 Series review

Expert answer

Hi Sandra,

Dodgy diesel can do a lot worse than just damage the fuel pump. I reckon, and sorry to be the bearer of bad news, you either need a complete strip-down and rebuild or possibly a complete replacement engine. That laundered diesel (and petrol) is nasty stuff, so avoid any fuel seller that appears to be even slightly less than kosher, especially in the areas around the North/South border. Sticking to the big brands may cost a few more cent per litre, but a new engine is a heck of a lot more expensive than that.