Expert answer

Hi Aine,

CLA for my money. The GLA is nice, and obviously a bit more practical, but it doesn't feel special enough to justify the price tag. 

The CLA on the other hand looks terrific and is really sweet to drive. The small diesel engine is fine - not the quickest ever or anything but it'll do and a realistic 65mpg will make up for any straight-line deficiencies.

One thing - make sure you spec the smallest wheels and the tyres with the deepest possible sidewalls. The CLA rides pretty hard and big wheels with low profile tyres make it really uncomfortable.

Further reading:

Review of the Mercedes-Benz CLA (on Irish roads)

Review of the Mercedes-Benz GLA (on Irish roads)

Expert answer

Hi Harry,

It's very difficult to assess such a thing remotely, but here are a few things to check:

1 - Are you carrying extra weight in the boot?

2 - Check your tyre pressures, condition and alignment - makes a big difference.

3 - Check the cleansiness of your air filter. Very important.

4 - Have it serviced if it has not been in a long time.

5 - Check that none of the brakes are binding - jack up each corner in turn and with the car out of gear and the handbrake off you should be able to freely turn each wheel. If not, the brakes may be binding and need to be looked at.

6 - Only when you've exhausted the simple stuff should you look into getting the car hooked up to a diagnostic machine. Some versions of the TDI engine had problems with injectors and turbos that could lead to higher fuel consumption, but the fix is expensive.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Eamon,

They're two very different cars, the Zafira and the Galaxy. The Opel is much the smaller car so if you're planning to carry full-size adults in the third row, you really need to get the Galaxy. 

In terms of reliability they both have their common issues. The Galaxy's engine can cut out unexpectedly (a software patch is the fix) and its interior trim can be fragile. A clunking noise from the steering could mean that the power steering pump is on the way out. Electrical problems are common and the alarm can give trouble.

On the Opel check that the tailgate release is working as it should and the air conditioning system can be troublesome. The stereo can also forget its preset stations or just stop working altogether. 

More seriously, the diesel engine can give serious trouble. Timing belt, water pump and the turbo are all problem areas. Make sure you get one with a full service history and an aftermarket warranty might not be a bad idea.

Expert answer

Hi Robert,

Yes, they're pretty good. We've heard no major reports of serious issues with the current-shape Focus and that 1.6 diesel is long-lived and has seen service in various Volvos, MINIs, Citroens and Peugeots. Just make sure that it gets a regular oil change and that you use a high-grade synthetic oil. 

Expert answer

Hi there,

Easy: Golf. Or Focus. They're both good. 

Need a little more? OK, the Golf (and I'm talking about the models currently on sale) is a touch more sophisticated and a little more spacious and if you're really nit picking then it has a better 1.6 diesel than the Focus.

It's also true to say that the Volkswagen 1.2 TSI petrol is a slightly better engine than Ford's 1.0-litre turbo EcoBoost, but here the gap is much narrower. 

The Focus has it won with dynamics though - even though the Golf is nice to drive there's just no beating the Focus' steering feel and response and its chassis balance. 

So, honest answer? Golf. Or Focus. They're both excellent.

Further reading:

First drive of the new Ford Focus

Irish road test of the current Volkswagen Golf

Expert answer

Hi Rosarie,

Go for the Civic. It might be slightly more thirsty but Civics are indestructible so it'll cope with the roads. 

Expert answer

Hi Tom,

It really does depend on what you mean by 'better'. The 1.5 has been around a long time so the 1.6 is more refined and more powerful, but the 1.5 is still more economical and emits less CO₂, so it's cheaper to tax. On top of all that the 1.5 is €1,500 cheaper. Our money would be on the old engine unless you value performance highly or you expect to do a lot of towing.

Further reading:

Irish road test of the current Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi

First drive of the 1.6-litre engine - in the old-shape Nissan Qashqai

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

It's likely that the heating matrix within the car heating system has corroded and needs to be replaced. It could also be the actual switches controlling the heating, but that's less likely.

Either way, you need to get the car to a good mechanic to have it checked over.

Expert answer

Hi George,

I would tread very, very carefully indeed. The engine can be a big trouble spot with dodgy turbos and inconsistent power delivery. Watch for  excessive smoke (black or white), check the oil carefully and if it shows even the slightest sign of overheating, head for the exit.

Clutches can go pretty easily, so make sure the gearshift is working alright, and everything electrical is to be assumed broken until proven otherwise. They eat tyres too, and uneven wear is a sign of impending suspension doom. Also, a lot of Espaces tend to get used as ersatz delivery vans when they get past a certain age and price point so check carefully for signs of wear and tear in the cabin.

Basically, you should probably avoid it and track down a similar vintage Volkswagen Sharan or Hyundai Trajet instead.

Expert answer

Hi Margaret,

Yup, plenty strong enough. So much so that the first time I drove it I thought that I was driving the diesel. In fairness, it was late and I was tired but it's still a cracking engine, potentially Volkswagen's current best.