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Hi Caroline,

In the UK, the SRi is the sporty model in the Insignia range (without going for the full-vat VXR model) and is the third level up from base, ahead of the ES and Exclusiv. It should come with 17-inch alloys, lower and sportier suspension, a leather covered steering wheel, front foglights, sporty bucket seats and, depending on the engine, the brilliant 'Flexride' adaptive damping system.

Bluetooth is an option on the SRi - it only comes as standard when you trade up to the Tech Line model - but you can connect your iPod to any Insignia through the standard aux-in socket. You just need to buy the right cable. They cost around €15-20 from any good electrical retailer, though of course the iPod can't be controlled by the car when connected that way.

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Hi Paul,

Generally speaking not too much trouble although it's worth bearing in mind that the 2006-on S-Class comes from a time when Mercedes-Benz was still suffering from problems in the electrical department. It's those electrics that are the most fragile point of any S-Class, especially the complicated Comand  infotainment and satnav system. Make sure everything works and budget some extra for problems in the future.

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Hi Andrew,

Simple answer: Ford Focus 1.4. Not the quickest Focus ever (only 75hp) and perhaps not as classy as the rival Volkswagen Golf, but they're well made, reliable, exceedingly good to drive (that Jackie Stewart-tweaked suspension will teach you all you need to know about driving dynamics) and spacious enough to pack in all you need for Electric Picnic next year. That's what you young people do, right? Lots out there to choose from so be picky, find a good one in a nice colour and tart it up with some nice alloys. You won't go wrong.

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Hi Carmel,

They're not bad, but watch for intermittent electrical problems, especially the starter motor and alarm and locking mechanisms. The dual-mass flywheel on the diesel models can be problematic too, while the rain seals around the boot can occasionally channel water straight into the boot when you open it.

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Hi Heino,

Check for vibration from the dual-mass flywheel on the 2.0-litre engines, and that the drain at the bottom of the windscreen has not become clogged with road debris and leaves. If it’s the 2.0-litre TDI and it’s smoking a lot, then the turbo is probably gone or about to go, and that engine needs a cam belt change at 120,000km.

Check the rear brake discs for excessive wear or scoring marks too — the electronic handbrake can stick on and damage the disc. Check everything electrical carefully in general for a car of that age, and don’t buy without a full and complete service history.

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Hi Brian,

Generally I'm a bit of a MINI fan, and have actually bought one. Love it. A 2003 though is the first generation car, with the Chrysler-built engine, and you have to watch those for electrical issues and early MINI models had problems with leaking fuel tanks. They're pretty robust cars though, as long as you avoid ones that have been obviously abused. Don't forget that they may be small, but they are still made by BMW so make sure the service record and history is on the button. They do hold their value very well, but any 10 -year old car isn't going to have much value left to hold. Fuel consumption won't be great though. That 1.6 engine wasn't the most sophisticated thing, so expect high 30s, low 40s mpg on average.

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Hi Noreen,

By and large, the Touareg is built to impressively high standards and you only need to look at the fact that the Porsche Cayenne uses the same basic mechanical package to realise that it's going to be of high quality. 

That said, there were some glitches with the early-build cars, and while a 2005 model should be over these wobbles, you need to make sure that all the various complex electronic systems are working properly. Watch for things like electric seat adjusters failing and be wary of glitchy infotainment systems.

Mechanically, the electronic control of the turbocharger can go awry leading to an inconsistent loss of power and get a mechanic (or the AA) to check the propshafts for potential wear and failure. 

Just as an aside though, enjoy it if you buy it. That generation of Touareg has one of the nicest cabins of any car of the past decade. A cracking car, and actually superior to its replacement, I reckon. 

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Hi Gary,

The surprising answer is, kinda, yes. If you're talking about the first and second generation Puntos, they are actually surprisingly robust. As with any Italian cars, watch all the electrical items like a hawk, but these cars pre-date the massive explosion in in-car gadgetry, so there are fewer things to go wrong. Engines, especially the 1.2 FIRE, are almost unburstable (just make sure the timing belt is changed regularly) and the bodies are strong and not prone to rust.

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Hi Conor,

We've heard of a few electronic glitches (faulty cruise control, sticky electric handbrakes), but other than that, the A6 seems to be built to the usual solid Audi standards. As always, if you're looking at a high mileage one, remember that this is a complex, expensive car so make sure it has a full service history and appears to have been cared for.

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Hi Sophie,

It's a bit tricky to say. There's no question that the 2002-2012 Range Rover was a massive improvement over its dreadful predecessor when it came to reliability and solidity but there are legions of potential problems - everything from minor electrical niggles to full-on major component failure. Fragile areas seem to be the gearbox (perennially a Land Rover weak spot) and the air suspension. The engines and bodies are solid as rocks though. Make utterly sure there's a full LR service history.