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 Joe,

This Range Rover is one of the better built cars from Land Rover in a while actually. Some early examples had issues with the automatic gearbox and water leaks, though these should have been well cured by 2005. Electrics and the sophisticated suspension system seem to be the biggest worries, and of course they're expensive to repair.

If you're serious about one, insist on a full, detailed service history, and invest in a professional inspection too.

Hope that helps.

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 Mairead,

That’s the 1.6 diesel that’s in almost everything; from Citroens and Peugeots to MINIs, Fords, Volvos and Mazdas. As such, it’s a pretty reliable engine, as long as it’s been properly serviced and fed a regular diet of high-grade synthetic oil. Keep an eye on the fragile water pumps and exhaust gas recirculation valves, though.

As for the rest of the car, tread carefully. That was the last Citroen to come with the legendary Hydragas suspension system as standard, and while that’s terrific from a point of view of comfort, it is a complex and often fragile system. Ditto the C5’s complex electrical system. Make sure it has a full and complete service history and, if there are any gaps or if the overall condition is anything less than excellent, walk away.

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

In general this is a sound purchase, though there are a few things to look out for as ever. We'd advise readers to get as full a service history as possible, even on a relatively old car such as this. On the diesel models check for smooth running and have a look at the condition of the oil. Walk away if it's filthy or there's blue smoke in the exhaust. Black smoke under acceleration shouldn't be an issue though.

The 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol models are known to have issues with their coil packs, while many have air conditioning problems. Just make sure all switches work as you'd expect and check that the air conditioning gets cold within a few minutes. Minor electrical gremlins seem to be this car's biggest problem, but don't let that put you off - just thoroughly check the car you're considering buying.

As ever, we'd advise you to bring along a mechanic to inspect the car before you commit any money.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Tom,

As the Volvo V50 is based on the Ford Focus it has proven to be quite reliable. The V50 was the subject of two recalls, including a potential fuel leak and an issue with the windscreen bonding. Ensure that any car you're considering has had those items seen to. Isolated issues with the parking brake and the electronic ignition key have been reported too, though you'll soon pick up on that during a test drive.

Owners report that the suspension and electrics give the most problems so test every switch and listen carefully for knocks in the suspension.

Hope that's of some help

Expert answer

Hi Jim,

There's no doubt that the Range Rover Sport (like all big SUVs) are harder on their tyres and brakes than an average car. Parts aren't cheap either and fuel consumption, even on the diesel models, is relatively high - though again, normal for the class.

Early examples were the subject of three recalls concerning brakes, the transmission and rear seat belt buckle, but once the car you're looking at has had those things recitified there shouldn't be an issue. The Range Rover Sport has a below average reputation for reliability, but we know people with faultless examples as well, so perhaps some buyers have been unlucky. Issues seem to come mostly from the electrics and the suspension so check everything is in working order and best to have some form of warranty from the dealer.

If you need more detailed help please do get in touch.

Expert answer

Hi Shane,

This is a job for a really good auto electrician to find, but we do know that some Mercs have such an issue caused by a CD changer. The only way to stop it appears to be physically unplugging it from the car! Take the car to an auto electrician and tell them that and they may find a way to install a switch for it or to fix it properly...

Hope that helps