Expert answer

Hi Mossy,

Generally speaking, yes, Subarus tend to attract very loyal buyers who, once they try one, never go back and stick with the brand for years after. They are a little odd, compared to other models, so try one out before you decide. The flat-four engines are very smooth, but short on torque, and therefore you need to work them harder for the performance, which can hurt fuel economy. The interiors also look and feel very cheap. The big upsides though are reliability (Subarus, if looked after properly, simply don’t break) and the four-wheel-drive system, which is a major benefit on bad roads and in the winter.

Expert answer

Hi Laura,

It kind of depends which Astra estate you mean. Assuming you mean the current one then the answers are yes (good looking, lots of space, lovely to drive and a really well-made cabin), and yes (either the 1.0 petrol turbo or 1.6 diesel are very economical, but you might notice that the fuel tank is a bit on the small side on longer journeys).

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Hi Liam,

We assume by 'outdoor' you mean an Audi allroad quattro type vehicle with raised ride height and protective cladding. Skoda markets that as 'Scout'. Unfortunately Skoda does not offer the Superb in such specification, but it does offer a 4x4 variant in both saloon and Combi (estate) guises with prices starting from €35,695.

If you can live without the Superb's expansive legroom there's always the Octavia Scout - a 4x4 Octavia Combi with 17mm extra ride height, bigger bumpers and moulded side protective strips, for €32,350.

We hope this helps. 

Expert answer

Hi Sharon,

That has a timing chain.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Dermot,

This doesn't appear to be very good value to us. Even though your Passat is probably only worth €1,000 or so to the dealer, the mileage of the Santa Fe is above average and the price is therefore quite optimistic - though clearly the service, tyres and NCT make it considerable more appealing.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Conal,

Over the years the Focus has proven to be considerably more reliable than the Mégane, though this latest one is still relatively new so we wouldn't like to make such predictions. Renault claims to have improved reliability.

Without seeing the actual examples you're considering the Renault should have more equipment for the price, though its resale value may be lower later on, balancing that out.

If you can send us links to the two cars for sale we can give you more advice if that's not enough.

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

That generation of Ford Mondeo was fitted with timing chains so no need to worry.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Lukas,

There are many different models of diesel Opel Astra, even for 2007. There were 1.3-, 1.7- and 1.9-litre CDTi engines that year, plus three-door GTC hatch, five-door hatchback and estate. Not to mention different mileages and trim levels.

The latest selection from Carzone.ie suggest a price variation of between €5,000 and €11,000.

Let us know specifics if you'd like us to help some more.

Expert answer

Hi Rory,

I'm sure you're aware that your budget will get you any number of relatively new regular cars such as the Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus, along with bigger models like the Ford Mondeo and Toyota Avensis.

However, given your current choice of car I'd suspect that you'd like to retain the elevated driving position and your mileage dictates a diesel engine. Most cars can take a tow bar and you don't have heavy towing needs so that's not a major consideration. Likewise, all SUVs etc. will have room for your golf clubs.

So the logical choices based on all that include:

BMW X3: Good diesel engine, spacious, but your budget may only get you an older example.

Citroen C-Crosser: Great 2.2-litre diesel engine; rest of car built on Mitsubishi mechanicals.

Honda CR-V: Bomb-proof reliability, but again may have to settle for older example.

Hyundai Santa Fe: Big and comfortable, though running costs higher than smaller SUV.

Mitsubishi Outlander: Spacious, well made, ok diesel, if loud.

Nissan X-Trail: Strangely forgotten, but plenty around at this price.

Peugeot 4007: Shares its engine and underpinnings with the Citroen above.

Suzuki Grand Vitara: Very reliable.

Toyota RAV4: Another with impressive reliability. Possibly the choice of the lot at this price.

There are loads of older, bigger SUVs for sale at that price too, but they'll cost you more to run for no real benefit.

If you're willing to change body styles completely it's worth checking out something like a BMW 120d Coupé or a diesel 3 Series Coupé. There are also plenty of great estates on the market for that budget, including the Audi A4 Avant and BMW 3 Series Touring. I know you don't need that space for a family, but it's useful for a lot of other things.

Come back to us with more information and we'll help to narrow your search further.

Expert answer

Hi Dave,

This Laguna has a bad reputation, as you said. The two largest customer and reliability surveys in this part of the world consistently put it near the bottom in its class, which is not great, especially if you're considering a high mileage example.

However, because of all that the prices are low and I am guessing that you've got a bargain.

So, first thing to look at is if the car has had all its recall work done. Call a Renault dealer with its chassis number to confirm, as there were several recalls that applied to this car.

As with any used car check that every switch and control is working as expected and that all the warning lights come on when you turn on the ignition and go off again when the car is started.

Apparently the tyre pressure sensors are inaccurate as well, so check the pressures with a gauge for yourself.

Best of luck