Expert answer

Hi Martina,

No, it's not really. There's only a marginal increase in cabin space over the standard Golf and a major drop-off in both styling and dynamics. You'd be much better off just buying a new Golf (which is also lighter and more fuel efficient) or if you need the space, go for a Skoda Octavia (a little more space) or a Volkswagen Touran (a lot more space).

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Diarmuid,

There would probably be no saving at all. While the FSI engine is cleverer and more high tech and therefore technically more economical, the extra weight and bulk of the Passat will nullify that advantage. If you were to swap for an FSI Golf, you might do better, fuel-wise.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Diarmuid,

With that kind of mileage, I'm afraid the value just plummets and that's notwithstanding the fact that the Mazda6 is reliable and very well built. I'd say you're looking at a value of around €2,500 to maybe €3,500.

As for changing, with that kind of annual mileage I'd say it could be well worth looking at changing for a newer diesel model. The 2.2 diesel Mazda 6 is a bit of a favourite around here, really good to drive with good economy. Just get the calculator out and do your sums carefully to make sure that you'll be saving money in the long run. With the cost of changing your car, it can be worth looking at spending money on your existing car, giving it a good going over and a tune-up, which can both prolong its service life and improve the fuel economy.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Bryan,

I reckon the mileage probably pushes down the potential trade-in value to under €8,000 and the fact that no-one sells bio-fuel anymore probably doesn't help. 

As for the Mondeo, there is a new one coming late in 2014, but the current model is still near the top of the class and you should be able to get some good deals on one.

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Hi Paul,

Of the two cars mentioned the Kia cee'd SW is undoubtedly the better looking car and it does come with the famous seven-year Kia warranty, but when it comes to taxis we would probably take the consensus of other taxi drivers.

While the Toyota Avensis is top dog in the segment at the moment it is being pushed by the Skoda Octavia with the 1.6 TDI being the engine of choice for its fuel efficiency. When Global Taxis took delivery of 110 Octavias it reckoned each car would offer a fuel saving of €1,400 a year over the old fleet, money that will go into your pocket instead.

As well as that the Octavia offers a huge a mount of space (both passenger and boot wise) for the money, important considerations when you are moving up from The Kesh to pick up a fare at Dublin Airport.

Hope that all helps

Expert answer

Hi Jack,

The Toledo is too new for us to have any angle on its reliability but you'd have to say the prospects are good. SEATs in general are exceptionally robust (we have family experience of four that have been near faultless) and the new one is based on the latest, highest Volkswagen Group components, so we'd be surprised if it's anything over than very reliable. The only concern, we suppose, is that there are a lot of high-tech electronics on even the base model so the potential for issues there is higher than once it was. The same can be said of any modern car really.

As for the Yeti, again, Skodas tend to be very reliable indeed, usually right up at the top of customer satisfaction surveys with the likes of Toyota, Honda, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz. We have heard some isolated stories of issues with fuel pumps and power steering, but they appear to be just that: isolated.

Expert answer

Hi Helen,

Yeah, the V50 wasn't Volvo's finest hour when it came to reliability. Plenty of owners have never had a tap of trouble but we've heard reports of problems with the brake master cylinder, mysterious engine power losses, fuel pump and cooling fan failures, power steering and throttle pedal issues. Best thing to do is to check a car's history with the previous owner, if possible. If it gave them no trouble you could be on to a winner.

For the record, our Editor bought a 2006 version recently.

Expert answer

Hi John,

I'd say on a trade-in you'd probably get about €2,500 to €3,000 for it. But make sure you do your sums carefully when changing. The cost of change can often outweigh what you're spending on petrol. Maybe practice some seriously economical driving techniques? Take any excess weight out of the car by emptying the boot etc. And get the engine properly serviced and tuned, with fresh filters and new oil.  Check the tyres for condition and correct pressure. You'd be surprised what a difference things like that can make to your fuel consumption.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

At that kind of mileage, you really should be going for a petrol. A 320i has plenty of poke, is very refined and nice to drive, and has decent fuel economy and emissions. 

Expert answer

Hi Alanna,

Anything pre-2008 with a petrol engine is pretty hard to shift on these days, sadly, so I'd reckon you're looking at a value of possibly as little as €5,500 for the Mazda3 at the moment. To get the best from it, I'd suggest staying within the Mazda family (a Mazda dealer will usually give you a better trade-in on a Mazda than will another dealer) and trade up to a Mazda6 Estate. Loads of space, brilliant to drive, reliable and, with the 2.2-litre 129hp diesel, very economical too. SUV? Do you live up a mountain or at the far end of a rutted dirt road? No? Then you don't need one - stick to the family car market and the Mazda6 size class (which also includes cars like the Toyota Avensis, Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat and Opel Insignia) is  where you'll get the best bang for your buck.

Let us know how you get on