Expert answer

Hi Justin,

Let's break it down into chunks. First of all, safety. Here are the crash test results from Euro NCAP:

Skoda: five stars on new system

Saab: five stars on old system

Volvo: four stars on old system

Looks like the Volvo loses out there, though it's a safe car by most standards.

In terms of reliability, the Skoda has no reported issues. The Saab doesn't fare so well, with plenty of electrical issues and problems with the suspension. Check for uneven tyre wear and that all the switches are working - every single one. The Volvo is a little better, but has a few known problems, with random electrical gremlins and several recalls. If you're serious about that one get confirmation that the recall work has been completed. Also, it should have its timing belt, tensioners and pulleys changed every four years so best to check that it has been done.

Assuming you're looking at the 105hp Superb, then the combined cycle consumption was quoted at about 5.7 litres/100km (50mpg) and it is a frugal car. The 150hp Saab uses a fraction more fuel (5.8 litres/100km) on the combined cycle, while the 136hp Volvo also uses 5.7 litre/100km.

So in summary, for us it would be between the Skoda and the Volvo. They're both comfortable and spacious, though we'd trust the reliability of the Superb more given the data.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Rory,

I don't have a strong opinion for or against the idea. I can see merit in the technology, but also major hurdles and potential issues. First, some good points:

• Potential to significantly reduce collisions caused by careless or distracted drivers
• Big gains in efficiency and fuel economy - on average
• Long-term could be used to transport people that cannot drive
• Could help ease congestion, especially on motorway networks
• Could eliminate drink-driving once and for all!

Some negatives:

• We all know that computer systems are far from infallible
• If something goes wrong, who is responsible? Legal minefield
• Would breed a whole generation that may never learn to drive for themselves
• I love driving and would hate for that choice to be taken away from us

We already have aspects of this technology in our cars right now, with things like Volvo's City Safe system (it can brake the car with full force if it detects a pedestrian in the car's path and the driver does not react) and Honda's Lane Keep Assist (where the car gently steers itself back on course if it thinks you're distracted) and it's likely they'll become more commonplace. Self-driving in really slow traffic may be next, though at all times a sober, responsible driver will have to be behind the wheel.

Fully autonomous cars are a long way off.

What are your thoughts?

Expert answer

Hi Bokane,

It depends on the version, as there were 8-valve and 16-valve versions of the 1.6-litre petrol engine. Official combined consumption is 7.5 - 8.0 litres/100km (about 36 to 38mpg).

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Alison,

The recommeded pressures should be printed in your car's manual and also on a plate, usually located on the door frame when you open one of the front doors. Sometimes it's inside the fuel filler cap too.

Based on the information you've given, we'd assume that you have 185/65 R14 tyres. If so, the fronts should be 2.3 bar/34psi and the rears should be 2.1 bar/31psi.

If you can't find the recommended values on the car and we have the tyre size wrong come back and let us know.

Expert answer

Hi Justin,

You've not mentioned the age of the Pathfinder. If it's newer than the Volvo, then it's not a bad deal, though doesn't strike me as amazing when you look at the prices being asked for similar Volvos and Pathfinders.

With regards to what we think of the Pathfinder... It's a fine rugged, capable off-roader, but you may suffer from culture shock moving from your Volvo. The S80 is far more comfortable on the road and, loud engine aside, more refined in general. Obviously the Pathfinder can do serious off-roading and has much more space. The Volvo is probably better on fuel too.

In your position, I'd shop around a little more to see what you can get for your money and, if you don't need the towing capacity or off-road ability, consider something more road-biased.

Do come back to us if you need anything else.

Expert answer

Hi Mike,

The only reason you would specifically buy the efficient dynamics version of the BMW 520d is if you want to pay €104 in road tax, you want the best possible fuel economy and you don't mind changing gears yourself. I'd always prefer by luxury saloon car to come with an automatic transmission and in general, the used car market prefers if you do to. 

We could of course, give our opinions as to what is the best of these cars - but the fact is that they are all in and around the same price, they are all very good and they all offer different things. The BMW is regarded as the drivers car amongst the group although increasingly this is being matched by the excellent new Audi A6. The Mercedes is without doubt the most comfortable of these three cars so if have a very relaxed style of driving then the Mercedes might suit best. 

It does really come down to personal choice. The BMW is the best-seller and that probably won't change for some time. Also you have left out the excellent Jaguar XF, and now with a 2.2-litre diesel it is excellent value. That needs to be considered too. 

Expert answer

Hello Mary,

You will probably get offered in and around the €15,000 mark for your S40 Flex Fuel model, but this could stretch to €16,000 if you traded it in against a new car. You didn't mention if you wanted a new or a used small automatic to replace your Volvo, but I will assume that you want a new car. 

I am not sure how small you want to go, but there are a few decent small automatic cars around, but not that many. The best of them would probably be the automatic Ford Fiesta, which is a really great little car for the money. We quite like the Hyundai i20 1.4 Deluxe Auto too. This is a fine little car. My top choice and the one I would buy is the Skoda Fabia 1.2 TSI Sportline with the excellent DSG gearbox, which is simply superb. 

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Mary,

This means simply that, for a given speed on the road, the higher the gear ratio, the lower speed the engine will turn at. This results in less fuel consumption.

If you need further clarification come back to us.

Expert answer

The arguement for petrol is growing Brendan. While everyone is fixated on diesel the petrol engines are getting cleaner and will come back into fashion. When it comes to fuel economy the gap between petrol and diesel is getting closer and in a lot of cases there is little difference between the road tax.

The 1.4-litre petrol engine in the Passat is more than good enough. So if you want a Passat then you could go for it. There could and perhaps will be less value in the petrol model later on, but if you keep it long enough suddenly this won't become that much of an issue and since you go low mileage then you could keep it for 5 or more years. 

Expert answer

Hi Tony,

Given your shortlist, I'd be inclined to go for the new Ford Focus saloon - presumably you mean a 1.6 TDCi version. It's more economical than the BMW and Audi and it'll be four years newer, meaning the security of a manufacturer's warranty. Older BMWs and Audis, as lovely as they are, do start to cost a bit to maintain.

Another car to consider is the relatively new Volkswagen Jetta. It compares well to the Focus.

Come back to us if you need more help deciding.