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Hi Alan,

Actually a really good car, that. Not as sophisticated as the later, more stylish Sportage, but fine to drive, more rugged than you’d think and actually surprisingly capable off-road. Fuel economy will be a bit steep compared to a more modern car (you’ll get around 35mpg on average) and the cabin is nothing to write home about, but it’s hugely reliable and, if it has a full Kia service history, should continue to be so.

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Hi Kevin,

It depends. Are you talking about the older model of Sharan, the one that was shared with the old Ford Galaxy? If so, then it’s simply down to the fact that, at the time, automatic gearbox technology was not as advanced, and they tended to be more thirsty than an equivalent manual gearbox.

If it’s the newer model you’re talking about (the current-shape one, with sliding side doors) then it could be that the DSG automatic needs servicing. It requires more intensive care and attention than a manual gearbox, and if it’s left alone it can malfunction, which could affect economy.

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Hi Martin,

Shame you have to get rid of the Beemer. What a fab car, especially the Touring. I reckon you should be looking at a value of around €19-€20k for it, which would make the world your oyster when it comes to trading in for a Yeti or Qashqai. A 2010 model for either should be easy to find, and you may even sneak into a 2011 car. Of the two, I'd go for the Yeti. I find them much more comfortable, and more spacious than a Qashqai, and better to drive too. Go for the 1.6 TDI if you can track one down - the 2.0 TDI is a bit unnecessary.

Let us know how you get on

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Hi Gary,

Automatic small cars are generally a bit hard to come by in Ireland, but I suggest a MINI One or First. Unlike some other small cars, the MINI's auto box is a sophisticated ZF unit and it's as much fun to drive as the manual. €5-7,000 picks you up a good one.

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Hi Gearoid,

We believe you have to remove the rear seats to access the boot and the back of the lock. Not a quick job...

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Hi Amanda,

Pretty good, but all Mercedes models of that era suffered major problems with the electrical systems (especially the instrument displays) and some braking issues too. It's a complex car so perhaps get in touch with the Mercedes Club of Ireland to get a better handle and some friendly advice.

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Hi Igor,

There was a changeover of Santa Fe models in 2006, when the first seven-seat model was introduced. Go for that, not the older model which was pretty crude, if reliable. 

The 2006 on version is much better - smooth and comfy and with lots of space. Astonishingly, there seem to be no common reported problems. Hyundai builds its cars pretty tough and only the occasional wobble from a stereo seems to surface. An excellent choice.

Best of luck

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Hi Jim,

Well, the rule is never buy on mileage or even age, but only on condition and history. If the higher mileage car has been better cared for, and has a fully-stamped up service history, then it could well be just as good as the older but lower mileage one. Basically, take both for a thorough test drive and see which one 'feels younger.' If one has had a hard life, and the other an easy one, it should be pretty apparent which is the better purchase. 

Same goes for the 5 Series, but try not to get the less desirable manual. You may pay more for an auto now but it will be worth it come resale time.

Let us know how you get on

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Hi Patrick,

With that kind of criteria, and if you’ve driven your wife’s Prius and liked it, I’m minded to recommend the Lexus. The hybrid systems are related (although of course the Lexus is considerably more powerful and sporty), it’s well-equipped (most of what you want is on the standard equipment list) and with mileage of 10,000km a year, it should be just about ideal. Plus, it’s unbreakably reliable.

Here are a few reviews that might interest you:

Lexus IS 300h review

BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo review

Volvo V40 review

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Hi Colette,

We'll work from official figures here. Mazda quotes 4.3 litres/100km (65.7mpg) for the Mazda3 fitted with its 115hp 1.6 diesel engine. That applies to all versions of the five-door hatchback and four-door saloon the diesel engine can be had in.

Hyundai, meanwhile, quotes 4.1 litres/100km (68.9mpg) for its 110hp 1.6-litre diesel engine - in manual guise - so that car wins by a nose.

We wouldn't expect there to be much in it for the average driver though, as the Mazda has a little more performance (specifically torque), which means that the driver has to try a little harder in the Hyundai to achieve the same speeds.