Expert answer

Hi James,

Mostly that generation Sorento is pretty well built, and the fact that it was a bit old-fashioned, even when new, means that there's generally less in the way of fiddly electronics to give trouble. Do watch for an issue with a seizing alternator pulley and an automatic gearbox that lets the car roll forward when in park, both of which should have been fixed under a recall. As always with a heavy car that may have been used for towing, keep an eye on the condition of the clutch (watch for slipping in gear on the manual model) and turbos (any blue smoke means it's on the way out).

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

Not even slightly. I mean, they’re not as bad as you might think, and if properly cared for you can get plenty of use out them, but be prepared for all manner of electrical issues and problems, and plenty of visits to the dealer.

Got a Haynes manual handy?

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

The manual gearbox on the E46-generation M3 is fine, as long as it’s not been abused and the car in general has been properly looked after. The SMG on the other hand is a nightmare of potential problems. Quite aside from being awkward and jerky to use even when it’s in perfect health, it develops frequent problems with the hydraulic pumps, solenoids and electrical relays. Avoid the SMG at all costs.

Expert answer

Hi Geraldine,

Updated answer:

In 2015, Ford gave the Focus a major update, with new styling (check out that Aston-Martin-esque grille at the front) and an upgraded interior (new dials, fewer buttons and the option of the big, bright SYNC2 touch-screen system). The trim levels remained the same - Focus, Style, Zetec, Zetec + and Titanium with the range topped off by the sporting ST model.

Standard equipment on Focus models includes tyre pressure monitors, emergency brake assist, hill-holder clutch, 'MyKey' (which restricts speed, distance and stereo settings for the spare key - good if you have teenagers in the house), front electric windows, capless fuel filler, steering wheel stereo controls, height adjustable drivers' seat and split-folding rear seats.

Style adds a USB connection and Ford's SYNC connectivity for the stereo, manual air conditioning, body coloured door handles and power mirrors, 16-inch alloys, leather steering wheel and gear shifter and map pockets in the back of the seats.

Zetec models get front fog lights, lower, Sports suspension, a heated windscreen, sportier seats and an upgraded centre console.

Zetec + adds keyless start, drive lumbar support, 17-inch alloys, LED rear lights and a 'premium' centre console with a sliding arm-rest.

Titanium gets the same keyless start but adds dual-zone climate control, cruise control with speed limiter, all-round power windows, mesh radiators grille, an 'overhead console' with a sunglasses holder and integrated reading lights, velour upholstery, rear cup holders and ambient lighting.

ST models get all of that plus some extra sporty bits and seriously tweaked suspension and steering, while the current limited Black Edition and Red Edition come with manual air conditioning, curtain airbags, red stitching everywhere, scuff plates and exterior bodykit, acoustic windscreen and metallic pedal covers. 

Original answer:

Ford doesn't actually make an LX Focus any more. Instead, the basic Focus model is now just known as plain old Focus, and it comes with a CD player, USB connection, electric front windows and door mirrors, remote central locking, electronic stability control and, on the five-door hatch, a rear spoiler.

Next up is the Edge model, which adds air conditioning, a 3.5-inch colour display for the stereo, a leather steering wheel, heated mirrors, trip computer with economy driving monitor and body coloured door handles. Then there's the Zetec, which, over and above the Edge gets 16-inch alloy wheels, Quickclear windscreen, centre arm rest with stowage box and 12v plug, sports suspension and sportier front seats.

The Titanium takes all that and also gives you split-zone climate control, a start/stop button, cruise control, jazzier wheels (still 16-inch in diameter though), hill start assist, LED rear lights, aluminium scuff plates, footwell lights, a rear arm rest and a leather gear knob. Please bear in mind that these are current Focus model trims, and if you're looking at older models then they will be different.

Expert answer

Hi Shane,

The manual version uses 8.4 litres/100km (33.6mpg) and the automatic 8.5 litres/100km (33.2mpg).

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Jon,

Well, it depends which model you mean, but I’m assuming it’s a 1.4 VVTi petrol with a manual gearbox. If so, the original official fuel economy was 42.2mpg, or 6.7 litres per 100km. Depending on how well the car has been looked after in the 14 years since then, it’ll probably do around 35mpg in daily driving.

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

The D3 model has 136hp and the D4 has 163hp ao we're not sure which you're interested in, but here's all the data in any case:

- S60 D3 136hp manual: 65.7mpg (4.3 litres/100km)

- S60 D3 136hp Geartronic auto: 58.7mpg (4.8 litres/100km)

- S60 D4 163hp manual: 65.7mpg (4.3 litres/100km) [yes, the same!]

- S60 D4 163hp Geartronic auto: 58.9mpg (4.8 litres/100km)

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Nabeel,

No, the S40 gearboxes were all pretty solid, both manual and automatic. If an S40 is going to develop problems, it’s usually with the turbo on the 1.6 diesel engine, or with the central locking or ignition system. There is a bit of a disadvantage in terms of fuel economy with buying an auto S40, but it’s not a huge gap, depending on how you drive.

Expert answer

Hi Adrian,

There is no mention of glow plugs or indeed engine starting in the official NCT testing manual so you should be ok, though we'd still recommend getting your car sorted beforehand.

Expert answer

Hi Gerry,

I'm afraid we've not driven the X3 sDrive. For those not in the know, that's the rear-wheel drive version of the BMW. It's offered in Ireland in '18d' format only, which means a 143hp 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine. It comes in manual and automatic guises and in SE or M Sport trim levels with on-the-road prices starting from €43,690.

Non-quattro Audi Q5s are powered by a 143hp 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine as well. While there are more trim levels offered (base, SE and S Line) this car can not be specified with an automatic transmission. On-the-road prices start from €41,760.

For the record, with a manual gearbox, both cars are in Band B2 for tax purposes though the X3 uses marginally less fuel on the combined consumption cycle (5.1- vs. 5.4 litres/100km) and it's a second quicker accelerating to 100km/h at 9.9 seconds.

Hope that helps in some way