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Hi Patrick,

Every car is different in truth, as the gear ratios and the final drive ratio will vary massively from car to car. Not only that, but the engine output and delivery of that have a very large effect. More gears, generally, means the possibility of better economy and performance as there are more options to keep the engine in the right rev band at any given speed. Obviously, however, more gears means more gear-changing. It sounds to me like you had a six-speed car without much engine torque, but as I said, every car is different so there's no right or wrong on this one.

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Hi Rita,

The 1.6 is the right choice for city/urban driving right enough and the Tiida is a reliable old thing, and was one of the first cars to come with Bluetooth phone connection as standard. It's not very interesting though...

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Hi Joan,

Assuming that this is the newer shape Avensis (launched in 2009) and that it's the 2.0 D-4D you're talking about, then it has a timing chain.

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Hi Gearoidin,

The NCT checks for condition and tread depth mostly and will fail on those items and if the tyre is not the right specification for the car. There is a note in the NCT manual, however, for the tester to advise the owner if the tyres are more than six years old. Most tyre makers recommend that, even with very light use, you should not use a tyre that's more than ten years old as the internal structure starts to break down.

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Hi Grace,

Clio prices start from €15,730 and yes, they all have power steering. All models come with daytime running lights, which illuminate automatically, but if you want automatic, dusk-sensing headlights you'll have to upgrade to a €17,230 Dynamique Nav model.

Renault Clio review

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Hi Simon,

The only potential fly in the ointment here might be resale value, but we honestly don't think it'll be as big a factor on the 2 Series Coupé as it would on a 'normal' car, such as a 3 Series Saloon or a Ford Focus, for example. There is an element of risk on that, though not if the buyer is going for finance with a guaranteed future minimum value...

All that aside, we'd wholeheartedly recommend the 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. It's astoundingly good in the MINI, marrying ok economy and low runnings costs with cracking performance and bags of personality. Admittedly, we've not had a chance to drive the 218i for ourselves and though the rear-drive chassis should be a hoot with that engine, it's worth noting that the 218i M Sport is about 300kg heavier than a MINI Cooper. In an ideal world your friend would get to try it out first to make sure they're happy with the performance.

As an aside, with such low mileage, and most of it in the city, a petrol car would be best in the long run for your friend to prevent DPF clog-ups and the like.

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Hi Eamonn,

As a trade-in I'd say around €11,500.

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Hi Ed,

In the region of €10-11k.

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Hi Nick,

It is a good buy as long as you're not planning to do big miles in it - it's a good bit less economical than the diesel you see, so regular long journeys aren't a great idea. The old Sportage is a good thing though - simpler and more rugged than the current version, and very practical. With four-wheel drive it has decebt off-road ability too, if that's any use to you. No major reported problems or unreliability black spots - just make sure it has a full service history.

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Hi Rakesh,

That kind of budget should get you into a Mazda3 1.6 D circa 2005, 2006. Buying from a dealer potentially gives you more peace of mind but if you do your homework and get a history check then buying private can be fine too.