Expert answer

Hi Felicity,

Go for the diesel. By personal experience I can tell you that it's close to impossible to sell a Mk1 Qashqai with a petrol engine. It's a fine car and potentially the better buy for in-town use, but the market wants diesel, so follow the market.

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Hi John,

No major reliability issues with the Tiida - it's a typical Nissan in that regard - and it's also well equipped with standard Bluetooth phone connection on all models. It is a bit deathly dull, though, something that even Nissan admits to. Still, if you're looking for reliable, uncomplicated motoring...

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Hi Paula,

Yup, you're onto a winner there. A lot of motoring writers get a bit sniffy about the Nissan Micra, but actually it's a car with which there is very little wrong. That third generation model that you're talking about is actually probably the best one of all, with a nice, comfy, spacious interior, a peppy little 1.2-litre engine and a chassis that's actually more entertaining to drive than you would think. Of course, the automatic gearbox will sap a little bit of power, but as long as you're not entering any traffic light Grands Prix, you'll be fine. Reliability simply shouldn't be an issue as the Micra has always been conspicuously well built. Just check carefully to make sure it's been serviced regularly and that the oil for the automatic gearbox has been changed regularly too.

Let us know how you get on

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Hi Trevor,

It'd suggest a Nissan Qashqai, or if you need something a little bigger on the inside, perhaps a last-gen Honda CR-V. As a matter of fact, I have elderly relatives with a CR-V and they report no issues with getting in and out, and it's an especially comfy car on the move. Actually, with the Honda brand in mind, if you need something a little bit smaller than either of those, but still with a slightly higher seating position, try a Honda Jazz – not only are the seats quite high up, but the doors open particularly wide, making it easier to get in and out. As always, try thoroughly before you buy and don't be afraid to ask sales people for some help and advice – the best ones will be more than happy to help you.

Let us know how you get on in the comments below

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Hi James,

The Nissan X-Trail has a timing chain, so should be virtually maintenance free.

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Hi Pandurang,

'Notchy' isn't a real word, which is why I discourage our writers from using it, though most of the large publishers allow it so it has become very commonplace.

It means there's some resistance in the gear change like moving the lever past a notch. In truth some like it and others don't. Best bet is to always test a car for yourself.

Hope that's of help?

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Hi Jeff,

If insurance is your main concern, then think smaller. Get as close to 1.0 litres as you possibly can. It’s a bit of a cliche, but the best cars in that arena are those good old reliables the Nissan Micra and Toyota Yaris. Lots around in your price range.

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Hi Stephen,

Would you consider a Skoda Yeti? It's a similar size to the Juke but much more spacious, with a more sophisticated cabin and brilliant rear seats that can tip, fold and be removed altogether if you need extra load space. The boot on the front-drive diesel models should be plenty big enough to take a scooter or wheelchair too, and the DSG automatic gearbox is available. I presume you're already familiar with the work the Irish Wheelchair Association does with modifying cars for hand control, so that should be a simple enough process for you. A cracking car, the Yeti - brilliant to drive and very practical, and with a new model coming later this year, you should be able to argue yourself a decent deal on a new one.

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Hi Carmel,

You haven’t given us a year, which makes valuing a bit vague, but assuming it’s a 2012 X-Trail, then the value is in the region of €10-12,000 - depending on condition and history.

Nissan X-Trail review

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Hi Paddy,

Well, with that kind of budget to shop with you're well into the price range for most compact 1.6 diesel hatchbacks, and I'm talking new (or nearly new if you're looking to maximise the bargain). 

So I'd recommend going for one of Volkswagen's new trio of compact cars, the Golf, Octavia or Leon (sadly the Audi A3 is probably out of your price range).  All three are excellent, solidly build and share the same frugal 1.6-litre TDI diesel engine. Of the three, I'd suggest going for the Leon as it gets you the best all round car, but the classiness of the Golf or the practicality of the Octavia are equally strong draws. Can't go wrong with any of them really.