Expert answer

Hi Emilie,

Well, there are other Almeras around of that age and mileage for that kind of price, so perhaps we're jumping to conclusions here. It's also not unknown for a car to have multiple owners. Apparently there's a Honda Civic out there somewhere currently on its 40th owner! 

Nevertheless, if your antennae are twitching, it's always a good idea to follow up your suspicions. Check the service record. Does the car seem to have been back to the garage a lot? Can you contact any of the previous owners or a garage where the car has been looked after?

If you're still concerned, get the AA to inspect the car. They'll find out pretty quickly if there's anything wrong with it.

Expert answer

Hi Emilie,

It might be. It’s kind of impossible to tell without knowing a bit more about the car’s history. Six owners in 12 years is one new owner every two years, which isn’t too bad in general terms, but definitely something to get the antennae twitching. Check out the car’s history very carefully using Cartell.ie and see if you can get in touch with some of these former owners and see what their experience was.

Expert answer

Hi Dawn,

Going on personal experience, I'd say that the C4 Picasso would be the most economical of the bunch. All of them should be able to get between 45-50mpg, and I'd say the C4 should just nudge above 50mpg. That said, you have to remember that what dictates fuel economy more than the car is your driving style. Practice driving with light throttle openings, anticipating further ahead and always using gentle control inputs and you should be able to get that economy figure improved. Also, take any excess weight out of the car, make sure the engine is serviced regularly and the oil changed often and get a good set of low-rolling resistance tyres, and keep them at the right pressure. It all helps.

Expert answer

Hi Dawn,

Nissan quoted a combined consumption value of 5.4 litres/100km (52.3mpg) and we'd expect most drivers to get in excess of 40mpg (7.1 litres/100km) so long as all journeys aren't in stop-start traffic.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

There is a new model Qashqai on the way but it's about a year away yet. Normally that would be the signal for decent discounts on the current model, but seeing as it's still hugely popular, that seems unlikely for the moment. 

That said, the Qashqai is still a fine car, but you should also consider a Skoda Yeti (due for an update before the end of the year but the current car is still utterly brilliant) and both the Peugeot 3008 and MINI Countryman (a car I have a peculiar fondness for) are well worth a look too. 

Expert answer

Hi Dawn,

The problem here is that you need space for three child seats across the back, and it's getting harder and harder to find a car that can accommodate that. The Qashqai is a fab car, no doubt, but yes, unless it's the 1.5 dCi diesel model you're talking about, they can indeed be hard on petrol. Besides, it will also fall down on the three-across-the-back test. The Xsara Picasso should be able to manage three across though, so is the best suggestion out of the ones you've been looking at, but here's another possibility: if you're looking for space on a budget, try going for a van-based MPV such as a Citroen Berlingo or Renault Kangoo. They're surprisingly nice to drive, have masses of space both in the back and boot, and both can be found with 1.4-litre petrol or 1.5- or 1.6-litre diesel engines so tax and, generally, fuel economy shouldn't be an issue. Also, being van-based, they're often more reliable and ruggedly built than their car cousins.

Expert answer

Hi Paula,

Yes, very, very reliable. But also, I'm afraid, very, very boring. Still, sometimes it's the dullest cars that give the fewest problems...

Expert answer

Hi Rory,

Normally, I would say the Volvo hands down. But, at that kind of budget, you're looking at an older car and the XC90 is a complex premium car, which needs looking after. Tread carefully at that price level, which is why I'm suggesting you should go for the Nissan. It can't hold a candle to the Volvo for cabin ambience, comfort or on-road dynamics but it's simpler and more rugged, and therefore less likely to give any problems.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

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

Expert answer

Hi Andrew,

Yes, the new Qashqai has just arrived and is already on sale, and the X-Trail will be following on very shortly (in fact by the time you read this you should be able to order one). Note that it's more an update than an all-new car, though. 

Here are our reviews on both:

Nissan Qashqai review

Nissan X-Trail review