Expert answer

Hi Justin,

You've not mentioned the age of the Pathfinder. If it's newer than the Volvo, then it's not a bad deal, though doesn't strike me as amazing when you look at the prices being asked for similar Volvos and Pathfinders.

With regards to what we think of the Pathfinder... It's a fine rugged, capable off-roader, but you may suffer from culture shock moving from your Volvo. The S80 is far more comfortable on the road and, loud engine aside, more refined in general. Obviously the Pathfinder can do serious off-roading and has much more space. The Volvo is probably better on fuel too.

In your position, I'd shop around a little more to see what you can get for your money and, if you don't need the towing capacity or off-road ability, consider something more road-biased.

Do come back to us if you need anything else.

Expert answer

Hi Leeianne,

There are a few things this could be. The simplest, and cheapest to fix, is a stone or something stuck in the brake calliper. It'd take a mechanic five minutes to sort that out for you. However, it could be that your brake pads are worn down to the metal as well, which is more serious. Either way, the sooner you get the wheel off for someone to look at it the better.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Joseph,

Unless you have proper disposal facilities and you have some experience in doing so we'd urge you not to change the oil filter in your car for yourself.

It's normal practice to change the oil at the same time. We'd do the following. Note that these are not exhaustive instructions, it is assumed that the car is safely raised up and that you have an environmentally sound way to dispose of the old oil.

1. Remove oil dipstick and oil filler cap.
2. Remove sump plug and allow old oil to drain into suitable receptacle.
3. If too tight to remove by hand, unscrew old oil filter using oil filter chain/belt tool, ensuring that the rubber seal comes away with it.
4. Lightly rub new oil on seal of new oil filter and tighten up - by hand only.
5. Replace sump plug. It is not unusual to have to replace the sealing washer that goes with this.
6. Lower car to ground and top up oil with recommended grade to correct level on the dipstick.
7. Close dipstick and filler cap and start car.
8. Allow to idle for a few minutes, stop engine and check level again.
   Top up if necessary.
9. Dispose of oil and filter in responsible manner.

Changing the air filter is much easier. Locate the air box under the bonnet. Its lid will be held on either by a series of clips or screws. Gently remove these and move the lid out of your way. Ensure that the replacement filter is an identical shape, replace and then reattach the lid as it was.

Hope that is of some help, though again, I'd discourage anyone from doing the oil and oil filter change unless you have the right facilities and tools.

Expert answer

Hi Ciaran

I couldn't look past a Mazda MX-5 for that money, but since I'm no expert on the Jap import stuff, I though I would ask Paul Healy @bespoke32 who does know a bit. He said "The main problem associated with the Toyota Levin and its twin brother the Trueno is related to the Superstrut suspension. This is a complicated set-up that mimics a dual wishbone system  giving the car better handling. Unfortunately it is also expensive to repair if it goes wrong. Some owners replace the whole system with a conventional suspension when the Superstrut fails while others have splashed out on the right parts to keep it in place. Look for the second kind of owner and ask questions about the Superstrut.

The Levin was launched to take on the Honda Civic Type R and SiR but even the range topping BZR model is noticeably slower. The quoted figures of 160bhp+ only apply to cars run on higher octane Japanese fuel and the Levin seems to come of worse than its competitors when run on Irish juice.

The aforementioned Honda’s post closer to their factory figures as too does the Nissan Pulsar VZR and the Mitsubishi Mirage Mivec. If insurance allows the Honda Integra Type R or SiR would be our pick.

Unless you are specifically looking for a modified/tuned car aim for one that is as untinkered as possible. There are just too many problems that could arise from somebody else’s bad work."

Expert answer

Hi Steve,

A fair degree depends on your mileage and how much you are prepared to pay per year in motor tax. Bearing in mind that you will be getting an older car, the motor tax can be pricier, but that is just a fact of life. If you want to carry lots of people and stuff then a diesel will be a better choice in an estate because there is more torque but it isn't essential. 

If you weren't afraid of the odd bill, then a BMW 320D Estate would be a super car. I've owned one and they are great, but get expensive the older they get. 

I'd be very tempted by this Nissan X-Trail which has low mileage, is diesel and would be great for the family. 

This Peugeot 407 SW is superb value and lots of car for the money. 

I think out of that lot, I'd probably have the Focus though. 

I hope this helps! 

I'd say something like a 2005 Ford Focus 1.6 Diesel Estate would be a good place to start - something like this one as it would be cheap to run and spacious as well as good to drive too. 

Expert answer

Hi Ciaran,

Sorry for the delay in coming back to you on this. Let me honest first and foremost and put my cards on the table and say that I probably wouldn't buy a second-hand Land Rover Freelander at all and especially one with 90,000 miles on the clock. You are right in what you say that the second one has proven to be more reliable than the first one but it still has been a little bit problematic. There aren't major reports of problems on the second version, but to be honest if I was looking at a vehicle a few years old and in SUV form I'd be looking at something from Japan or Korea. 

If you are going to get one and you have your heart totally set on it then only buy from a main dealer with a full service history and get the longest warranty you can find. 

For me though, I'd still be looking at something like Toyota RAV4, Nissan Qashqai or Hyundai ix35 to get something that will be reasonably headache free. 

I hope this helps. 

Expert answer

Hi Jim.

There really is little to choose between these three models to be honest so without sitting on the fence entirely I would say that you should drive all three to see which one you like best. Out of the three, personally speaking I would probably have the ix35, just because it offers super value for money. They are hard to come by at the moment however, while you will get the Qashqai and 3008 pretty readily. If you do get the 3008, go for the top spec SV. Really you have mentioned three of the best compact SUVs around so you can't really go wrong with any of them. I'd have the Hyundai though.

Expert answer

Hi Mary,

The short answer is that yes it shoud be possible. The scrappage allowance of course would only be allowed on one car and you really do need to move fast to get this sorted because time is against you. Then you could use the Note as part exchange against the same car. You just need to speak to your dealer but they should be able to do this for you.

I hope this helps!

Expert answer

Hi Sinead,

Without hesitation I would advise you go for the 2011 5 Series over the older BMW X5. The new 5 Series is an absolute gem of a car and if you can stretch to the Touring estate model then it'll be even more spacious. The 520d is far better on fuel than the X5 and will cost you less in road tax too. On top of that, being newer, the 5 Series will have more of its warranty intact.

However, I urge you to go to a dealer and drive both, as the 5 Series is much lower down than the X5 and, while that's not important to me personally, it may be to you. Only one way to find out!

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Jacqueline,

There are a lot of questions there. Let's go through them. The Hyundai i10 is indeed better than the new Nissan Micra, but the latter comes with lots of equipment as standard and you will probably get the best price for your own Micra from a Nissan dealer. Hyundais are reliable - very reliable in fact. The i20 would definitely offer more space than the i10 though it costs €2,000 more.

I think you should try a Mazda2, which is a car we really rate here on CompleteCar.ie. Otherwise, the Hyundai i20 could make an ideal purchase.

I hope this helps and let us know how you get on.