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Hi Shane,

Ok, if you want to trim your tax, then your best hope is to get into a much more compact car. I'd suggest trading down to a five-door hatchback, and seeing as you do such low mileage, I'd suggest going for petrol - you'll find it much less trouble than diesel. 

How about a Skoda Octavia 1.2 TSI petrol turbo? Near to diesel levels of economy but no diesel particulate filter (DPF) to worry about, Band B emissions so you'll pay just €280 to tax it and it's also nice to drive and damn near as spacious as your old Mondeo.

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Hi Kevin,

Because, unfortunately, there is always a lag between the price of crude oil falling and the price coming down at the pump. It’s rarely the case going in the other direction of course, but before you go blaming rapacious fuel companies remember that the actual wholesale price of oil represents only a tiny fraction of the price of a litre of pump fuel – most of it is fuel duty and VAT. In fact, according to the AA, the price is on the way down. The average price for a litre of unleaded has fallen by 5c since June, and the average price for a litre of diesel has fallen by 3c. 

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Hi Kieran,

With that kind of mileage, you could probably look at saving yourself a bit of money by going for a petrol model - as long as the price gap between it and a diesel covers the fuel cost. Get your calculator out...

Of the cars you've mentioned, we'd go for a 3 Series. Few cars are as good to drive and it's the kind of thing you should own once at least. Check it carefully for wear and tear though and don't buy anything without a full service history. 

The only catch could be trying to find one that ISN'T a diesel...

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Hi Tom,

It’s for the 1.8 petrol I presume? Should only be around €50 a side from a supplier such as MicksGarage.ie.

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Hi Aidan,

Hyundai Ireland quotes 6.0 litres/100km, which is 47.1mpg.

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Hi Mark,

Right, obviously it's always a bit of a scare when you slip on the road and damage your car, and it's natural for the reaction to be "I'd better get a 4x4." Hang on though, because there are 4x4s and 4x4s... First off, the Tuscon. According to the official figures, the 2.0-litre diesel 4x4 Tuscon does 39mpg while the 2.0-litre petrol model does 35mpg. We'd bet that you'll struggle to match those figures on the road and will instead get around 30mpg on average. Also, 4x4 Tuscons are a little tricky to track down in Ireland.

So, as an alternative, why not consider a Skoda Octavia 4x4? You know you like the car, the all-wheel drive system is just as good at finding traction as any big SUV's and the lower, lighter body means you won't pay as heavy a fuel consumption penalty. We've found one for sale on Carzone for just over €10k, so they're not even too expensive.

Worth a look, at any rate.

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Hi John,

A lot. Sorry, but that’s just the very harsh truth for you. If you’re a new driver, or worse are aged under 30, you’re going to pay an absolute fortune. If you can, trade down to a 1.0-litre car as that will help a little and definitely find yourself a good insurance broker to help you find the best possible deal.

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Hi Michael,

This question arrives at a timely moment as I've just stepped out of a brand new Polo 1.4 TSI test car. I'd have to say that it's a long, long, loooooong way ahead of a 2000 model year Polo, fine car though that was at the time. I had always felt that the Polo was a little bit of the also-ran of the Volkswagen range, but I think that this latest round of updates, especially on the inside, finally make it feel like the mini-Golf it always should have been.

It's nice to drive, comfy and that 1.4 turbo petrol engine is a gem, giving almost-diesel-like economy but proving revvy and willing when you want to get going. A far cry from the too-sluggish 1.2 petrol Polos of old. So, yes, upgrade - my take is that it's well worth it.

Here's our first drive of the new Volkswagen Polo for reference

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Hi John,

Yes, by and large Golfs are well enough built to withstand years of abuse, but then this is an older car so there are some areas to check...

Make sure the cambelt has been changed, check that the water pump is working (quick warm up from cold, but no issues with holding the temperature at idle), listen for noises from both the front suspension and steering, check that the air conditioning (if fitted) is working OK and make sure that the gearbox (manual or auto) is shifting cleanly.

Oh and avoid the FSI petrol model - they don't like regular 95RON unleaded petrol.

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Hi Sean,

A nice car, and that price looks very sharp, but tread carefully. The 2002-onwards E-Class gave Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes owners no end of trouble, with anything electrical or electronic being exceptionally suspect. Now, the good news is that the 2006-on version of that E-Class was significantly revised and a whole lot better, but still check every single button and electrical connection to make sure it's all working properly. Make sure too that the gearbox and rear suspension are both working smoothly and not making any untoward noises - both are weak areas.