Expert answer

Hello Jose,

The Toyota Avensis has been a top seller in Ireland for years because it has always proven to be reliable and good value to run, so you are safe enough to assume that this 2008 model would be the same. Obviously as is the case with any use car purchase we would recommend that you buy from a SIMI-registered dealer or even better, to do a Cartell.ie check on the car's history as this can add peace of mind. Given that you do 12,000km a year, which is well below the average, then the petrol model should be fine for you, as a diesel model would most likely cost you a lot more to buy in the first place. Here is an example of a really good one with low mileage. You would pay around €2,000 more for a diesel and you might not get it back over the course of your time with it.

I hope this helps!

Expert answer

The arguement for petrol is growing Brendan. While everyone is fixated on diesel the petrol engines are getting cleaner and will come back into fashion. When it comes to fuel economy the gap between petrol and diesel is getting closer and in a lot of cases there is little difference between the road tax.

The 1.4-litre petrol engine in the Passat is more than good enough. So if you want a Passat then you could go for it. There could and perhaps will be less value in the petrol model later on, but if you keep it long enough suddenly this won't become that much of an issue and since you go low mileage then you could keep it for 5 or more years. 

Expert answer

Hi Wayne,

You would probably get offered around €3,800 from a main dealer for your car and you could expect to sell it privately for around €4,300, so you should advertise for around €4,600. Remember if you are trading in then concentrate on the 'cost to change' rather than the value of your car. 

I hope this helps?

Expert answer

Hi Noel, 

You obviously spend a lot of time in your car on a very bad road so the Volvo would probably have been ideal for you. In that case I am recommending that you get something with super comfy suspension and super comfy seats. You have probably extracted all of the value from your Volvo, so you can't really expect to be offered much more than a token gesture of up to €1,000 for  that car, but I imagine that you know this. 

So, with your budget of €15,000 then what should you buy? I would imagine that you keep your cars for a long time so future depreciate probably isn't a major factor for you, but you say that running costs are. 

The first car I have picked is a Saab 9-5. Saab are in a little bit of trouble, but their cars are so comfortable, with great seats. This one has a diesel engine and will be cheap to run. It would be a great car to own long term and is well under your budget. 

We really like the Mazda6 here at CompleteCar.ie and here is a nice one with a diesel engine and low mileage. This is a great car for mega mileage and would be super for your needs.

Another brilliant choice would be the Skoda Superb which is massive, comfy and really well built. This one has low mileage, the right engine and is great value. It is amazing value at under €13,000. I think I would buy this to be honest. 

I hope this helps!

Expert answer

Hi Gerard,

You didn't specify if you're interested in a new Corolla or a used one, but here are the figures for the latest model:

• Toyota Corolla 1.3 Dual VVT-i (petrol): 5.8 litres/100km (48.7mpg)
• Toyota Corolla 1.4 D-4D 90 (diesel): 4.7 litres/100km (60.1mpg)

Come back to us if this doesn't answer your query.

Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

Having just come out of a Volkswagen Golf long-term test car I feel like I can speak with some authority on the car. For a start, it really depends on where you are driving and how far, when it comes to your engine choice.

The 1.6-litre TDi diesel is really good, but it probably isn't worth the extra cost unless you commute is quite long. Otherwise the 1.2 TSi is fine and while it isn't a rocket, it is perky enough. In terms of the the car being big enough, well yes it is. The Golf is fine for one baby and the boot is big enough to take the truly obnoxious buggy I put into it. 

With your budget of €20,000, you would really have your choice of petrol or diesel models so it is really down to what you prefer. I really like this one. And although it is over your budget you would probably come in under as a cash buyer. 

Expert answer

Hi John, 

The Atkinson engine is a type of engine invented by James Atkinson in 1882. The Atkinson Cycle is where the stroke of the piston can very in length across the four cycles in a four-stroke internal combustion engine. The length of the stroke during the power cycle is increased to promote efficiency, but because this comes at the expense of a shorter intake stroke there is some loss of power and therefore this engine design is best suited for use in hybrid systems where the electric motor can make up for some of the loss of power. 

In conventional four-cycle petrol engines, fuel enrichment is sometimes necessary to cool the exhaust gases, preventing degradation or destruction of the catalytic converters. In an Atkinson cycle engine, compression and expansion are not symmetrical, and the valves close late, delaying compression. This creates a high expansion ratio for less compression, reducing intake and exhaust energy losses and converting combustion energy to engine power more effectively. As a result, the exhaust temperature is lower than that of conventional engines.

The current model Toyota Prius Hybrid uses a 1.8-litre Atkinson Cycle engine. Adopting the Atkinson cycle and a cooled exhaust gas recirculation system brings significant gains in fuel efficiency and emissions reduction.

Prius 1.8-litre Atkinson Cycle engine

Because the intake valves close late in an Atkinson cycle engine, compression is delayed. This creates a high expansion ratio for less compression, reducing intake and exhaust energy losses and converting combustion energy to engine power more effectively. As a result the exhaust temperature is lower than that of conventional engines. Cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation reintroduces the cooled gas into the intake system, further reducing engine operating temperatures.

Other models to use Atkinson Cycle engines include the Lexus CT200h, Lexus RX 450h, Mercedes S400 Blue Hybrid

Expert answer

Ray, do you know what? I am like you. I would always go for the older, more interesting car rather than the brand new snooze-box. I won't lie to you though, the Saab could be a pain if you compare it to something like an Avensis (sorry, I nodded off there). Look, a few things might end up going wrong, but it is a way cooler car than the ones that you mentioned. Repairs won't be too bad as most Opel dealers can cope with them pretty well. I'd say go for it, but don't expect it to be as trouble free as an Avensis.

Expert answer

Yes, these are excellent cars so I would say that you should have little in the way of trouble with them really. Obviously a diesel version might suit better, but if you are getting the petrol model at the right price and your mileage is low then this could be a decent purchase. 

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

It is hard not to look past a BMW 520d Touring. There are a few nice ones around that fit your budget and to be honest this is where I would be looking. You might need one from a dealer if you intend to trade in. They are super cars and cheap to run too.

However, an outside choice as an estate is the Volvo V70. I personally love them as they are timeless and great for the dogs too. I have been drooling looking at this one in Cork all week and I reckon it would be a super buy - look at how low the mileage is!

Failing that, and if you aren't too worried about it being petrol, then a Subaru Outback is a marvellous car; this one has low mileage and is within your budget.

You might notice I didn't mention any Audis there. I figure you want a change, otherwise you wouldn't be asking us!

Best of luck with the change and make sure to tell us what you bought. You will find us on Twitter @completecar.