Expert answer

Hi Lisa,

It depends on how the conversion was done originally to turn it from a passenger car into a commercial, but to be honest, we wouldn’t recommend it. Removing and then replacing things like rear seat mounts, seatbelt points etc, not to mention cutting out the floor of the rear of the car to get at the structure, just seems to be asking for possible safety trouble.

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Hi Ronan,

Currently, legislation on tyre pressure monitors works like this. In the US, the National Highway Traffic Safety Authority has required all new passenger cars to be fitted with tyre pressure monitors since 2007. In the EU, all new models of cars introduced since November 1st 2012 must have tyre pressure monitoring, while from November 1st 2014, every model of car on sale must be fitted. The current gap between the haves and have-nots is simply down to model cycles and replacement schedules.

Hope that's a bit clearer

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Hi John,

Well, the Road Safety Authority specifies that you must take 12 hours minimum of professional instruction before you can apply for your test, but they don’t specify that it must be done in Ireland. As the UK is recognised as a competent authority for driving standards (our licences are interchangeable etc) they might just accept that your existing 30 hours has you covered. Give them a ring on 1890 40 60 40 and ask.

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Hi Liz,

Quite a different car, really. The S40 is quite compact and even a bit on the small side; the Passat is bigger and roomier, and arguably the better car on a long journey. The S40 does have exceptional safety levels on its side, though, and has a nicer looking cabin with better seats.

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Hi Nuala,

Mileage alone is no major worry so long as you choose a reliable car in good condition - and preferably with a decent service history. The reality is that your daughter will change her car within a few years anyway. Hence we'd recommend focusing on safety, reliability and efficiency.

Come back to us if you/your daughter have a few specific cars in mind and we'll help you narrow your search if you wish.

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Hi Val,

Generally it's a bad idea to fit mis-matching tyres across the same axle of a car (i.e. both front tyres should be the same and both rear tyres should be the same, but front and rear can be different brands etc. so long as the size is within manufacturer guidelines). In an ideal world all four tyres would be matching, but we realise that people need to save money.

On that note, we'd urge caution with regards to buying second-hand tyres. You can't possibly know their history and though they might be fine, it's still not a great idea.

Final point from us: a tyre is one of the most important parts of your car to maintain safety. Please don't scrimp on that.

Hope that's been of assistance.

Expert answer

Hi Justin,

It's not surprising to hear that the car won't go off-road - few do!

In terms of safety, the 2005 Volvo trumps the Discovery with a better Euro NCAP crash test rating.

The Volvo has a marginally better reliability record too, though most Discovery problems (affecting electrics and software) seem to apply to individual cars. Saying that it's worth ensuring its air suspension is in perfect working order. On the XC90 the injectors can play up, and they're expensive to repair, so get suspicious if the car doesn't start quickly.

Evidence points to the Volvo having the lower running costs too, with slightly better fuel economy and of course lower annual road tax due to the smaller engine. Maintenance will be costly enough in both cases, as could be insurance.

In cold hard facts it looks like the Volvo wins this battle Justin, but we'd not be put off the Discovery so easily - it's a great all-rounder as well.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi James,

Without seeing the actual car you're looking at, these Accords have a great reputation for reliability and comfort. That is of course if they're serviced properly and regularly. That sounds like very low mileage for the age so make sure you check its history on Cartell.ie.

The 1.8-litre petrol engine is the best option, but make sure it's a manual gearbox. SE trim is well equipped with loads of safety devices as standard.

One of the only downsides is that the official Honda parts and servicing can be expensive, but there's always the option to go to an independent garage.

If you want to send us the link to the actual car you're looking at online we'll see if there's anything else we can comment on.

Expert answer

Hi James,

We put this to Cartell.ie, the vehicle records experts. Here's the response:

"Officially, there is no particular line on this question. Anecdotal evidence suggests a vehicle may still pass a subsequent NCT even with a lower odometer reading. The National Car Testing Service is not releasing its mileage data to anyone. Cartell has actively sought mileage records from the NCTS for some time now and continue to do so on the grounds of public safety."

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Justin,

Let's break it down into chunks. First of all, safety. Here are the crash test results from Euro NCAP:

Skoda: five stars on new system

Saab: five stars on old system

Volvo: four stars on old system

Looks like the Volvo loses out there, though it's a safe car by most standards.

In terms of reliability, the Skoda has no reported issues. The Saab doesn't fare so well, with plenty of electrical issues and problems with the suspension. Check for uneven tyre wear and that all the switches are working - every single one. The Volvo is a little better, but has a few known problems, with random electrical gremlins and several recalls. If you're serious about that one get confirmation that the recall work has been completed. Also, it should have its timing belt, tensioners and pulleys changed every four years so best to check that it has been done.

Assuming you're looking at the 105hp Superb, then the combined cycle consumption was quoted at about 5.7 litres/100km (50mpg) and it is a frugal car. The 150hp Saab uses a fraction more fuel (5.8 litres/100km) on the combined cycle, while the 136hp Volvo also uses 5.7 litre/100km.

So in summary, for us it would be between the Skoda and the Volvo. They're both comfortable and spacious, though we'd trust the reliability of the Superb more given the data.

Hope that helps.