Expert answer

Hi Martin,

I'd say you're looking at a trade-in value of between €5-6,000.

Expert answer

Hi Meeka,

I personally bought a 2006 Volvo V50 1.6 diesel, which is the estate version of the S40 so I know a little about them. I'm assuming that S40 is 1.6 diesel as well, as most are from that year. The most important thing about this engine is that it is used regularly at motorway speed (to burn off deposits on the diesel particulate filter - DPF) and that oil changes are also regular, and done with the right oil. Insist on a full service history and the more reputable the garage the better.

Make sure the DPF warning light is present when the ignition is turned on and that it then goes out soon after the car is started up. If it's missing completely it means there's a reason someone removed it - walk away.

Other than that I found the car to be very well equipped for the price, making it much better value than a similarly priced Focus or Golf from the same year. It's also more spacious than those cars - though not by much.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Simon,

That’s absolutely top-value for a 2005 Focus, so the car would want to be in exceptionally good condition and come with a full and complete service history and a decent warranty to command that kind of price. You haven’t given us a year for your Polo so it’s rather difficult to value but we think you could potentially find better value on the Focus out there.

Expert answer

Hi Eitvydas,

The first generation A-Class had shockingly poor reliability and while the second generation version was an improvement, we'd still be a bit wary. Electrics and suspension are your biggest areas for problems so check everything over carefully and don't even think of getting one that doesn't have a full and complete service history. Apart from that, they were also a little odd to drive - feeling rather like a gigantic shopping trolley in their vague and uncertain way they trundle along. Also, basic versions came with no air conditioning and had rubbish ventilation so hot days are a bit of a chore.

Expert answer

Hi Sol,

With that sort of mileage and condition I'd say you're looking at top-end money for a Starlet. The downside is that top-end for a Starlet is only around €2,000. You might get €2,200 with a following wind...

Expert answer

Hi Fionn,

You see, if we could answer that then we would have cracked the deep and dark mysteries of car depreciation and possibly time travel. In which case this would be written from the deck of our yacht, moored in the Caribbean. But it's not, so the short answer is we don't know. Fifty per cent depreciation over the first three years is the normal rule of thumb for most cars, and a 5 Series diesel would drop in value a little slower than that. So a five-year old one would probably be worth just under half of what it cost when new, assuming it's in perfect condition and has a full service history.

Hope that's of some assistance!

Expert answer

Hi Eoghainn,

I'd say on a trade in, you're probably looking at €4,500 to €5,000, assuming it's in good nick and comes with a full service history.

Expert answer

Hi Dave,

A really decent car, actually, and an interesting alternative to the likes of a BMW 3 Series or Audi A4. Lexus' quality and reliability are both utterly off-the-clock-good so there are few, if any, problems to worry about. As long as it comes with a full service history, you should have nothing to be concerned about there. It's not quite as polished an all-rounder as a 3 Series though - space in the back is surprisingly tight, the ride quality can be very firm and while the 180hp 2.2-litre diesel is punchy and economical, it's not especially refined. Still, it has one of the best-looking and best-made cabins in the business and we think it's an uncommonly handsome car too.

Expert answer

Hi Ian,

The going rate for a 2006 Jetta seems to run the gamut from around €4,500 to just over €7,000. If yours is as good as you say is try pricing it close to but not above €7,000.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

Yes, but only if you get it checked very, very carefully. This was the model of E-Class that gave Mercedes a serious warranty headache and almost single-handedly undermined the brand's reputation for quality. Most of the problems (chiefly electrical issues) should have been ironed out by now but check to make sure all the various systems work properly and if it doesn't come with a phone-book's worth of service stamps and receipts, walk away.