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Hi Morgan,

Honestly, there is just nothing to look for on these cars, beyond the usual making sure the service history is complete and up to date, and checking underneath for signs of, ahem, over-enthusiastic off-roading. It is worth bearing in mind that these cars are bred for hard work and can get abused by former owners, but as long as you're happy with the history, all should be well. As for long or short wheelbase, it depends what you want it for. If you're planing on carrying kids or other rear seat passengers, then get the long wheelbase model, as the shortie is just a bit pointless in the back. And definitely go for automatic, it'll pay off come resale time.

Hope that helps

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Hi F D,

The 100hp Astra was never the quickest car in the world at the best of times, and much here will depend on exactly when and at what rpm you’re trying to change gears and accelerate. I think it’s a bit early to start talking about power upgrades or changing the engine management system — your best bet is to get the car into a garage and have the engine checked out for any issues. When was the last time you had it serviced, for example?

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Hi David,

It's interesting that the 1.6 petrol Focus of that generation was generally more reliable than the 1.6 diesel version - probably something to do with the petrol engine being older, dumber and simpler. Not that the 1.6 TDCi is especially bad, it's just sensitive to having the right grade and type of oil at major services, the exhaust gas recirculation valve in the turbo can give trouble and software issues can cause slow starting and misfires.

Hope that helps

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Hi Keith,

We asked Audi Ireland and this was the (long!) response:

"Our recommendation is that the timing belt should be checked when the car is either five years old or approaching 120,000km on the clock. Replacement intervals may vary slightly so it is best to consult your local authorised Audi service centre, but generally speaking the above is what we advise.

We operate fixed price service options for vehicles aged 3-10 years so for a 2009 A4, timing belt replacement would cost €449 and this includes complimentary Audi Roadside Assistance including Homestart, a two-year Audi Genuine Parts guarantee, complimentary Audi Clear Screen Pack (1.0-litre screen wash and 0.5-litre de-icer), wash and vac and Audi mobility offer (courtesy car etc.)."

Hopefully that clears things up?

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Hi David,

It's actually a very good car, and as long as it has a full service history you shouldn't have too much to worry about. That 1.6 TDCi engine is robust, but just make sure that at each service it has been topped up with the correct grade and type of oil as it's a bit sensitive in that regard. The only regular weak point is the exhaust gas recirculation valve, which can give trouble. Any lack of power or sluggish acceleration is the giveaway. Loud? Not really. Of course, a petrol-engined version would be a touch quieter but the Focus is at least as refined as any of its main rivals. Of course, being a Focus, that means that there's lots around to choose from, so be picky and shop around until you find a really good one.

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Hi Niall,

Mechanically, there's not much to worry about here. Pumas were made before the explosion in complicated electronics so there is simply less to go wrong, and the 1.4- and 1.7-litre (later replaced by a 1.6-litre) engines were all designed by Yamaha, so they're very robust indeed. Likewise gearboxes. Just make sure there's a service book full of stamps and that the oil has been regularly changed and you should be fine. The Puma's weak point is its suspension, which is prone to being knocked out of true. Look for signs of uneven tyre wear and listen carefully for knocking or clonking noises. Make sure the brakes are in good nick too as they can wear out rather easily.

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Hi Niamh,

Doning an NCT is like going to the dentist; no-one wants to do it and it always ends up costing more than it should. Nonetheless, it's necessary every couple of years.

Much like going to the dentist, the result of your NCT will have more to do with how you've been looking after things over a long period. Bringing your car in for a service just before the test is rather like breaking out the mouthwash and floss just before visiting the mouth doctor. It's not going to fix any underlying problems.

It also depends on how thorough your garage is and whether or not you've told them you're going for an NCT. A good garage, properly informed, should check and re-check everything that's necessary to ensure a pass, but even then, the NCT test is both thorough and inflexible - the smallest issue could trip you up. In that sense, it's probably better, if a little more long-winded, to go for the test and then get everything that's flagged up sorted. Yes, it will be expensive, but you'll have to make the repairs anyway.

But ultimately, we're back to the dentist metaphor again. Looking after your car on a daily basis is what will ensure you a pass.

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Hi Derry,

The S line spec on an A4 is nice, especially in styling terms, but it does also include lower, stiffer suspension, so if you value your comfort and refinement, maybe go for an SE instead. As for things to watch for, obviously with any car of that age you need to check pretty much everything very carefully, and don’t buy anything that doesn’t come with a full service history. Check that the MMI infotainment system is all working properly (it’s a major trouble spot), and check the carpets for damp spots as the air conditioning system often leaks. S line models often develop tracking issues, so check the front tyres for uneven wear, and a dull thud from the suspension when going over bumps means the anti-roll bar drop links need replacing, too.

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Hi Derry,

Nothing much to keep an eye on mechanically speaking, as these are well-built and reliable cars. Just watch for kerbed alloys as that could mean that the steering has been knocked out of alignment. Obviously, you'll want a fully-stamped-up service history. As for the S Line model, try before you buy. Yes, the styling add-ons look good, but the A4 already has quite a firm ride quality and the S Line suspension firms that up even more. It may not be to your taste.

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Hi Martin,

I'd say around €18-19,000.