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Hi Richard,

By and large, yes, the Insignia's a reliable old thing, but there are a couple of checks to make. Ensure that the engine is pulling strongly in all the low gears, as the turbo can give trouble, especially with the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve. If it's a specced up model with heated seats, check that the one on the driver's side works as they can be fragile. The lesser-used passenger one doesn't seem to give much trouble.

The 'Service Car Now' light seems to be a recurring problem and can come on a bit randomly - usually because the dealer forgets to reset the oil monitor at the last service. The boot seals, especially on the hatchback, can be iffy and allow water in especially when opening the boot when there's standing water on the car. It's a design flaw. There was also a recall to sort out an alarm system issue causing it to go off randomly (often at 2 in the morning...) so make sure that's been done.

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Hi Frank,

The new-shape BMW 5 Series is a fabulous car, especially if it has the right equipment, such as a leather interior, etc. The 520d is nothing short of fantastic when new, though we've heard reports that this 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine can have expensive problems as it gets older - especially if oil maintenance is not adhered to strictly. If the one you're looking at has a detailed service history then there's less worry.

However, if you do very small mileage we'd question why you're going for a diesel car at all. The fuel economy might be tempting, but you should look around and see what petrol models you can get for your money too, as modern petrol engines are improving in terms of fuel economy and emissions - and they're generally cheaper to buy and maintain. They're also quieter and far better suited to low mileage use.

Let us know how you get on

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Hi Evan,

Yes and no. No, in the sense that SEATs are generally very well made and the Arosa is a car with few repetitive problems. Yes in the sense that often a car with a smaller engine, and thus slower performance figures, is often ragged to within an inch of its life by previous owners just trying to keep up with the flow of traffic. If the Arosa you're looking at has spent most of its life in town, at low speeds, then it's probably fine (check the service history and condition, as always). If it's been used in the country, or on regular motorway trips, start checking for excessive wear and tear.

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Hi Saz,

If you're buying something that old, a lot of the potential fuel consumption is going to be down to the condition of the car and how badly worn the engine is. On that basis, I'd suggest you hunt around for a late nineties, early 2000s Suzuki Alto 1.0. They're as close to indestructible as any car can get to and the dinky little 1.0-litre engine should return mid-forties MPG, even around town. Again though, if you're looking to maximise economy, make sure it's serviced, make sure it gets a good high-grade engine oil and some decent tyres. There's nothing like good maintenance for driving your fuel bills down.

Let us know how you get on

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Hi James,

We'd be amazed if the answer is anything other than 'very.' The Liana's only weak points seem to be that the cabin trim is a bit cheap and on the scratchy side and that the service intervals are a bit short. Other than that, it should be solid as a rock once it's looked after.

Best of luck

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Hi Pat,

The biggest issue is actually rust — Focuses from that era were often not properly undersealed at the factory, so rot can set in pretty easily. Make sure you give it a very thorough going over. Beyond that, with a ten-year-old car, it comes down to the condition and service history. If it has a nice, fat, service book still of stamps, then given that it was always a fairly mechanically robust car, you should be fine.

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Hi Chris,

Very, very reliable. Lexus simply does not make unreliable cars, but obviously with a car coming up to its tenth birthday you’ll want to give it a good check-over, and don’t buy anything that doesn’t come with a full and complete service history.

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Hi Rory,

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Hi Wayne,

Depends on the age and on the condition. The 1.5 dCi diesel is a pretty solid engine (look for turbo problems though) and if a Scenic is properly cared for and serviced on the button, they can be fine. Beware of electric gremlins on older cars and don’t buy anything that doesn’t come with a full service history.

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Hi Eugene,

Lots. Mercedes was going through a major dip in build quality and reliability in the mid-2000s, and the electrical system, braking system and the gearbox are all deeply suspect. Make sure it comes with a fully-stamped-up service history and lots and lots of receipts for previous work done. Be suspicious of everything, and if you see any signs of excessive wear and tear, or of items that aren’t working properly, walk away. Also, make sure you do a history and background check with Cartell.ie and make sure it hasn’t been used as a taxi in the past.