Expert answer

Hi Adam,

Short answers — no and yes, maybe. No, that kind of mileage is pretty low. It works out at 7,500 miles per year which is staggeringly low. If it’s been well cared for and fully serviced, it should be just fine. On the petrol front, it’ll be pretty thirsty, depending on the model. The 1.8 turbo is really thirsty (think circa 30mpg) or if it’s the V6 model then think more like 20mpg.

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Hi Greg,

Yes, it’s well worth looking at a UK import as you can potentially save money. Mind you, have a shop around local dealers too — many of them have cut their prices to compete with the UK cars, and you can often get better after-sales care if you buy locally. A figure of 90-110k miles isn’t a big deal in and of itself; it all comes down to the service history. If the car has been cared for and has a fully stamped-up service book, then it should be fine.

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Hi Gareth,

No, more like €5-6k unless it’s in ludicrously good condition and has delivery mileage. The 1.6 engine is pretty underpowered but it’s robust — just watch for problems with the fuel injectors. You’ll need to check the suspension for wear and tear too (listen for nasty clunking noises over bumps) and, for a car of this age, you really need to check everything. It would help if it comes with a full service history, but at that age I doubt that it will.

Expert answer

Hi Gillian,

With two small kids myself I completely understand your needs. Really, you're probably after something with a much bigger boot, but I assume you like the premium look and feel of the Audi. People in your situation would often upgrade to a bigger car in the same brand, say an Audi A4 or a compact SUV. I've taken a look through Carzone.ie with your budget and needs in mind and here's a list of potential replacements:

- Audi A4: way bigger inside and in the boot than your A3 and significantly more comfortable on the road. Your budget gets you a clean 2010 model saloon or Avant estate with a 2.0 TDI engine.

- Audi A6: much bigger again than the A4, but for the same money you'll get less equipment or an older model - you could afford the saloon or Avant estate though.

- BMW 3 Series: quite comparable to the Audi A4, though not as spacious inside and few Touring estate examples on the used market. Very efficient engines.

- BMW 5 Series: lovely car in same class as Audi A6, though your budget will probably mean a high mileage example. Insist on full service history.

- Honda CR-V: well made family SUV that was designed more for on-road than off-road use. Not all that common, but hugely spacious and reliable. Make sure you go for the newer model that has only just been replaced.

- Mazda6: I'm not sure if you're attached to the Audi badge, but this car is well worth a look. It's massive inside (especially the estate), good to drive, well equipped and reliable. Your budget gets you a low mileage 2011 example too.

- Skoda Superb: no kids will ever kick the back of your seat in this car such is its rear legroom! The boot is massive too and it comes with a range of different engine options. The 1.6 TDI is especially economical. You can afford a 2010-2011 saloon, though personally I prefer the Combi estate.

- Volkswagen Passat: there are a few 2011-2012 Passat saloons available for your budget and it'd be a sensible purchase in some ways. This car is still on sale now new. There aren't many estates about unless you go for the previous generation model.

- Volkswagen Tiguan: a good option, though supply is limited at you budget to 2008 versions. High driving position and spacious all-round.

If you'd like help narrowing your search further, please do come back to us. Also, with such a low annual mileage, it's worth seriously considering a petrol car if you find a well-priced one.

Expert answer

Hi Danny,

While the Frontera is cheap to buy and not bad off-road, it really is not a 4x4 we'd recommend due to its lack of quality and poor reliability record. The weak points are the engines and electrics. If it has not been serviced then best to walk away. The steering and suspension systems have also had problems and the Frontera is prone to rust.

Sorry not to have better news!

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Hi Eric and thanks for the question,

Our advice would be to have this car thoroughly checked out mechanically. It sounds fine, but don't buy it if you yourself plan to rack up say 20,000km a year and bear in mind that it's not going to be worth a lot when you go to sell it in a few years, so I hope you're getting a good deal.

Also, it's worth getting a Cartell.ie history check to confirm its mileage and that it was not used as a taxi.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Paraic,

First and foremost is the running costs, but I guess they're on the same level as any large SUV-based commercial with an automatic gearbox - they're heavy on fuel and tyres, etc.

Other than that, while the Discovery 3 is proving to be more reliable than its predecessor, it's hardly the most dependable truck of its type. Some cars are perfect, but others have loads of issues, from the electrics to the air suspension and even to full engine failure.

Don't settle for anything less than a full service history and make sure you have the car checked out by someone that knows what they're looking at too.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Sylvia,

Is that miles or kilometres? Either way, it’s not that much really — just 11,000 miles per year at the worst, which is not a huge amount. As long as it comes with a full and complete service history, I wouldn’t be worried about that kind of mileage at all.

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Hi Paudie,

They certainly are, but getting on a bit now, having not been in production since 2006. They’re based on the MkIV Golf, so build quality is generally excellent, but rear seat space isn’t (the boot’s massive though) and if it’s an original Irish car than chances are the equipment levels are going to be pretty basic. You need to check for regular cam belt changes (every 40,000 miles), that good quality oil has been used at service time, that the clutch isn’t too heavy and that the engine isn’t misfiring (that means a faulty ignition coil). Reluctant engine start means a faulty air mass sensor and you need to check for tapping noises at the top of the engine (which means the head needs work, possibly rebuilding) and poor acceleration could mean a faulty crankshaft sensor.

Expert answer

Hi John,

Yes, but at that age you’d want to be checking everything over very carefully and insisting on a full service history. That 1.4-litre engine is both ancient and rugged, but it’s also a bit underpowered (most have only 75hp) so keeping up with traffic can be an issue. No major common faults to report, but as I say with a car that old, check everything.