Expert answer

Hi Paul,

These have both a chain and belt set up. The belt (known as a 'wet belt') is immersed in oil to reduce Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH) and is recommended to be changed before 200,000 kilometres or ten years, whichever comes first. As the belt is immersed in oil, it is imperative that the vehicle is serviced regularly and correctly (every 20,000km or once a year) to ensure the longevity of the belt.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Clare,

I think your best bet is a circa-2007 Honda CR-V. Masses of space inside, incredibly reliable and really very pleasant to drive. It is a 2.2-litre diesel, but it has economy every bit as good as a rival 2.0-litre unit. Just make sure you get one with a full service history.

Expert answer

Hi Tommy,

First of all a quick list of possibilities we found on Carzone.ie that we would consider wise buys:

- Audi A4 - Good to drive and plenty about, though you'd have to look at 2005 - 2007 within your budget. Not all that spacious either.

- Audi A6 - Hugely spacious and comfortable, but again you'd have to settle for an older car with higher mileage, which could bring unexpected costs.

- BMW 3 Series - Most examples at this price are 2005-2007. Economical diesels and great to drive, but we'd worry about potential bills - and not as spacious as non-premium brands.

- BMW 5 Series - We'd be sorely tempted by this 2005-2007 model as it's such a great car. Seek out a low mileage example with a full service history and a warranty though.

- Citroen C5 - Comfy big car with decent specification and well-proven diesel engines. Not a huge number on the market, though at least you could afford a 2008 car.

- Ford Mondeo - One of the default options here. It's big, comfortable, good to drive and there are loads and loads about. Relatively cheap and easy to maintain too.

- Honda Accord - Relatively unknown here, but the 2.2-litre diesel engine is a gem and the car is very reliable and comfortable. Look for a post-2008 one to keep your tax bill down.

- Mazda6 - This is probably the car we'd put our own money on. Go for a post-2008 diesel example in a decent specification. It's spacious, well-equipped and great to drive. Reliable too.

- Toyota Avensis - Your budget might get you one of the last of the old models from 2009, though taxi drivers tend to snap these up as well. Make sure you check the history and mileage with Cartell.ie.

- Volkswagen Passat - Plenty about and it's a spacious and comfortable car, but there have been a few niggles with the electrics that'd steer us elsewhere.

There you have it. Come back to us if you'd like more help narrowing down your search.

Expert answer

Hi Eric,

Yes, very decent indeed. Check the engine carefully for turbo issues (watch for excessive smoke or sluggish power delivery), but with a full service history, that sounds like a good bet to us.

Expert answer

Hi Joseph,

Yes, generally very reliable, but that 1.8 TDCi engine did have some issues with the fuel injection system, the dual mass flywheel and the turbo, so if you could instead track down one of the 2.0 TDCi models, you’ll be getting a slightly better, more robust car. That said, with this one being ten years old already, you’ll need to carefully check everything and don’t buy unless it comes with a full service history.

Expert answer

Hi Mick,

Good choice. A lovely car with a sweet engine. They’re very well-made and reliable, but just check for boots that let in water, a creaking clutch pedal (which means you need a replacement pedal box), rattling front suspension bump stops and corroded brake discs. And make sure it comes with a full service history. 

Expert answer

Hi Ian,

Yes, albeit a bit compromised. They looked great, and were good to drive, but only came as a three-door model, and space in both the back seats and boot was pretty restricted. Volvos tend to be reliable, of course, but like the S40 and V50 with which the C30 shared its parts, it developed annoying ignition and central locking faults pretty often, so check that these systems are all working properly, and make sure it comes with a full service history. 

Expert answer

Hi Sean,

The last-generation Primera was generally speaking not as solidly built nor as reliable as earlier models, but it’s still a cut above average for its age, and should be solid enough as long as it comes with a full service history. That 1.6-litre will struggle with the weight of the car, though, so don’t expect to get much better than 35-40mpg out of it in daily driving, and check to see if it’s been used as a taxi in the past, as many were.

Expert answer

Hi Teresa,

The Tucson is a reliable car in general, if low on refinement. Make sure it has been serviced according to the manufacturer's schedule though.

We've not heard of any widespread clutch problems with these cars, but make sure you test any car you're interested in for as long as possible.

If you'd like help looking at a specific car please do get in touch.

Expert answer

Hi William,

I'm afraid that engine is getting on now so it's not as economical as the latest generation of low capacity, turbocharged units. Our data shows the official combined consumption at 5.8 litres/100km (48.7mpg) so you're doing quite well really.

Usual tips to help improve further apply:

- remove unwanted junk from the boot

- check your tyre pressures and wheel alignment

- make sure the air filter is clean

- ensure it's well serviced

- don't use air conditioning or rear window demister unless needed

Hope that all helps in some way