Expert answer

Hi Nuala,

Mileage alone is no major worry so long as you choose a reliable car in good condition - and preferably with a decent service history. The reality is that your daughter will change her car within a few years anyway. Hence we'd recommend focusing on safety, reliability and efficiency.

Come back to us if you/your daughter have a few specific cars in mind and we'll help you narrow your search if you wish.

Expert answer

Hi Sean,

Nice choice of cars to be thinking about. Before we look at the stats of the cars, the driving experience in the 3 Series vs. the Audi A4 is quite different - and will be the deciding point for many, so please do try to get a test drive in examples of both. That's the case whether you go for the older 3 Series Coupé or the newer saloon.

Personally, I prefer the way a 3 Series of this age drives in comparison to an A4. It's more 'dynamic' and engaging thanks to the rear-wheel drive layout. However, not everyone likes that and I've heard non-enthusiastic drivers call the feeling 'skittish'. There is no doubt that a front-engined, front-wheel drive car like the Audi A4 will find more traction on snow and ice than a rear-wheel drive BMW (assuming neither has winter tyres), but our climate is too mild for that to be a serious car-buying priority.

In terms of running costs, the early versions of the E90 BMW 320d saloon and Audi A4 2.0 TDI 140 are very close and, as you'll be buying a car registered before 2008 with that budget then tax will be the same, as it's based on the engine size. The E46 320Cd coupé is a little heavier on fuel, but not much.

The 320d saloon has the most powerful engine of these three, though there's not much in it really.

Both saloons are generally quite reliable, though we'd recommend getting full service histories and getting mileage checks with Cartell.ie as each car has its own known issues that crop up from time to time - like turbo issues on the BMW and burning oil in the Audi. The E46 coupé is also reliable, though it's built on older architecture so won't be as modern in general.

One final thing to bear in mind. While the S line Audi specification is highly tempting, it comes with firmer suspension, which may not be to everyone's taste. Test drive it before committing. Likewise an M Sport version of the BMW 320d, though you may not find many of those within budget.

Now, whether you should consider petrol instead of diesel is a whole other story. The decision really should come down to your average mileage. The diesel models will definitely be far more economical on a long run or commute, but not in town. Likewise, you can get lower capacity engines in the petrol cars bringing your annual tax bill down.

If you want to discuss the latter point in more detail come back to us and we'll go through options.

Hope this all helps

Expert answer

Hi Sinead,

First of all, take the sweeping remark by the mechanic with a pinch of salt. The latest Kias and Hyundais are great cars and so too are the later used ones. In terms of stuff you may already know about the Sorento, it's quite unrefined on the road and a bit rough and ready. Large SUVs like this can cost a little to maintain too, though the Kia isn't the worst of them.

Now in terms of reliability, the Sorento has proven to be very solid, with only tiny niggles reported. Try to get one with a decent service history as always and check its mileage and history on Cartell.ie.

Hope that puts your mind at ease.

Expert answer

Hi David,

In general this Fiesta (assuming it's the shape that was launched in 2002) was quite reliable. Our standard advice is to get as detailed a service history as possible and perhaps a Cartell.ie car history check too as it was imported from the UK.

A few specific things to look for on this model include water pump or power steering noises (they both fail) and damp carpets. These can all be remedied relatively cheaply, but best to get the seller to pay!

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Eoin,

Mechanically the Accord is very sound. Our standard mantra would be to get a full service history and have someone that knows cars go with you to inspect it, but we'd not be too worried about the Accord.

The only complaints owners tend to have is with interior build quality. Look out for wear and tear inside and make sure all the switches are working as you'd expect them to.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Joseph,

Both those cars are decent family motors, but go into it with your eyes open as large aging SUVs are expensive to run, service and repair. For the most part the Discovery and XC90 are reliable, though there are reports of some early examples of this Land Rover with (costly) air suspension and electrical problems. It's definitely worth getting a thorough professional inspection as offered by Cartell.ie as this should highlight any issues with the car you're considering.

Some XC90s have suspension, transmission and injector problems too - all expensive to fix. Don't be put off by this though, as these issues do not affect all examples sold.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Craig,

Data is rarely available for specific models, but the Vectra has proven to be quite durable. The SRi specification with the 150hp engine is the pick of the line-up as well. However, we'd urge you to make sure the car has a full service history and check if it was the subject of a recall earlier in its life. The only major problem is with the suspension. If you test drive a car and it makes strange clonking noises then walk away.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi David,

In general that's a good car to drive, well-equipped and highly reliable and economical. We found the 1.6-diesel engine a little loud and the car itself to emit a lot of road noise on the motorway, but they're not bad enough to be deal-breakers.

It's still too new for there to be meaningful reliability data, but in general Mazdas have a good reliability record. Ensure that it has been serviced according to the schedule and take it for as long a drive as you can.

Best of luck

Expert answer

Hi Jimmy,

Basically: no; this car has so far proven to be very reliable. Some people don't get on with the DSG automatic, though there are aftermarket experts that'll recalibrate it for you. Also, brake wear can be high so check for that, tyre condition and that it has been properly serviced.

Enjoy!

Expert answer

Hi Paddy,

Ask the basics first: has this car been crashed? Has it been written off? Ask for a full service history. No harm asking how long they've had it. Ask if there are any known mechanical or electrical issues.

Never be afraid to ask what seems like an obvious question, as then nothing can be hidden or excused by "you never asked me about that" later on!

If you have a specific car in mind let us know and we may have other things to check.