Expert answer

Hi Catherine,

That's an interesting one and the decision will probably come down to your personal preference. The Discovery certainly has a higher 'status' and it is a very good car, but a newer, highly specified Galaxy might be the logical choice. Both cars are relatively reliable and highly comfortable. The Galaxy has more space and probably more equipment, but that depends on the Discovery you're looking at.

One thing to be aware of is that the Discovery is likely to have higher running costs, from fuel, tyres, servicing and insurance to annual road tax.

Bear all that in mind and then take the Discovery for a good long test drive before you decide - and don't be tempted by 'too good to be true' prices either. Get a Cartell.ie history check to make sure there's nothing dodgy about the car you're considering.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Samantha,

Average mileage for an Irish car is about 11,000 miles (18,000 kilometres approx.) so this is definitely above average, but it isn't necessarily something to worry about depending on the car. A diesel car tends to be used more and high mileage suggests a lot of low-stress motorway use - unless it's a tax of course!

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Sandra,

The biggest difference is of course price, as I'm sure you're aware. You pay about €2,000 more for a new 2.0 TDI model with 140hp than you do for the 1.6 TDI 105. Clearly the bigger engine is more powerful and it does make the car feel quicker, but the smaller engine is absolutely fine too. The 1.6 is quieter, though as the 2.0 comes with a six-speed gearbox it's better for a lot of motorway mileage.

There's very little between the two on official combined cycle economy figures and both are in Band A for tax so running costs (other than insurance) are similar.

If you prefer a car with more get up and go, take the 2.0, but for most, the 1.6 is more than adequate. Either way, try to get a decent test drive in both to make up your own mind.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

Taking a look at Carzone.ie this is average mileage for this car. We'd recommend advertising it for €6,999, but be willing to accept €500 less for a cash deal. If you want it to go quickly advertise for a little less.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi John,

I'm afraid that generation of the Freelander was very troublesome, though the diesel is the best option. Listen out for noises from the rear differential and gearbox and check that every single electrical switch and light is working as it should be.

A 1.9-litre diesel from 2001 would normally be €660, but commercial vehicle tax is currently only €310 per annum.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Simon,

That is a lovely car, but you need to be prepared for the high running costs. Annual road tax alone is €1,683, while it's also heavy on fuel. No doubt it has low profile tyres as well, which are expensive to replace.

It seems to have very low mileage for the year, so make sure you get that verified. If it's right then it's still fairly fresh, but this generation of the 3 Series is expensive to maintain once the miles rack up.

Go into the deal with your eyes open and it could still be a great car for you.

Expert answer

Hi Maria,

I'm afraid such a car is not likely to be worth very much. That's very high mileage no matter how well it has been kept and hence will not be in demand. If you get €500 for it we'd be very surprised.

Best of luck

Expert answer

Hi Colin,

We would never have pitched those two cars against each other, as the 5008 has significantly more space, but if the Hyundai has enough space for you then that's not a consideration here. Both are fine cars, but we'd be swayed towards the Hyundai by its value. Not only is it cheaper than the Peugeot, it has a better specification, annual road tax is lower and it comes with a great warranty and aftercare package.

Saying all that, the 5008 would be better for a growing family...

Let us know which way you go - and why!

Expert answer

Hi Ciaran,

You can't go too far wrong with a good Nissan Micra or Volkswagen Polo, even at that price. They are reasonable to insure, pretty reliable and the Micra in particular is great on fuel. We'd stay away from the Daewoo Lanos and though the Fiat Cinquecento is bursting with character they can be troublesome. Others to consider are the Suzuki Swift and Volkswagen Lupo.

Come back to us with a shortlist if you want and we can help further.

Expert answer

Hi Mel,

As that car was registered pre-2008 its tax is based on engine size. For engines sized between 1,901 and 2,000cc the price is currently €660 per year. That change in January of this year following the Budget.

Hope that helps