Expert answer

Hi John,

OK, there's good news and bad news here. The good news is that the four marques of which you've spoken have all really lifted their quality and reliability games. Renault especially has come on a long way since the dark, unreliable days of the early 2000s. While electrical gremlins are pretty much guaranteed further down the line, that's something you could equally say of any Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Audi.

Dacia tend also to make very reliable cars, in no small part because they're so simple and lacking in the sort of high-end electronics that festoon other models. The brand regularly features very high up in the European JD Power customer satisfaction rankings.

Fiat tends to do less well in those rankings, but much of that is down to a dealer network that's still trying to get its head around modern customer service requirements. The fact is that Fiats these days are no more or less well made or reliable than any other brand (mostly - more on that in a tic). Certainly, we know of many Fiat customers who've had trouble-free motoring for many, many years.

Citroen too has really lifted its game and the latest generations, such as the C4 Picasso and C4 Cactus are really well put together. Long term reliability is still an unknown of course for these new models, but in general, longevity seems to be on the up.

However, just as these Franco-Italian brands have improved, so too have the Japanese and Koreans. There is still a distinct gap in overall solidity between the Japanese brands (Honda especially) and everyone else. It's still the case that if you want genuinely trouble-free motoring, the Japanese are still kings, with the Koreans and Skoda hot on their heels.

That said, I reckon if you bought any Fiat, looked after it properly and made sure it was fully serviced to schedule, you wouldn't have any major problems.

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Hi John,

The current Kuga is a really nice car, and quite an underrated one I reckon. Still though, €2k is a heck of a lot of money and the 3008 is nice so why not go for that and spend the change on a cracking holiday or a new kitchen?

Further reading:

Ford Kuga review

Peugeot 3008 review

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Hi Mick,

We've tested the Allure model, not the Active but here you go - the only difference is some bits and bobs of equipment: http://www.completecar.ie/testdrives/article/Peugeot/null/2008/600/2540

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Hi Eilish,

You should make around €6,500 to €7,000 on a trade in, assuming it's in top condition and has a full service history. If you're used to a Corolla, then the Auris will feel pretty familiar and it's not a bad car at all - comfy, spacious and very economical. The i30 feels a touch more sophisticated though, and is a little sweeter to drive.

Further reading:

Hyundai i30 review

Toyota Auris review

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Hi Frank,

It's a totally different car - the Auris is a size bigger than either Fiesta or Polo, and much more spacious and refined than either. More expensive to buy, of course, as a result, but a good choice for those looking for pain-free, reliable motoring.

Relevant reviews:

Ford Fiesta review

Volkswagen Polo review

Toyota Auris review

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Hi Keith,

It's a long way from the most exciting car out there but actually I think the Jetta is a bit underrated. I ran one for a few months on a long-term test and it was comfy, frugal, spacious, practical and pretty decent to drive too. If you're being offered one at a sharp price, snap it up.

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Hi Mick,

Well, there's a significant difference here in that the Juke is much smaller (and in fairness less expensive) than either the Yeti or Sportage. It's fun to drive too but to be honest I think its lack of rear seat and boot space counts it out here (though the 2015 model has a larger boot than before in two-wheel drive guise). 

The Sportage is a good choice - good looking, high quality and with that long Kia warranty. But it's the Yeti we'd go for. It is well made, good to drive and massively practical.

Further reading:

Skoda Yeti review

Skoda Yeti vs. Fiat 500L Trekking twin test review

Nissan Juke review

Kia Sportage review

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Hi Aoife,

I'd say you're just on the cusp of needing the diesel. It's probably down to what kind of mileage you do. If most of that 15,000km is driven on motorways or main roads then you could be just as well sticking with diesel. If you're mostly in town and suburbs, then it could be worth having a look at petrol.

Further reading:

Ford Fiesta review (1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol)

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Hi Eva,

Actually, these are two quite different cars - the Tucson is a heftier vehicle. If we were comparing new Hyundai ix35 with new Qashqai then I'd have to give the nod to the Qashqai, but in the case of these older versions, I think the Hyundai just might shade it. It's bigger inside, with more space in the back seats and boot than the first generation Qashqai.

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Hi Declan,

Don't worry about the handling - MINIs are terrific to drive. Great fun. The C30 is perhaps a bit less so and Volvo parts and servicing have always been on the pricey side, but it's a much more practical car than the MINI, which is seriously short on space. Both are fine cars though, reliable too so it's a question of what you value more - space and comfort (Volvo) or driving fun (MINI).