Expert answer

Hi Brian,

This very match will be the subject of a twin test shorty in our iPad Mag so I don't want to give the game away too much!

Saying that, they're very different cars. Technically and logically the BMW M4 is dominant. It's considerably faster at all times too, yet the customisation of its driving systems that is open to the driver makes it suitable for everything from long distance cruising, to the school run and then the odd track day. It's an astounding car I'd personally love to own. It'd take years to learn it fully and if you like a challenge then it's the one for you. However, unlike the previous M3 Coupé, it's more docile at times, meaning the uninitiated aren't scared off by crazy twitchiness.

The Jaguar is much more laid back by default. Yes it's quick by any measure, and can make a sound all the more alluring than the BMW, but, in V6 or V6S guises at least, isn't quite as focused on hard-core driving. It drives very well, don't get me wrong, but the BMW would run rings around it on track.

Clearly that won't matter to many people and we suspect that this decision would be won by the heart. As I write this I'm torn. I adore the looks of the Jaguar and that may be enough to swing the decision, but in pure black and white terms, the M4 Coupé is a more accomplished car.

Let us know if you buy one or the other!

Further reading:

BMW M4 Coupé first drive

Jaguar F-Type V6S Coupé first drive

Expert answer

Hi Sharon,

There are indeed others although the car has to be brought to one of a network of nationwide test centres for some. Or you could engage the services of a professional vehicle assessor, but that might be a prohibitively expensive option.

A good place to start is Cartell.ie

Expert answer

Hi Simon,

Generally speaking all three of these cars are really well built and shouldn't give you any major troubles. The BMW 2.0-litre diesel engine has some well documented and recurring issues with weakness in the turbo, but if you buy one on BMW's approved used programme, you'll get a two-year warranty that should cover you for any issues. The Diesel Particulate Filter issue on the Audi 2.0-litre TDI engine is usually related to drivers doing too low a mileage at too low a speed for the DPF to heat up sufficiently to clean itself - it's a recurring problem on any diesel car bought by someone who fundamentally doesn't understand how diesels work and are best driven.

I'd say of the three, my choice would be the last-gen C-Class. If you're looking at 2013, try and track down one of the last Edition C models - they were loaded with equipment and got an extra AMG body kit and nice wheels too. Superb to drive, cracking 2.1-litre diesel engine (if it touch noisy) and the only drawback is that they're not very spacious in the rear.

Of course, if it's reliability and reliability above all that concerns you, buy a Lexus IS 300h and you won't go wrong...

Expert answer

Hi Sharon,

Short answer - yes, the clutch is one of the few major reliability weak points on the RAV4. The gearshift was always a bit heavy, so ignore that, but if the clutch feels wrong or is making any untoward noises, it needs replacing. Of course, an automatic version would get you around that issue, and there's no tax penalty for the extra emissions - both versions will cost you €750 a year to tax. Generally speaking it's best to get the lower mileage car, but the rule, as ever, is to buy on condition and history, not mileage. If the higher miles car has been better cared for, it's the better option.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

This question arrives at a timely moment as I've just stepped out of a brand new Polo 1.4 TSI test car. I'd have to say that it's a long, long, loooooong way ahead of a 2000 model year Polo, fine car though that was at the time. I had always felt that the Polo was a little bit of the also-ran of the Volkswagen range, but I think that this latest round of updates, especially on the inside, finally make it feel like the mini-Golf it always should have been.

It's nice to drive, comfy and that 1.4 turbo petrol engine is a gem, giving almost-diesel-like economy but proving revvy and willing when you want to get going. A far cry from the too-sluggish 1.2 petrol Polos of old. So, yes, upgrade - my take is that it's well worth it.

Here's our first drive of the new Volkswagen Polo for reference

Expert answer

Hi Claire,

The revised Polo is now in Ireland, so we assume you mean that one. The 1.2-litre TSI petrol model is in Band A3, costing €190 to tax. That's the case whether it's manual or DSG automatic and for both three- and five-door body styles.

The only 1.4-litre Polo on the Volkswagen Ireland price list is the TDI diesel. It's available in 75- and 90hp guises, in both three- and five-door bodies and with a DSG automatic for the higher power unit. It doesn't matter which of all those you buy, they're all in Band A2, costing just €180 per year to tax.

Hope that helps, but please do check out our first drive of the revised Polo here as well.

Expert answer

Hi Evelyn,

I'd suggest choosing between a Skoda Yeti or Nissan Qashqai if your budget allows - both have high h-points, or the point at which the base of the seat lies, without being so tall that you have to climb up into them. Test drive both to see which one you find the more comfortable, and it's also worth considering the Kia Sportage and Hyundai ix35 if you can find either within budget.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi John,

It's quite a likeable car at first and many will be sold on its looks alone, but we couldn't logically say it's worth the extra over the regular Dacia Sandero. Then again there aren't really many direct rivals at the price. Saying that, the price rises rapidly once you want a few niceties such as air conditioning...

For a full review of the Sandero Stepway on Irish roads click here.

Expert answer

Hi Richard,

There is lots of good choice out there in the compact saloon world, whether you're buying new or used. The Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta, Skoda Octavia, Ford Focus Saloon or Mazda3 Saloon all spring to mind and all make solid purchases. Just one thing - for pity's sake, don't buy another Aveo - not only is it cheap, nasty and bad to drive, but it was one of the worst-scoring cars ever on the EuroNCAP crash test.

Expert answer

Hi Chris,

The thing to bear in mind here is that the engine rarely has to directly power the wheels; most of the time it operates (at set optimum speeds) to turn the generator and charge the battery pack. Other than that, when it does power the front wheels it's at specific speeds in particular conditions, for which we assume it has been calibrated. The addition of a CVT may well enhance the situation, but it would add another chunk of weight to an already heavy vehicle.

Electric motors don't need a continuously varying gear ratio to operate efficiently.

You can read our drive of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV here