Expert answer

Hi Breda,

We've deleted the registration number from your original question, but please note that we can't do the full history check for you. Go to Cartell.ie for that. Neither can we tell whether a specific car is in good condition etc. without seeing it for ourselves.

However, we can tell you that the Cordoba is generally a solid car, based as it is on the Volkswagen Polo. Make sure you take a good test drive in it and listen out for any unusual sounds. As with all used cars, take the time to try every switch to make sure it all works as well.

Hope that helps, and let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Tom,

First thing to do is pop along to Cartell.ie and pay for a full history check, as this will tell you a lot. Then, ask the seller to scan or photograph all the documentation for you so you can check it before you go any further.

After that, you either make the journey to Dublin to test the car or you pay an independent assessor (the AA provides such a service) to do it for you.

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

The NCT testing manual doesn't specifically mention each and every warning light, but that light usually means there is something up with a system in the engine that may affect its emissions. Hence, it may fail its NCT on that basis. We'd always recommend you get such things remedied before bringing a car for testing.

Expert answer

Hi Tom,

As the Volvo V50 is based on the Ford Focus it has proven to be quite reliable. The V50 was the subject of two recalls, including a potential fuel leak and an issue with the windscreen bonding. Ensure that any car you're considering has had those items seen to. Isolated issues with the parking brake and the electronic ignition key have been reported too, though you'll soon pick up on that during a test drive.

Owners report that the suspension and electrics give the most problems so test every switch and listen carefully for knocks in the suspension.

Hope that's of some help

Expert answer

Hi Jonny,

In general this is a reliable engine and car, though there are a couple of known issues. These include the fuel sender in the tank and the variable geometry turbocharger actuator. The former you'll only spot if you know the fuel readout is wrong. The latter will be indicated by loss of power and the car going into limp home mode. This can often be cancelled by restarting the car so take as long a test drive as you can. No harm asking whether the seller has had either issue either and it's vital to have a full service history on this car.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Andrew,

We spoke with someone from BMW and the official line is they were testing their system with rates that they've predicted. The figures were not due to stay live. However, you can be full sure they're close to the real thing! If you are truly interested in a price we can put you in touch with someone in BMW to discuss it with.

Following our discussion via email, best of luck with your new purchase. I hope the new VRT rate doesn't shaft you unduly...

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 Adrian,

I'm afraid so. Quoting from the NCT manual:

"Ensure the malfunction indicators for Airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Electronic Braking System (EBS) / Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Parking Brake malfunction indicator are in working order."

"ITEM: Malfunction Indicators for Airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS/Electronic Braking System (EBS) and Parking Brake."

"REASONS FOR FAILURE: Not working or indicates a defect in the relevant system."

You'll need to get that looked at I'm afraid.

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 Rolande,

The €14,990 price quoted in our first drive is for the entry level, two-wheel-drive, Duster in 'Alternative' specification with the Signature 4WD model that we tested coming in at €18,990 as you say.

For reference, information from manufacturer sites should always be checked, as prices and specifications can change over time and every once in a while a car will slip through the cracks when we update test drives.

We hope that clears things up for you.