Expert answer

Hi Aidan,

Without knowing your budget and what your needs with regards to towing etc. are it's difficult to give a precise answer, but as a starting point, and in alphabetical order:

None of Audi's Q models are really suited to heavy off-road work, though the Q5 and Q7 are fine towing machines. Not that you'll find a Q7 with a manual gearbox.

Same story with BMW's X models. Fine for towing. You'll have to seek out an older X5 if you want a manual transmission though.

Citroen C-Crosser, Ford Kuga, Honda CR-V, Hyundai ix35: fine road cars.

Hyundai Santa Fe: depending on age and spec can be quite good off-road and as a tow car.

Hyundai Terracan: horrible beast of a thing, but it is big...

Hyundai Tucson: more car-like than most 4x4s.

Isuzu Trooper: hard as nails, durable workhorse.

Jeep Cherokee: good workhorse, but raucous on the road.

Jeep Compass: really not that great on the road despite its 'crossover' image.

Jeep Grand Cherokee: surprisingly good depending on age.

Jeep Patriot: a Compass with more upright bodywork...

Jeep Wrangler: tough, great off-road, but not so good on it.

Kia Sorento: first generation a tough tow car; latest more road-biased.

Kia Sportage: fine road car - especially the latest one.

Land Rover Defender: same comments as Jeep Wrangler above.

Land Rover Discovery: one of the very best all-rounders - newer versions way better.

Land Rover Freelander: good mix of on-road behaviour with all-road ability, but others at price better.

Range Rover line-up: luxurious regular model not bad off-road, Sport great to drive on-road and Evoque not really a 4x4 despite the badge.

Mazda CX-5: new SUV in the crossover mould - lovely on the road, where it should stay.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class: see BMW X5 comments.

Mitsubishi ASX/Outlander: very much road cars.

Mitsubishi L200/Pajero/Shogun: durable, strong, tough, but also rough and unrefined - proper 4x4 system though.

Nissan Navara/Pathfinder: see L200 etc. above...

Nissan Qashqai: a road car, even in 4x4 guise.

Nissan Terrano: old-school 4x4.

Nissan X-Trail: pretty good mix of attributes.

Opel Antara: road car - and not a good one.

Peugeot 4007, Renault Koleos, Skoda Yeti: just road cars.

SsangYong Actyon/Kyron/Rexton: rough and ready tow machines.

Subaru Forester: more a road car, though later one pretty good.

Subaru Outback/XV: road cars - nice ones.

Suzuki Grand Vitara: not bad as an all-rounder - relatively cheap and cheerful.

Suzuki SX4: car with 4x4 mechanicals.

Toyota Hilux/Land Cruiser: enviable reputation for toughness and reliability, though not very civilised.

Toyota RAV4: good road car, ok tow car.

Volkswagen Amarok: good all-rounder, though just a pick-up.

Volkswagen Tiguan: lovely road car, but most models so-so off-road.

Volkswagen Touareg: high quality car that's a good all-rounder.

Volvo XC60/XC90: good road cars - not for off-road.

So come back to us with more details and we'll talk you through a purchase.

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 Anna,

Sounds like either the coolant temperature sender unit or an issue with the air flow meter. These items may not be picked up by the diagnostics. In many cars you can just disconnect the air flow meter to test if it's working properly. Try that first. The coolant temperature sensor will be relatively cheap to replace.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Justin,

It's not surprising to hear that the car won't go off-road - few do!

In terms of safety, the 2005 Volvo trumps the Discovery with a better Euro NCAP crash test rating.

The Volvo has a marginally better reliability record too, though most Discovery problems (affecting electrics and software) seem to apply to individual cars. Saying that it's worth ensuring its air suspension is in perfect working order. On the XC90 the injectors can play up, and they're expensive to repair, so get suspicious if the car doesn't start quickly.

Evidence points to the Volvo having the lower running costs too, with slightly better fuel economy and of course lower annual road tax due to the smaller engine. Maintenance will be costly enough in both cases, as could be insurance.

In cold hard facts it looks like the Volvo wins this battle Justin, but we'd not be put off the Discovery so easily - it's a great all-rounder as well.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

It sounds like this choice is down to personal opinion. The Passat has a better reputation for reliability, though the Insignia is not too shabby on that front. The creaking interiors affected early cars and you should be able to quickly check for it on a test drive.

We agree that the Insignia is a better looking car, though the Passat Highline has a great specification. Countering all that the Insignia's 2.0-litre engine is more powerful, if louder and less refined.

In summary, we'd probably go for the Passat, but regret it every time we see a good Insignia!

Best of luck - let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Lukas,

There are many different models of diesel Opel Astra, even for 2007. There were 1.3-, 1.7- and 1.9-litre CDTi engines that year, plus three-door GTC hatch, five-door hatchback and estate. Not to mention different mileages and trim levels.

The latest selection from Carzone.ie suggest a price variation of between €5,000 and €11,000.

Let us know specifics if you'd like us to help some more.

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

Congrats on number two! Overall the S-MAX is a great family car. It's good to drive, and the 2.0-litre 140 engine is the pick of the range, being economical and powerful. Sounds like the car you've been offered is well specified too. Seeing as you have 'only' two kids it's unlikely you'll need the third row of seats, which is good, as using them results in a tiny boot. They fold flat into the floor though leaving plenty of space for travel systems and change bags.

In general the S-MAX is pretty reliable, though get its chassis number checked with a dealer, as it has been the subject of a few recalls - just to make sure all the necessary work has already been carried out. Other than that, make sure every single switch works as it should - especially with such a high specification.

When you take it for a test drive listen out for any clonks from the suspension and if you have any doubts get a mechanic to check it over. As it's been brought in from the UK it's probably worth getting a history check through Cartell.ie as well to make sure of the low mileage.

Finally, the price isn't bad, but without a trade-in you should be haggling. Start at €22,750 and see what they say. There are several on the market around the same specification and value so don't be afraid to walk away.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Abdullah,

It's not the usual kind of question we get and obviously you should only do such things on a private piece of land! Assuming you've properly disengaged the traction control (you have to hold down the button for 10 seconds), put the transmission into manual control so you change gears with the paddles behind the steering wheel. Drifting is all about the initiation and without a mechanical handbrake or clutch you'll need a combination of power and momentum (depending on the model you have).

Until you're comfortable with it, it's best to start off slow. Approach the bend, brake so that the weight transfers to the front tyres, release the brakes and start to turn. As soon as you do, get on the throttle and be ready to feather it and add some opposite lock. You will need to be in a low enough gear for the engine's torque to overcome the rear tyres, but not so low that you run out of revs early.

This is only one way of doing it. There's no substitute for practice, so get yourself along to a Mondello Park test day and experiment in a safe environment - and never practise on the public road.

Final word: don't expect to be able to drift for very long if you have a diesel XF. Most diesel cars have a very narrow power band that makes them tricky at the best of times.

Have fun...

Expert answer

Hi James,

We put this to Cartell.ie, the vehicle records experts. Here's the response:

"Officially, there is no particular line on this question. Anecdotal evidence suggests a vehicle may still pass a subsequent NCT even with a lower odometer reading. The National Car Testing Service is not releasing its mileage data to anyone. Cartell has actively sought mileage records from the NCTS for some time now and continue to do so on the grounds of public safety."

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Richard,

Lots of potential reasons for this. Very first thing I'd look at is tyre pressures. Are they all even and to spec? Are there any other issues with the tyres you can see? Uneven wearing, etc. If no problems with pressures I'd suggest getting the alignment checked. If it gets knocked out (relatively easy to do with a pothole or kerb) then there could be more friction causing heavier fuel consumption.

Come back to us when you've checked that.