Expert answer

Hi Bill,

Is that the 1.8-litre engine? If so, then it had an official fuel economy figure of 32mpg. I say ‘had’ because that’s a 16-year-old car and a huge amount is going to depend on how well it’s been looked after. Generally speaking, I’d say that you should expect around 25mpg from it around town, and maybe 35mpg on a longer run.

Expert answer

Hi Saz,

If you're buying something that old, a lot of the potential fuel consumption is going to be down to the condition of the car and how badly worn the engine is. On that basis, I'd suggest you hunt around for a late nineties, early 2000s Suzuki Alto 1.0. They're as close to indestructible as any car can get to and the dinky little 1.0-litre engine should return mid-forties MPG, even around town. Again though, if you're looking to maximise economy, make sure it's serviced, make sure it gets a good high-grade engine oil and some decent tyres. There's nothing like good maintenance for driving your fuel bills down.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

They're generally quite solid, but there are a few crucial checks to make. Alternator belts can wear and make a horrible screeching noise when they do. The HDi engines need an additive put in at 60-80,000-mile intervals. A heavy clutch pedal may mean clutch failure is imminent. There are diesel particulate filter issues - if the DPF light comes on and stays on, run the car at medium revs in a low gear for several kilometres to try and heat up the exhaust enough to burn out soot from the DPF. If that doesn't work, it's an expensive part to have replaced. Dual-mass flywheels can get warped and cause a juddering effect. A lumpy idle or excessive exhaust smoke may mean that the exhaust gas recirculation valve needs replacing. 

Inside, the radio and its LED screen can be fragile while, if the air conditioning isn't puffing hard enough, it usually means that the pollen filter needs emptying. Underneath, watch for the front suspension being out of alignment and for excessive tyre wear - 407s were always quite hard on their tyres. A groaning power steering system means the pump needs replacing too.

Expert answer

Hi Gerry,

This being a Toyota, you'll not be surprised to learn that there are, thankfully, very few major issues with the Previa. Really, the only engine checks you have to make are that the timing belt has been changed on schedule (every 60,000 miles) and the engine oxygen sensor is working right - if the engine management light stays on after you're started the car that's usually the sign of an issue.

On the inside check for floppy arm-rests. Seriously, apparently the adjustable arm-rests do wear out and refuse to stay in place, which must be annoying.

Underneath, rear track control arms on the suspension can be out of alignment (listen for knocking noises) and if you feel a juddering brake pedal you may need to budget for replacement discs. And apparently they eat tyres - big heavy cars tend to do that.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Eoin,

OK, first off you're not mad and an M Sport spec BMW 318d or 320d is just about as perfect a car as you'll find. Mind you, test drive carefully before you buy as the M Sport suspension can be pretty stiff and unforgiving on certain roads, and the steering, while more incisive than what you'd get in the Golf, can also be a bit heavy and fake-feeling.

That said, there are things you can do to make your Golf drive with a little more sharpness and the first place I'd start is with the tyres. Most, if not all, cars these days come with high-efficiency low rolling resistance tyres that are there to maximise fuel economy, but don't do much for steering feel or handling prowess. So why not swap the boots for something a little more aggressive? A set of Pirelli P-Zeros or Michelin Pilot tyres might just make all the difference, so it's worth a try if nothing else.

You could also look at modifying the suspension to dial out that understeer, but we'd recommend you seek professional mechanical advice before going down that road.

Let us know what you do in any case.

Expert answer

Hi there,

We're surprised to hear you say this, as we've driven several versions of the new Golf on different wheels etc. without an issue. Even the sportier GTI model rides well.

Please come back to us with a few more details, such as the size of wheel, the tyres fitted and a description as best you can on where the rattle is coming from.

Of course, if it's a fault you should be talking directly to your dealer.

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Hi Philip,

Mileage does matter, of course, but not half as much as service history. If it’s been properly looked after, then the Touareg is well-made and reliable, but the 2.5 TDI engine is prone to blowing turbos, and breaking its water pumps, and they’re very hard on tyres. Also, check carefully underneath for any signs of damage from over-enthusiastic off-roading.

Expert answer

I'm not sure I'd recommend a pickup for you, as, until the very recent arrivals of the Volkswagen Amarok and Ford Ranger, they were all a bit crude and dreadful. They're commercial vehicles, not family cars. That said, if you want something truly rugged, then what about a Land Rover Defender 130 with a crew cab? Iconic looks and unbeatable toughness, but they can be expensive to buy and run.

Actually my recommendation would be to track down an old-shape Kia Sportage. It's surprisingly good at going off-road, comfy and decent to drive on the road and circa €8,000 should pick you up a good one, potentially with still a bit of Kia's famous warranty left to run. Not as stylish as the current Spprtage it's true, but invest in a sturdy rubber liner for the boot and you should have the ideal log-carrying device.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Ronan,

Generally speaking, it’s best to get the car serviced beforehand, and let the garage know that it’s going in for its NCT. That way you’re dealing with all issues that are there, not just what the NCT picks up on. That said, with it being a Toyota, and you having serviced it every year already, you shouldn’t have any major issues I suspect.

Read our Eight top tips on how to prepare your car for its NCT feature

Expert answer

Hi Declan,

That sounds like crazy low mileage for a 2008 car so have it verified at Cartell.ie.

If it checks out and the tyres have never been changed then theoretically you should change them, but in reality few people would...

Best of luck