Car for retiree? 1 of 3? Farm/school run? Going bigger? Mum’s advice?

Aidan Timmons and Motoring Editor Eddie Cunningham team up to help readers make the right choice with their next car. Aidan visits dealers all over the country to produce a monthly guidebook on the values of used cars. He is co-editor of Motor Trade Publ

I AM a retiree driving an automatic Nissan Primera, which I plan to trade early next year. Annual mileage is quite low, mainly city driving. I qualify for disability refunds on new car purchase. There is an attractive array of crossovers on the market now. My top priorities are height for ease of entry/exit, visibility, parkability and, of course, economy. Price is not the determining factor. What do you suggest?

Aidan: I’m not convinced you need a mid-size SUV like a Nissan Qashqai, so start your search with the Toyota CH-R hybrid. Opt for the Luna Sport model if you can. It’s a comprehensive package that ticks all your boxes. The hybrid part means it has batteries (they recharge themselves, so you don’t need to plug it in) but also means it’s a bit more expensive than other compact SUVs.

If your budget is more restrictive, consider the Nissan Juke. You already drive a Nissan, so perhaps you have a good relationship with your dealer. The 1.2-litre petrol engine is sprightly, but if you want to stick with automatic opt for the 1.6-litre petrol. It’s still cheap to tax at €280/year. Everyone goes for the SV model and you should too.

Lastly, look at the 1.2l petrol Peugeot 2008. Treat yourself and go for the Allure Auto model (reversing camera and a panoramic glass roof).

These models are vastly more advanced than your Primera. Take your time when collecting your new car. Don’t leave until you are comfortable using all the tech.

Eddie: I think Aidan is correct in advising on the size of the new car. His Toyota suggestion is faultless but, bearing your requirements in mind, I’d also suggest the Honda HR-V, which strikes me as a fit for you too.

We are in a bit of a pickle over which vehicle to buy: a KIA Sportage, Hyundai Tucson or Toyota RAV4. We have taken a liking to the Sportage; we like the two-tone seating to get away from drab black, and the fact front and back seats are heated. But which is best to eliminate road noise; our 2008 RAV 4 is quite noisy (low mileage, great condition)? We thought there would be better straight deals on them coming so near the end of the year, but they’re not budging very much. Aidan: It’s an almost impossible question. There are too many variables in determining road noise. Sure, decibel tests can be carried out, but real-world experiences can differ. For instance, consider the condition of the roads you travel, your perception of noise, the size of the wheels and the quality of the tyres. Believe it or not, sometimes the problem with road noise is exacerbated by tyres. There is even a decibel rating on tyres, so rather than simply buying the cheapest ones, it is advisable that everybody reads the headline figures of the tyres to check how loud they are and if grip in wet conditions is compromised over a premium brand tyre.

The amount of soundproofing used in the car is a huge determining factor in the amount of road noise, too.

You like the Sportage, so take it for a spin on the route that you usually travel. Only then will you know for sure.

Eddie: If you don’t buy the Sportage, you’ll always wonder why. Don’t worry too much about road noise. Most of it is generated by tyres, so concentrate on the sort you want, or wish, to have in your car. I also think you’ll notice a pick-up in deals from here on in now the Budget is out of the way and January order books are being looked at. Sportage with quiet tyres it is.

We’ve two young children and I need a 4x4 with power and seats. I’ve a 2011 LWB Landcruiser

3-litre Commercial, 212,000kms. It’s in very good condition. I cover 15,000km/yr. I’m full-time farming, so the vehicle must be both tough and able for school runs. I’d appreciate some help. Landcruiser worth €17,000€19,000. I’ve a budget of €30,000 including Landcruiser.

Aidan: Have you been offered around €19,000 for your Land Cruiser? If you have, I would take the deal with fingernails and all.

Your mileage is a little saucy and while it won’t upset some buyers, I think it reduces its value slightly. Perhaps it won’t impact upon your overall budget, but it is better to manage your expectations that you might have to spend a few more euro.

Ideally, you should opt for the Business Edition five-seat Land Cruiser, but it was launched very late in 2013 and is therefore more readily available from 2014. They are rare and highly sought after, two things which stabilise residual values. One of those is out of your reach unless you can boost your budget to somewhere in the mid to late-thirties.

You could look out for a Land Rover Discovery 4, five-seat model, but they are now obsolete and highly prized as there is no successor. Still, a good one of those will do the trick.

Lastly, look for a Toyota Hilux. It’s got the seats you need and the off-road abilities.

Eddie: I’d go for the Hilux or the Mitsubishi L200. Good mix of toughness and school-run practicality.

I want a recommendation for a larger sized vehicle for a family of five. My search options are as follows: used car, two adults, three children (6 to 11). Generally, we have bought at the higher end of the market and retained for 10 years. We have high annual mileage. Rural and inter-county driving, Kerry to Limerick. No charging stations available. Both parents working, so reliability is important. Style is important but not stand-out. Budget is €30k, plus or minus 10pc. We have our eyes on a Mercedes E-Class, but currently drive a 10yr-old BMW 520. We never wanted a people carrier and can’t see an SUV big enough, stylish enough or efficient enough. Are there any market developments or releases we should research? Aidan: Consider a Skoda Superb Combi 2-litre diesel 150bhp Ambition or Style model (depending on availability and budget) with a DSG automatic gearbox. If you are as happy with a manual transmission, then you should have better choice. You should go damn close to getting a nice 2017-plate model.

Alternatively, opt for a 2017-plate Mazda6 2.2-litre diesel Executive SE Tourer. For me, it’s a simple case of choosing which of those two you prefer.

Eddie: The Skoda Superb Combi ticks most of boxes for you, except the “higher end of market” bit. I’m not sure how important that is for you, but I’d put practicality first here at this stage of your family’s transport needs. You should get a really fresh Superb for your sort of money. I’m not encouraging you to overstretch but a few grand more would get you a brand new 181-reg. The Merc is a lovely car – I’m a fan – but the Skoda gives you far more scope for your family.

My mum reads your column all the time and has told me to contact you about buying a new car. I have a 1.6-litre diesel Honda Civic. It is a 151-reg and my approx mileage is 10k-11k/year. It is a tad low to the ground getting into and out of. I am not getting any younger and neither is my mum, who I carry in my vehicle quite often. I am looking to spend, including tradein, €25k-€28k. I have been looking at the Honda H-RV1.5 petrol and the Mazda CX3 2.0 petrol. I like the extras — ie executive class. Size-wise, it’s only me now and of course my mum on occasion.

Aidan: Mothers always know best. I think you have nailed it with the Honda HR-V and, furthermore, I think it will really suit you and your mam. The upper end of your budget should buy you a brand-new ES model, but you can thrash that out with your dealer. Just be certain that the dimensions are spot-on before doing the deal. Also, you are moving from diesel to petrol. Make sure you are making that jump for legitimate reasons.

If you are not covering enough mileage to justify having a diesel (roughly upwards of 20,000km) and the nature of your driving is short journeys, then petrol is the way to go.

Eddie: For the second time today, I’m suggesting someone gets a Honda HR-V. It’s made for you. Say hello to mum.