Motors’ Advice Desk is free for every single one of our readers

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 Publi

OUR Independent Motors Advice Desk is a free service to you, our readers. It is a privilege for Aidan Timmons and I to be of some assistance in helping you make a decision on what car to buy.

Some people are so goodnatured and grateful in their thanks they goto the trouble of posting a letter and enclosing a few euro to “buy yourself a pint” or “for your charity of choice”. Be assured, all money goes to the St Vincent de Paul.

But without appearing to be ungracious, could I ask, if you feel so inclined, to please contribute locally to a charity of your choice.

Thanks for all your kind comments and keep us on our toes with your queries.

I HAVE an ‘06 VW Jetta and love it. That’s why I’ve held onto it so long. I used to change cars every 3-4 years but just couldn’t let it go. I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea (farmer’s car), but I just loved it. Looking to upgrade in 2018 and wonder the best option is on sticking with Jetta or moving up to Passat or T-Roc. Budget €25K-28K, city driver but with regular weekend road trips.

Aidan: Are you driving a petrol or a diesel Jetta? Seeing as your car is from 2006 and you drive mainly in the city, I am inclined to think you might have gone for the 1.4-litre petrol. If I am right, then the replacement model for you is the 1.2-litre Highline. It is listed with an ex-works price of around €25,000. However, it is a saloon in an increasingly SUV-dominated market, so I reckon a move into the T-Roc would be sensible. Not to mention that the Jetta leans towards a diesel customer. The T-Roc is roomy and it looks the part. There are a few static models in showrooms presently so you can get a tangible sense of all its bits. Opt for the 1.0-litre Design model. It still comes in on budget for you. If your mentioning of frequent weekend road trips was an inference that you need a diesel then be cognisant that the current Jetta is only available with a 2.0-litre engine. You have a choice of 110bhp or 150bhp. The 110bhp is fine and Highline models are under budget. Unless you need more space, I would not bother with the Passat but instead encourage you to look at a Golf. It’s very hard to beat and it has a broad range of engines, transmissions and is always readily available in almost every specification.

Eddie: Jetta out, T-Roc in. No contest. Enjoy. Worth a look at some rivals from VW stable — SEAT Ateca/Arona especially.

I drive a 2008 2.0-litre Toyota Avensis diesel with 267,000kms on the clock. This car has served me well over the years. However, I wish to trade up soon. My drive to and from work is 500km a week, all rural driving in Co Cork, plus some urban at the weekend. I would like another diesel with similar power and reliability with a 2013/2014 reg. What make/ model would you advise? Would I be better trading in or selling my current car privately?

Aidan: I think you would be better to sell privately but, for ease of transaction purposes, take it along with you when trying out replacement cars and get a sense for the difference between trading in or buying straight. You will fare excellently by sticking with another saloon as values have softened because of an increase in supply, a reduction in demand and a tendency by customers to go the SUV route. Use this to your advantage to pick yourself up a bargain with another Avensis. You are in a 2008 model. A 2013/2014-plate will put you into the model which replaced yours. It has the 2.0-litre diesel engine, which many prefer to the newer 1.6-litre unit. Opt for a Strata or Luna model if you can. Such is the level of volume here that you will not have to pay a ransom more for additional specification over a somewhat basic Aura model.

Eddie: I’d be inclined to stick with the Avensis too, though I like the 1.6-litre. Good time to be buying a saloon. Loads of choice. Sell your own privately. You won’t get much but you will benefit in doing a cash deal for the new one.

I have an ‘07 Ford Galaxy that I love but I need to downsize and want to trade it in if possible. I bought it a few years ago for €13,000 and it’s never given one day’s trouble. It has to be the best car I’ve ever owned and I hate letting it go, but I no longer need a seven-seater. I want a five-seater, second-hand and I want to buy a crossover/hybrid from a reputable dealer. I don’t want a Citroen, a Fiat or a Renault. I’m on the fence regarding a Nissan. My budget is approximately €15k. My main issue with my current car is the annual NCT and high road tax. I’m looking for something relatively high off the ground, economical, with low road tax and cabin space like the Ford Galaxy. What would you recommend?

Aidan: Nothing will have the cabin space of your Galaxy other than another Galaxy, but I think the Ford Kuga will come close and will certainly tick all your other boxes.

It has Ford’s excellent 2.0-litre diesel engine and mostly it’s sold in Zetec trim, so specification is generous.

The model changed in 2013 and your budget should just about get you the first of the newer shape models. Buy the best one you can at this money and don’t be tempted by something with a patchy service record, even if it looks okay. Stick with your Ford dealer. They won’t tolerate selling iffy models at this money.

Eddie: You’re not going to get a hybrid crossover for that money. So you could buy a Toyota Prius hybrid or a KIA Sportage diesel crossover (or Hyundai ix35). The Nissan Qashqai is an obvious one, but you seem to have reservations. Don’t know why. Take a drive in one. Sportage/ix35 diesel for me.

I am hoping to buy a car in the new year. I’m driving a 2007 Golf at the moment but won’t be trading it in as it’s going to my daughter. My annual mileage is 10,000 kms 15,000 kms. My budget is around €30,000 but could possibly push to €35,000. I would like to get a crossover SUV. I’m usually on my own but often ferry two grandchildren to and from school. My main requirements are to be able to carry a road bike (or two) and a wheelchair (not both at the same time) and heated front seats. I also love technology so would like to get as much in as possible – adaptive cruise control, Apple connect, park assist, parking sensors.

Aidan: I like the idea of a petrol Seat Ateca for you. You seem to have a regular need for space and comfort.

The 1.4-litre petrol engine in the Ateca has been quite popular thus far and the upper end of your budget will buy you a top level Xcellence model with an automatic transmission. In terms of refinement, it will be a tough cookie to beat.

The Xcellence model comes with a smattering of goodies but you might need to fully tailor it to suit all your requirements.

There is also a brand new Skoda Karoq. It is much the same story as the Seat Ateca, but it is just different enough to give you some variation.

A 1.2-litre petrol Qashqai in SV Premium guise would suit you, too. Leather comes as standard and you also get front and rear parking sensors with a reversing camera and other additional safety features.

Eddie: At €30,000 I think you’d like the Peugeot 3008 SUV. Its i-Cockpit is a joy to behold and from what you’ve told us it’s up your street tech-wise. Go another couple of grand and your technology requirements should be well and truly met. Let us know what you think?

My wife needs a new car and I need some advice. She drives a Fiat Bravo ‘08 petrol with 240,000kms on the clock. She has an 80km commute, mostly motorway, five days a week, so on average 550km a week. We will have a budget of between €13k and €16k, including her car for trade-in. Ideally, she’d like an estate as we have children and a big dog.

Aidan: Your wife would be better served by a diesel. Look for a Mazda 6 Tourer from a reputable dealer. The new model came out in 2013 and the top end of your budget will just about stretch that far for a Sport model (it later became known as Executive SE in case some are listed as such). Alternatively, if something slightly smaller such as the Skoda Octavia Combi is spacious enough for you then look for a 2014/2015-plate with as low an odometer as possible. I encourage you to concentrate on a standard Ambition model with a low odometer rather than buying something with extra kit but which has already racked up a sizeable clock. Look, too, at the Skoda Superb and the Ford Mondeo, with the 2.0-litre Mondeo being the pick of the Ford range. Eddie: I think the obvious here is the Skoda Octavia estate. However, if you want a new estate that maybe lacks a bit of refinement but comes with a three-year warranty, have a look at the Dacia Logan. It’s bargain basement and might just suit you.