HELPDESK:Answering all your motoring queries, is PADDY COMYN
From ML, Dublin: We have two small children (aged two and three) and a 16-year-old son. We urgently need to upgrade our Honda Accord to a more spacious option.
We'd like a six- or seven-seater, but specifically we need to ensure there is adequate seating for the 16 year old. We'd also like the seats to be foldable, because we realise that he will not be accompanying us on every trip. We're looking for a good value second-hand option in the €20,000 price range.
Almost straight away we are thinking about the Ford S-Max, which is one of those vehicles that manages not only to be practical due to the seven-seater layout, but is actually good looking and nice to drive, too - which can be a little rare in this segment. A 2007 1.8-litre diesel model should start at just under €20,000, so this could be an option should you get the right trade-in value for your Accord.
Also a 2007 or even 2008 Opel Zafira would be well within your budget at that price and this and the S-Max would represent two of the best MPVs in the segment.
However, don't limit your thinking to a people-carrier because there are also a number of seven-seater SUVs that will do the job of carrying up to seven people perfectly well.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is one, which has become a little less popular as a new buy because of changes to the VRT system, but as a second-hand buy these are starting to become very affordable. You could just about squeeze into a 2007 model for your budget and it comes very well equipped.
From DS, Dublin: This may be a general question, but I'm intrigued and would love some advice on it. All going well, I may have a budget of around €20,000 to buy a new or used car. However, I want something really unusual and fun, maybe a bit sporty. What would you suggest that would make me stand out from the crowd? I'm open to all suggestions!
A few years ago we might have struggled to come up with some really interesting cars for your query, but with such a fall-off in the value of premium models, then there is an embarrassment of riches available within your price range.
If you handed us the money, we would probably come back with a 2003 Porsche Boxster. There is one advertised in Wicklow in a dealership with 64,000 miles (about 103,000km) on the clock for €19,950.
Sure, running costs won't be cheap, especially tax and insurance, but the fact that you can buy a Porsche for less than the cost of a new Ford Focus diesel is something that has to be applauded.
If you want something that is unique, then the Lotus Elise is pretty rare - very sporty and great fun to drive.
There is a 2005 Elise on sale in a dealership in Cork for €21,450. And a dealer in Dublin has a Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 for €19,950. Finally, if you want something really unique and very fun there is a BMW Z3 M coupé in Sandyford for €19,950.
We haven't indulged in much reality with these cars but then again as we always say, you should at one stage in your life drive something that is hopelessly impractical, yet enormous fun - and any of these cars would be just perfect for the task.
From M Mullally: My brother wants to import a 2006 Ford Mustang into Ireland, but is wondering if he will have to pay the highest rate of road tax on it?
Sadly, the news isn't good in this case. We spoke to Liam Cleary, a dealer in Ennis who has imported a number of Mustangs and he confirmed that these cars occupy the highest tax band and as such will cost €2,100 per annum to tax. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.