Hi Derek,

First up, providing its mileage is less than 200,000km, your S-Max should be worth between €4,000 and €5,000; on a part-ex, you’re going to be offered €2,000 to €3,000, most likely. Your mechanic is also right – the threshold for annual mileage determining whether you go petrol or diesel is, nominally, 20,000km. If less than this, petrol is generally better, if more, go for diesel. If you’re looking for a petrol family car, then, which can take three kids (not all of whom, presumably, now need a car seat, given the oldest is 12) and their clobber, look for a Skoda Superb 1.4 TSI if you can find one in budget. Don’t discount diesel if you see the right Superb at your price point, though, and it turns out to be a TDI.