Alex Robbins is contributing editor at Telegraph Cars where, as well as responding to readers’ queries, he also contributes reviews of new and used cars, together with articles on buying and selling. 

His knowledge of the used car market informs his many buying guides relating to the best buys in particular sectors, with an emphasis on value for money.  Every week he will answer your questions on buying and selling, as well as solving your car problems, whether consumer or mechanical.

Do you have a motoring dilemma you’d like our expert to solve?  For consumer and used car advice, or car faults, email CarsAdvice@telegraph.co.uk and include your subscriber number. This week’s question…

Dear Alex, 

Our 2014 Volkswagen Golf SV has very low mileage and has met all our needs. However since we moved to Edinburgh we find the potholed and uneven roads a literal pain for our arthritic limbs. The Michelin Energy Saver tyres will soon need replacing; is there a tyre that would substantially improve the ride quality? Or, if we decide to sell, what automatic models would give us a smoother ride while maintaining the Golf SV’s ease of access and other admirable features? 

– BB

Dear BB,

Tyres can indeed make a difference to a car’s ride quality and those that are aimed at maximising efficiency, like the ones you currently have fitted, are usually a fairly stiff compound, in order to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.

That usually makes them less comfortable. However, having said that, the Michelin Energy Saver is generally rated as one of the most comfortable eco-friendly tyres so with that in mind you might not see enormous gains from changing the tyres. 

Still, if you like the car and would ideally like to keep it, you could always try a newer set of tyres first – it’s certainly cheaper than changing car. Michelin’s Primacy 4 is generally rated slightly higher for comfort than the Energy Saver, so might be worth a go. 

You could also try an all-season tyre like the Michelin CrossClimate 2 or the Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons Gen 2 – both of these have even higher comfort ratings in customer reviews than the Primacy 4s, which figures because all-season tyres generally have softer compounds. And as an added bonus, they should offer better grip and braking in winter. 

If you do decide to make a change, however, the Citroen C4 Spacetourer (previously known as the C4 Picasso) is about the most comfortable alternative to the Golf SV; it offers excellent visibility, a high driving position and wide-opening doors, but with a softer suspension set-up that’s better able to cushion the bumps. 

It is only available used, though – Citroen only sells the seven-seat Grand Spacetourer as a brand-new car now – but if you’d rather swap for something that’s factory fresh, MPVs like the Golf SV are in short supply. I’d therefore suggest trying smaller SUVs like the Nissan Qashqai or the Volvo XC40. 

The Volvo is expensive, but it’s also at its best with the cheapest engine, which helps mitigate that, and it rides superbly; the Nissan is more affordable, but still boasts a sophisticated ride, though it’s much better on smaller wheels, so avoid versions with 19- or 20-inch rims.

Both cars offer a high driving position and easy access and should prove more comfortable than the Golf you’re used to. 

For new and used buying guides, tips and expert advice, visit our Advice section, or sign up to our newsletter here

To talk all things motoring with the Telegraph Cars team join the Telegraph Motoring Club Facebook group here

A-Z Car Finder