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, 

I drive a 2009 Land Rover Discovery HSE TDV6 Auto with 125,000 miles. A year ago my garage mentioned there is a slight oil leak from the turbo and warned that if it fails, it’s a £5,000 fix. I looked for a replacement up to four years old and £25,000 but found it hard to choose between prestige badges and better value. I no longer need quite such a serious 4×4, but occasionally tow, have dogs and grandchildren (seven seats are useful but not essential) and like a bit of elbow room. A year since the oil leak diagnosis, the Discovery runs fine and the leak is no worse, so should I keep it? If you recommend replacing it, what should I buy? 

– LW

Dear LW,

In good condition, your car would currently be worth anywhere between £5,000 and £7,000. However, if you were to do the right thing ethically and sell it for spares or repair only, due to a potentially expensive leak, you’d be lucky to see £3,000 for it. 

So with that in mind, if you’re happy with the car I’d be tempted to keep it, making sure the oil level is topped up and investing in good breakdown cover. Keep it serviced and maintained properly, but if the leak gets worse or you find yourself suffering any further problems, that’s probably the point at which to cut your losses and get rid. 

If and when that time comes, I’d be looking at more mainstream manufacturers’ models, which tend to offer significantly better value at this price point, especially if you’re in the market for a seven-seater. The Kia Sorento, for example; your budget will buy you a 2017 KX-3 with a generous amount of equipment and below-average mileage, with a couple of years’ manufacturer warranty remaining. Find one for sale under Kia’s Approved Used scheme and they’ll even give you a seven-year used car warranty, which is a remarkable offer. 

On the downside, the Sorento’s diesel engine is one of the worst emitters of NOx and particulates, according to testing by ADAC (the German equivalent of the AA). If that puts you off, look at either the Skoda Kodiaq or the Peugeot 5008. Both are adept seven-seaters; the Skoda is the better tow car, but the Peugeot is more versatile. So it really depends what you’re after.

If you want to stick with one of the premium brands, the BMW X5 is a good bet at this money. You’ll get one of the last of the second-generation cars (or a high-mileage third-generation model), and while the two rearmost of the seven seats are for occasional use only, that might work for you. The X5 is one of the best SUVs of its size to drive, and feels well and truly upmarket from inside. 

Just one thought: before you take any action, it might be worth seeking a second opinion from a Land Rover specialist on the nature of the leakage. It’s quite rare that oil leaks from a turbo housing itself; it’s more likely to be coming from an ancillary such as an oil feed pipe. Either way, a specialist might know of a quicker (and therefore more affordable) way to effect the repair than a local garage.

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