Sean,
We have had a very good experience thus far over the few years that we have owned the car. The car goes into the main dealer for an annual service and that is about it. The car is my wife's and she gets 35 mpg doing the school run and other short trips. On a good run the car easily does mid-40's. We have even managed to get 56 on a round trip between Clifden and Galway city. The wear on the tyres is not excessive in our experience. Our car has rear air suspension so it rides very well. We have the 7 speed auto box so it you can get an updated car with the same box rather than the 6 speed I would recommend it. Also it will mean the lower annual road tax of €280. However, if you need any other information please let me know. Good luck.
Mark