CompleteCar

choosing new car

Read CompleteCar.ie expert answers filed under choosing new car.

← All Ask Us Anything questions

From our motoring experts

Latest answered questions

Browse previous answers from the CompleteCar.ie editorial team.

Tesla Model 3 or Xpeng G6 for my first EV?

I'm in the process of buying my first EV and would love some advice.

I have a Tesla Model 3 Premium booked (delivery estimate is three to four months), but I'm also considering the Xpeng G6. I really like the G6's SUV shape, interior quality, tech features and fast charging.

The G6 is quoted at around 470km of range. I mostly drive around Dublin day to day, with eight to ten summer trips around Ireland of about 300-400km.

What I like about the Model 3 is the tech and features like Sentry Mode, the dashcam and the blind-spot camera when indicating.

What I'm unsure about with the G6 is the range and long-term resale value. Tesla has also released lots of new OTA features.

The price difference is €3,000. Your recommendation and view please?

Skoda Octavia or Elroq?

Hi,

I'm considering the Skoda Octavia 1.5 Sportline MHEV and the Skoda Elroq 85 Sportline. I drive 25km daily to work and back in city traffic and the odd occasional Wexford/Waterford jaunt. I have my own driveway so fitting a charger wouldn't be an issue.

On paper, which of these would suit me better?

Leapmotor B10, MGS5 EV or Kia EV3?

I'm currently deciding on buying my first EV. During my research, I came across the following models, which I've looked into more closely, watched some of your reviews and I'll soon be doing some test drives. I'd appreciate hearing your unbiased impressions, and I'm still open to alternatives as well.

My current shortlist looks like this:

Leapmotor B10 Design – around €30k
MGS5 EV Luxury – around €32k
Kia EV3 – around €37k, very good warranty and dealer network

I also find these interesting:

Volvo EX30 (probably only used due to the price, though then maybe less attractive because of warranty)
 Leapmotor B05 – around €26k (very attractive for the price and features, but there's still little real-world experience with it)

My profile:
Around 70km commuting distance per day
Mostly stop-and-go / urban traffic

Goals:
Low running costs and good efficiency
Comfortable and quiet driving is important
Enough space for leisure activities
Planning to add a tow hitch for bikes
Warranty coverage is important
No family
Budget around €30k

At the moment I'm leaning towards:

Best value for money: B10
Warranty and size: EV3
Middle-ground alternative: MG S5

What I'd be especially interested in:

Real-world experiences
Comfort/suspension in daily driving
Software/driver assistance systems
Quality/workshop service experiences
Real-world efficiency/consumption
Annoying everyday issues that only become noticeable later on

Will I buy a plug-in-hybrid Mercedes A-Class?

Hi there,

I am considering trading in my diesel Volvo S90 for a Mercedes-Benz A 250 e plug-in hybrid. My mileage will be around 8,000-12,000km per year. What are the pros and cons, please?

Need to know if worth paying for a home charger - I am aware of the small grant. I drive for 30 mins to and from work three days each week, no regular long trips.

Thank you in advance for any tips!

Which comfortable EV to go for with up to €32,000?

Have a 2015 Ford Focus hatchback and I'm looking to buy a new EV as my 'last forever' car. I do no more than 10,000km a year the large majority of which is motorway driving. Budget in region of €32k. Apart from reliability and comfort would like something with a bit of acceleration.

Could you recommend anything for me as there appears to be too much choice.

Thank you in advance.

Which new EV to go for with up to €40,000 to spend?

Hi there,

I will be looking at getting a new EV but not until later in the year or possibly early next year. 

My budget would probably be up to about €40,000. I'd be open to exploring any deal with good value. The budget would include the value of my Peugeot 2008 which is a 241D with 43,500km on the clock.

My annual mileage would be approx. 20,000km. It would be mainly commuting to work, 50km round trip on M50, and short trips around D15. There would be some trips to Wexford from Dublin to visit family, generally once a month. There would also be trips to the coast or surrounding counties to D15 for days out, but nothing too far, within an hour .

My children are grown up and have their own cars, so most journeys have single or double occupancy. I would want the option to carry four passengers comfortably.

I have no real loyalty to brand. My last three petrol cars have been Peugeot, and I have had no problems with them.

Size wise my current car is ideal. I have gone for hatchbacks with my last three. This has mainly to accommodate a dog in the boot. The dog is elderly now and doesn't travel in the boot but the back seat so I am open to saloons as well, but it would need to have a decent size boot. Saying that I am quite used to the SUV-style car.

My main concerns about EVs are range and resale value. I would be looking for something with a decent range and fast charging. I have always changed car every three years or so and resale value counts towards that. I am not interested in PCP as I will be financing it with cash.