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Should I buy an imported Toyota Auris?
I am trying to buy a second-hand Toyota Auris from a dealership in Dublin who imports cars directly from Japan. I wonder why the insurance company is dragging its feet even though I have a letter from the dealership stating it has an immobiliser. I am also concerned about getting parts as I have heard it can be difficult. Also I am being offered a three-month warranty but wondering if I should extend this?
Thanks.
Angie
Mar 2026 Filed under: choosing used car
Ford Fiesta or Peugeot 208 for our son taking his test?
We are looking at a 2016 Ford Fiesta 1.0-litre with 32,000 miles on the clock and a 2018 Peugeot 208 1.2 (54,000 miles) for a first car for our son who is about to take his practical driving test.
Which is the better car, cheapest to maintain and the safest?
Nick Williams ( Maynards Green, Heathfield, TN2)
Mar 2026 Filed under: choosing used car
Which used SUV for up to €40,000, maybe PHEV?
Hi there,
I have a budget of up to €40,000 to invest in a mid-size used SUV. I live in rural Mayo and drive easily 200-300km per week. My kids are nearly 6 and 4 and I'm entering the era of ferrying kids to activities all the time and looking for something that will get me through the next 8 to 10 years.
I'd prefer something that is reliable, has good storage and will comfortably get us around. I've been going back and forth on whether to get a five- or seven-seat vehicle (we frequently host visitors, so it would be nice to have the option to have a child sit in a third row - but I also don't want to drive a bus).
I would like to have something that's at least hybrid as we can have a home charging point installed easily, I'm mindful of running costs and the environment.
I like the looks of Volvos, Kias, Audis, Hyundais and Range Rovers; not so much Skodas.
Thank you so much for your advice!
Julia (Ballina, Co Mayo) (On A Farm 10 Minutes From Ballin)
Mar 2026 Filed under: choosing used car
What's the Skoda Octavia 1.5 engine like from 2025?
Hi guys,
How do you rate the 251 Octavia 1.5 TSI MHEV engine? I'm considering changing to one, but I've read some reports of overheating issues and even some saying that the engine was only rated to last to 100k approx. Are these issues something that I should be concerned about?
Thanks.
Brendan (Dublin)
Jan 2026 Filed under: choosing used car
What will I replace my Peugeot with for €15,000?
I'm looking to trade in my 2012 Peugeot 308 Active HDi (with 242,000km on the odometer) for a newer medium-sized used car and don't know if I should be looking at a diesel, petrol or a hybrid car.
Reliability, efficiency and easy maintenance are my key concerns. I travel mostly rural roads and do a short daily commute (50km per day round trip in low density traffic). I sometimes take longer trips but rarely use motorways. My annual mileage is roughly 20,000km. My budget including trade in would be in the region of €14-€15,000.
Mary (Co Galway)
Mar 2026 Filed under: choosing used car
I'd like a reliable diesel SUV for about €15,000.
I am a Homecare Assistant (Homehelp) and I drive from 300km to 500km per week. All road types, mostly rural, some town driving, seldom motorway. The engine is turned on and off multiple times during the day. Average drive time between calls would be about 15 mins, for six to eight calls a day.
I'm hoping to get a diesel, but I don't know what size engine to go for, which is more economical and which is better for high mileage.
I'm looking at maybe a Hyundai Tucson or Kona. I haven't driven either yet.
I need a reliable, solid and economical car. I'm open to suggestions.
Budget about €15k.
Thank you in advance.
Rachel (East Co Galway. )
Feb 2026 Filed under: choosing used car
What to replace my Mondeo with - for up to €40,000?
Looking to replace my 2020 Ford Mondeo Vignale with a budget total of €40k including trade in. I like the size, heated seats, fast window demister and auto lights. I also like the look of the Audi Q3, Mazda CX-5 (I had two Mazda6s in the past).
Any suggestions? Needs to be manual as my kids are starting to drive soon...
Edel, Galway (Oranmore)
Jan 2026 Filed under: choosing used car
Thoughts on this Ford Kuga?
Is a 2017 Ford Kuga 2.0 ST-line diesel a good car? It has 80,000 miles on the clock. And would you recommend a new cambelt at this mileage before I buy?
Thanks
Lee
Lee Rigby (Nottingham)
Jan 2026 Filed under: choosing used car
I need more space than my 2019 Volvo S90 has...
Hi,
I've a 2019 Volvo S90 D4 Momentum at 118k km. Great car: comfortable, refined, good specification, safe. I have two kids (13 and 7), 'herself' and a Labrador. We need more boot space.
My budget is €15k ish. A 2019 XC90 is very expensive for same year as the S90 and doesn't look as good/elegant. The 2021 XC60 is a possibility.
A 2021 V90 is probably the most sensible, but does it offer more space and practicality? Not a great fan of Volvo's combination petrol and electric in the Recharge models due to reliability.
I'd consider Lexus but well used to Volvo.
What do you think?
Thanks
Justin McElwee (Galway)
Jan 2026 Filed under: choosing used car
VW ID.4 or T-Roc, or Skoda Octavia?
Hi guys,
Looking for your thoughts on my next car. Currently in the mix are VW ID.4, VW T-Roc 1.5 petrol and Skoda Octavia 1.5 MHEV. I drive into the city three times weekly, approx. 90km total and the occasional jaunt cross country.
I have my own driveway and parking/charging in work. I'm looking at 242/251 versions of all the above cars and I'll be paying cash.
Everyone tells me to go fully electric, but I am drawn to the look of the Skoda (not keen on the SUV look).
Any thoughts or should I be looking at something totally different? Appreciate any direction.
Brendan (Dublin)
Jan 2026 Filed under: choosing used car
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