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Hyundai i40 or Skoda Octavia?

Hi,

I have a 131 Hyundai i30 Estate 1.4 diesel that has been reliable, good for bringing family and luggage in etc. I do about 15-20,000km p.a. Fuel economy has been alright if not as good as I expected, as maybe slightly underpowered sometimes and I have to accelerate it more than I'd like. It's a good car, but has always been poor for road noise even with tyre changes.

I am looking to change now to something a bit bigger, either a 151 1.6 diesel Skoda Octavia hatchback or a 142 Hyundai i40 saloon 1.7 diesel, mid-spec levels. I haven't really looked at specific examples of either yet. I only intend to keep the newer car until maybe 2018/19 and both above choices give me a good level of warranty cover until then.

Which do you think would be the better buy? Safety, more quiet on the move and decent handling (as my main everyday route is quite a twisty hilly road) are important to me.

Thanks

Mick, Gorey

Looking for a car for around €10,000.

Looking for a car for around 10 grand. I have a 2005 Mazda3 1.6 petrol with 150k on the clock, which has never let me down, but I want a more powerful and comfortable car, which is reliable. I was looking at the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class diesel and also the 1.8 petrol, but my head is telling me to stay away; are they that unreliable? I am also looking at Mazda6 2.2 diesel and Lexus IS 2.2 diesel; what do you think of them?

The prices of diesel cars seem to be excessive when you look at the mileage a lot of them have; are thay worth it? I do about 12-15 thousand miles a year.

Hyundai Santa Fe or Chevrolet Captiva?

Hi,

I am in need of a seven-seater, was thinking of a Chevrolet Captiva or Hyundai Santa Fe. To explain fully I am a childminder, I average less than 20 miles a day and this will be a second car so looking to keep costs low. Was thinking of an 08 Captiva or a 06/07 Hyundai. I know the tax is high on the Hyundai, but I need a reliable car. I like the Chevrolet looks wise, but any input would be great.

Thank you!