Toyota Avensis or Nissan Tiida?
What is the best car to go for in 2008, Nissan Tiida or Toyota Avensis? Both are diesel for around €8,500.
Denise Bradford (Dublin)Jul 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Denise,
Go for the Avensis, by a country mile. Both cars are solidly reliable but the Avensis is bigger and comfier. The Tiida's only advantage is that it came with standard Bluetooth, but that's easily remedied with an aftermarket kit for the Avensis.
Let us know what you do
Which new car for 10,000km a year?
I have a BMW 520i (manual, petrol) since 1998 and it has served me well. I am considering changing to a new car and am thinking about the following: BMW 3 Series GT, Lexus IS or the Volvo V40. I have driven my wife's car, a 2011 Toyota Prius 1.8 and like the automatic. I am keen on having a rear camera and parking sensors, plus Bluetooth, leather upholstery, satnav, metallic paint, cruise control and climate control. I do about 10,000km per year.
Can you please advise what you would think might suit my needs.
Regards
Pat Rice
Patrick Rice (Greystones)Jun 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
With that kind of criteria, and if you’ve driven your wife’s Prius and liked it, I’m minded to recommend the Lexus. The hybrid systems are related (although of course the Lexus is considerably more powerful and sporty), it’s well-equipped (most of what you want is on the standard equipment list) and with mileage of 10,000km a year, it should be just about ideal. Plus, it’s unbreakably reliable.
Here are a few reviews that might interest you:
What's your opinion on the Citroen C5?
I am considering buying a 2010 Citroen C5 estate that comes with Bluetooth, satnav and cruise control at a price of€17k. "Friends" are saying buy an Avensis or Mondeo as they have a better resale value and are more reliable, but you do not get the same high spec as the C5 for €17k.
What's your opinion on the C5?
Zak Adam (Drogheda, Co Louth)May 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Zak,
We always did like the C5 when it was new — big, comfy, quite stylish and it really does look best as an estate. Your ‘friends’ are right in that the Mondeo or Avensis will hold their value better, and there’s no getting away from the fact that an Avensis would be much more reliable over the long term, but at seven years old, the C5 will have the worst of its depreciation behind it now, so as long as it comes with a full service history and you keep it looked after, we wouldn’t regard it as a bad purchase.
How to update the Bluetooth on my Renault?
How do I go about contacting Renault to request that they update the firmware on their Bluetooth radios?
I have a 2012 Renault Grand Megane, but the list of approved phones for the Bluetooth is for phones built on or before December 2011. Obviously, there are a lot of new phones that have been created since then including iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, Samsung SIII, IV, Sony Experia T, Z etc. These newer phones are not compatible with the Bluetooth on the radio. If one connects their phone to the Bluetooth so as to have a hands-free option, they risk upsetting the electronics in their car.
Really, what I would like to know is if Renault intend to update the firmware to accept the newer phones that have come out since Dec 2011?
Jason Wynne (Galway)Apr 2013 Filed under: Bluetooth
Expert answer
Hi Jason,
I would imagine that the simplest thing to do would be to contact your nearest Renault dealer and ask if they can update or upgrade the software in your Megane. There is a faint possibility that the system might not be compatible with newer phones, but I think a call to the service department should get things moving.
Can I get Bluetooth etc. on my 2007 Audi?
I recently bought a 2007 Audi A4 Avant that has no Bluetooth fitted. Neither is there an iPod connection. Is there an all-in-one extra I can get?
Thanks
Frank Lannon (Newbridge)Mar 2013 Filed under: Bluetooth
Expert answer
Hi Frank,
You can get adaptors that will add Bluetooth both for calls and for music streaming to a 2007 Audi A4. They cost around €130 a go, but we’d recommend getting a professional to fit it, which will obviously drive up the cost a bit. Alternatively, you could replace the entire stereo unit with an aftermarket one, such as from Pioneer, which will also have a proper touchscreen and Apple CarPlay, but you’re looking at around €400 for the unit alone then.
Can I retrofit Bluetooth to a 2011 VW Passat?
Hi guys, do you know of any companies that can retrofit the Bluetooth phone set up on a 2011 VW Passat? This wasn't installed from factory but the car has the necessary controls on the steering wheel.
Thanks.
Brendan Cullen (Dublin)Oct 2011 Filed under: Bluetooth
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
I spoke to Volkswagen about this and its retailers will do this job in about an hour for a total price of €350. That includes VAT, parts and labour and they'll even wash and vacuum the car when it's in.
If you decide to go this route please do let us know how you find the service.
Is the 2.0 TDI Passat worth the extra money over the 1.6?
Hi lads,
My question is that I have a 2009 VW Passat BlueMotion Comfortline (110hp) and I want to upgrade soon. The car has full leather, Bluetooth kit and a tow bar. The current mileage is 50,000km. I took the 1.6 for a test drive and found it to be a bit underpowered and I had to change gears a lot. I also took the 2.0-litre for a test drive and found it to be a better car.
The 1.6 does 64mpg and the 2.0 does 61.5mpg so would I be better off to actually purchase the 2.0 as I can afford it? Also both cars fall into the same tax bracket (104 Euro for a year). I was offered very good money for my current passat. What is your opinion of the 1.6 - I use the Passat for transporting the family so I want a dependable car with low tax and something that looks good too! Would the 2.0 be a better option?
Any advice would be great.
Thanks
Martin Ryan (Athlone)Jun 2011 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
We really rate the VW Group's new 1.6-litre TDI engine. It's quiet, refined and great on fuel. However, while it's relatively torquey, it does feel a little short on power when it's lumbered with a lot of weight to carry around. You're in a good position being able to afford either engine. We'd definitely recommend you go for the 2.0-litre TDI Passat in this case. It's a great car and has plenty of power to carry around the family.
If you need any further help, please do get in touch.
Which new small car would suit me best?
I am trying to decide what small car is best for me to buy. I currently own a 2007 Nissan Micra and I like the look of the new model. It has more rear passenger room and boot space as well as Bluetooth. I have also read a review stating that the Hyundai i10 is better overall. I think the i10 is bit small space wise and think the i20 would be better. However I heard Hyundais are not reliable. I disliked driving the new Opel Corsa. The Volkswagen Golf/Polo and Toyota Auris are also too expensive for me.
What do you recommend?
Jacqueline Lynch (Dublin)Jun 2011 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Jacqueline,
There are a lot of questions there. Let's go through them. The Hyundai i10 is indeed better than the new Nissan Micra, but the latter comes with lots of equipment as standard and you will probably get the best price for your own Micra from a Nissan dealer. Hyundais are reliable - very reliable in fact. The i20 would definitely offer more space than the i10 though it costs €2,000 more.
I think you should try a Mazda2, which is a car we really rate here on CompleteCar.ie. Otherwise, the Hyundai i20 could make an ideal purchase.
I hope this helps and let us know how you get on.
Newer VW Passat or older BMW 3 Series?
Hi Shane & Paddy,
I am looking at changing my car. I've a 2002 BMW 318Ci with 106,000 miles on the clock. It has Bluetooth, multi-function steering wheel, alloys, cruise control etc. Due to on-street parking it has some damage to the rear driver's side panel and the alloys need to be dipped to look their best. We have a baby on the way so need something with back doors.
I have looked at a 2007 2.0-litre Passat saloon: 90,000km, leather interior, heated seats, cruise control and Bluetooth and the garage is asking €11,950. I also saw a 2005 BMW 320i SE saloon with leather seats, cruise control etc. and they are asking €11,950 too. I was also thinking of looking at Audi A4s but haven't yet.
Assuming I can get approx €5,000 for my current car then €11-12,000 is the total budget. Should I do the repair work on the damage and alloys now to improve value? Can you recommend someone?
What can I expect to get for private sale and trade-in? What would you recommend as replacement? We do mostly city driving with a country trip once a month or so. Petrol or diesel? Head says newer Passat but I like driving the BMW and think the Passat / A4 might be less enjoyable to drive.
Sorry for all the questions!
Thanks. Enda
Enda Lowry (Dublin)Mar 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Enda,
This was a long one, so I thought I would answer by video. Click on the link to see the answer!
What will I get to replace my SEAT Ibiza?
I'm looking to spend around €20,000 on a new diesel. What's the best option? I have an 02 SEAT Ibiza, but I'm afraid it won't last much longer. Is it best to do a cash deal and scrap the car independently?
Mairead S (Limerick)Feb 2011 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mairead,
I guess it depends on how bad your Ibiza is. You will generally get a better deal as a cash buyer, but it will also probably cost you money to get rid of your Ibiza if you bring it to a scrap yard. Sadly you don't qualify for scrappage. but there are lots of good offers around, especially from the likes of Renault, who will give you a great scrappage price on a car eight years old or over. You could have any Renault Mégane within your budget. We recently drove the GT Line version of the Mégane and it looks great with tons of equipment including a built in TomTom navigation system.
The Mazda3 diesel is €19,995 and you get air conditioning, Bluetooth, cruise control and alloy wheels as standard and it is a cracker of a car. I think given your budget that this would be an excellent choice. It has low emissions too, so annual road tax is just €104.
Feel free to come back to us if any of these suggestions don't work.