Toyota Avensis or Mazda CX-5?
I am driving approx 52k yearly in a 1.6-litre diesel 161 VW Passat with 125,000km on the clock. Thinking of changing to a 171 Mazda CX-5 2.2 with 62,000km or a 161 Toyota Avensis 2.0-litre with 98,000km. Which is the better option or is there another I should be looking at?
Mags
Mags Smith (CARRICK-ON-SHANNON)Jun 2020 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Mags,
OK, there’s a bit of a balance to be struck, here. The Avensis would, normally, be a good, solid choice and of the two cars you’ve mentioned, it’s the more economical overall. However, we’re always slightly wary of cars that may have been used in the past as taxis, so you’d want to carefully check the history on that one, using Cartell.ie, for example.
The Mazda CX-5 is one of our favourite cars, but if it’s a 2017 model you’re looking at, then you’d want to make sure that it’s the second-generation CX-5 — not that the older car is bad or anything, but the newer version is a deal more sophisticated and refined, so worth stretching the budget for. The current version arrived in Ireland during 2017. It would be a bit thirstier than the Avensis but of the two it would be our choice.
Others worth looking at? Honda’s CR-V is always an excellent choice (massively roomy, hugely reliable), VW Passat (go for the estate), or the Skoda Superb. Here are a few our reviews to help:
Is there a BIK tax reduction for hybrids?
Hi guys,
I’ve opted for a Toyota Corolla hybrid for my next company car. My question is, is there a reduction in BIK tax for hybrid electric cars in Ireland?
Niall Carson (Athy)Jun 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Niall,
I’m afraid not. Revenue only applies BIK relief to electric cars and flatly states that ‘hybrids do not count as electric vehicles.’ BIK is calculated on the value of the car and the annual mileage, not on the CO2 emissions of the car. That may change in the coming months, with the new FG-FF-Green coalition promising to review the motor taxation system, but for now, there’s no BIK benefit to driving a hybrid.
How much to pay for 2018 Hyundai i10?
Hyundai i10 2018, 30,000 miles: what’s a fair price to pay?
Kathleen Dermody (Galway)Jun 2020 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Kathleen,
Mid-market values for a 2018 Hyundia i10 seem to be holding up surprisingly well — in the €10,000-11,000 range. The cheapest go for around €9,000, but they seem to be ex-rental cars. It will depend on service history and condition, of course.
Which big tow car to go for on moving?
We are moving from the UK to Ireland soon and are gobsmacked (for the want of of a better word) to find that our two trusty vehicles, the 2005 Chrysler Grand Voyager (diesel) and 2005 Mercdes C-Class Elegance (petrol) are going to cost in excess of €6,000 jointly to tax! The cars are not even worth a fraction of that, so we sadly have to replace them (in this throw-away world we have always been proud to keep our vehicles beyond their life expectancies).
So, what car can you recommend for a family of six, that would be able to tow a horse box, but would be the cheapest to tax as we relocate to the Emerald Isle?
Jo Sheedy
Surrey, UK
Joanna Sheedy (Epsom)Jun 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Joanne,
If it’s just the one car you want, then I think your best bet would be a Ford S-Max or Galaxy, or possibly a SEAT Alhambra. All three cars do all the important family hauling work really well, and the two Fords will tow a maximum 2,000kg load, while the Alhambra can haul as much as 2,400kg.
If you want to go down the two-car route, then maybe go for a Mercedes E-Class Estate, with the fold-down seats in the boot, as the family machine and a Volkswagen Amarok pickup (the early model with the 2.0-litre turbo engine so as to keep the tax costs down) as the tow-car. It can haul a whopping 3,500kg, but is also comfy and refined enough to be a daily driver.
Read our Mercedes E-Class reviews
How much VRT on a BMW Z3?
Roughly how much VRT would be on a 2.0-litre BMW Z3 from the UK? Option is not on the VRT calculator.
Thanks.
Mike Cremin (Midleton)Jun 2020 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Mike,
OK, this is a tricky one (not least because we don’t know the year of the car). However, assuming that it’s a 2001 BMW Z3, then it’s going to be worth roughly €3,000 to €4,000 (assuming that it’s in perfect condition with a full service history). The 2.0-litre Z3 has CO2 emissions of 220g/km (depending on the specific model) so that’s going to be in the Band D, 34 per cent, VRT band. Taking an Irish market value of €3,500 (splitting the difference) that’s going to be €1,190 in VRT. BUT, it’s worth remembering that when it comes to odd or unusual model, Revenue’s Irish market valuation can be tricky at best, and they tend to over-value cars, especially sports cars. I’d get in touch with the BMW Owners' Club in Ireland to get a more solid feel for the value of the specific car you’re buying, and to have some expert knowledge on hand if you need to appeal Revenue’s valuation.
Used Avensis or Passat for 25k a year?
I do on average 25,000km a year. Live in the country. I have a choice between 142 1.6 Volkswagen Passat (246,000km, €8,800), 142 1.6 VW Passat (180,000km, €9,500), 131 2.0 Toyota Avensis (198,000km €8,950) or 2012 2.0 Avensis (146,000km €8,000).
Advice welcome
James McDonagh (Curry)Jun 2020 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi James,
OK, at 25,000km per year, you’re just about over the line for diesel to make good sense for you. Both the Passat and the Avensis are rugged, reliable cars so they’re both good choices. The Passat has the nicer interior and is more comfortable overall, and that 1.6-litre diesel is remarkably economical (we once drove from Galway to Glasgow, via Belfast, and back on one tank…).
However, the Avensis would have an edge on overall reliability, which, when dealing with cars of this sort of mileage and age, could be significant. I’d say, on balance, go for one of the Avensis, but carefully check over the history and condition of each car, and go for the one that’s the best in those regards, rather than mileage or price. Oh, and as with any four-door saloon with high mileage, check to make sure that neither has been previously used as a taxi. We recommend Cartell.ie for a full history check.
Looking for used electric or hybrid SUV...
Hi,
I am in the market for second hand car and would like to buy a small hybrid or electric SUV; what would you suggest? I am very confused as there are so many different cars out there now. I have been looking at the CH-R and Kona Electric, but think they are overpriced. Do you think now is a good time to buy or should I wait?
Catherine, Dublin
CATHERINE OCONNOR (DALKEY)Jun 2020 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Catherine,
Now is a good time to buy a hybrid, that’s for certain, but given that the Toyota C-HR and Hyundai Kona are among the very few hybrid crossovers currently on sale, you may struggle a little to find choice beyond those two models. It could be well worth looking at a Toyota Corolla or Auris hatchback or estate instead — they’re more practical, in any case, and there’s very little actual difference in height. Alternatively, there’s the Kia Niro hybrid, which was on sale from 2017. Prices for early Niros are now down to around €20,000, and they’ll still be under warranty until 2024.
When to change my Astra 1.4's timing belt?
Hi,
When should I change the timing belt on an my 2003 Opel Astra 1.4? I've been told figures ranging from 40,000- to 100,000 miles so really need to get a definitive answer.
Thanks
Garry
Garry Zancanaro (Ballinasloe)Jun 2020 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Garry,
I reckon the confusion comes from the fact that Opel changed the interval around the 2002/2003 model year. For the earlier cars, the interval is every 60,000km or four years (whichever comes first), but it changed to 90,000km or six years from 2003 on.
And just to confuse things further, there was a version of the 1.4-litre engine made from 2003 that used a timing chain instead of a timing belt. The engine code for that is Z14XEP, where the timing belt engine is Z14XE.
It is possible, of course, that your car was a 2002 model year in terms of manufacture, even if it was not registered until 2003, so I'd suggest being cautious.
What to buy with up to €12,000 to spend?
Looking for model recommendations for a used car. My requirements: automatic, cruise control, air conditioning, 1.6-2.0-litre, €10,000-12,000 available.
David Murphy (Dundalk)Jun 2020 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi David,
OK, we found a few good options, via Carzone, but there are plenty more if you have a look.
How about a BMW 5 Series? It’s top of budget, but we found a 131-reg 520d in SE spec, with auto, air conditioning and cruise. A fabulous car to drive, and perfect for long journeys. Used BMW 5 Series for sale on Carzone. Maybe check out our BMW 5 Series F10 (2010-2017) used car buying guide if that piques your interest.
Or, if you need something a little more practical (and also faultlessly reliable) how about a Mazda6 Estate 150hp diesel? It’s a 2015 car, and they’re as good to drive as they are to look at. Used Mazda6 for sale on Carzone. (Read our Mazda6 reviews here).
Can I get scrappage on an off-road car?
Can I get a scrappage scheme on off-road cars?
John Downey (Macroom)Jun 2020 Filed under: scrappage
Expert answer
Hi John,
Do you mean acrappage trade-in on an old off-roader? Or scrappage trade-in when buying a new off-roader? Yes, is the answer in both cases — most brands currently have some sort of scrappage offer in play, and it really doesn’t matter what vehicle you’re trading in — you’re going to get some kind of discount.
Or, did you mean can you get scrappage on a car that’s registered as being off-the-road? That’s trickier. Really, the car that you’re trading in generally has to get to the garage under its own steam, and show current tax and insurance to qualify. It’s worth having a word with the dealer you’re buying from, though, as there may be some wiggle room on that score.