Honda CR-V or Hyundai Santa Fe?
Hi,
I'm currently driving a Land Rover Freelander TD4 and am looking to change. I am considering a 2008 Honda CR-V EX 1.9 petrol or a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.1 diesel. I am based in Dublin but do a good bit of driving around the country. Can you please let me know about the performance and reliability (potential problems) of these two cars, and point out any other vehicles I should be considering. My budget is a max of €14,000.
Joe Harbourne (Dublin)Jun 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
Both excellent choices although it's worth pointing out that the petrol-powered Honda will struggle more to hold on to any value as the market is so diesel-obsessed at the moment. Still, that means prices are cheaper for you at buying time...
As with all Hondas, the CR-V is remarkably reliable, although this model has suffered from some issues. There have been some problems with trim scratching and scuffing too easily, as well as problems with the alternators. Some have had issues with the gearbox too and high front tyre wear. You should also check carefully underneath to make sure that any previous owner hasn't been taking the 4x4 bit too seriously.
That goes equally for the Hyundai and the good news here too is that reliability is excellent. The only regularly reported problems with the Santa Fe are that the air conditioning system can need regular re-gassing and that the stereo is pretty rubbish.
Both will be expensive to run though. The CR-V has CO2 emissions of 194g/km so motor tax is going to be pricey. Despite being diesel, the Hyundai is no better, with CO2 emissions of 191g/km. Both will average around 35mpg in regular driving.
I have to admit to a small bias - my father-in-law has owned his 2.0-litre petrol CR-V from new in 2007 and loves it. It's been massively reliable (only ever needing a replacement alternator) and he regularly gets better than 40mpg from it. That said, the Hyundai is also an excellent vehicle and I would say both are safe bets - try some test drives and see which one you prefer and let us know which way you go.
Are French cars my only option for real comfort on Irish roads?
What medium size car can best soak up the endless bumps on Irish roads, without loosening the passengers' false teeth? I know French cars have a good name for poor surfaces but reliability might be a problem...
Sean O Donovan (Cork)Jun 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Sean,
It's a tough question to answer, this one, simply because different wheels and tyres can make an enormous difference to ride quality. As you say, French cars tend to fare very well in this regard and I think the most comfortable car I have driven in recent years was a top-spec Citroen C5 with the traditional Citroen hydra gas suspension, which just felt as if the road surface wasn't there. As you say, French cars can have their reliability issues, but the C5 was always pretty well screwed together.
Of the other options, both the Ford Mondeo and Opel Insignia are good bets, especially if you can avoid any cars that have been specced-up with big wheels and low profile tyres. Go for nothing bigger than a 17-inch wheel with at least a 55-profile tyre - wheel and tyre combos make a huge difference to ride comfort,
Of course if you want the ultimate in ride comfort, then track yourself down a Jaguar XJ6 saloon from the mid-eighties. Best ride quality of any car ever. I can't vouch for the reliability though...
How do you rate the Volkswagen Scirocco?
Hi guys,
How would you rate a used Volkswagen Scirocco, say 2011/12 model? The majority of cars in the used market seem to be the 1.4 TSI 122hp model; is this engine strong enough for the car, or would I be better going for the 2.0-litre diesel? Majority of my driving is in town with some motorway driving at the weekend.
Thanks
Gary
Gary McClelland (Dublin)Jun 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Gary,
We rate the Scirocco very highly indeed. It's peachy to drive, quietly handsome and surprisingly practical for a coupé. The 1.4 TSI petrol engine is actually fine in the Scirocco, although it can't really cash the cheques the body is writing. It's got more than decent performance, but if you want some proper thump, then the 2.0-litre 140hp diesel is definitely the better choice. Best of all though is the 2.0 TSI with the engine from the Golf GTI. It can get a little thirsty if you drive it like it begs to be driven, but as an all-rounder, it's very hard indeed to beat.
Should I go diesel or petrol for a Ford C-Max?
Thinking of buying a 1.6 Ford C-Max from the UK, but have heard mixed reports about the diesel models. Would I be safer going for the petrol one instead?
Catherine Brosnan (Kerry)Jun 2014 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Catherine,
Not necessarily. The 1.6-litre diesel used in the C-Max is an engine used in a huge variety of cars, from the C-Max to the Focus to the Mondeo to various Citroens, Peugeots, Volvos and even the occasional MINI. This means that, by and large, it's a decent engine with good reliability prospects and millions of miles of use in a massive number of cars to reveal any bugs.
That said, there are a couple of issues to watch for and mostly it's to do with the turbocharger, which can occasionally be a weak point. Usually it's down to a failure of the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, and it can be pretty easily fixed. Watch the parts prices and shop around for quotes if anything does go wrong. Alternators can give trouble too, so be suspicious of any engine or battery warning lights.
Will an Irish bank loan me money to buy an NI car?
Can I get a car loan from an Irish bank to buy a car from a dealer in Northern Ireland?
Emmet Moore (Kerry)May 2014 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Emmet,
The general consensus seems to be yes, but make sure you ask beforehand. All banks seems to have slightly and subtly different policies when it comes to issuing loans (and not just for this specific circumstance). More than 25,000 cars have been imported to Ireland since the start of the year, so clearly, people are getting loans to buy them and bring them in, and it's an entirely normal procedure. Your bank may ask for some additional guarantees or similar, but as long as you check with them first on their precise policies, you should be absolutely fine.
By the way, you may want to check out our guide to importing cars from the UK while you're here.
Is €22,000 too high for this Volkswagen Passat?
Is €22,000 a high price for a 2012 Volkswagen Passat 1.6 TDI? Back in 2009 we bought a 2007 Passat similar spec for €17,000. It was a 2.0-litre TDI two-year old; dealers seem to be looking for crazy money now!
Matt Lawlor (Dublin)May 2014 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Matt,
I'm afraid €22,000 doesn't seem to be a high price for that car any more. In fact, it's right in the general ballpark for the Passat for a 2012 diesel. The problem you're looking at is one currently facing a great many used car buyers - used values have risen significantly since 2009, because of the scarcity of good cars in the market, a legacy of the collapse in new car sales following the financial meltdown. In some cases, values have risen by as much as a third, and with both Volkswagens in general and diesel models especially being highly sought after, you're shopping in one of the most expensive categories in the second hand market.
Sorry to not have better news!
Is the Volvo S40 suitable for three children?
I'm thinking of buying a Volvo S40 as a family car; is it suitable? I have three children.
Linda
Linda Larkin (Dublin)May 2014 Filed under: family car
Expert answer
Hi Linda,
That very much depends on the ages of the kids, as the Volvo S40 is really only about the same size as a Ford Focus (it's actually made on that car's platform). You won't easily get three booster seats across the back seat and the boot is ok an acceptable size rather than an impressive one.
For reference, I have two kids (three and a half and five and a half) and we have the Volvo V50, which is the estate version of the S40. It's just about big enough. If we had another kid I'd be looking at changing cars.
Hope that helps
I'm thinking of buying a Mazda RX-8; what do you think?
I'm thinking of buying a 2004 Mazda RX-8; what do you think?
Anthony Mullally (Waterford)May 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Anthony,
Oh heck yes! The RX-8 has always been one of our favourite cars and it mixes high-revving rotary rear-drive fun with almost-practical four-seat space. There are actually very few, indeed hardly any, reported mechanical issues, and that's in spite of the poor reputation that rotary engines have in that regard. It will burn through a lot of oil though - they genuinely all do that, sir - so keep an eye on the dipstick and don't skimp on the good quality lubricants. There were also a few recalls, for leaking fuel pipes, cracked steering joints and cracked damper heat covers. Avoid anything that's been tweaked, tuned or messed around with and watch the handling in the wet - they can be staggeringly tail-happy.
Porsche Cayman GTS or Jaguar F-Type Coupé
How does the Porsche Cayman GTS compare to the Jaguar F-Type Coupé?
Thanks
Philip Donegan (Ballina)May 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
We put this to Kyle Fortune, one of our UK-based writers, as he's the only one of the team that has driven both cars:
"The Jaguar will undoubtedly feel like more of an event initially, the V6's engine and exhaust note are superb, though in some ways it's extrovert sound does promise more than the engine ultimately delivers. It's agile, fast and easy to drive, with an edge that makes it fun, too. The Cayman GTS is a different proposition; it's mid- rather than front-engined, which immediately makes it feel more exotic, even if familiarity - there are lots of Boxsters and Caymans out there, and less F-Types - does lessen its impact. Neither will disappoint, but the Porsche is the more engaging, more polished drive. It's arguably the best sports car you can buy, though the Jag runs it close. Clincher for me would be that the Cayman GTS is available as a manual, the Jag only an automatic."
Hope that's of interest!
Should I go for the Renault Scenic with €3,000 to spend?
Hi, I am looking to buy a Renault Scenic with around €3k of budget. Getting vehicles of mostly 2005 and 2006 with around 100k to 130k on the odometer for this price range. Please advise if I can go with it.
Aparesh Chatterjee (Dublin)May 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Aparesh,
You know what? I wouldn't. Renaults from that era are not the most reliable things and your budget could be as easily eaten up fixing a catalogue of minor problems. Your budget though should be able to get you into a Toyota Corolla Verso - one of the most reliable cars around and a firm favourite in CompleteCar Towers when it comes to affordable, reliable family transport.