Which nearly-new crossover to get?
I am in the market for a compact SUV (small town SUV). My 17-year-old daughter wants to learn to drive in it also so I need a manual. I think a 1.0- or 1.2-litre petrol engine would be the sort of thing. I've driven a Captur, Juke, T-Cross, Kona, Crossland X, ix20 and a Toyota C-HR. The Toyota drove really well but it's pricier and longer. What would you recommend as a 2017/2018 vehicle based on drive and value for money and a learner driver?
Anne Marie O'Byrne (Wexford)Mar 2020 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Anne Marie.
Well, normally for a learner driver and for mostly in-town driving, we’d recommend a hatchback, rather than an SUV or crossover, but if your heart is set on one… Of the list you’ve given us below, the Toyota is the best, although arguably as a 1.2-litre petrol, you’re not getting the best C-HR (which is the hybrid, but then that’s an automatic). The Volkswagen T-Cross would be an excellent choice, has a brilliant little 1.0-litre engine and is a bit more upright and square than the others, so is a bit easier to see out of, which might be helpful for your daughter while she’s learning. The Kona would also be an excellent choice, but we’d also add the Suzuki Vitara to your list as its a solid and rugged choice - and hugely reliable.
Read our Renault Captur reviews
Read our Volkswagen T-Cross reviews
Hyundai i30 or Opel Astra?
Hi,
I'm looking at buying a diesel 131 Hyundai i30, but also have my eye on a diesel 162 Opel Astra; which car would I be better off buying?
Maria Coen (Tipperary)Feb 2020 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Maria,
Both are very good. We’d rate the Hyundai for its reliability, neat styling and roomy cabin, and the Astra for its peachy chassis and steering. Worth considering the turbocharged petrol versions of both, too, as they make more sense overall than diesel, unless you’re doing mega-miles every week.
My F-150's auto stop isn't working...
I have a 2015 Ford F-150 and the auto stop just stopped working.
Andres Rios (Edinburg)Feb 2020 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Andres,
Stop-start systems regularly stop working. So much so that we've written a guide on the subject: Why won't my car's stop-start system work?
Can I get classic car motor tax?
Hello.
Is there cheaper motor tax for a classic car that's 20 years old?
Stasys Padomcikas (Drumkonrath)Feb 2020 Filed under: classic cars
Expert answer
Hi Stasys,
Cheaper motor tax is available for classic cars, but it starts when they are over 30 years old. Read this for more information: Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained
Should I buy a BMW 220d Gran Coupe?
Hi,
I'm thinking of buying the new BMW 220d Gran Coupe; am I mad buying a car with such a niche market? Are insurance companies likely to hammer me premium wise? I'm 61 with a completely clear record. How would the resale value be?
I enjoy your articles and would appreciate your views.
Many thanks
Pat Hagen, Dublin
PAT HAGEN (DUBLIN)Feb 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Pat,
To be fair to the 2 Series Gran Coupe, it’s a coupé in name only — really it’s a 1 Series saloon and is likely to be treated as such by the trade. The conceptually similar Mercedes CLA has solid residuals so we wouldn’t be too worried in that respect.
As far as insurance is concerned, Irish insurers will always find a way to hammer you, but the combination of the relatively mild engine and your own age should ensure that you don’t get hit too hard. And, of course, shop around for other quotes if you do get a big bill.
Of course the right 2 Series to buy is the gorgeous little, rear-drive two-door actual coupe, but perhaps that’s a discussion for another day...
Is now the right time to go electric for me?
I'm currently driving up to 25,000km per year. Mostly motorway commuting, approx 90km daily, Mon-Fri. I'm upgrading my 2013 Hyundai ix35 diesel with 93,000 miles. I'd love to go electric and I'm sure I could manage it by charging every night, but I'm not sure if it's the right time to make the move. Should I take the plunge or go with another diesel?
Thanks!
Julie Aherne (Kilpedder, Co Wicklow)Feb 2020 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi Julie,
In many ways, diesel would be the safe bet, but with your 90km per day driving pattern, I’d suggest that you’re potentially an ideal candidate for switching to electric. Certainly, a current Kia e-Niro or Hyundai Kona Electric would do your five-day daily commute on almost one charge (although realistically you’d probably top it up much more regularly than that). As long as you have a driveway where you can install a home charging point (and a charging point at work would be helpful too), then I’d say it’s well worth looking at electric. The savings on fuel alone will help to balance out the cost of purchase.
What's up with my Fabia's stop-start?
I bought a Skoda Fabia and the stop-start doesn't work, plus it says low volt battery. I've been back to the dealer and he hasn't got a clue.
Please help
Sue Williams (Craven Arms )Jan 2020 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Sue,
Sounds to us that the battery could be in poor condition. Lots of cars develop issues with their stop-start systems. We get so many questions about it that we wrote a feature about it all - Why won't my car's stop-start system work?
What's the 1.0 TSI Octavia in 'old money'?
The 2017 Octavia is described as a 1.0 TSI. But what is that equal to 'in old money'. I just don't get the newer classification. Can you help me to understand?
Peter Lumsden (Dun Laoghaire)Jan 2020 Filed under: performance
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
Very roughly speaking, its performance is equivalent to an old 1.4 or even 1.6-litre petrol engine with no turbocharger.
You might find our review (with video) of the Octavia 1.0 TSI interesting.
My new L200's stop-start is erratic...
Hi,
I have a new Mitsubishi L200 series 6 Barbarian. Done less than 500 miles, mixed driving. The auto stop-start is totally unreliable. Green light comes on first start, goes out, may occasionally flash whilst driving. Over a 40-mile trip the stop-start functioned only once. Worked less than half a dozen times since purchase. Dealer says no fault or error codes.
Any ideas?
Dave Lewis (Portsmouth)Jan 2020 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Dave,
I'm surprised to hear that from a new truck where the battery will be in good condition, but stop-start systems regularly don't work as people expect. The system measures loads of variables before deciding whether the engine will be stopped, including the temperature of the engine and even the outside temperature. If it's cold weather, it may not work at all. If you're using items that are a big electrical drain, it may not operate.
Read our Why won't my car's stop-start system work? feature
Toyota RAV4 Luna vs. Sport?
What is the difference between a Toyota RAV4 Luna and RAV4 Sport?
Don Murphy (Cork)Jan 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Don,
The differences are around €5,000 in terms of a new car price. The Sport, on top of the Luna, gets built-in navigation, contrast stitching on the dash, blue ambient background light, paddle shifts for the CVT gearbox, power operated driver's seat, heated front seats, 18-inch alloys, rear privacy glass, sportier exterior styling, contrast-colour roof and bi-beam LED headlights.