How would you rate the 2008 Toyota Avensis?
Has the 2008 Avensis 2.0 D-4D diesel a timing chain or timing belt and how would you rate its reliability overall? As reliable as the Toyota Corolla?
Cathal Tiernan (Dunmore, Co.Galway)Jan 2017 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Cathal,
That model has a timing belt, and it has to be changed every 100,000km or seven years. It’s a hugely reliable car though, easily the equal of its little brother, the Corolla.
Nissan Qashqai or Toyota Corolla?
Hi, would you consider a 2007 Nissan Qashqai 1.5 diesel to be as reliable as a 2007 Toyota Corolla 1.4 diesel of similar mileage and condition? I will be buying one or the other in the next week or so and my heart is saying Qashqai, but my head is saying Corolla - can you provide an independent insight please? I do 20,000 miles per year.
Many thanks
Cathal Tiernan (Dunmore, Co.Galway)Jan 2017 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Cathal,
The Qashqai is a reliable car, as are pretty much all Nissans, but the Corolla will still have the reliability edge. If reliability is ultimately your priority, then go for the Corolla. That said, if you really want the Qashqai, as long as it comes with a full service history and you keep it regularly serviced, we wouldn’t expect to see any major issues occur.
How much is VRT on a 2003 Toyota Corolla?
How much is VRT on a 2003 Toyota Corolla please?
Kate Nash (Dublin )Nov 2016 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Kate,
Assuming it's a 1.4 Terra model with around 160,000km on the clock then you're probably looking at around €600 in VRT if you import one.
Why is the Toyota Corolla not sold in the UK?
I am curious to know why the Toyota Corolla is not sold in the UK or does it have another name?
Frank D (Dublin)Oct 2016 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi F D,
It's simply because the UK market generally doesn't like compact four -door saloons. It's much more of a hatchback and estate market, so Toyota hasn't sold the Corolla in the UK since the Auris came along. It's the same reason you won't find a Renault Fluence or an Astra Saloon on sale there either.
Any problems with the Corolla's gearbox?
Are there any inherent problems in the gearbox of the Toyota Corolla 1.4 diesel?
Brian Tolan
Virginia, Co Cavan
Brian Tolan (Virginia Co Cavan)Aug 2016 Filed under: gearbox
Expert answer
Hi Brian,
There have been intermittently reported issues with Toyota gearboxes across the board, from sticking shifts to complete failures, but they tend to be quite rare overall, so if the car you’re looking at has a full service history then it should be OK. Ask for a warranty if you're really worried about it.
Which comfy car for a retired couple in Tralee?
We are a retired couple, 70 and 68 living in Tralee Co. Kerry and in need of a new car.
Our 16-year-old Toyota Corolla is coming to the end of its trouble free life; the choice of a Toyota was decreed by circumstance, we bought it new, found it a bit 'light' and would like a 'heavier' car with firm and comfortable seating. Can you recommend something?
Please do not recommend a new Volkswagen; to buy one we would need to buy it from the sole Volkswagen dealer in Kerry and after our terrible experience with this dealer we would never, ever buy a car from that dealer again.
Our budget would be about €18,000/20,000, non diesel as we do not do enough driving to justify a diesel car. Can you recommend models of cars we should consider?
With thanks and good wishes
Yours sincerely
Mary G. Johnson
Mary G. Johnson Johnson (Tralee. Co. Kerry)Jul 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
Have you considered a Ford Focus? I’m not sure what the situation is in your area with dealers etc, but a Focus has terrific steering – firmly weighted, direct and full of feedback and feel, and it’s also comfortable and well made (although, as a bad-back sufferer myself I would always suggest as lengthy a test drive as possible to make sure you find the seats a good shape). Quality and reliability are also good, if not quite up to Toyota levels. Your budget should get you into a year-old, maybe 18-month-old model and the 1.0-litre turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine should make for an ideal option for you.
Corsa, Corolla, Micra or Polo for €2,000?
Hi, I am a first car buyer in Ireland. I would like to buy an automatic car.
The ones I am interested in are a 2002 Opel Corsa, 2004 Toyota Corolla 1.6, a Nissan Micra 1.0 from 2002 or a Volkswagen Polo 1.4 from 2000. All of them cost between €1,750 and €2,000. I am wondering if these prices are realistic for cars like these, and given the types, which one would be the best choice?
Thank you in advance,
K
Katalin Csesznek (Cork)Jun 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Katalin,
What can I expect for 2008 Toyota Corolla?
What can l expect to get for a silver 2008 Toyota Corolla? Serviced regularly, 90,000km on the clock.
Geraldine O'Sullivan (Co.Kerry)Jun 2016 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Geraldine,
It should be worth around €8,500 retail, so probably around €7,000 as a trade in.
Toyota Avensis or Opel Insignia? Estates...
We're currently looking to buy a second hand diesel estate and are looking at the Toyota Avensis and Opel Insignia. Budget is €14k tops and we're looking at 2010 - 2012 options with varying levels of mileage on the clock. Himself is very excited by the interior and gadgets of the Insignia, but I'm wary of moving from Toyota.
Currently driving a 2005 Avensis Strata, which has never given trouble since I got it and before that had an 02 Corolla that never gave me any problems either. Too many electrical gadgets make me nervous as they seem to be very problematic, particularly in the Insignia from what I've read here. It'll be used as the main family car, which does 30-40,000km a year. Need roof rack for bikes and looking for more spacious boot. Economy and reliability are what I'm looking for.
Which would you recommend? Are there other estate models I should consider?
Karina Brennan (Galway)May 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Karina,
You are, if I may say, a smart cookie. Yes, the Insignia is decently solid and pretty reliable, but the fact is that they do get issues with their electrics and, as we all know, ain’t nothing more reliable than a Toyota. Well, almost – have a good look at the Mazda6 estate too, as it's handsome, really good to drive and hugely reliable. A good foil to the Toyota.
I'm thinking of buying a Mitsubishi Carisma.
Hi, I'm thinking of buying a 2002 Mitsubushi Carisma. I don't know anything about them and just wondered if they are worth the risk? It's a 1.3 petrol and has one year of NCT remaining. Not sure of mileage yet; anything I should look out for in particular?
Thanks very much.
Catherine Keenan (Longford)Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Catherine,
To be honest, I wouldn’t. Quite aside from the fact that the Carisma is dull to look at, sit in and drive, it was also quite unreliable for a car from a major Japanese car maker. There was no end of problems with the engines and worse still, the 1.3 was hopelessly underpowered. If you want a simple, reliable car from around 2002, think Toyota Corolla instead.