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.
Which cars are best for comfort?
Hi,
Can you tell me which SUVs offer a driver's/seating position most like a standard car's? My wife and I currently both use her Opel Zafira and I find the seating position very upright and uncomfortable as the seats will not move back far enough. Effectively it means I have to lift my feet completely to operate the pedals instead of just pivoting on my heels as with a more reclined position. I have recently had a hip replaced and the other one is painful if I drive any reasonable distance.
We test drove a secondhand C-Class Estate and I wanted to buy it but she finds the seating position very cramped (in particular did not like the large console between the seats). We sat in a Honda CR-V after and she much preferred the space and lack of clutter between the seats but I found the seating position uncomfortable. Essentially we are looking for something that has the high ceiling, big windscreen and lack of clutter of most SUVs/MPVs, but with a seating position that gives good enough leg room for somebody over six-foot like me to pivot my feet on my heels rather than having to lift them to operate the pedals. Maybe we need two cars, which is a waste given we are city dwellers and do very small annual mileage between us.
Thanks
Kevin
Kevin McCormack (Dublin 8)Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Kevin,
That’s almost an impossible question for me to answer I’m afraid as, as you’ve pointed out, a car that many might consider comfortable and pleasant (the Honda CR-V) is uncomfortable for you. Mind you, you’re right about the C-Class Estate being small inside – it was never the biggest car around.
Changing company car with €40k to spend...
Hi guys,
Just changing company car, ballpark of €40k ish to spend, but could push if needed more for correct car. Have two children and baby en route. Was thinking seven-seater, but afraid we will loose driving style and enjoyment because of this. Finally, live in country and the idea of 4x4 even in car just seems like right thing to look for, but am I just being crazy?
Any advive would be great, need to make decision this week as soon as possible to get car ordered.
Thanks
Dan
Dan Duffy (Louth)Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Dan,
Easy answer to this… Ford S-Max. Lots of space for you and the kids, not at all bad looking and, crucially, fun and engaging to drive so you’re not having to hand in your youthful driving exuberance at the MPV door.
When do you review the Volvo S90?
Hi,
When do you estimate that you will have a review of the new Volvo S90 on your website?
James Murphy (Cork)Apr 2016 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi James,
We are driving the new Volvo S90 and V90 on 16-17 June and the review will be live on the Car Reviews page shortly after.
How can I compare all the electric cars?
Hi,
Is there anywhere one can see all currently available electric cars compared, not just under the usual headings of driving range, charging times, 0 to 100km/h time and overall drivability and practicality, but also the overall running costs (electricity charges, road tax etc.), which can vary when you include battery lease models like the Renault Zoe?
Donal M
Donal Murphy (Cork)Apr 2016 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi Donal,
Short answer – no. That’s partially down to the fact that such in-depth comparisons have to take into account the type of mileage you do, the electricity tariff you’re on and more. The best I can suggest is that you have a good long look through our various electric car reviews and then use the cost calculators on both the ESB and SEAI websites to further refine your research:
What's the new automatic Tiguan like?
New Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 diesel automatic: what are they like?
Larry Loughnane (Clonmel Co Tipperary )Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Larry,
The seven-speed DSG automatic works very well with the 2.0-litre TDI engine. Around town and in traffic is makes driving relaxed and easy while the long top gear means the engine revs remain low on longer motorway journeys. In fact, the noise insulation in the new Tiguan is very good and you'd almost forget that you're driving a diesel.
I also drove the manual version, and to be fair it drive very well too. If you can afford the price jump to get the DSG automatic though I would recommend it.
Can I trade my damaged Santa Fe in?
Hi,
My 2004 Hyundai Sante Fe was just written off by the insurance company. Car is still driving, with only some medium bumper damage. It has a bull bar up front and a tow bar out back. Another car rear-ended me. My car was up to date with tax, insurance and NCT all good. Will I qualify for a scrappage scheme? I'm thinking of getting a new Berlingo or Peugeot van.
Thank you
Stephen Larkin (Galway)Apr 2016 Filed under: scrappage
Expert answer
Hi Stephen,
You should do - Peugeot has a 'scrappage' scheme (actually just a trade-in booster really) in place against its commercial vehicle range, but you may have to get the Hyundai patched up enough to drive it there. Most schemes have a requirement that the vehicle be taxed and insured when you trade it in.
Thinking of buying a high-mileage Mondeo.
Thinking of purchasing an 09 Ford Mondeo diesel diesel with 184,000km on the clock. Should I be worried about the mileage? Is there a better saloon car that you would recommend for long distance driving?
Laura Brown (Dublin)Apr 2016 Filed under: mileage
Expert answer
Hi Laura,
No, the mileage isn’t an issue in and of itself. It all depends how well the car has been cared for. If it comes with a full service history and a stack of paperwork showing how much care and attention the previous owner has lavished on it, then the mileage simply isn’t a worry. If it comes with a sparsely stamped service book and no paperwork, walk away.
What do you think of the new Toyota RAV4?
What do you think of the new RAV4 from Toyota (the diesel) and what about alternatives?
Thanks
Martin Smythe (Roscommon )Mar 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
A really impressive car, although it is looking a touch expensive compared to the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe or Ford Kuga now. It's good to drive, with surprisingly sharp steering and lots of space in the back, plus the promise of rugged Toyota reliability. The Hybrid version is perhaps not as satisfying as the diesel (and is even more expensive again), but is perhaps worth considering if you live and do most of your driving in town. Rivals worth considering are the aforementioned Ford and Hyundai, and also Honda, both HR-V and CR-V, and the Mazda CX-5.
I've added links to our reviews of all these cars above so hopefully that's of help.
I want to insure my three classic cars...
Hi,
I want to insure my three classic cars: a 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190e 2.0-litre petrol, a 1994 BMW 520 2.0-litre petrol and a 1996 Peugeot 306 XAD van, a 1.9 diesel. Can you tell me the best insurance company to try (not a broker) and also if you could give me a value on the three cars?
Regards
Thomas
Thomas Ryan (Dublin 12)Mar 2016 Filed under: insurance
Expert answer
Hi Thomas,
Well, for a start, you're not going to be able to insure any of the three as classics, as none has passed the 30-year mark yet. If your intention is to use them for 'classic-style' driving (only bringing them out for events or days out etc.) then you might be able to get a limited mileage policy that will reduce your costs a bit.
The next problem is that Irish insurers are conducting something of a war against cars of that sort of age – they reckon that older cars are at higher risk of claims so the premiums are being loaded out of all proportion. Most of the major insurers will do a multi-car policy, but with their ages I think you might struggle to find an affordable quote.
As for value, if they're all in exceptional condition then I'd say the Mercedes and BMW could be worth as much as €5-7,000 each (they really would have to be exceptional though) and the Peugeot van probably about €3,000 (again – if in exceptional condition).