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:
Which licence to drive a Citroen Ami?
Citroen Ami: what type of driver's licence is needed?
Ray O Brien (Galway )Jun 2020 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Ray,
In the initial launch countries for the Ami it will be permissible to be driven on a moped or quadricycle licence, which is from 14 years of age in France and 16 years in other European countries. A full car licence would also cover driving it. Currently there are no plans for this vehicle to be offered in Ireland, or in other right-hand-drive markets.
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.
Are commercial vehicle rules being broken here?
Hi,
I have a commercial vehicle, a Land Rover Discovery Commercial; I have it both taxed and insured in the name of a limited company. All sounds good to me. I have a friend who started up a new limited company and transferred his Toyota Land Cruiser Commercial into the company. He has not changed the tax or insurance and both are in his own name. So in effect the Toyota is in the company from an accounts view but in reality it is still owned and insured by the individual. Is this legal and how are you from an insurance point of view?
A second question is in relation to the commercial SUVs, I know of an individual that has the SUV in the company and taxed as commercial in the company for €333, but the insurance has remained private. Is this correct?
Thanks,
Richard in Waterford
Richard Tobin (Waterford)May 2020 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Richard,
The phrase ‘can of worms’ springs to mind. In general, a car can be registered to a company, and taxed and insured by the company, and still used by an individual for social, domestic and pleasure use. That’s how company cars work, obviously, but equally obviously there’s a Benefit-in-Kind tax liability to be paid. So it’s possible that your friend with the Land Cruiser is trying to avoid paying BIK.
In the case of the SUV, in theory a car that’s taxed as a commercial cannot be used for personal, social, domestic, or pleasure driving and there’s a fine to be paid if you’re caught displaying incorrect tax. Now, we should state at this point that we’re neither legal nor tax experts, and that the people you’re talking about could be operating entirely above board, and we’re not going to cast any aspersions on anyone.
Of course, this is Ireland and as we know, we don’t like sticking to the rules...
Is the Volkswagen Up suitable for me?
Hi there,
I'm looking to buy a newer car than my 2007 1.2 Renault Clio. I spend roughly half the week in a small city and the other half in a small country village, about 25 minutes from the nearest town. I do a short motorway trip about twice a week. I'd love something like a Volkswagen Up, but am worried this would be too small and lack enough power for my amount of driving, which is roughly 21,000km per year.
What would you advise?
Many thanks, Eimear.
Eimear Molloy (Kilkenny/Waterford)May 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Eimear,
I’m happy to report that you’re wrong — the Up (and the equivalent Skoda and SEAT versions) is one of those small car’s that’s oddly good on the motorway. OK, with 60hp you’re not going to be winning any Grands Prix, but it’s entirely adequate, keeps up with other traffic and is pretty decently economical too. Indeed, it’s probably a better bet than buying a basic Clio or similarly-sized car, which will be bigger and heavier but won’t necessarily be that much more powerful.
My Fiat 500C's stop-start is playing up...
Hi,
I have a 2012 Fiat 500c manual. Over the past year, the stop-start has intermittently stopped working, warning light comes on saying stop-start not available and a yellow triangle. The last few months is has been happening more often, now warning light on constantly. I had the battery checked and it was 80 per cent. Charged battery and today warning light was on constantly for six miles, drove again and stop-start worked or at least no warning light for about a mile, then on again, tried quickly turning key in ignition 6 to 10 times and warning light stayed off for another 1/2 mile or so then back on, had a hose replaced in February from radiator and it started to say unavailable about middle of March. It's not affecting driving any other way just really annoying, don't know if a new battery will fix it. Fiat dealers are closed at the moment due to COVID-19 or I would have taken it for a diagnostic test.
Hope I've made sense.
Wendy Armson (Brierley Hill)Apr 2020 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Wendy,
We get a lot of queries from people with cars that have stop-start issues. We've published this article to help: Why won't my car's stop-start system work?
Saying all that, we also know that the Fiat 500's engine can develop a couple of issues that may be relevant to you, including a problem with the alternator belt tension (and hence battery recharging when on the move) and another with the engine control unit.
Sadly, unless you're comfortable with checking the alternator belt for yourself, these items will have to be checked by a mechanic.
Which big car for a growing family?
Hi guys,
I love your website and the reviews are great.
I have a family of two girls under three with third child due in two months! We have a Kia Sportage that is full with two baby car seats and have no space for a third. We have the need to upgrade. Currently considering the Volvo XC90 as it seems to have the best third-row option - I really can't see myself driving a Galaxy... We have been looking at 2016/2018 models.
Are we better off waiting and seeing what happens? Any advice on what you would recommend would be great - open to suggestions.
Thanks
Colm Fuller (Dublin)Apr 2020 Filed under: family car
Expert answer
Hi Colm,
Well, in terms of ’seeing what happens’, how long have you got? The first thing I’d say is that you shouldn’t rule out cars like the Galaxy, the SEAT Alhambra, the VW Sharan and especially the Ford S-Max. I know MPVs are not as fashionable as SUVs, but when you’ve got kids to haul around, they really do make a huge amount of sense. Plus, if you were to go for the S-Max, you’d be getting a car that’s brilliant to drive, too. Get it in a smart metallic colour with nice alloys and it looks good, as well.
If you’re determined to get an SUV, then yes — the XC90 is probably the best of them, and reliable too. The Hyundai Santa Fe is well worth a look as well (although its third row isn’t as roomy as that of the Volvo’s) as is the Kia Sportage (one of our favourite SUVs, actually).
But seriously, go for the S-Max.
How to renew my UK licence?
I had a crash with another two months ago, driving licence lost, DVLA find me £80 for driving without it. It was a plastic licence that was three years old. Can I apply for another? I think they know I had the crash. No-one hurt in the accident.
DAVID BRIDGEHOUSE (FAILSWORTH, MANCHESTER)Mar 2020 Filed under: driving licence
Expert answer
Hi David,
OK, slightly tricky territory here, and it depends on where you live — in Northern Ireland or in the rest of the UK, as there are two different procedures for replacing a lost licence, you can find more details here: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/replacing-your-driving-licence and here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-online-to-replace-a-driving-licence. The bigger problem might be your insurance when it comes to sorting out this accident. Unless you can show that you had applied for a replacement licence before the accident took place, the fact that you were driving without a current licence that could be shown to a police officer within seven days might affect how your insurer views the claim.
How to stop my Captur from beeping?!
How to turn off overspeed alarm buzz in my 2015 Renault Captur? It starts beeping after 120km/h and the sound continues every 30 seconds, the car beeping for 10 seconds.
Haytham ALNAHHAL (Harrisburg)Mar 2020 Filed under: electrics
Expert answer
Hi Haytham,
Sounds to us that your car has the Overspeed Alert system, which tells the driver when they are breaking the local speed limit. If your car has a button near the middle screen that looks like a road with broken lines down the middle, you can directly access the Driving Assitance menu and alter or disable this system. Alternatively, look for the settings menu entitled Vehicle and then something like 'Speed alert settings.'
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