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.
When do I change my Ford Focus timing belt?
Does my 2008 Ford Focus Titanium Estate 1.6 TDCi have a timing belt? If so, when should it be changed?
Jorg Lenk (Clonmel)Apr 2016 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Jorg,
Yes it does and the recommended change interval is 125,000 miles (210,000km) or every 10 years.
Can I retrofit Bluetooth to my Skoda?
Hi there, do you know if I can get factory Bluetooth fitted retrospectively on a 2012 Skoda estate and if so who would do it?
Thanks,
Karen
Karen Cahill (Naas)Mar 2016 Filed under: Bluetooth
Expert answer
Hi Karen,
We asked Skoda Ireland about this for you and such a kit does indeed exist. It costs €176 plus VAT from your Skoda dealer and all fitted it should be under €300 + VAT. Contact your local Skoda dealer to confirm the availability and pricing. Full list of Skoda dealers here.
Can I fit three boosters in back of an E-Class?
Can I fit three booster seats in the rear of a 2010-12 Mercedes-Benz E 250 CDI?
Pat Hopkins (Crossmolina Mayo Ireland)Mar 2016 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Pat,
It depends on the seats you're using and how old your kids are. I'd suspect you may struggle, but it's worth going down for a test-drive mob-handed, with the kids and their seats, and see if you can all fit. If not, a good idea is to track down a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate with the pop-up seats in the boot. Seven seats without the MPV misery.
Would a small new estate suit us?
We have two small kids. We live in the city but like to go camping in the summer. Can you recommend a car suitable for city driving but still with enough room to carry camping equipment? We currently have a Mazda5 diesel, but the DPF gives us trouble due to us doing mainly short journeys. I was thinking of a petrol estate such as Fabia Combi or a petrol Corolla. Any suggestions please ?
Ray Mehigan (Limerick)Feb 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Ray,
The new Fabia Combi might well be worth looking at as the boot is absolutely enormous, but you may find the back seats a little tight as the kids get bigger. A Toyota Auris Touring Sports estate would certainly make a good buy - roomy and hugely reliable and Toyota's old 1.4-litre petrol engine has always been a good unit. Also worth looking at the Kia cee'd Sportwagon or Skoda Octavia Combi.
Relevant reviews:
Audi A6 Avant or Volkswagen Passat Estate?
Hi there,
I am currently looking at buying either a Volkswagen Passat Comfortline Estate 2.0 TDI (2013) or an Audi A6 Avant 2.0 TDI (2013). The price difference is around €8k/€9k. Which is the better buy all round?
Thanks
Patrick Malone (Dublin)Feb 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
Well, the Passat is definitely better value - and it's only a little less spacious than the Audi. But you are trying to compare two quite different cars - one a regular family car, one a premium executive model. It depends on what you want more; value for money or something more prestigious and luxurious. Both are excellent cars though - reliable and nice to drive.
Should we go for a new Kia Sportage?
I was wondering if it would be a wise move to trade in our old Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate 1.8 petrol for the brand new Kia Sportage 1.7 diesel. I was very impressed by the high spec model in the showroom.
Mary Bruton (Dublin)Feb 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
It could well be a good idea. If you like the looks and the cabin of the Sportage, there's no questioning that it's a sensible, reliable and frugal car. Well priced too. Read our Kia Sportage review here.
Have you a review of the Skoda Superb Combi?
Hello,
Do you have a review of the 2016 Skoda Superb Combi L&K?
Eric Walsh (Dublin)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Eric,
We've not driven the new Superb estate in L&K guise as yet, but read our review of the Skoda Superb Combi from the international launch and you'll get a good feel for it we think, as the test cars were well-specified.
Should I go for a Saab 9-3 estate?
I am looking at a second hand Saab 9-3 Ttid estate from 2011. Should I be worried by the fact that Saabs are no longer in production for parts etc?
Richard Gelletlie (Wicklow)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Richard,
No, because there are plenty of Saab specialists still supplying parts, so you'll be able to get them - albeit at a price. The worry is reliability. While the 9-3 always performed well in things like the JD Power survey, it's bigger brother the 9-5 was a reliability calamity. Check everything carefully and make sure it's been cared for properly.
Toyota Avensis Tourer or Mazda6 Estate?
2011 Toyota Avensis Estate vs 2011 Mazda6 Estate: what is your valued opinion here?
John Walsh (Wexford)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi John,
Both excellent - spacious, reliable, comfortable and reasonably frugal if you go for the diesels. The Avensis will be more economical overall, but the Mazda is much more enjoyable to drive and better equipped as standard. Head says Avensis, heart says Mazda.