2007 Toyota Yaris or 2007 Volkswagen Polo?
I am looking at a 2007 Toyota Yaris 1.0-litre Terra with 23,000km or a 2007 Volkswagen Polo 1.2 Comfortline with 20,000km. Both can be had for €8,000 cash. It is a first car for my daughter. Which one should I buy?
Chris Fox (Dublin)Oct 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Chris.
The price sounds about right for both cars at that mileage. You would pay quite a bit less if you got something with higher mileage. But that aside I would normally say that you should go for the Polo because it feels a little more substantial and might have a bit more street credibility for your daughter. However, with the Yaris you are still getting the current model, while there is a newer version of the Polo so for the time being it will hold its value a little better I'd expect.
Obviously, safety will be an important consideration, and the Yaris scored higher in the Euro NCAP safety tests, achieving five stars compared to the Polo's four, so perhaps a reason to choose the Yaris.
Toyota Yaris NCAP result
Volkswagen Polo NCAP result
Hope that helps.
What's the Mercedes-Benz Viano like?
Can you tell me anything about the reliability and safety of the Mercedes-Benz Viano? NCAP results are from a test on the 2008 model and we are looking at an 06 or 07. Also I've read about recalls on the Viano so wondering if they are likely to cause trouble or what should be check before buying. Thanks very much!
Leah Donnelly (Dublin)Jul 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Leah,
We're awaiting confirmation from Mercedes-Benz, but we believe that there are few differences between the 2006 and the 2008 Viano tested by the Euro NCAP.
With regards to recalls, it's not unusual for a car to be recalled by any means. What's important is that you check with Mercedes-Benz that the Viano you are interested in has had all relevant recall work carried out already. Here is a list of the recalls for the Viano for your information:
2004:
- Mounting issue for the foot-operated parking brake.
- Engine software problem leading to reduced engine speeds.
2005:
- Brake pedal and master cylinder securing clip.
2006:
- Potential fuel leak.
- Electrical short circuit issue.
- Airbag faults.
2007:
- Fuel leak issues again.
2008:
- More issues with fuel leaks.
- Brake master cylinder replacement.
- Electronics fault.
2009:
- Side airbag issue.
- Parking brake issue.
Please remember that not all Vianos sold in Ireland will be affected by all recalls. Best thing to do is to check the registration of the car you are interested in with Mercedes-Benz.
Let us know if we can be of more help.
We need a large seven seater with boot space.
We are looking for a seven or eight seater MPV for a family with four small kids so we will be using four rear seats daily and often five. Worried that the standard seven seaters don't have enough boot space with all seats in use. Driving in the city mostly so wary of large minibus type vehicles. Also safety and reliability are priorities.
Our budget is about €25K (less if possible!). We are changing from a large estate so are used to a large boot, hence most of the seven seaters I've looked at just don't measure up in terms of boot space.
What would you recommend? Thanks
Patricia McGuire (Dublin)Jun 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Patricia,
You're right, most seven-seat MPVs have tiny boots when all seven seats are in use. One car that springs to mind straightaway is the Renault Grand Espace. This has a little more luggage space than the regular Espace. We found one on beepbeep.ie for well under your budget: click here to have a look.
You mentioned that you don't like the idea of a minibus style car, but it's worth checking a few out. The Mercedes-Benz Viano can be had for your budget for instance.
Safety and reliability are your priorities. The Espace scored well in the Euro NCAP safety ratings when it was launched and though there were reliability issues early in its life, these seem to have been ironed out by now.
I realise that's a very limited response. It might be worth considering using a roof box. That would widen your choice a little.
Let me know if we can help any further and what you decide upon. You can reply by logging in and putting a comment in the box below.
How does the Toyota Verso stack up?
Hi,
In relation to a family car, I see you have high praise for the Qashqai+2. How would a 2009 Toyota Verso compare in terms of space, safety, price, etc? Many thanks and good luck with the site.
Brian Keane (Dublin 16)
May 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
The reason we have talked about the Qashqai+2 a lot of late is that there seems to be quite a few people asking us about seven seats, but not really wanting an MPV. The Verso is an MPV, so as such is usually compared to its main rivals such as the Ford C-MAX and Renault Scenic.
Compared to the Qashqai+2, the Verso comes with a 2.0-litre diesel engine and the Qashqai+2 usually comes with a 1.5-litre diesel engine. The Verso has more power with 125hp against 104hp in the Qashqai+2. The Verso has faster acceleration (about two seconds faster to 100km/h from rest) and in terms of fuel economy the Verso again is slightly more frugal. The CO2 emissions in are both Band C, with road tax of €302. However the new Qashqai+2 does drop a tax band to Band B.
Both cars have five-star Euro NCAP safety ratings and come with multiple airbags. ESP (electronic stability control) is standard fit on both cars too. The rear-most row of seats would be more generous in the Verso compared to the Qashqai+2 even though they share an almost identical wheelbase. There is also more shoulder room in the second and third row of seats.
In terms of price, a 2009 Verso will cost you about €25,000 - €27,000, while a new Qashqai+2 will cost you from €30,450 for a new one and about €26,000 - €27,000 for a 2009 model.
Both have pretty poor luggage space with the rear-most seats in place, but loads with the third row folded, so it depends how often you intend using the seats.
I hope this helps.