We're looking for a good seven-seater.
Hi, we're looking for a seven-seater where we could potentially fit three car seats across the back seat. We currently have a Nissan Qashqai, which we love. A friend recommended a Volkswagen Touran, but says it feels a bit boxy to drive - but that might be the case with all seven-seaters? Our budget is €30k net of trade in (04 Ford Fiesta).
Happy to buy new or consider up to two years' old.
Thanks
Rosalind O'Brien (Dublin)Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Rosalind,
If you go for the current Touran (which launched two years ago) then no, it's not boxy to drive at all. Rather good in fact. The new Renault Scenic is also quite nice to drive, and if you go up a size, the Ford S-Max is actually slightly nicer to drive than the Mondeo that it's based on. Here are a few reviews for your interest:
Looking for something fun and petrol...
Hey guys, looking to upgrade from a 2008 Honda Civic Type S for something a little more comfortable for long journeys but still quite fun and cool. Any advice?
I abhor diesel engines and any help is appreciated!
Peter White (Mayo)Jun 2017 Filed under: performance
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
If you want a mix of fun, comfort and not diesel, it’s kind of hard to beat a Volkswagen Golf GTI. Superb performance, practical and comfy cabin and 45mpg if you drive it gently.
Other good options are a MINI Cooper (a touch noisy on longer journeys, but with very good seats), a Ford Fiesta ST (hands down the best hot hatch currently on sale, but perhaps lacking a little in comfort), or a Peugeot 308 in GT spec with the 130hp 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine.
Ford Fiesta 1.2 or Peugeot 208?
142 Ford Fiesta 1.2 or 151 Peugeot 208 1.2? Both have high mileage. Asking the same money. Which is best, in your opinion?
Tom Nelson (Maynooth)Jan 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Tom,
Both are good cars, but we’d say the Fiesta has a slight edge in terms of quality and of driving experience.
is the new Hyundai i20 a good car?
Hi, I would like to know if the Hyundai i20 is a good car to buy in 1.2 petrol guise (new), or should I stick to the Fiesta, Corsa, Polo etc? My commute is 21km dual carriageway. Would the petrol be ok or should I look at the diesel?
Peter O'Shea (Mallow, Cork)Dec 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
With a short commute like that, you’re definitely better off with petrol and the Hyundai i20 is a fine car – roomy and well made and quite good to drive. Here are some of our reviews to help you decide:
Ford Fiesta or Renault Clio for reliability?
Hi,
Looking for a reliable small car; thinking of Ford Fiesta or Renault Clio with a petrol engine; which is more durable?
John.
John Scanlon (Dublin)Nov 2016 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi John,
It probably depends what year you’re talking about, but if you mean the current models then I’d say there’s not an awful lot in it in reliability terms. I’d suggest that the Fiesta will just shade the Clio in overall reliability but there won’t be a huge difference. If we’re talking much older versions, then it’s the Fiesta by miles.
Correct tyre pressure for my Ford Fiesta?
What is the correct tyre pressure or a Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCi manufactured in 2004?
Paul Codd (Morden)Nov 2016 Filed under: tyres
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
It depends on the wheels, but assuming you have a 175/65 14-inch tyre, then you need 31psi of pressure on the front tyres and 26psi for the rears.
Thinking of replacing my Polo with a Fiesta...
Hi, I currently have a 2003 Volkswagen Polo, 1.2 65hp. I am thinking of trading it in and getting a Ford Fiesta. Is it as reliable as the Polo? Also, is the base 1.25 60hp engine enough for a car that is heavier and bigger than my Polo?
Tim Singleton (Banteer, Cork)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Tim,
The Fiesta should be mostly as reliable as the Polo. In extremis, I'd say the Polo will still have a slight edge overall in terms of quality, but as long as you buy a Fiesta with a full service history and look after it properly it should be fine. The base 60hp engine is very slow though, so unless all of your driving is in town, we'd suggest upgrading to the 82hp version.
How much to tax a 141 Ford Fiesta petrol?
How much to tax a 141 Ford Fiesta petrol for the year?
Breda Markey (Dublin)Sep 2016 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Breda,
It depends which version you mean, but assuming it’s a 60hp 1.25-litre model then it has CO2 emissions of 120g/km so will cost €200 a year to tax.
How much VRT on a 2015 Fiesta diesel?
Any idea how much VRT I will pay on a 2015 Ford Fiesta Zetec 1.5 diesel?
John Brennan (Kilrush Co.clare)Jul 2016 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi John,
Well, it depends of course on what Revenue decides the Open Market Selling Price is (and there's usually no predicting on that score...), but they seem to be worth around €15,000 on the Irish market, so with 98g/km and 15 per cent VRT, that suggests a payment of around €2,250.
How do you rate the Ford Fiesta 1.4 diesel?
I am thinking of buying a 2008 Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCi. How do you rate that engine and do they give much trouble?
Martin Doyle (Portlaoise)Jul 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
There are a couple of things to check - that engine needs a lower auxiliary belt change at around 120,000km so make sure that's been done. You need to be watchful for the diesel particulate filter clogging up and the return pipes for the fuel injectors can leak, so if there's a strong smell of diesel when you lift the bonnet, those will need replacing.