Which used hybrids for under €35,000?
Hi,
Just wondering what are the top 5/10 second-hand hybrids that you'd would recommend buying on the Irish market? I would love to buy a full electric car, but where I live, no can do. I have up to €35,000 to spend.
Tommy Roberts (Templemore)May 2026 Filed under: hybrid
Expert answer
Hi Tommy,
You've not mentioned if you need a big car or not, but you could get into a nearly new Dacia Jogger for that budget if space and seating are a priority. We reckon it's a good car.
There are plenty of examples of the Ford Puma around as well, though that's more a 'mild hybrid' than a full hybrid.
If you don't need a huge vehicle, then an almost-new Peugeot 208 Hybrid could be a good bet as it would be under warranty for quite some time to come – and it's a lovely car in any case. You may even get into the new-look Peugeot 308 Hybrid actually, which is a nicer car again.
Same story with the Nissan Juke Hybrid in terms of size. Quirky but very likeable.
If you want something bigger, and you're willing to go back a few years, you'll find hybrid versions of the Hyundai Tucson in budget, which is a great car.
Let us know if we're on the right track if you want help narrowing things down further, but either way, the best advice we can give you is to go and test drive as many cars as possible for yourself.
Which hybrid SUV for €30,000?
What hybrid car would you recommend for a budget of €30k and a minimum year of 2024? Preferably an SUV or a premium car.
Carol (Cork)May 2026 Filed under: hybrid
Expert answer
Hi Carol,
You'll struggle to get a premium-badge model from 2024 on for that budget so we'll focus on hybrid SUVs instead, which are plentiful.
In fact, if the year really matters to you, there are even a few new-car options open to you, including the Dacia Duster and MG ZS.
Go back to 2025 and others to consider are the Nissan Juke and Ford Puma, or you may find the more spacious Renault Arkana as well.
If size matters, you will probably have to go back to 2024, and an excellent choice would be the Nissan Qashqai e-Power, or even the Hyundai Kona Hybrid if you can find one.
Here are our reviews of those cars to help you decide, but do come back to us if you need help in narrowing things down further, and always take the time to test drive as many cars as you can yourself:
Do Ford diesels have wet belts?
Does the 2022 Ford Puma Titanium Ecoblue diesel 1.5have a wet belt? I've heard Ford had a problem with these before. Also, can you tell me if wet belts were used in the 2015 Ford Fiesta TDCi Titanium diesel?
Marie Cahill (ENNISCORTHY)Feb 2025 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Marie,
I can confirm that those cars' engines do not have wet timing belts - they are traditional 'dry' belts instead. I believe the issues you mentioned relate to Ford's EcoBoost petrol engines only.
Looking for a small SUV for my business...
Hi there,
I was thinking of buying a commercial vehicle for work. I am a physiotherapist and do a lot of work outside my clinic premises (football games, home visits, nursing home etc). Are there any commercial vehicles that I could consider? I am not sure I want a pickup, but more a commercial SUV type.
Thanks in advance
Ruth Allen (ENNISCORTHY)Jul 2020 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Ruth,
There are lots of good choices for commercial SUVs. If you wanted something really swish, you could go for a Land Rover Discovery Commercial, but it’s a bit pricey. Smaller and more affordable is the Nissan Qashqai van, which is also pretty decent to drive. There’s also the Hyundai Kona Commercial, or if you’re feeling really futuristic, the Kona Commercial Electric. But actually, to be honest, your best bet might be to just buy a compact crossover, most of which are already pretty affordable, spacious (if you fold the back seats down) and which mostly have lower annual motor tax than the flat-rate €333 commercial van tax anyway. We’d suggest starting your shopping list with either the new Ford Puma or, if you’re really looking for bargains, the Dacia Duster. Some of our reviews to help you choose:
VW T-Cross, Skoda Kamiq or Suzuki Vitara?
Looking at VW T-Cross, Skoda Kamiq or Suzuki Vitara... which would you recommend?
Mary Bane (Ennis)Jun 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
Of the three, it’s probably the T-Cross that we prefer. It is more expensive than the Skoda, but makes up for that by feeling rather more stylish and a little more engaging to drive. Both are very good, though. The Vitara is decent, and solid, but feels a little too cheap in the cabin these days, which does hold it back. Incidentally, if you’re buying new and you’re in the small crossover market, you should also look at the new Ford Puma — it’s the best car in the class by far. Here are our reviews to help you decide:
Ford Fiesta Active or new Puma?
I am looking at getting a new car, something easy to get into. I have aFord Fiesta automatic (disabled driver) so was looking at an Active model or saving up a bit and going for the Puma (which I like the look of). Both will have to be automatic. Am looking at Fords first before I look at options.
Emmet K (Westmeath)Mar 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Emmet,
To be honest, the difference in height between the Fiesta and the Fiesta Active is pretty minimal and so it’s probably not worth the trade-up. The Puma, though, is a different story entirely. Again, in terms of height, the difference isn’t huge, but the Puma’s interior and boot are much larger than that of the Fiesta, and added to which it’s even more entertaining to drive. In fact, it’s one of our favourite cars of the year thus far, so we’d say go for it. Well worth also considering the likes of the new Renault Captur, the Peugeot 2008 and the Skoda Kamiq too.
What should I be looking out for when buying a Ford Puma?
Hello, I am thinking of buying a Ford Puma 1.4. Is there anything to check for in this model?
Niall Mc Bride (Arklow)Oct 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Niall,
Mechanically, there's not much to worry about here. Pumas were made before the explosion in complicated electronics so there is simply less to go wrong, and the 1.4- and 1.7-litre (later replaced by a 1.6-litre) engines were all designed by Yamaha, so they're very robust indeed. Likewise gearboxes. Just make sure there's a service book full of stamps and that the oil has been regularly changed and you should be fine. The Puma's weak point is its suspension, which is prone to being knocked out of true. Look for signs of uneven tyre wear and listen carefully for knocking or clonking noises. Make sure the brakes are in good nick too as they can wear out rather easily.