Looking to buy a 2016 or 2017 SUV...
I'm looking to buy a 2016 or 2017 SUV, 1.6 to 1.7 diesel, Manual gearbox with cruise control. I'm not too bothered by my most other factors, other than a decent comfortable motorway drive with good fuel economy. Can you advise which are the most fuel efficient SUVs for motorway driving in Ireland within this range? Currently, I'm considering a Kia Sportage or Honda CR-V or Hyundai Tucson.
Thanks, Paul
Paul Keyes (Dublin)Jan 2018 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
The Hyundai or Kia will be more efficient than the 1.6 i-DTEC Honda, but only just and at the expense of a considerable amount of performance — the Honda feels much brisker and is more comfortable than the other two as well. In that size range, it’s also well worth considering the VW Tiguan, especially the current-shape model, which is very frugal in 2.0-litre 115hp form. Some reviews below to help you decide:
I need a tiny car with a huge boot...
Hi guys, do you have any quick tips on a small enough hatch with a big boot? I need to use split seats to lock a road bike into the car. For security it needs to be in the car for a while. I can just about do it in a Hyundai i10, but it’s a real squeeze. I fold down the bigger seat split, push the passenger seat forward and in it goes but it’s very tricky. Hoping to do the same with something slightly bigger and easier! Tiny hatch with a shiny modern cockpit and a cavern for a boot anyone?
Cheers!
Richie
Richie Daly (Waterford)Jan 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Richie,
Not often we get a question with such a straightforward answer, but in this case it’s easy: get a Skoda Fabia Combi. It has a massive 530-litre boot (expanding to 1,395 litres when you fold the seats), but is still pretty compact on the outside. Plus the cabin is classy and comfy and it’s perfectly nice to drive. Your budget won’t quite stretch to a new one, but a year-to-18-month one should be well inside your reach.
Suzuki Swift or Hyundai i10?
Which car is better for easy and safey driving for a new learned driver: the Suzuki Swift or Hyundai i10?
Sai Ram (Srikakulam)Dec 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Sai,
Both are good from the point of view of being reliable, simple, affordable and easy to drive, but of the two, we’d go for the Swift as it has much sharper, more reactive steering that will give you a much better idea of what’s happening at the front wheels. It's also a little more spacious inside and technically competes with the Hyundai i20. Read our reviews here for more information:
We need a reliable family car for two kids...
Hi there,
We are starting to look for a good reliable family car suitable for two young children as our journeys now require a lot more space for everything. I know the estates are probably the most practical, but not our preferred choice so if possible could you recommend more compact options with the best interior space?
We were considering the following: Nissan Quashqai - which is best spec? Renault Kadjar - is it reliable however? Skoda Octavia? Any options from Toyota or Hyundai? Reliability is very important. Your thoughts on the above would be really appreciated.
I also note that most, the Kadjar in particular, are available mostly in diesel. Our mileage is probably around 15,000km a year. Would we be ok with a diesel option?
Many thanks
Mark Yeates (Srikakulam)Dec 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
Yes, estates are definitely the most practical, and generally offer a lower purchase price and lower running costs than an equivalent SUV or crossover. They tend to have bigger boots, too. The best Qashqai spec is generally SV or SVE, which come with the touchscreen, air conditioning and some other nice toys. The Kadjar is essentially mechanically identical to the Qashqai, so should be fine from a reliability front.
The Skoda Octavia Combi estate would probably be the best overall bet for you. The rear seats and boot are massive and very kid-friendly, and they’re reliable. With your mileage, you’re probably better off with a petrol engine, so go for a 1.2 TSI for the best overall value.
It’s well worth looking at a Toyota Auris Estate too — it's huge inside and virtually unbreakable. Worth considering the hybrid as well. Hyundai is also well worth a look. The Tucson makes a good SUV option, and the i40 Tourer estate is a terrific car, but you’ll struggle to find anything other than a diesel. Here are a few reviews for further reading:
New Mazda2, Fiesta, Dacia or Hyundai i20?
I'm buying a new car... it's between a Mazda2, Ford Fiesta, Dacia Sandero Stepway or Hyundai i20. Which one should I choose or have you a better option?
Thanks
Darragh Limerick
Darragh Madden (Limerick )Nov 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Darragh,
I think it comes down to a straight choice between the Fiesta and the Mazda, with the Mazda edging it slightly on the basis of it being better-built and more reliable. The Sandero is fine if all you want is something cheap, but then the Stepway version makes no sense because it’s just a more expensive Sandero with stick-on plastic bits. The i20 is a good outside choice though — very spacious, roomy, and well-made, but you need to upgrade to the 1.0-litre turbo engine for it to be a good choice. Here are a few reviews of those cars for further reading:
Which car for my graduating daughter?
I’m looking for best all round, safest, reliable car for my daughter (22-25 yrs) who will be needing a car once she graduates from university. I’m torn between the Skoda Fabia, Toyota Yaris, Hyundai i20, Suzuki Swift or Opel Corsa. All too confusing to make a wise decision...
Sharon Adderley (Sandy)Nov 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Sharon,
If it’s safety and reliability you’re looking for, choose from either the Yaris or the Fabia. They’re the safest bets in the car market in general, and certainly the strongest cars of the ones you’ve suggested. The Yaris, with its insurance-friendly 1.0-litre engine, is probably the best overall. Here are our reviews of each:
Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento?
Hi,
I'm getting a new company commercial SUV. I regularily drive remote country roads and am mainly based on site. I have the option between a Hyundai Santa Fe or a Kia Sorento with a budget of around €40k including VAT. Which would be the best to go for?
JP Heraty (Dublin)Oct 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi JP,
They’re basically the same car — same engine, gearbox, electronics etc, just with different bodies. Our preference comes down, slightly, on the side of the Kia, just because we prefer the styling and the interior, but you won’t go wrong with either. Here are our reviews:
When to change a Hyundai ix35's chain?
When does the timing chain on a Hyundai ix35 need changing?
Kevin McCarthy (Wexford )Sep 2017 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Kevin,
There is rarely ever such a thing as a scheduled timing chain replacement - they're designed to last the life of the engine. So long as you stick to recommended oil change schedules then we wouldn't expect the ix35's chain to stretch or wear excessively.
Cost to change Hyundai Tucson's belt?
What's the cost to change a Hyundai Tucson CRDi's timing belt? It's a 2.0-litre diesel.
T Quinn (Cork)Aug 2017 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Tom,
Every garage charges a different hourly rate, I'm afraid, so you're going to have to ring around. Assuming you mean the first generation Tucson (2004-2010), the estimated repair time varies from nearly three hours to six hours, as there was two different type of 2.0-litre diesel engine and whether the car is 2WD or 4WD also affects the time taken.
For reference, timing belt kits including the water pump can cost north of €200 from Micksgarage.com - again depending on the exact engine and model you have.
Verdict on the new Hyundai i30?
What's your verdict on the new Hyundai i30?
Declan Otoole (Dublin)Aug 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Declan,