What small new car should I go for?
I am thinking of trading in my 2011 Nissan Micra (it has an NCT until 2017) for either a new (152) car or a 142 model. The shortlist of cars are: Hyundai i10, Peugeot 208, Renault Clio and maybe the Toyata Yaris or Skoda Fabia. However, the new bigger Ford Ka is due by December 2015 in the UK and 2016 here. Should I wait for the Ka?
Jacqueline Lynch (Dublin)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Jacqueline,
I wouldn't wait for the Ka. It's being designed primarily for Asian and low-cost markets, so it probably won't be the most refined, comfortable or high-tech. That's perhaps jumping the gun on the review a bit, but it's certainly likely to be the case. Of the cars you've listed I'd say the Hyundai i10 and Skoda Fabia are the standouts. They're quite different cars (the i10 is significantly smaller than the Skoda), but both are excellent to drive, well-made, reliable and offer excellent value. Have a try of both, and see which one suits your needs, size-wise, better.
Further reading:
What will we upgrade our Opel Corsa to?
We have an Opel Corsa and need something higher in the same price range. What do you recommend?
Kathleen Mcfadden (Dublin)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Kathleen,
When you say higher, do you mean an SUV or an MPV? Either way, you're going to have to spend more. In the world of automotive pricing, extra height equals extra cash.
If it's an MPV you fancy, try a Citroen C3 Picasso (especially the attractive Code Edition) or a Hyundai ix20. Or the more expensive Opel Meriva if you fancy staying with the Opel family.
Opel has an equally good small SUV, the Mokka although if funds allow it's best to buy new and get the new 1.6 diesel version. Other good small SUV options are a Peugeot 2008 or MINI Countryman.
What's the towing capacity of the Hyundai Santa Fe?
What is the towing capacity of a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe EX 4WD with the 2.2 diesel engine?
Charles Alken (Dublin)Mar 2015 Filed under: towing
Expert answer
Hi Charles,
For the seven-seat model it's up to 2,500kg with a braked trailer or 750kg with an unbraked one.
Kia Picanto or Hyundai i10?
I am looking at a 2009 Hyundai i10 and a 2010 Kia Picanto. The Hyundai has 8,000 less mileage than the Picanto but then the Picanto is a year younger. Mileage on both is low. There is two years' warranty left on the Picanto, which is a plus. Is there anything that I should be aware of in connection with these two cars?
Martina McCarthy (Co Cork)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Martina,
Neither car suffers from any major recurring mechanical maladies, although both can develop minor electrical system issues, especially with the stereos.
Being as they're basically the same car, it's entirely down to personal preference as to which one you should go for. As the Kia still has warranty left to run, that would be a good bet but check with the Hyundai's seller - there may be a warranty option there too.
Can you review the 2011 Opel Antara?
What do you think of the 2011 Opel Antara?
Damian Deegan (Dublin)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Damian,
It's an Eamon Dunphy car - it's not great. Comfy, reasonably spacious and with decent reliability, but there are better SUVs out there. Try a Honda CR-V or Hyundai Santa Fe before you buy.
Help me spend €24,000 on a new car!
Hi, I bought my present car, a Mitsubishi Space Star 1.3 GLX petrol new 15 years ago, so it's long overdue replacing. Trouble is I haven't got a clue about choosing a new car and I need your advice.
The max price I wish to pay is €24,000 so I'm also chasing the best scrappage deal. I had a drive in the Hyundai ix35 and I like it but it has its drawbacks. However, the Nissan Qashqai is a non-contender for me as it has only an emergency spare wheel and the fifth passenger has to sit like riding a donkey with the big centre console protruding from the front.
What do you think I should go for? I'm thinking of looking at the Kia Sportage and Kia cee'd, but also the Nissan Pulsar and Peugeot 3008. I would be grateful for your advice.
Kind regards, Anto.
Anthony Kavanagh (Kilkenny)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Anthony,
The Pulsar or the cee'd would be the most sensible choices and both fall well within your budget. Both are reliable and decent to drive, and the Kia's not bad looking either. In fact, I reckon you should go for the estate version of the cee'd - it's one of the nicest, comfiest and most practical cars around.
Further reading to help you decide:
Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai ix35 or Kia Sportage?
I had a test drive in the 1.5 diesel Nissan Qashqai, the 1.7 diesel Hyundai ix35 and the 1.7 Kia Sportage, all new; I want to get one but which is the best value for money and also the best resale?
Cheers
Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Jerry,
All three will have excellent resale values, but I'd say the Hyundai has a nose in front in that regard, as it's a big-selling model and the five-year warranty makes it a desirable second hand purchase.
Of the three, the Nissan is probably the best all-rounder when it comes to driving, the Hyundai is bigger and more spacious and the Kia is better looking (matter of opinion, I realise). It's worth noting though that both the Korean cars are up for replacement shortly wheras the Nissan is brand new and has more cutting edge technology.
Further reading:
Toyota Auris or Hyundai i30?
Hi, could you tell me how much I should expect to get on a trade in on a 20007 Toyota Corolla? I want to go for a diesel; what do you think of a Toyota Auris or Hyundai i30?
Feb 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Eilish,
You should make around €6,500 to €7,000 on a trade in, assuming it's in top condition and has a full service history. If you're used to a Corolla, then the Auris will feel pretty familiar and it's not a bad car at all - comfy, spacious and very economical. The i30 feels a touch more sophisticated though, and is a little sweeter to drive.
Further reading:
How much should I ask for my Hyundai Santa Fe?
Hi!
I would like to sell my 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0L petrol with 100k miles and fully serviced. Not sure what would be the right price to ask for? And what can I hope for if I want to trade in?
Thanks for your help.
Joe Apostol (Galway)Feb 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
The bad news is that 2-05 Santa Fes go for as little as €2,500, which means if you were trading it in you'd probably be offered as little as €1,000 to €1,500.
The good news is that yours has a full service history, which really helps, so I'd say your Santa Fe sits a bit higher up the value pile. If it's in perfect nick you might get €4,500 privately or around €3,000 to €3,500 on a trade in.
Nissan Qashqai or Hyundai Tucson?
1.5-litre diesel 2008 Nissan Qashqai or 2.0-litre diesel Hyundai Tuscon?
Feb 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Eva,
Actually, these are two quite different cars - the Tucson is a heftier vehicle. If we were comparing new Hyundai ix35 with new Qashqai then I'd have to give the nod to the Qashqai, but in the case of these older versions, I think the Hyundai just might shade it. It's bigger inside, with more space in the back seats and boot than the first generation Qashqai.
