Can you tell me about a new Lexus crossover?
Can you tell me anything please about the new Lexus hybrid small crossover due out in 2018 I think? I drive an Audi A4 and love it, but thinking of changing to Lexus so I can drive a hybrid.
Many thanks
Elizabeth Regan (Dublin)Jan 2018 Filed under: hybrid
Expert answer
Hi Lily,
We’ll very likely find out a good deal more about the new small Lexus crossover at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show, or failing that the Geneva show in March. Here’s what we know for now, though...
It will be called the Lexus UX, and the company has already trademarked the UX 250h badge for the hybrid version. That suggests it may use the 2.5-litre petrol engine and hybrid assistance found in the existing Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, but, as the UX will platform share with the smaller Toyota C-HR, it may be that it will get a higher performance version of that car’s 1.8-litre hybrid. Certainly, Toyota has been making noise about a higher performance version of the C-HR Hybrid so it’s likely that both models are being developed in tandem.
Which hybrids etc to look for new in 2018?
Currently driving a 142 Opel Insignia Sports Tourer 2.0-litre diesel with a view to upgrading in 2018. What hybrids/electric cars/SUVs are worth considering as an alternative, but will still give me the space I need as opposed to driving a box?
I mainly drive around my local town (Waterford) and surrounding areas during the week then at weekends I travel long distances going to hurling/rugby games in and around the Munster region.
Thanks
Ray
Ray Power (Waterford)Sep 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Ray,
If you fancy a hybrid, then the best current model is the Toyota Prius. Its looks may divide opinion, but it is exceptionally economical, even on a long motorway run, and it has a roomy, comfortable cabin. Read our Toyota Prius review here.
If you fancy something a little more prestigious, then how about the Lexus IS 300h? Not quite as spacious as the Opel you have, but with exceptional build quality, decent economy and terrific refinement. Read our Lexus IS 300h review here.
BMW”s 330e plugin hybrid is another good contender, as is Volkswagen’s Passat GTE, but they’re both quite pricey and work better in downtown than they do on the open road. As far as hybrid SUVs go, Toyota’s C-HR is lovely, but rather small inside, so it may be worth waiting for Honda to launch its new CR-V hybrid next year. More reviews for you:
Which hybrid saloon for up to €60,000?
Hi, what hybrid saloon car would you recommend with a budget of €50 -60k? How are residuals with hybrids doing?
Many thanks,
Paul from Carlow
Paul Duffin (Carlow)Sep 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
Residuals for hybrids probably depend slightly on where you live — if you’re in a major urban area, then they should be extremely good, in a rural area maybe slightly less so. Anyway, for that budget I’d unhesitatingly recommend the Lexus GS 300h. Smooth, silent, incredibly comfortable, beautifully made and utterly reliable. Hard to beat, really.
What will I replace my Saab 9-5 with?
Hi
I'm looking for a reliable and cheap to buy saloon or estate to replace a 10-year-old Saab 9-5. I'm thinking Saab again. Any advice on alternatives?
Many thanks, Dave.
David Doyle (Dublin)Sep 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi David,
One of the last of the 2010 Saab 9-5s could be a good purchase, but it's a bit tricky for us to get a handle on how reliable they are as so few were sold. We've always fancied one ourselves actually. Another good option, and not one of the obvious German saloons, is the Lexus GS, especially if your budget stretches to the newer GS 300h hybrid. The safest option would be a Honda Accord, which is reliable enough to out-live the Solar System, but if you like your Swedes then the Volvo S80 is a great buy - reliable, hugely comfortable, and temptingly cheap these days.
Which high car to replace my BMW coupe?
I have a bad back so a hard-riding low car is out as I already have one a BMW 4 Series. I need a nice smooth and interesting to drive alternative that is higher up.
Declan McEvoy (Portlaoise)Aug 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Declan,
Don’t get an X3 then — it has great seats, and is higher up, but has a ride every bit as hard as that of the 4 Series. Would you consider a Lexus? The NX SUV is really very comfy, and softer riding than most competitors, as is the Volvo XC60 (either the new model or the old one) as long as you avoid larger optional alloys and the R-Design pack.
Which luxury car for my chauffeur business?
Hi guys,
I'm in the market for a used car for my chauffeur business. Budget is low as with any business starting out so I've narrowed my choice down to these cars: 2007/8 Mercedes-Benz E-Class CDI 220/270/280, 2007/8 Lexus GS 450h/300, 2008 Audi A8 3.0-litre TDI or 2008/9 Jaguar XF diesel. I have a feeling that the Lexus is the most reliable, but also the most costly fuel wise and the boot is quite small for luggage too. I've been told the facelifted E-Class is very good and reliable as all issues where rectifified with the W211. I don't know too much about the Audi A8 or the Jaguar XF.
Any advice please?
Kev Dillon (Dublin)Jun 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Kev,
Yes, it's a tricky combination of things you need. Normally we'd say go for the Lexus and just enjoy the ultimate in reliability, but as you rightly point out, there's an issue with luggage space. With that in mind, I think the best bet is the Audi A8, which has masses of space in the cabin and boot and which should be, aside from the Lexus, the most overall reliable car in your list.
I'd like a sporty car from 142-152...
Hi guys,
I currently drive a late 2012 Audi A3 (new model three-door 2.0 TDI). It's a great car, but I'm in a position to upgrade and I want something that has a bit more oomph on the road and is a bit bigger. I have a good 45-minute commute each way to work and I have friends and family all over the country so I need a diesel for all the miles I'm covering.
I'm looking at purchasing second hand, probably cars registered from 142 - 152. I'd love a BMW 420d M Sport, but they can be pricey and I have heard from a few people that used BMWs can be far from reliable. I have considered sticking with Audi, but I have found that Audi cars from this time period (A4/A5) are a bit underpowered and poorly equipped for the money. Is there anything you can recommend? I find myself only looking at German manufacturers, but I can get over badge snobbery if I found something I really liked.
Thanks guys
Pearse
Pearse McDonagh (Waterford )May 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Pearse,
Would you consider a Lexus? A hybrid engined IS 300h saloon looks good, is good to drive, isn’t German, is frugal and will be so reliable you can pass it onto your grandkids.
Alternatively, a BMW 420d Coupe makes a great buy, and they’re not THAT bad on the reliability front, but it’s a good idea to buy one from a BMW main dealer, as it will come with a very comprehensive two-year warranty.
Well worth looking at a Mercedes C-Class C 220 d coupe too — not as slick looking as the BMW, but with great quality and a really lovely chassis. The Volkswagen CC (four-door coupe on a Passat chassis) is also well worth a look, and what about a Jaguar XF 2.2 diesel, which is a saloon, but looks slinky enough to be a coupe?
Which saloon to get with under €12,000?
Hi,
Looking to buy a second hand saloon car for under €12k. Do about 10-15k km per year. Decent sized engine, four doors and fuel efficient and wanted to buy something other than the usual boring Toyota or Nissan! Any advice?
Thanks Michael
Michael Doran (Dublin)Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
You've got a lot of options depending on the year and size of car you want. How about an Audi A4 2.0 TDI? Perhaps a BMW 520d? Something simpler? How about a Ford Mondeo 1.6 TDCi? Or a Volkswagen Jetta 2.0 TDI? A Mazda6? A Lexus GS? There's a whole world of choice out there for €12k.
Have you reviewed the Lexus IS 300h?
Have you got a review of the Lexus IS 300h?
Bob Allen (Ashbourne)Dec 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Bob,
Short version? The IS 300h is good looking, ultra reliable and comes with very low tax. Shortcomings are the strange CVT gearbox and less than sparkling acceleration. A viable diesel alternative though.
READ: Lexus IS 300h review
Looking for a car for around €10,000.
Looking for a car for around 10 grand. I have a 2005 Mazda3 1.6 petrol with 150k on the clock, which has never let me down, but I want a more powerful and comfortable car, which is reliable. I was looking at the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class diesel and also the 1.8 petrol, but my head is telling me to stay away; are they that unreliable? I am also looking at Mazda6 2.2 diesel and Lexus IS 2.2 diesel; what do you think of them?
The prices of diesel cars seem to be excessive when you look at the mileage a lot of them have; are thay worth it? I do about 12-15 thousand miles a year.
Michael Walsh (Mayo)Jul 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
I’d avoid the pre-2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class – it had no end of reliability issues. Your other two choices, the Mazda and the Lexus, make much more sense as both have excellent reliability. Both are also tremendously enjoyable to drive, and it’s worth keeping an eye out for a hybrid Lexus if your mileage is that low, and especially if most of your miles are in town.