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.
I have up to €7,000 to buy a car with low costs.
Hi,
I am planning to buy a used car manufactured in 2008 or 2009 and my budget for this is between €6,000 and €7,000. Please suggest a good sedan that is worth driving for a period of six to eight years from now. I am not a person who commutes long distances in my day to day life. Probably I may travel 25,000-30,000km per year. I am looking forward to buying a car with low maintenance cost and fuel economy.
Thanks. Sebastian J.
Sebastian J (Galway)Jun 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Sebastian,
OK, you have a few choices here. I’d say with that mileage you’re on the cusp of needing to buy a diesel to maximise your fuel economy, but your budget is a bit tight for most diesel saloons of that age. So, how about a BMW 318i? It’s petrol but the good news is that it’s quite economical (you should get 40mpg easily enough) and more reliable than the diesel 3 Series. Or you could try a Honda Civic IMA Hybrid saloon. There are quite a few of those around in your price range and if most of your miles are done in town, it would be ideal.
What do you think of the 2008 Lexus IS 250?
What do you think of the 2008 Lexus IS 250? I'm looking at one at the moment. Any issues with them?
Emma Sheridan (Dublin)May 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Emma,
Lovely, lovely car. Not the biggest in the back, to be sure, but sweet to drive, good looking and with a peachy 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine that you will honestly not be able to hear at tickover. I’d tell you what to watch for in terms of things going wrong, but apparently there are none. They just don’t seem to break as long as they’ve been serviced properly.
What's the old Lexus IS like?
What's your opinion of the 2005 Lexus IS 200 automatic? I'm thinking of buying one.
Regards, Joe in Dublin
Joe Boyle (Dublin)Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
It's a really, really lovely car with a peach of a 2.0-litre, six-cylinder engine and wonderful steering and handling. Just beware of a couple of things. A lot of so-called Lexus IS 200s are actually Japanese market Toyota Altezzas, which have been imported and rebadged, so make sure you’re getting an original Irish (or at least UK) market Lexus. Secondly, they tend to fall into the hands of the boy-racer brigade, so if it has out-size wheels or a dustbin-sized exhaust, avoid like the plague as it could have been thrashed and/or crashed.
Other than that, go for it – they’re mechanically long-lived (although with a car that age you’ll need to check literally everything carefully) and if it has a full service history and comes with a sheaf of past receipts and tax discs, you’re probably on to a winner.