I need a six-seat car with room for a wheelchair...
I'm looking to upgrade my car. I need something to hold six people comfortably and to be fuel efficient, as I do 25,000km a year. I also need it to have boot space with all seats up as I need to fit hoist and collapsible wheelchair... I won't be carrying six all the time but need it to suit and be safe... All suggestions welcome.
Sarah Doyle (Kildare)Aug 2013 Filed under: seating
Expert answer
Hi Sarah,
Tricky one this. It's very, very hard to find an MPV of any size that can take lots of people and their cargo at the same time.
I think you might be best going for either a Fiat Multipla or a Honda FR-V. Their two-rows-of-three seating allows you to seat six (albeit the front centre passenger had better be someone small and/or young) and they still have usefully big boots behind.
Otherwise, you need to go up a size and maybe even think about a compact minibus. A Mercedes-Benz Viano or Volkswagen Caravelle perhaps. There's also the option of a Chrysler Grand Voyager, which has a bit more room than the standard model, but I'd suggest you try it with a full load of people and wheelchair before buying, just to make sure you'll all fit.
Hope that helps
How would you rate the 2003 MINI Cooper?
How would you rate the 2003 MINI Cooper? What are the watch-outs if buying one? What fuel comsumption can one expect from this car? Do they hold their value?
Brian Holmes (Dublin)Aug 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Brian,
Generally I'm a bit of a MINI fan, and have actually bought one. Love it. A 2003 though is the first generation car, with the Chrysler-built engine, and you have to watch those for electrical issues and early MINI models had problems with leaking fuel tanks. They're pretty robust cars though, as long as you avoid ones that have been obviously abused. Don't forget that they may be small, but they are still made by BMW so make sure the service record and history is on the button. They do hold their value very well, but any 10 -year old car isn't going to have much value left to hold. Fuel consumption won't be great though. That 1.6 engine wasn't the most sophisticated thing, so expect high 30s, low 40s mpg on average.
Which 4x4 suits be best with low tax? I'm not towing.
What is the best value 4x4, in lowest car tax band? I will not be pulling anything!
Deirdre Collins (Kildare)Aug 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Deirdre,
Well, if you're not actually pulling anything, you shouldn't really need actual four-wheel drive, so I suggest either a Skoda Yeti Greenline or, if you fancy something a little larger, a Mazda CX-5 150hp Sport. Both have CO2 emissions of 119g/km so cost just the €200 a year to tax. By comparison, a MINI Cooper diesel costs €190.
If you really need the four-wheel drive, there are all-wheel drive versions of both cars but you're into higher purchase prices and tax bands in both cases.
Come back to us if you'd like more help
Should I consider a new Nissan Qashqai?
I'm going to change into a Nissan Qashqai. Is there a new model on way or is there a better crossover?
Joe Malone (Dublin)Aug 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
There is a new model Qashqai on the way but it's about a year away yet. Normally that would be the signal for decent discounts on the current model, but seeing as it's still hugely popular, that seems unlikely for the moment.
That said, the Qashqai is still a fine car, but you should also consider a Skoda Yeti (due for an update before the end of the year but the current car is still utterly brilliant) and both the Peugeot 3008 and MINI Countryman (a car I have a peculiar fondness for) are well worth a look too.
Should I swap my Golf for a Toyota Aygo or Auris?
I'm driving a 2004 Volkswagen Golf Comfortline 1.4 petrol. I want to either get a new smaller car (e.g. Toyota Aygo petrol 1.0-litre) or a diesel Auris (e.g. 2008). Which would be cheaper to run as everything has got more expensive and my journeys not as long and frequent, plus I travel alone mostly. Which would be cheaper to run?
Breda Whelton (Leap)Aug 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Breda,
Well, on the one hand, both the Aygo and the Auris are very well built and reliable so both will minimise any potential for expensive maintenance costs, and both are very frugal and economical, so either would be a fine choice. The Auris might be a bit more of a painless switch if you've been used to a Golf, as it's similar in size and comfort levels.
But, as you say that your journeys have decreased in length, switching cars may not actually save you any money. Changing cars is usually more expensive than maintaining and running an older car, and you need to sit down and do your sums very, very carefully. Work out what the actual cost of change is for you (the price of either car you are considering minus the trade-in value of your Golf, but including the cost of finance) and balance that against the cost of continuing to run and fuel your existing car, factoring in some cash for a good service and a new set of tyres (often the best way to improve your fuel economy).
What small automatic car would you recommend?
Which model and brand of automatic cars recommanded for new learner?
Gary Zheng (Dublin)Aug 2013 Filed under: automatic
Expert answer
Hi Gary,
Automatic small cars are generally a bit hard to come by in Ireland, but I suggest a MINI One or First. Unlike some other small cars, the MINI's auto box is a sophisticated ZF unit and it's as much fun to drive as the manual. €5-7,000 picks you up a good one.
Is a high-mileage Ford Focus TDCi ok?
Is a Ford Focus 1.6 diesel TDCi reliable after 100,000 miles?
Andrew Synnott (Dublin)Jul 2013 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Andrew,
There are no major recurrent problems to report on the Focus 1.6 TDCi. The nice thing is that the same basic engine design is also used by Peugeot, Citroen, Volvo and some MINIs so any potential issues tend to come to light pretty quickly.
Just with that high mileage, make sure it's been serviced properly and on schedule, make sure the timing belt has been replaced and check for any electronic issues.
What is the best small car in your opinion?
What is the best small car in your opinion? I want to trade in my Audi A4.
Thanks, Aine
Aine Delaney (Galway)Jun 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Aine,
Small car? Or small premium car? If you like your Audis, then a smart-but-small A1 could be a good choice, but to be honest you’d be better off buying the new SEAT Ibiza, which uses all the same mechanical bits, but is much, much cheaper. The Honda Jazz is always a good choice, too — roomy, really well made and enjoyable to drive — as is the MINI Cooper if you fancy something small but fun. Or, if you want to go really small, check out a Fiat 500. Here are our reviews of each:
Audi Q5, BMW X3 or Range Rover Evoque?
I'm thinking of buying a mid-sized SUV and have narrowed my choice down to a BMW X3, Audi Q5 and the Range Rover Evoque. The Range Rover has the pedigree, but to be honest, I'm not going to do serious off-roading, I just want to cope with difficult weather conditions that sometimes crop up down the country and drive on the odd muddy track. Also, I understand the mpg figures quoted for the Evoque are a bit optimistic and to be honest, I can't but feel that the Evoque looks a bit girly!
The BMW ticks a lot of boxes, but seems a bit dated. I'm leaning to the Q5; it looks the part, has a decent engine, recent upgrade and seems to be a good all-rounder. Can you give any advice on choosing between the three? Also, I'm thinking of going automatic and again I was wondering if you had any advice in that department?
Martin Moroney (Dublin)May 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
You're in an enviable position and, before going into more detail, we'd be very happy with any of those cars as an ownership proposition.
Personally, I'd be sorely tempted by the Evoque. There are plenty of colour and wheel options to change its appearance to your liking, it's much more of an occasion inside and it drives like a hot hatch (the chassis is very much road-biased, though it does well enough off-road when needed). Admittedly, certain versions of the BMW and Audi may be more economical, but I'd look at it very closely.
When the current BMW X3 came out it really took a leap forward from its predecessor in terms of comfort, quality and refinement, but between that and the Audi Q5 I may too be swayed by the fact that the Audi has had a more recent update. I also prefer how the Q5 looks. There's very little between them depending on which engines you're looking at.
The best advice is to go test drive each car for as long as possible, paying close attention to the specifications of the test cars.
In terms of automatic gearboxes, unless you're looking at a petrol Q5 (which I doubt!) or the high-performance SQ5 TDI model (fantastic) then the only option is the dual-clutch S-Tronic unit. This helps with efficiency and allows the driver more control when he wants it, but is not as smooth as a traditional torque converter gearbox, as fitted to the Evoque and BMW. They're both smooth systems, but the eight-speed item in the BMW is the most impressive, managing to minimise fuel consumption increases.
Hopefully that's of help, but come back to us if you need more
How does the older Toyota Avensis compare to the newer one?
Is the older model of the Toyota Avensis as reliable as the new one that came in 2003?
John Kelly (Limerick)May 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi John,
Short answer? Yes. Utterly solid. The only recurring engine fault we can find with a 1997-2003 Avensis isn't even a fault, it's just a warning to make sure the cambelt has been changed on schedule and that's something you should do with any car.
A lumpy-feeling steering wheel means the column needs re-greasing. A juddering brake pedal means the discs need replacing. Um, that's it. One of the most solid cars ever, but just bear in mind that the age of the model and the fact that they're known to be tough probably means that any you are looking at will have had a lot of abuse. Watch out for builders using them as impromptu vans and the inevitable taxi and minicab use. Let us know if you find a good one though.