What scrappage supermini?
I have a ten-year old car and I am thinking of taking advantage of the scrappage scheme. I travel quite far, to and from work, so would require an economical car that packs a bit of punch. I have been looking at the Mazda2, Opel Corsa and Ford Fiesta, which would all be around my price range. Please could you recommend which of these might be the best car for my needs?
Many thanks
AM
Alison Mackey (Blessington)May 2010 Filed under: scrappage
Expert answer
Hi Alison.
As your car is ten years old this year scrappage seems like the right solution and there are some amazing discounts on offer in addition to the Government's current incentive. The cars you mention are three of the best superminis on the market and because you use the car for quite a lengthy commute a diesel could be the best solution for you.
All three of these cars have diesel options. Opel's Corsa comes with a 1.3-litre 75bhp diesel with emissions now down from 119- to 114g/km. Prices for this start at €15,905 for the three-door version.
The Mazda2 is another very good option. With a 1.4-litre 68bhp diesel, emissions are just 114g/km so again you pay road tax of just €104 per year. The Mazda2 diesel starts from €15,930.
The Fiesta also has a 68bhp 1.4-litre diesel engine and emissions of 110g/km and this starts at €16,645.
All three of these cars qualify for the Government Scrappage Scheme, so would get a discount of €1,500. Much of the additional discounting available on any of these models is on the petrol models however, as dealers try and clear stocks of slow-selling petrol versions.
Of all these three cars the Mazda and the Fiesta are better cars so it would be down to these two in our opinions. We like the Mazda2 a lot, but we'd still say buy the Fiesta based on its looks and the way it drives. The Fiesta has been the outstanding small car over the last few years so if budget allows it is the car we would chose.
Should I buy a crew cab?
Hi guys. For years we have been a two-car family. My wife drove the family car and I had the van. We are seriously considering becoming a one-vehicle household and want to ask your opinion on crew cabs. I have heard so many different views that that I'm confused. Can you recommend a model?
David McNamara (Clare)Apr 2010 Filed under: pick-up
Expert answer
The crew cab did enjoy a golden period in the early part of the last decade when there was a considerable tax break, with minimum VRT being charged on them. As a result, sales boomed for a period until this loophole was closed. Sales of the crew cab models aren't as strong as they used to be, especially since the building trade has been so badly affected by the economic downturn.
However, for someone like you they might still make an awful lot of sense because they offer the best of both worlds. They are useful as work vehicles with generous load bays and strong diesel engines that are capable both of high mileage and also towing duties. As everyday passenger vehicles they aren't as comfortable as a regular car and in some cases they aren't even as comfortable as a normal SUV, as most have a pretty basic chassis.
The main choices are between the Mitsubishi L200, the Toyota Hilux and the Nissan Navara. The L200 Double Cab €26,995 new - that includes a significant price reduction recently. It has a 2.5-litre diesel engine that puts out 136bhp. CO2 emissions of 228g/km mean that it will cost you €2,050 per annum to tax, which is pretty high.
The Navara has a 2.5-litre diesel engine with 171bhp and that is quite a bit more power than the Mitsubishi and it too has emissions of Band G, at 264g/km. Prices start at €34,135 for the Navara Double Cab.
The Hilux comes with a choice of 2.5- or 3.0-litre diesel engines, with 120- and 170bhp respectively. The Hilux has emissions that are in Band E, so you at least save yourself €1,000 in road tax. Prices start at €29,575 for the 2.5-litre Double Cab model.
Having said all that, the best options are likely to be used where there are huge savings.
A 2007 Navara will cost you €16,500 from an approved SIMI dealer: http://bit.ly/d0uIC8 for example
Or a 2007 Toyota Hilux will cost you €19,000: http://bit.ly/bLloV5
Or a 2006 Mitsubishi L200 will cost you €14,950: http://bit.ly/97foEZ