What will I replace my VW Golf R with?
I recently had my 182 VW Golf R stolen. They broke into my home to take the keys, which terrified us all, most especially my kids. Now I need to buy a replacement car. I have no clue what to buy due to the rapidly changing pace of cars from diesel to electric and I cannot hold out until the autumn for the launch of newer cars. What I would like is something no smaller than a Golf, up to any size. It cannot be a flashy car or a targeted car like my Golf R, but not as boring as the typical taxi car either. Believe it or not I would like something as fuel efficient as possible without compromising on build or ride quality. I mainly drive country roads and motorways, with city driving maybe once a week. I find cars like hatchbacks great for getting more stuff in when the seats are down. I would also like the car to keep with the times for the next three years so not diesel.
Hope you can help
Joe Lyons (Dundalk)Apr 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
I think a good bet here, if you want to buy new, is the new Mazda3 2.0 M-Hybrid. It’s only a mild-hybrid, but it’ll be good on fuel, yet it has decently punchy performance and is really enjoyable and engaging to drive. Looks great too, but not as tempting to the criminal fraternity as a Golf R. If you fancy something with a bit more grunt, but still understated styling, how about a Skoda Octavia RS? Quick and agile, and not too shabby when it comes to economy.
Should I go for a Mazda6 diesel now?
Just read your review on the Mazda6. Is it wise to buy a diesel nowadays considering all the bad press? Do you think the government will come down on diesels hard in the future as all you can hear is "dirty diesel"? Or would you advise one to go for a hybrid instead?
Patrick Collins (Dublin)Jan 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
I think if you’re buying new then diesel is still a safe enough bet for the moment. Yes, doubtless, there will be some future restrictions on diesel, either through tax, or tolls, or city centre usage restriction, but as long as the diesel engine in question is the most modern type possible, conforming to the latest Euro6d Temp regulations (as does that of the Mazda6) then it should be fine. If you’re a low-miles driver, and someone who mostly drives in town, then obviously it’s well worth considering a hybrid alternative or, for that matter, Mazda’s rather excellent 2.0-litre petrol engine.
Timing belt change on 2008 Mazda3?
Hi,
I live in Norvay and I'm going to buy a 2008 Mazda3 diesel model and I wonder if this car has a timing chain or belt and what are the intervals for this. Is it different in Nordic countries or the same worldwide?
Jan Olsen (FOLDFJORDEN)Jun 2018 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Jan,
The 1.6-litre diesel Mazda3 of that age has a timing belt. It must be changed every 240,000 kilometres or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
The 2.0-litre diesel engine also has a timing belt, which must be changed every 120,000 kilometres regardless of time.
Those intervals are the same for all markets and conditions.
I have a €3,500 budget for an economical car...
I have a budget of €3,000-€3,500 and want to buy a used car. What is a decent mileage I could expect for a diesel car registered on 2008 and after? Which brands are good and reliable?
Thanks
Vis Heg (Galway)Jun 2018 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Vis,
There’s plenty of choice at that price level for a 2008-onward diesel, but the mileage you’ll get will vary hugely according to how you drive. For instance, you could get a 1.6 HDi diesel Citroen C5 saloon within your budget, and that’s capable of doing 60mpg or better, but again that comes down to how you actually drive it. In terms of reliability, you’ll never beat a Japanese brand for that, so go for a Honda Civic 2.2 CDTi, a Mazda3 1.6 D, or a Toyota Auris or Corolla 1.4 D-4D.
How much to import a 2010 Mazda CX-7?
How much to import a 2010 Mazda CX-7?
Eamon Rice (Monaghan)May 2018 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Eamon,
Lovely car, the CX-7. Never got the love it deserved. Assuming that it’s the 2.2 diesel model you’re looking at, it should work out at around €3,000 in VRT to bring one in, but that will depend hugely on condition and spec.
Petrol Mazda CX-5 any good?
What do you guys think of the Mazda CX-5 in its 2.0-litre petrol guise?
Kieran Donnelly (Cork)Mar 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Kieran,
As a whole, the CX-5 is a really lovely car — great to drive, well made, roomy and good looking. The petrol version is a weak point, though. It’s just not torquey enough for a big 4x4, and it suffers in terms of both fuel consumption and refinement because of that. Stick with the diesel, unless all your mileage is in town.
What compact saloons are worth a look?
I love saloons (memories), but my wife says they are too big. What saloon, up to four years old, would look not much bigger than an Opel Astra hatchback?
Frank Dodd (Dublin)Mar 2018 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi F D,
Well, the good news is that there are plenty of mid-size saloons that are more or less the same size as an Astra — yes, they have a big boot slung out the back, but the difference in overall length is usually only a few centimetres. The best is probably the VW Jetta; it's plain looking, but good to drive and really well made. Ditto the Toyota Corolla. There’s a Ford Focus saloon too, and a really lovely Mazda3 saloon (which is actually nicer looking than the hatchback). There was also an Astra saloon, but to be honest it was a bit awkward looking if you ask me. If you do like the Astra hatch, though, it might be worth seeking one out. Here are a few relevant reviews to read:
When will the updated Mazda6 hit Ireland?
When will the updated Mazda6 hit Ireland?
Eamonn McDermott (Limerick City)Mar 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Eamonn,
Later this year. The European version of the updated Mazda6 will be shown this week at the Geneva Motor Show, and it should be on sale here this summer.
Which car is best for motorway driving?
Hi,
I am currently driving a 2005 Toyota Yaris 1.0-litre. Now I am planning to upgrade to a bigger car since I will be driving regularly on the motorway. My budget is around €3,500. What cars can you suggest that are comfortable to drive for longer distances? I have Suzuki SX4, Mazda3 and Skoda Octavia in mind.
Thanks in advance
Hago
Hariprasad Govindharajan (Shannon)Feb 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Hago,
Of the three you’ve mentioned, we’d discount the SX4 first. It’s a decent car, but a bit tiny and noisy for long motorway hauls. A Mazda3 would be much better, and hugely reliable, but the Skoda will have a slight edge in terms of comfort (really good seats) so go for one of those would be our advice. Here are our reviews to help you decide:
Differences between 2016/2017 Mazda CX-3?
What are the main difference between the Mazda CX-3 Executive petrol 2016 models and 2017 models?
EAMON HOEY (DUNDALK)Jan 2018 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Eamon,
Well, according to Mazda Ireland, very little. "From an Irish perspective at least, there won’t be any difference at that grade level. In late 2017, we did introduce the GT Lux edition, but this has yet to be launched across the full range in Ireland. So if comparing a 161 and 171 or 172, there’s no change,” was the official response.