Expert answer

Hi Dara,

The best plug-in hybrids around at the moment are the Kia Niro PHEV, the Toyota Prius PHEV and the Volkswagen Golf GTE (assuming you can find a GTE in stock...). Now, these are smaller than your Qashqai inside, so you may need to make that compromise in order to get the plug-in hybrid efficiency. The revised Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is massive inside, and rather nice, but thirsty if you’re not plugging it in all the time and making maximum use of the electric part of the powertrain.

A conventional hybrid might also be worth a look, especially given that you’re driving mostly in town. Honda is just about to launch a hybrid version of the hugely impressive new CR-V, and the new Toyota RAV4 is arriving in dealerships around now. Both are well worth considering if you can stretch the budget out to something brand-new.

Here are some relevant reviews:

Kia Niro PHEV review

Toyota Prius PHEV review

Volkswagen Golf GTE review

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV review

Honda CR-V Hybrid review

Expert answer

Hi Ann,

The XC40 is a really likeable car, but you’ll probably find that it’s neither as refined, nor quite as comfortable to drive as the S60 (the ride quality just isn’t as good). It’s also less roomy in the boot. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a very clever vehicle, but to make the most of it, you need to have a driveway and a charging point, and be covering most of your mileage around town. The battery pack, on a full charge, should get you around 35km of electric-only driving, but if you head out on the motorway a lot, you’ll run the battery down very quickly and then fuel consumption will hover at around the 30mpg mark.

Read our reviews below:

Volvo XC40 reviews

Mitsubishi Outlander reviews

Expert answer

Hi Neil,

We’ve checked with Mitsubishi, and there are some offers available for 191 registrations for the Eclipse Cross. "Our main offer for the Eclipse Cross for '191' is 1.9 per cent APR on HP finance” said a Mitsubishi spokesperson. “The entry level Invite model is available from €27,900 so with this offer the monthly payment is just €352.62 over 49 months, with a deposit or trade-in of €11,160.”

If you want to get a nearly-new 181 version, then there’s no specific time of the year to buy that’s better. Used car demand doesn’t fluctuate as much as new car demand, and while there will (probably) be some extra trade-ins rolling onto forecourts in January, the numbers won’t be big enough to make a huge difference. If you want to drive the best bargain, just make sure you buy in the last week of the month, or better yet, the last week of the last month of a quarter — that’s when dealers and sales staff are trying to hit their targets, so are more likely to strike a deal.

Expert answer

Hi F D,

No, there’ll be no issue on spare parts. There’s an EU directive that states that a car manufacturer must provide spare parts backup for all models for up to 15 years following the cessation of production. On top of which, Mitsubishi in Ireland currently offers an eight-year warranty on all its vehicles, so not only will parts most definitely be available for the Lancer in that period, chances are you won’t even be charged if you need them. The only issue could come further down the line, if specific parts become scarce, but that’s a long way’s off.

Expert answer

Hi Karen,

Expert answer

Hi Jonathan,

The 2.2 diesel Outlander has a timing belt, not a chain, so that will need inspecting depending on the mileage. As for cars with proper 4x4 ability, try a Land Rover Freelander 2 (more reliable than you’d think), Jeep Cherokee, Nissan X-Trail or Toyota RAV4.

Expert answer

Hi Al,

BMW, Audi and Mercedes don't do an in-house commercial option, but you can get an aftermarket conversion, of course.

One option worth looking at is the Jeep Grand Cherokee. A really nice car, good to drive and Agnelli Motors on the Naas Road in Dublin do a five-seat commercial conversion with prices starting around the €45k mark.

There's also the Toyota Land Cruiser 'Business' model, but it's a bit more expensive,  at €57k. Utterly indestructible though and hugely comfortable.

Just make sure you've properly taxed it if you're planning on using it for domestic or family motoring as the fines for using a commercially taxed vehicle for that are pretty stiff. 

Expert answer

Hi Emer,

Most so-called ‘scrappage’ deals aren’t actually anything to do with scrappage, they’re just trade-in boosters. But yes, they tend to be only available on new cars, not used ones. Have a chat with your dealer and see what you can work out with them though.

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

Mitsubishis tend to be hugely reliable, but you need to be cautious with a small diesel car like this as it’s possible that it will only have been used to do short hops around town, and not many long journeys. That can lead to premature engine wear and tear as it can’t heat up properly on short journeys, and you can expect to have problems with the exhaust's diesel particulate filter. Check the interior carefully too – they’re robust inside, but the door seals can let in water, which can lead to a damp, mouldy cabin.

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Hi Andrew,

Yes, but you need to be careful. The current diesel Outlander has a maximum braked towing weight of 2,000kg (or 1,500kg for the plugin hybrid version), but if the total weight of car and trailer exceeds 3,500kg then you need to have the proper Category BE (car and trailer) driver's licence, not just the standard Category B licence.