Thinking of buying a new Toyota Corolla estate...
Hi,
Thinking of purchasing new Toyota Corolla Touring Sports estate. Would this provide better fuel range and costs than my current car, a Skoda Octavia Combi diesel?
Many thanks.
John Dalton (Clonmel)Jun 2024 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi John,
It entirely depends on how you drive it and where. First up, in terms of actual range you'd get from a tank of fuel, it's worth noting that the Corolla's fuel tank is about a quarter smaller than the Octavia's.
The Corolla hybrid can certainly match the economy of a diesel in certain circumstances, but it really does depend on how it's driven. If you're someone always in a hurry and you like to use all the available performance regularly, then the diesel car is most likely more economical. If you're a gentle driver the Corolla is more efficient.
For lots of motorway driving, the diesel is most likely more economical, but if you only use the motorway a little, I'd suggest the hybrid is better.
Longer term, the diesel model will have bigger maintenance bills as well, so that's something else to consider.
Looking to buy a 2015 Hyundai ix35...
Hi
I'm going to buy a 2015 Hyundai ix35 1.7 diesel SE Nav 116hp (72k on the clock). I was wondering if it had a timing belt or chain. Also if there is anything I need to look at when viewing?
Many thanks in advance
William Morgan (Bradford)Mar 2024 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi William,
That engine uses a timing chain.
As for things to watch for, there are a few known things:
- Make sure all the doors lock and unlock correctly as the internal mechanism can fail and need replacing
- Ensure you can press the clutch pedal properly and it returns to expected position as issues with the pedal itself and the clutch master cylinder can occur - can mean it's difficult to engage gears too
- If you see the instruments flickering or dropping back to the off position while driving it could mean a new instrument panel is needed
- The gearbox's sensor for it being in neutral can cause starting problems and an issue with the start-stop system so watch out for that - often accompanied by an oil leak from the gearbox
Otherwise it's quite a reliable car. As with all used cars, we'd recommend you drive a few different examples of the same car to get a feel for how it should drive, ask for a detailed service history and make sure you take a proper test drive including some motorway driving.
Should I change to a hybrid car?
Hello there,
I currently commute 50km each way (total 100km per day), five days per week, with half motorway driving and half dual carriageway driving. I am considering a hybrid, but would like some advice if people think this would be a good option as I currently drive a diesel car.
Thanks
Brendan
Brendan Lacey (Kildare)Jan 2024 Filed under: hybrid
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
In your case, it'll likely depend on your driving style. The driving you described really suits a diesel engine if you tend to accelerate up to speed and maintain the speed limit for most of your journey. If, however, you tend to amble along a little slower than that with a more relaxed outlook, then a hybrid will be just as efficient, while also being a little more 'futureproofed'.
Depending on the model, we'd expect lower overall maintenance bills for a petrol-fuelled hybrid than a diesel.
And while you didn't specify it, a plug-in hybrid might suit you if you can plug the car in at home and also at work, as very few of them can do 100k on a charge.
Finally, it would be remiss of me not to mention that almost any electric car - used or new - would cope with your commute with ease so long as you could charge it up at home.
Come back to us if you want to discuss your choice in more depth.
Should I go electric or hybrid with a new BMW SUV?
I own a 2017 Audi Q7 S line. I like the car a lot and the specs are high but I feel like I need to move up a few years within the next 10/12 months. I drive approx. 25,000km per year, 75 per cent of that is made up of short journeys of about 10 miles per journey and the remainder is longer motorway driving. I do not want to buy diesel again and think a BMW X5 xDrive45e may suit my needs, or maybe a BMW iX. I am considering a new car purchase.
In your opinion, which option would suit my needs better?
Thank you
David Scully (Cork)May 2022 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi David,
We're big fans of both the BMW xDrive45e and the new iX (though not everyone loves the looks of the latter!).
First up, whether you go for a plug-in hybrid such as that X5, or an electric car, you really do need to have the option to add a home charger. It makes life way easier and keeps your fuel costs down.
Assuming you will install a charger, then either of those cars could work well for you. The X5 could easily cover those short journeys on electric power and you'd never have to worry about delays with the public charging network on your longer journeys. The iX, especially the xDrive50 version (read our review of that here), has a really good range, but very long motorway journeys will still require a little more planning.
However, the iX's cabin and technology are next-generation, making the X5's look out of date already...
I'd suggest going to test drive both cars if at all possible. Failing that, at least try to sit into both so you get a feel for the differences.
Also final word of advice, with all the supply chain issues facing the car world right now, I'd urge you to get your order in as soon as possible, even if you don't plan to take delivery for up to a year.
Best of luck with us - feel free to come back and ask us more.
Looking to buy a 2016 or 2017 SUV...
I'm looking to buy a 2016 or 2017 SUV, 1.6 to 1.7 diesel, Manual gearbox with cruise control. I'm not too bothered by my most other factors, other than a decent comfortable motorway drive with good fuel economy. Can you advise which are the most fuel efficient SUVs for motorway driving in Ireland within this range? Currently, I'm considering a Kia Sportage or Honda CR-V or Hyundai Tucson.
Thanks, Paul
Paul Keyes (Dublin)Jan 2018 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
The Hyundai or Kia will be more efficient than the 1.6 i-DTEC Honda, but only just and at the expense of a considerable amount of performance — the Honda feels much brisker and is more comfortable than the other two as well. In that size range, it’s also well worth considering the VW Tiguan, especially the current-shape model, which is very frugal in 2.0-litre 115hp form. Some reviews below to help you decide:
What mpg will the Skoda Octavia 1.0 TSI do?
What are the actual miles per gallon of the Skoda Octavia 1.0-litre?
Georgette D'Arcy (Dublin)Expert answer
Hi Georgette,
I assume you are referring to the economy we got when we drove the Octavia in this review? We averaged 6.5 litres/100km - or 43.4mpg. To put that into context, we did very little motorway driving, mostly around town and into the mountains around Dublin. Not bad considering.
Do I need an SUV for towing my horsebox on the motorway?
Hi, what SUV would you recommend for pulling a horsebox and also motorway driving? I do about 500 to 600km a week going up and down to Dublin a couple of times a week from the midlands so I need an SUV that is economical on diesel but also able to handle a horsebox.
Many thanks
Louise Fox (Dublin)Jul 2015 Filed under: towing
Expert answer
Hi Louise,
You don't necessarily need a 4x4 for that - a mid size estate car would do the job just as well. So, have a look at the following and see what you'd like: Mazda6 2.2d, Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi, Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI.
Or, if you really have to have a 4x4, check out the Hyundai Santa Fe, Audi Q5 or Nissan X-Trail.
Relevant reviews:
What will I do with my two Volkswagen Golf diesels?
We have two cars at present: a 2008 Volkswagen Golf Estate 1.9 TDI diesel (low tax, 90,000 miles, does approx. 10k miles per year), which is a family car doing town trips and three days a week motorway driving 74 miles round trip on the M1 and M50. The other is a 2007 Golf Plus 1.9 TDI with 110,000 miles on the clock doing approx. 20,000 miles per year (mainly round trips of 74km per day seven days per week on the motorway). Very happy with both cars and not giving any problems, but have been told that both cars will need the dual mass flywheel changed at some point as this is often a problem with these Golfs.
Was going to change the Golf Plus for new family car worth approx. €17k - was going to get approx. €5-5.5k as trade in and a loan for €12K. Trying to justify changing car! Both cars are serviced at most 1,000km after service is due. How much is too many miles on these cars? Could I get high mileage on these cars without too much of an outlay on repairs or should I regularly update the car? If I'm to change I was going to look at a Volkswagen Passat, Skoda Octavia or a Toyota Avensis. Am I right in sticking to diesel?
Many thanks
Brian Byrne (Balbriggan, Dublin)Aug 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Brian,
Yeah, I think you're probably right to stick with diesel with those sorts of mileages. Mind you, it's worth pointing out that those two Volkswagens you have aren't on mega-miles yet and it could be more cost-effective to spend a little on getting them spruced up and fit for thousands more miles than chopping and changing.
That said, if you're in need of a good, reliable family car then I'd have a long look at a Toyota Avensis estate. The 2.0-litre D-4D diesel engine is a good 'un and cheap to tax, it's comfy, ideal for long motorway runs and if it's not the most exciting car in the world, then at least it's solidly reliable. Spacious too.
Probably the most cost-effective option is to replace the high-miler with something younger and fitter and then spend a little extra to keep the runaround Golf fresh.
Let us know what you decide on.
How do you rate the Volkswagen Scirocco?
Hi guys,
How would you rate a used Volkswagen Scirocco, say 2011/12 model? The majority of cars in the used market seem to be the 1.4 TSI 122hp model; is this engine strong enough for the car, or would I be better going for the 2.0-litre diesel? Majority of my driving is in town with some motorway driving at the weekend.
Thanks
Gary
Gary McClelland (Dublin)Jun 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Gary,
We rate the Scirocco very highly indeed. It's peachy to drive, quietly handsome and surprisingly practical for a coupé. The 1.4 TSI petrol engine is actually fine in the Scirocco, although it can't really cash the cheques the body is writing. It's got more than decent performance, but if you want some proper thump, then the 2.0-litre 140hp diesel is definitely the better choice. Best of all though is the 2.0 TSI with the engine from the Golf GTI. It can get a little thirsty if you drive it like it begs to be driven, but as an all-rounder, it's very hard indeed to beat.
What diesel car will I trade in my Mazda3 for?
I'd like to trade in my 2007 Mazda3 1.6 petrol and change to a diesel engine. Fuel economy and lower tax would be important as I cover around 360 miles a week mostly motorway driving. I'd like a roomier car in the back for two children and a bigger boot. Was thinking of a diesel car or SUV. What would my Mazda3 be worth on trade-in?
Alanna Mangan (Newbridge)Jun 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Alanna,
Anything pre-2008 with a petrol engine is pretty hard to shift on these days, sadly, so I'd reckon you're looking at a value of possibly as little as €5,500 for the Mazda3 at the moment. To get the best from it, I'd suggest staying within the Mazda family (a Mazda dealer will usually give you a better trade-in on a Mazda than will another dealer) and trade up to a Mazda6 Estate. Loads of space, brilliant to drive, reliable and, with the 2.2-litre 129hp diesel, very economical too. SUV? Do you live up a mountain or at the far end of a rutted dirt road? No? Then you don't need one - stick to the family car market and the Mazda6 size class (which also includes cars like the Toyota Avensis, Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat and Opel Insignia) is where you'll get the best bang for your buck.
Let us know how you get on