Nissan Qashqai or Skoda Karoq?
Hi there
I’m trying to decide between the Nissan Qashqai and the new Skoda Karoq. Any advice for me please?
Thanks
Patrick Hogan (Galway )Jan 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
While both of these cars make for very good crossovers, having driven both it is the Skoda that feels like the more complete package. For me, the Skoda has a well-rounded look to it, and it has the advantage of being one of the newest cars in the segment. This is also true of the interior, where the Skoda easily surpasses the Nissan. Everything from layout to driving position and even the choice of materials used make the Karoq feel that bit nicer. Even shutting the doors on the Skoda gives a more reassuring thud.
When it comes to driving them, again, the Skoda seems better. The suspension, for example, rides the bumps and surface imperfections better whereas the Nissan can be slightly 'busier.' Nissan does have a good diesel offering as well as new petrol engines, but the same is true of the Skoda. On paper, the Karoq has a higher starting price, but Skoda starts its range with a higher level of standard spec, which is worth considering. The Karoq is likely to be in short supply during 2018, which may impact on delivery times. Nissan currently has some competitive offers, which may help sway you. Personally, I’d go with the Karoq. If you can get one...
Which SUV to replace my Audi with?
Hi, I have a 2013 Audi 2.0 TDI S line Black Edition quattro with only 21k miles on the clock. I only purchased as an import last summer and love it. It’s my first premium car and enjoy the feeling that brings.
However, recently, I am wondering whether it’s right for me. I’m 6’4” in height and find getting in and out of it's low height a bit of chore. I also use it as main family car for two tall toddlers (three and two) for crèche runs etc. So space is quite tight. I’ve been considering replacing it with an SUV for the ride height, space, practicality and better fuel economy. Must be good to drive also. I would love to stay premium, but probably wouldn’t afford it in that category. Was looking at the Mazda CX-5 as a compromise or alternatively the new Peugeot 3008, Kia Sportage, Renault Kadjar or Nissan Qashqai. Annual mileage is roughly 10k km and budget is what I’d get for the Audi.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Seamus Hadrill (Dublin)Dec 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Seamus,
You haven’t actually specified a model here, so I’m going to guess that it’s an A4. To be honest, you’re not going to get an awful lot more interior space by changing for something the size of a Qashqai, 3008, or Kadjar. A little, but not a huge amount extra in real terms — most of the extra space in those cars is in the boot. If you’re determined, then go for either the Kadjar (it has the biggest boot) or see if you can stretch the budget to the new-shape VW Tiguan. Here are reviews of the cars you've mentioned, too:
We need a reliable family car for two kids...
Hi there,
We are starting to look for a good reliable family car suitable for two young children as our journeys now require a lot more space for everything. I know the estates are probably the most practical, but not our preferred choice so if possible could you recommend more compact options with the best interior space?
We were considering the following: Nissan Quashqai - which is best spec? Renault Kadjar - is it reliable however? Skoda Octavia? Any options from Toyota or Hyundai? Reliability is very important. Your thoughts on the above would be really appreciated.
I also note that most, the Kadjar in particular, are available mostly in diesel. Our mileage is probably around 15,000km a year. Would we be ok with a diesel option?
Many thanks
Mark Yeates (Dublin)Dec 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
Yes, estates are definitely the most practical, and generally offer a lower purchase price and lower running costs than an equivalent SUV or crossover. They tend to have bigger boots, too. The best Qashqai spec is generally SV or SVE, which come with the touchscreen, air conditioning and some other nice toys. The Kadjar is essentially mechanically identical to the Qashqai, so should be fine from a reliability front.
The Skoda Octavia Combi estate would probably be the best overall bet for you. The rear seats and boot are massive and very kid-friendly, and they’re reliable. With your mileage, you’re probably better off with a petrol engine, so go for a 1.2 TSI for the best overall value.
It’s well worth looking at a Toyota Auris Estate too — it's huge inside and virtually unbreakable. Worth considering the hybrid as well. Hyundai is also well worth a look. The Tucson makes a good SUV option, and the i40 Tourer estate is a terrific car, but you’ll struggle to find anything other than a diesel. Here are a few reviews for further reading:
Kia Optima or Volkswagen Passat?
Considering buying a 2016 Kia Optima, but am sceptical of its resale value or trade in value. Other options being considered are a 2015/16 Passat, which will be more expensive now, but would it be better in the long run from a trade in value perspective in the future?
Daithi Glynn (Limerick)Aug 2017 Filed under: resale value
Expert answer
Hi Daithi,
Well, the best brands for residual values are generally held to be Toyota, Skoda or the premium German car brands. That said, Kia tends to perform quite well in residual terms right now, not least because of that impressive seven-year warranty. An Optima should make a good choice, then, as would a Toyota Avensis. That said, it’s very clear right now that the market is moving, rapidly, to being centred around SUVs and crossovers, not traditional four-door saloons, so you might be well advised to have a look at one of those — a Kia Sportage, perhaps, or Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Qashqai or Volkswagen Tiguan.
We're looking for a good seven-seater.
Hi, we're looking for a seven-seater where we could potentially fit three car seats across the back seat. We currently have a Nissan Qashqai, which we love. A friend recommended a Volkswagen Touran, but says it feels a bit boxy to drive - but that might be the case with all seven-seaters? Our budget is €30k net of trade in (04 Ford Fiesta).
Happy to buy new or consider up to two years' old.
Thanks
Rosalind O'Brien (Dublin)Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Rosalind,
If you go for the current Touran (which launched two years ago) then no, it's not boxy to drive at all. Rather good in fact. The new Renault Scenic is also quite nice to drive, and if you go up a size, the Ford S-Max is actually slightly nicer to drive than the Mondeo that it's based on. Here are a few reviews for your interest:
Have you reviewed the Hyundai Tucson?
Reviews of the Hyundai Tucson?
Carol Moore (Cork City )Apr 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Carol,
Sure thing. We've tested two different versions of the current Hyundai Tucson:
Hyundai Tucson 1.7 diesel Executive review
Hyundai Tucson 2.0 diesel 4WD auto review
We've also pitched the Tucson against its two closest rivals in a unique three-way test if that's of interest:
Nissan Qashqai or SEAT Ateca petrol?
Hi guys,
My wife drives a Volkswagen Golf 1.4 petrol with 80,000km on the clock. Her work will be based in Naas from August this year. We're looking to upgrade her car, we don't reckon she warrants diesel and have narrowed it down to the Nissan Qashqai or SEAT Ateca (1.2 and 1.4). We have about €20k to put towards it (including what she'd get for the Golf). Reliability and running costs are important. We've had two kids since she bought the Golf so she's looking for something a bit roomier.
Which of the above would you say is the better option and is there anything else we should consider (she doesn't like the Golf SV)?
Much appreciated
Brendan Cullen (Knocklyon)Apr 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
We really like the Ateca, and the 1.4 turbo petrol engine really suits it, so that’s the one we’d advise you to go for. There’s an updated version of the Qashqai coming very shortly, so bear that in mind if you’re looking at the Nissan — you might be able to get a better bargain on a run-out model.
Is all ok with this Nissan Qashqai?
Hi,
Can I please ask a question regarding a 2009 Nissan Qashqai 1.5 diesel we are considering buying. We are asked for €10,000 for it and it has only 62,000 miles on the clock and I'm just wondering if that can be correct. Can you tell me what questions should I be asking the garage? And when does the timing belt need to be changed? Just worried; it's such a lovely car, am I missing something?
Thanks Marie
Marie O Connell (Drogheda )Mar 2017 Filed under: mileage
Expert answer
Hi Marie,
The timing belt interval for the 1.5 dCi engine is every 120,000km or five years, so you would expect to see that this car will have had the belt changed in 2014 at the latest. As for the mileage, it’s certainly not impossible for a car to have covered only low miles, but if you have any concerns then get a history check done by a company such as Cartell.ie, and ask to have a look at all of the service stamps and records for the car. If any are missing, be suspicious. If it’s an original Irish market car, then check its previous NCT certificates, which should have recorded the mileage at each inspection.
Should we bring our car from Germany?
Hello,
Can I ask for some advice please? My girlfriend is a German national who has come to live in Ireland. She wants to sell her car here in Ireland. The car in question is a 2011 Nissan Qashqai - very good spec with a petrol engine. There is a Moldovian national who is interested in buying this car, but we are concerned that the car will not be registered in Moldova and we are aware that a lot of German cars are in Moldova on German plates.
Any help or advice would be appreciated .
Warmest regards
Michael Roche
Michael Roche (Cork)Feb 2017 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
I think your best bet is to sell the car in Germany first, but possibly not to this other person you’re speaking about. If you’re concerned about what a future owner may do with a car, then the best thing is to find someone else to sell it to. Bringing the car into Ireland to sell will involve a large amount of paperwork and a hefty price tag in Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT), so I think you’re going to be better off by far selling the car in Germany.
Which €25,000 crossover to go for?
Hi,
I am looking at buying a second-hand (161 or 162) SUV, value approx €25,000. I drive 80 miles a day on fairly good roads for work, and mainly rural roads. Have had test drives on both the Nissan Qashqai and Renault Kadjar and they are both a bit big, although the Renault Captur is too small.
Any suggestions on "inbetween" sizes? Don't have kids so big boots and roomy cabins are not important. More interested in sturdy and reliable.
Thanks
C Power (Wexford)Jan 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi there,
Have you thought of a Toyota C-HR? Size wise and reliability wise it would seem to suit you perfectly, and it's also sweet to drive with a really nice cabin. It's technically a brand new model but Toyota registered a lot in late 2016 as dealer demos so you ought to be able to pick up a bargain 'nearly new' if you shop around. Otherwise I think your best bet would be a Skoda Yeti.