Which new car on PCP for around €25k?
Hi, I am looking to buy a new car on PCP. Budget is around €25k. I have looked at family options like the Skoda Octavia, Volkswagen Golf and Mazda3. Also on my shortlist is the Audi A1. Can you please advise which of these is the best bet?
Please suggest any other car that I can look at.
Rahul Nair (Dublin)Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Rahul,
There are a lot of other options from the Ford Focus to the Toyota Auris to the Peugeot 308 to the Hyundai i30 to the Kia cee’d and Nissan Pulsar. Of the ones you’ve mentioned, the two that I’d pick from are the Skoda (huge inside, practical, reliable) and the Mazda (high quality cabin, ultra-reliable).
Relevant reviews:
For reliability: Volvo, Passat or Octavia?
Which is more reliable: the Volvo S40, the Passat TDI 1.6 diesel or the Skoda Octavia?
John
John D Clarke (Blackrock)Feb 2017 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi John,
The Skoda. Both the Volvo and the Volkswagen are decent, solidly built and generally reliable cars, but Skoda always seems to beat Volkswagen in major reliability surveys, so go for the Octavia if reliability is paramount.
When does the new Skoda Octavia arrive?
Can you tell me when the updated 2017 Skoda Octavia will be offered for sale in Ireland?
Gerry Cummins (Limerick)Jan 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Gerry,
The new-look Skoda Octavia is now in Irish showrooms.
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 (Limerick)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.
Should I wait for the updated Skoda Octavia?
I was planning on buying a new Octavia in Feb and I've just seen the new one. Can get a deal on the old one now or is the new one worth waiting for?
Jim Reagan (Mullingar)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Jim,
The new one will be worth waiting for from the point of view of an improved interior and some new options and equipment, but you’re quite right – the outgoing model will be seeing some sharp deals as dealers look to clear stock, so, as there are very few major mechanical changes, it’d be a good idea to shop around for a really good price on the current model. Some links to inform you further:
How do I fold my Skoda Octavia's seats?
How do the rear seats fold falt on a Skoda Octavia?
Catherine Williams (Brecon)Nov 2016 Filed under: seating
Expert answer
Hi Catherine,
There’s a catch on the top corner of each side of the rear seat. Simply lift that and fold the backrest flat.
Any advice on family estate cars?
Any advice on family estate cars? Around a €12k budget, covering about 15,000km per year. Anything to particularity avoid?
Jim O'Neill (Carlow)Sep 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Jim,
Nothing to avoid, in particular, but lots of good ones to try out. Start with a Mazda6 Tourer, or a Ford Mondeo Estate, or a Skoda Superb Combi. If you want to save a bit of money (but not compromise on space) go for a Skoda Octavia Combi, if you want something with a bit of class go for an Audi A6 Avant (pricey but the 2.0-litre TDI keeps running costs down).
Hyundai i40 or Skoda Octavia?
Hi,
I have a 131 Hyundai i30 Estate 1.4 diesel that has been reliable, good for bringing family and luggage in etc. I do about 15-20,000km p.a. Fuel economy has been alright if not as good as I expected, as maybe slightly underpowered sometimes and I have to accelerate it more than I'd like. It's a good car, but has always been poor for road noise even with tyre changes.
I am looking to change now to something a bit bigger, either a 151 1.6 diesel Skoda Octavia hatchback or a 142 Hyundai i40 saloon 1.7 diesel, mid-spec levels. I haven't really looked at specific examples of either yet. I only intend to keep the newer car until maybe 2018/19 and both above choices give me a good level of warranty cover until then.
Which do you think would be the better buy? Safety, more quiet on the move and decent handling (as my main everyday route is quite a twisty hilly road) are important to me.
Thanks
Mick, Gorey
Mick Walsh (Gorey)Aug 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Mick,
Well, given the list of priorities you’ve given me, either the Octavia or the i40 would seem ideal, although it’s the Hyundai that will hold on to its warranty longer, as it has a five-year warranty compared to the Skoda’s three-year one. The Skoda is by a very slim margin the nicer of the two to drive though, so you’ll need to bear that in mind. That said, the i40 is more refined overall (not to mention being a bigger car, with more space in inside), so it’s really a matter of deciding which of your priorities gets top billing.
What's a good old Skoda Octavia worth?
What is the current value of a 2001 Skoda Octavia Ambiente with a full NCT and 110,000 miles on the clock?
Owen Lennon (Roscommon)Jul 2016 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Owen,
A slightly tricky car to value actually, as much (in fact almost all at that age) will depend on its condition and history. Generally speaking I’d say it’s worth in the ballpark of €1,000, but with that relatively low mileage, if it’s in truly concours condition, you might get a little more for it.
What's a good value for my Skoda Octavia?
What would be a reasonable trade in value of a 2011 Skoda Octavia 1.6 diesel with about 100,000km? There are a few dents on the body so I've been told it might need a full re-spray.
Thanks
S O'D (Limerick)Jun 2016 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi there,
It should be worth somewhere around the €12,000 mark, but I’d advise getting the dents and paint sorted out if you want to make top dollar on it.