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:
How to keep WiFi on my new Opel Astra?
Hi,
I am a proud owner of a new Opel Astra SRi with onStar features. I got 12 months of free subscription and three months of free WiFi. My question is, after three months WiFi subscription, who will provide me with WiFi access and what is the monthly/yearly cost of it?
Natalia Pakowska (Wexford )Feb 2018 Filed under: infotainment
Expert answer
Hi Natalia,
It’s actually Vodafone that supplies the data link through the OnStar built-in SIM card in the car, and it costs €125 per year, which gets you 100GB of data over WiFi. There is the option of 5GB per month for €15, or 10GB for €19.99, but obviously these will work out more expensive over a year than the 100GB plan.
Road tax on the Opel Insignia diesel?
What is the annual tax on an Opel Insignia diesel car?
Noel Mccabe (Lucan)Jan 2018 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Noel,
Well, it depends on which version of the Insignia you mean, and which year it was made in. As a guide, the current Insignia Grand Sport will set you back €280 a year for the 170hp CDTi 2.0 diesel version, or €200 a year for the 1.6 CDTi 136hp diesel.
Trade-in value of my 162 Opel Astra?
Hi,
What trade in value would I get for my 162 Opel Astra SRi model, 1.0 petrol, 10.000 km on the clock, against a 2017 Audi A3 Sportback petrol with 20,000km on the clock?
Frank Dodd (Dublin)Dec 2017 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi F D,
Well, we can’t tell you what a specific dealer will offer you against a specific car, but your Astra should be worth in the region of €14-15,000 as a trade-in.
Kia Optima or Opel Insignia - from 2013.
At a cross roads re choosing a car: 132 Kia Optima Platinum with 127,000km or 132 Opel Insignia with 42,500km, SC spec?
Gareth Egan (Cadamstown)Dec 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Gareth,
The Insignia is a good car, and very nice to drive, but even though it has higher mileage, we’d lean towards the Kia. It’s still on its original factory warranty, and should be more reliable overall.
Which car for my graduating daughter?
I’m looking for best all round, safest, reliable car for my daughter (22-25 yrs) who will be needing a car once she graduates from university. I’m torn between the Skoda Fabia, Toyota Yaris, Hyundai i20, Suzuki Swift or Opel Corsa. All too confusing to make a wise decision...
Sharon Adderley (Sandy)Nov 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Sharon,
If it’s safety and reliability you’re looking for, choose from either the Yaris or the Fabia. They’re the safest bets in the car market in general, and certainly the strongest cars of the ones you’ve suggested. The Yaris, with its insurance-friendly 1.0-litre engine, is probably the best overall. Here are our reviews of each:
Which hybrids etc to look for new in 2018?
Currently driving a 142 Opel Insignia Sports Tourer 2.0-litre diesel with a view to upgrading in 2018. What hybrids/electric cars/SUVs are worth considering as an alternative, but will still give me the space I need as opposed to driving a box?
I mainly drive around my local town (Waterford) and surrounding areas during the week then at weekends I travel long distances going to hurling/rugby games in and around the Munster region.
Thanks
Ray
Ray Power (Waterford)Sep 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Ray,
If you fancy a hybrid, then the best current model is the Toyota Prius. Its looks may divide opinion, but it is exceptionally economical, even on a long motorway run, and it has a roomy, comfortable cabin. Read our Toyota Prius review here.
If you fancy something a little more prestigious, then how about the Lexus IS 300h? Not quite as spacious as the Opel you have, but with exceptional build quality, decent economy and terrific refinement. Read our Lexus IS 300h review here.
BMW”s 330e plugin hybrid is another good contender, as is Volkswagen’s Passat GTE, but they’re both quite pricey and work better in downtown than they do on the open road. As far as hybrid SUVs go, Toyota’s C-HR is lovely, but rather small inside, so it may be worth waiting for Honda to launch its new CR-V hybrid next year. More reviews for you:
Hyundai i20, Opel Astra or Ford EcoSport?
At same lending cost... what to buy and why? Hyundai i20, Opel Astra or Ford EcoSport Titanium Plus?
Jitu Mehta (Rajkot.)Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Jitu,
Of those three, we’d go for the Astra every time. The i20 is fine, but a little dull. The EcoSport is an awful car so don’t go near it. The Astra, though, is well made, engaging to drive, roomy and economical. Go for the 1.0-litre turbo petrol and you won’t go wrong. Here are our reviews of each:
My Astra's timing belt has snapped...
The timing belt has snapped on my 1999 Opel Astra 1.4: just put on a new belt or put the car in the bin? Interference or non-interference?
Eamon Mcgowran (Limerick)Jul 2017 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Eamon,
Bad news, I'm afraid - that engine is interference, so it's highly likely that damage will have occurred. Best to have a compression test done on all cylinders before deciding what to do next.
Is this 2014 Opel Astra too good to be true?
Thinking of buying a 2014 Opel Astra (1.4 petrol) for circa €7,000. NCT'd to 2019, but highish mileage at 177,000km. Too good to be true?
Patrick Trehy (Donaghmede)Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
Tough to call. It is the unloved engine, which will hurt resale, and the mileage is about twice the average, but even so €7,000 sounds frighteningly cheap. Does it have a full service history? Have you done a history check with Cartell.ie?