Chevrolet Spark as good as a Corsa?
Chevrolet Spark 1.2: is this vehicle on a par with the Opel Corsa?
John Delaney (Mountmellick)Mar 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi John,
Frankly, no. Chevrolet models for Europe were basically re-badged and re-engineered Daewoos, and built very much down to a price in Korea. While the Spark shares a lot of components with the Corsa, the Opel is a far-better built car.
I'm looking for a high-up diesel auto...
Currently driving a Peugeot 2008 diesel automatic. Love it, but need a slightly higher car again - still diesel automatic. My passenger has a disability and needs easier access. Don't need larger car just higher car. I like the Ford EcoSport, but the diesel version is not automatic. It appears slightly higher than the 2008. Something along that line and price bracket would suit me if it were available. Otherwise I will have to return to a Peugeot 3008 diesel automatic, which I had some years ago, but felt it was too large. Did not have to take disabled passenger at that stage.
Yvonne O'Dwyer (Kilkenny)Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Yvonne,
It’s going to be very hard to find a car that’s taller but not bigger overall. Most car makers cluster around the same size and dimensions within a given class, so unless you go for a larger car altogether, you’re unlikely to find anything else that is more than a few millimetres different either way.
Your best bet might be to have a look at the Opel Mokka X, which is similarly sized to the 2008, but a little bit higher in its ride height. Why not go and check out out and see if it suits?
Relevant reviews:
Opel Insignia or SEAT Exeo saloon?
Opel Insignia 130hp or SEAT Exeo 140hp - 2012/2011? Any problems I should look out for?
Michael Walsh (Mayo)Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
There are no major reported issues for the SEAT Exeo (and SEATs tend to be pretty solidly reliable) and the Insignia generally only suffers from minor electrical issues (usually in the central locking and alarm system) and the boot seals (which can leak and let in water). Of the two, we’d go for the Insignia - it’s roomier, it’s nicer to drive and looks and feels a bit more prestigious.
Is the Opel Ampera-e for Ireland?
When will the Opel Ampera-e go on sale in Ireland?
Seán Ó Dufaigh (Castlerea)Feb 2017 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Sean,
It probably won’t. Opel confirmed at the Paris Motor Show last year that there won’t be right-hand drive production of the Ampera-e and that position has not yet changed. If there’s a sudden jump in demand from the UK and Ireland for electric cars, then Opel may well reconsider, but for now, we won’t be getting it.
Will UK discounting affect Irish car prices?
Hi,
Will the large discounts in the UK market on new cars have any effect on prices in Ireland?
Frank D (Dublin)Feb 2017 Filed under: pricing
Expert answer
Hi F D,
Yes, they will, though probably not at the new car level. Although some car importers in Ireland are connected to their UK equivalents (BMW and Opel for instance) unless it's market driven, they probably won't do the same here. However, those lower UK prices will lead to lower second hand values, which will make imports cheaper, which will have an effect on second hand values here. How much? We'll have to wait and see...
Is the Opel Mokka X the same size?
I am waiting delivery of a new Opel Mokka X and wish to purchase a rubber fitted boot protector in advance. Most or all of those advertised on Amazon describe them as "2012 onwards". They seem to relate to the model prior to the X model. Are the measurements and shape of the X identical to the previous model?
Declan Corry (Greystones)Feb 2017 Filed under: aftermarket
Expert answer
Hi Declan,
Yup, it's exactly the same car. Opel changed the styling at the front, tidied up the dashboard design and gave it some new engines, but the overall structure, body and dimensions remained the same.
Which new seven-seat MPVs would you go for?
I currently have a Ford Galaxy and looking to get a new/nearly new seven-seater. Have you done a review on seven-seaters? What would you recommend?
Luke Tyrrell (Dublin)Jan 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Luke,
We certainly have done a few reviews... The closest cars to your Galaxy in terms of size and space are the Ford S-Max (a little smaller, but still very roomy) and the SEAT Alhambra (not as swish to drive as the Galaxy, but very spacious and with sliding side doors). There's also the Volkswagen Sharan, which is basically identical to the Alhambra, but a little more expensive. It wasn't on sale in Ireland for a while but it's back now and there are a few second hand ones knocking about.
If you fancy something a little smaller, then try the Opel Zafira Tourer. It's a really underrated car - nice to drive, well made and with decent cabin space.
After that, you're into the smaller MPVs such as the Volkswagen Touran, Kia Carens and so on. Good cars, but much smaller than your Galaxy so you'd be trading down in size terms.
With our practical hats on, we'd go for the SEAT - it's big and useful and those sliding side doors are great.
Here are the reviews themselves if you'd like more detail:
A few others worth considering as well:
What to look out for on diesel Astra Estate?
Opel Astra Estate 1.7 or 1.3? With 90,000 plus mile. What to look out for? I will change the turbo just in case with an Opel part as I do all my own servicing so labour cost not a problem.
Gerry Cluskey (Drogheda/louth)Dec 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Gerry,
Of the two, I’d prefer the 1.3 diesel. Neither is an especially refined engine by modern standards, but the 1.7 is a terrible old thing – incredibly noisy, rattly and prone to stalling when driving in stop-start traffic. The 1.3, if you get it with the 90hp output, has decent performance, is very economical and doesn’t seem to give too much bother. Great that you’re doing your own servicing, but beware of what effect that may have on the resale value as most buyers prefer to see a healthy book of dealer service stamps.
Is the Opel Astra 1.7 diesel any good?
Opel Astra 1.7 CDTi Estate: are they good?
Gerry Cluskey (Drogheda)Dec 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Gerry,
They’re generally fine, but that 1.7 diesel is a rough old thing, and not the most reliable engine around. You can do better.
is the new Hyundai i20 a good car?
Hi, I would like to know if the Hyundai i20 is a good car to buy in 1.2 petrol guise (new), or should I stick to the Fiesta, Corsa, Polo etc? My commute is 21km dual carriageway. Would the petrol be ok or should I look at the diesel?
Peter O'Shea (Mallow, Cork)Dec 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
With a short commute like that, you’re definitely better off with petrol and the Hyundai i20 is a fine car – roomy and well made and quite good to drive. Here are some of our reviews to help you decide: