Price of a 2008 Toyota Corolla?
What about the price of a 2008 Toyota Corolla with petrol 1.4 engine and 134,000km?
Jins Joseph (Rosecommon)Jan 2018 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Jins,
A lot will depend on the condition and history, but I’d say it will be worth around €4,500; maybe €3,000 as a trade-in.
What to replace my Renault Scenic with?
I have an ageing Renault Scenic petrol automatic. Apart from poor mpg, it is brilliant - comfortable (I've fitted cruise control) with very good options for load carrying. What do I replace it with?
John Wiloughby (Stroud)Jan 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi John,
Well, there are lots of good options. If you still like MPVs and like Renaults then the new Scenic is a bit of a cracker. Very comfy, and you can get it with an impressive 115hp 1.2 petrol turbocharged engine that should be rather more economical than what you’ve been used to. And it comes with cruise control as standard now.
Other, similar models worth considering are the Citroen C4 Picasso/Grand Picasso, VW Touran, Kia Carens or the Toyota Verso. Here are our relevant reviews:
Can you tell me about a new Lexus crossover?
Can you tell me anything please about the new Lexus hybrid small crossover due out in 2018 I think? I drive an Audi A4 and love it, but thinking of changing to Lexus so I can drive a hybrid.
Many thanks
Elizabeth Regan (Dublin)Jan 2018 Filed under: hybrid
Expert answer
Hi Lily,
We’ll very likely find out a good deal more about the new small Lexus crossover at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show, or failing that the Geneva show in March. Here’s what we know for now, though...
It will be called the Lexus UX, and the company has already trademarked the UX 250h badge for the hybrid version. That suggests it may use the 2.5-litre petrol engine and hybrid assistance found in the existing Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, but, as the UX will platform share with the smaller Toyota C-HR, it may be that it will get a higher performance version of that car’s 1.8-litre hybrid. Certainly, Toyota has been making noise about a higher performance version of the C-HR Hybrid so it’s likely that both models are being developed in tandem.
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.
Tell me about the Toyota Auris 1.2...
Hi,
My friend is considering buying a new Toyota Auris 1.2 Turbo petrol and was asking me for some advice. Is this engine the same as the Puretech one made by Peugeot, as I know Toyota and PSA share some engines, etc? Or is it made by Toyota themselves or is it a BMW engine? I would almost rather if it was much the same as the PSA Puretech one, but is this so?
Kieran, Waterford.
Ciarán Holohan (Waterford)Dec 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Ciaran,
No, it’s actually Toyota’s own design of engine, and is quite closely related to the 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit in the Yaris and Aygo. It’s pretty clever actually — able to switch from Otto cycle to Atkinson cycle (which helps to save fuel) and back again. It’s a good engine to drive, if you’ve not tried one, smooth and reasonably powerful (only 114hp but a decent 184Nm of torque).
Which premium estate for up to €14,000?
Hi.
I'm in a top spec '07 BMW 3 Series 2.0 petrol auto with only 60k miles. I love the car but need more space. Any recommendations you have would be greatly appreciated. My overall budget is max €14k (€10k plus €4k that I hope to get by selling privately, as dealers are only offering me €3k). I would like to stick to a premium brand, and would buy a used estate version of my current car, except they're all diesel and I don't do enough mileage to warrant a diesel engine.
Many thanks and best regards
Tony, Dublin
Tony H (Dublin)Dec 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Tony,
Well, it would certainly be worth trying to track down a petrol-engined 3 Series Touring estate, but as you rightly point out these are rarer than hens’ molars at the moment. Same story for the Audi A4 Avant and Mercedes C-Class Estate too, I’m afraid. Would you consider a VW Passat Estate? Or a Skoda Superb? A bit of a step down in class terms, I’ll grant you, but good, solid cars and you can track them down with the 1.4 TSI turbo petrol engine.
Petrol or diesel Mazda CX-5 for 2018?
Hi there.
I have a 161 Mazda CX-5 diesel and I am hoping to change it next year. As I don't do much mileage, approx. 12,000km per year, I was thinking of changing to the petrol model. Do you have any opinion on the CX-5 petrol model good or bad? Or should I stick to the diesel? Apart from anything the petrol is cheaper to buy. I would very much appreciate any advice you could give me.
Many thanks
Gerard. Dundalk, Co. Louth
Gerard O'Rourke (Dundalk)Dec 2017 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Gerard,
If you’re doing very low mileage (and you pretty much are) then we would usually say that the petrol engine is the better option. However, with the new CX-5 that’s a slightly tougher decision as the 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G petrol engine isn’t as good as the diesel options — it’s a bit underpowered and underwhelming to drive. The 150hp 2.2-litre diesel is a much better engine overall. Have a test drive of both and see which you prefer.
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 (Dundalk)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:
Should I do this work to my MINI One?
How much would it cost to replace the head gasket and timing chain on a 2008 MINI One 1.4 petrol? And is it worth it?
Amy Sutton (Dublin)Nov 2017 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Amy,
Labour costs and even part prices vary massively depending on which garage you go to and whether the parts are original manufacturer items or not. The best we can do is tell you that the estimated time for changing a head gasket is over eight hours and that for changing the timing chain is nearly five hours, though both jobs involve an overlap in what needs to come off so the total is probably more like 10-11 hours if it's all done together. The head gasket and the chain are expensive components to buy as well.
Whether it's worth all that expense depends entirely on whether the car is otherwise perfect. A 2008 MINI One could be worth between €5,000 and €7,000 depending on mileage and condition. It'll be worth considerably less if it needs that work doing to it.
Let us know how you get on
How to fix my Peugeot's oil leak?
Cost of repair to head? My Peugeot 307 1.4 petrol has an oil leak.
Dermot O Mahony (Carrigaline)Nov 2017 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Dermot,
It's impossible for us to know where the oil leak is coming from, I'm afraid, and that will massively affect the cost of the repair. It could just be from the cover, or a camshaft oil seal, both relatively small jobs, or from a damaged head gasket, which is considerably more work.
If the leak is substantial, you really should bring the car to a good mechanic for an estimate and to help you pinpoint the source.
Best of luck