Should we get a second EV for towing?
Hi, a question about a second car. What would be a good choice for a second car for travelling to work that does small mileage (10-20 miles) daily? Our main car is a Nissan Leaf, which we use for the majority of our driving. A car that can tow a small trailer would be ideal, something with low tax and running costs. Budget is about 6-7 thousand euro, with the intention of trading in the car in a few years time for a newer model. Have thought of buying another electric car, but not sure about having two electric cars in household until longer range cars are available or charging network improves.
Thank you for your help.
Barry
Barry Slye (Cork)Jun 2018 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi Barry,
The problem with electric cars is that, generally, they’re not rated for towing (I think that the new Nissan Leaf is one of the first with a towing rating), so you’re probably going to have to switch back to petrol or diesel for this one. Probably your best bet is to go for something very conventional, such as VW Golf or Ford Focus, and maybe go for the estate version of one of those to give yourself a little extra versatility. A Toyota Auris Hybird would also work well, and would at least keep you going on half-electric power. Plenty of them around in your price range.
Belt or chain for VW's 1.0 TSI engine?
Does the VW 1.0 TSI petrol engine run with a timing chain or timing belt?
Samad Sapawi (Singapore)Jun 2018 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Samad,
It's a timing belt, defined as a long-life item by Volkswagen.
Looking at maybe a new petrol SUV.
Hi,
I'm looking to change my 151 Toyota Corolla 1.4 Luna diesel at the end of this year or early next year. It currently has 93,000km on the clock. About 70 per cent of our driving is on short journeys such as short runs to town of about 10km. Would I be better to stay with diesel or go to petrol? I'm thinking about getting a crossover/SUV, something like a Peugeot 3008, Nissan Qashqai or a Kia Sportage, or would I get better value getting a smaller SEAT Ateca, Suzuki Vitara or Opel Mokka? My children are all adults now and are only around at weekends so our mileage will be decreasing a bit. Any advice would be great.
Thanks
Rob
Roddy McMyler (Kilkenny)Jun 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Roddy,
Well, it sounds definitely as if petrol is the way to go, and as you’ve mentioned the Ateca, that’s a good one to look at. It’s cheaper, by a little, than most of the competition, has an excellent 1.0-litre 115hp turbo petrol engine (don’t be put off by the small engine — it copes just fine) and isn’t ‘smaller’ at all — it’s the same size as the VW Tiguan, thanks to using the same chassis. The same goes for Skoda’s Karoq. A Peugeot 3008 with the 1.2 PureTech petrol engine would also be a good choice, but the Sportage isn't currently offered as a decent small petrol version, so we’d give that a swerve. The Nissan Qashqai comes with a good 1.2 turbo petrol, but doesn’t feel as good to drive in that form as the diesel. The Opel Mokka X is just too old a design and feels well out of date, but actually if you can cope with the smaller size, the Suzuki Vitara’s a good shout — good to drive, good looking and hugely reliable.
Read or reviews for more:
Thoughts on these petrol engines?
Hi,
Is the 1.2 TCe petrol engine in the Renault Kadjar any good? It’s something I’ve been looking at buying (used), but I get the impression from reading various comments and reviews online that it seems rather gutless in terms of power/torque and the economy is just ok. I know the 1.5 dCi is the default choice, but my mileage (roughly 7,000km per year mainly urban) doesn't justify a diesel. Peugeot’s 1.2 on the other hand seems to be excellent and highly regarded. Yet it’s the same size?
Seamus Hadrill (Dublin)May 2018 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Seamus,
The same size, yes, but they are very different engines. Actually, both engines also have the same 130hp power output, but without question the Peugeot engine feels livelier to drive than the Renault one. Why? We can’t say, but the effect is definitely there. Economy should be fine though — especially seeing as most of your mileage is around town, you should get a pretty easy 40mpg on average. It’s definitely the best engine option for you. At 7,000km a year you’d be wasting your money buying a diesel.
When to change my Meriva's cam belt?
I have a 2009 Vauxhall Meriva; when should the cam belt be changed?
Steve Hill (Bridgwater )Apr 2018 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Steve,
You've not told us what engine your car has, so here's the full run-down:
1.3 CDTi diesel - not applicable as it has a timing chain
1.4 petrol - not applicable as it has a timing chain
1.6 petrol (87hp) - every 120,000 kilometres or every eight years
1.6 16v petrol (100hp - 2003-2010) - every 90,000 kilometres or every six years
1.6 16v petrol (105hp - 2006-2010) - every 150,000 kilometres or every 10 years - same for the Meriva VXR
1.7 CDTi diesel (100hp - 2003-2010) - every 100,000 kilometres or every 10 years
The below schedules are for several versions of the 1.7 CDTi diesel engine: 100hp (2006-2010), 125hp (2006-2010), 101hp (2007-2010)
2006-2008 - every 90,000 kilometres or every 10 years
2009-2010 - every 150,000 kilometres or every 10 years
1.7 CDTi diesel (110hp - 2008-2010) - every 150,000 kilometres or every 10 years
1.7 D DI diesel (65hp - 2004-2005) - every 150,000 kilometres or every 10 years
1.7 D DTI diesel (75hp - 2003-2005) - every 150,000 kilometres or every 10 years
1.8 petrol - every 90,000 kilometres or every six years
I realise that might all be confusing so if you're in any doubt which engine your car has, come back to us with its engine code and we'll tell you precisely.
Should you be recommending diesels?
Hi
I have the impression that on many occasions you can recommend a diesel as being a better option, and I can fully understand why. The problem is, it seems to me, that there is a huge degree of uncertainty over diesels, with widespread negative publicity and many cities proposing to ban them. It doesn't really matter whether this negativity is justified. The "uncertainty" will kill any market. Not only do you have to worry about where you might be allowed to drive, but also whether there will be much demand for diesels in four or five years time, when you go to sell. So economically, diesels might be a better proposition, but it takes a brave person to make that choice.
Philip
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Apr 2018 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Philip and thanks for this,
You make some good points here, but the main one I'd like to focus on is the uncertainty. It is, without a doubt, reducing car sales right now, as people don't know what to do, and all we can do is present the facts. They are this:
1 - There are many motorists in Ireland for which there is no economic alternative to a diesel car. Those that travel long distances day in, day out, could not use an electric car. Plug-in hybrids would be useless to them as well as they only return good economy when regularly charged up. The latest non plug-in hybrids are more economical than ever on a long run, but still not as cheap to fuel as a good diesel. And let's not forget, the majority of drivers are buying used, so there's very little choice in the used market for anything other than conventional diesel or petrol.
2 - For another large number of Irish motorists, petrol power would be perfectly fine. We've been saying for years that too many people have diesel cars because that became the default after 2008. Regardless of air quality and health issues, diesels come with higher maintenance costs, especially if they aren't used at higher speeds regularly.
3 - It seems to have been lost in the conversation that the diesel bans being discussed are not for all diesels, but for older diesels that emit much higher levels of NOx and other pollutants.
4 - The Irish government needs to hurry up and let the country/industry know what it plans to do, for this uncertainty is killing the market full-stop, not just diesel power.
With all the above in mind, we will continue to help buyers choose a car based on their individual circumstances and for many that will still mean a diesel. For now.
I welcome thoughts and comments on this below. Would be great to get some feedback on what people think and whether they are holding off buying a car because of the uncertainty.
Is there a seven-seat Jeep 1.4?
Does the Jeep 1.4-litre turbo petrol come in seven-seat form?
Josephine Nolan (Kilkee)Apr 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Josephine,
I assume you mean either the Jeep Renegade or brand new Compass model. Neither come with seven seats, I'm afraid. In fact, Jeep doesn't have any seven-seat vehicle on sale in Ireland right now.
Will Skoda's 1.0 TSI engine be reliable?
Hi.
We have been looking for a good reliable quality practical family car and deciding to go with a Skoda Octavia 1.0 TSI, as petrol suits our mileage - very short during the week and longer drives on weekends. My question and only reservation about the three-cylinder 1.0 TSI Octavia is its durability. Skoda and Volkswagen have a good reputation, but my only concern is how many years can be got out of a small engine in a big car? Have you any background into the work the manufacturers have put into this technology. and how durable do you reckon they will be? I've only heard great things about it, but I've heard a few non-Skoda drivers dismiss this engine.
Thanks
Mark Yeatesy (Dublin)Mar 2018 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
Well, it is — in effect — impossible for us to say with any authority as to how the 1.0 TSI engine is going to perform in the longer term, as the engine hasn’t been around all that long. What we can say is that, so far, there have been no horror stories emerging of any major reliability issues, and that Skoda has (a) good quality control systems and (b) a good reputation for high quality and reliability. After all, when people ask about the most reliable cars, we generally say Japanese, Korean and Czech — in that order. As long as you keep it properly serviced, I don’t think you’ll have any major problems.
Petrol Mazda CX-5 any good?
What do you guys think of the Mazda CX-5 in its 2.0-litre petrol guise?
Kieran Donnelly (Cork)Mar 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Kieran,
As a whole, the CX-5 is a really lovely car — great to drive, well made, roomy and good looking. The petrol version is a weak point, though. It’s just not torquey enough for a big 4x4, and it suffers in terms of both fuel consumption and refinement because of that. Stick with the diesel, unless all your mileage is in town.
We need a new family car for under €25k.
Hi,
We are in the market for a new family car that is low maintenance, fits three car seats and preferably be on or just above the €25k mark. We do very little mileage, we currently do one round trip of about two miles to a creche and back with some longer drives at the weekend, but rarely. We both commute by public transport for work. We are considering hybrid/electric as we drive so little but to be honest with the research I've been doing, it seems most hybrids start at €25k and i'm prepared to consider a petrol model if it kept us below that price and suited our needs. We have no brand loyalty at all, but more interested in the ones that offer long warranties.
Any suggestions?
RUTH COONEY (Dublin)Mar 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Ruth,
I think to get what you need, your best bet is to buy second hand and go for a Toyota Prius+. It’s ideal for low mileage users, has seats for seven and will be incredibly reliable. Just be aware that on longer journeys it will be considerably thirstier.
You could go for a nearly-new Prius or Kia Niro (or a Hyundai Ioniq), but I fear they wouldn’t have the rear seat space that you need. That said, it will depend on how old your kids are and how big their seats are. If you have at least one on a booster cushion (and the Bubble Bum inflatable one is very good for middle rear seats) then you might squeeze in.