Should we go for a new Kia Sportage?
I was wondering if it would be a wise move to trade in our old Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate 1.8 petrol for the brand new Kia Sportage 1.7 diesel. I was very impressed by the high spec model in the showroom.
Mary Bruton (Dublin)Feb 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
It could well be a good idea. If you like the looks and the cabin of the Sportage, there's no questioning that it's a sensible, reliable and frugal car. Well priced too. Read our Kia Sportage review here.
How often should I service my Ford Fiesta?
How often should I service my 2007 Ford Fiesta 1.2-litre petrol? Confession: I don't think it's had the works since I bought it in 2013!
Catherine Hegarty (Ballincollig)Feb 2016 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Catherine,
It really does depend on your mileage and driving conditions, but a good rule of thumb is at least once a year regardless. We'd recommend every 15,000km on a car like that as well, but even if you don't do that in a year it's best to get the car serviced annually.
It's definitely overdue one!
Diesel Focus or petrol Golf? Help!
I'm looking at a 2014 Ford Focus 1.6 diesel Titanium or a 2013 Volkswagen Golf 1.2 turbo petrol. What should I buy? I don't do a lot of miles, just drive around town. So confused.
Catriona Kelly (Wexford)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Catriona,
Go for the petrol Golf. It's a hugely economical engine anyway, but if you're doing short hops and low mileage then there's just no point in buying a diesel. You'll never make back the extra purchase price in fuel savings and you'll run into problems with clogged diesel particulate filters, etc.
How much to tax a petrol Mazda5?
How much is the annual road tax for a Mazda5 2.0 petrol?
Ola Popoola (Dublin)Jan 2016 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Ola,
That depends on what year it was registered. If it’s an original Irish car registered before Jan 1st 2008, then it’s on the old engine capacity tax system and will cost €710. If it was registered after 2008, or is a UK import brought into the country since then, it’ll be on the CO2-based tax system and, with CO2 emissions of 198g/km, it’ll cost a whopping €1,200.
What's the best supermini right now?
What's the best small family car or supermini of 2016? In terms of value for money, economy, driveability.
Don Naughton (Galway)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Don,
I'd say it's a tied vote between the Honda Jazz (amazingly roomy and reliable, but a bit pricey), the Skoda Fabia (as solid a choice as the day is long) or the Ford Fiesta (brilliant to drive and has a wonderful EcoBoost petrol engine).
Relevant reviews:
I'm looking at a 2014 Skoda Rapid.
Hi,
I'm looking at a 2014 Skoda Rapid. I don't see many of them around so unsure what to do about it.
Aisling Breen (Wicklow)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Aisling,
Not a huge seller, the Rapid, but it's a perfectly decent car. Skoda designed and built it as a more affordable alternative to the Octavia - it kind of sits between the Octavia and the smaller Fabia in price and space terms. The upsides are a big boot (huge, actually) and a decent line-up of petrol and diesel engines. The downsides are a slightly narrow cabin and bouncy, skippy rear suspension. Plus the interior doesn't look or feel as sophisticated as that of the larger Octavia. It'll be an affordable and very reliable family car though.
How much is a 2005 Toyota Avensis worth?
How much is a 2005 1.6 petrol Toyota Avensis Strata 1ith 183,000km on the clock worth as a trade in?
Des Decourcy (Wicklow)Jan 2016 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Des,
As a trade in, probably around €1,500 to €2,000, but it would have to be immaculate to reach that.
Toyota Corolla or Skoda Octavia?
Thinking about buying a 2008 Toyota Corolla or Skoda Octavia, similar mileage, 1.4 petrol. Thoughts?
Brendan Toohey (Drogheda )Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
Both decent cars. Go with the Corolla if reliability is your overriding priority (although the Skoda's hardly fragile or anything) and go with the Skoda if space and a big boot are your priorities.
Any pointers on the Nissan Tiida?
My budget for a car is €6k approx and the Nissan Tiida (2008 or 2009) 1.6 four-door manual petrol seems good value for money. I would do low mileage per year, mostly city/urban driving.
Any pointers?
Rita O'Keeffe (Dublin 15)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Rita,
The 1.6 is the right choice for city/urban driving right enough and the Tiida is a reliable old thing, and was one of the first cars to come with Bluetooth phone connection as standard. It's not very interesting though...
What to buy with up to €5,000?
I am looking for a medium size second hand car. My budget is €3,000 - €5,000. Which make/model is the most economical for road tax and fuel?
Sinéad O Sullivan (Tralee)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Sinead,
How about a Honda Civic? Your budget should get you into a 2007 model with the 1.4-litre V-TEC petrol engine. Frugal, reliable and spacious.