Looking for a small to medium reliable family car.
Looking for a small to medium reliable family car. Comfort, fuel efficient, and low tax a consideration.
Mai Murphy (Cork)Apr 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mai,
OK, lots to choose from here. Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Toyota Auris are all ever popular and all with very good reason. They're reliable (the Toyota scoring best here), beautifully made (the Golf come out top in this category) and nice to drive (the Focus wins here). Lots of all three about so you can afford to be picky. Fancy something a bit different? Try a Honda Civic, especially the 1.6 i-DTEC diesel version, which is possibly the best compact diesel engine around.
Also well worth a look are the Kia cee'd (especially the handsome and practical estate version) and the current model of the Peugeot 308 (ditto on the estate version there).
Relevant reviews:
Should I replace my Peugeot's timing belt?
Does the timing belt on a Peugeot need to be replaced after replacing faulty camshaft seal?
Paul O 'Neill (Dublin)Apr 2015 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
We would definitely advise it to be done at that stage.
What is the market value of a Peugeot 407 in Ireland?
What is the market value of a seven-year old Peugeot 407 in Ireland?
Teresa N (Dublin)Mar 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Teresa,
There's a pretty broad spread of values for 407s of that age - it depends on the engine, trim and above all condition and history. The ballpark is from €5,500 to €8,500. A diesel model will be worth considerably more than a petrol one and a full service history is essential.
What small new car should I go for?
I am thinking of trading in my 2011 Nissan Micra (it has an NCT until 2017) for either a new (152) car or a 142 model. The shortlist of cars are: Hyundai i10, Peugeot 208, Renault Clio and maybe the Toyata Yaris or Skoda Fabia. However, the new bigger Ford Ka is due by December 2015 in the UK and 2016 here. Should I wait for the Ka?
Jacqueline Lynch (Dublin)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Jacqueline,
I wouldn't wait for the Ka. It's being designed primarily for Asian and low-cost markets, so it probably won't be the most refined, comfortable or high-tech. That's perhaps jumping the gun on the review a bit, but it's certainly likely to be the case. Of the cars you've listed I'd say the Hyundai i10 and Skoda Fabia are the standouts. They're quite different cars (the i10 is significantly smaller than the Skoda), but both are excellent to drive, well-made, reliable and offer excellent value. Have a try of both, and see which one suits your needs, size-wise, better.
Further reading:
What will we upgrade our Opel Corsa to?
We have an Opel Corsa and need something higher in the same price range. What do you recommend?
Kathleen Mcfadden (Dublin)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Kathleen,
When you say higher, do you mean an SUV or an MPV? Either way, you're going to have to spend more. In the world of automotive pricing, extra height equals extra cash.
If it's an MPV you fancy, try a Citroen C3 Picasso (especially the attractive Code Edition) or a Hyundai ix20. Or the more expensive Opel Meriva if you fancy staying with the Opel family.
Opel has an equally good small SUV, the Mokka although if funds allow it's best to buy new and get the new 1.6 diesel version. Other good small SUV options are a Peugeot 2008 or MINI Countryman.
Help me spend €24,000 on a new car!
Hi, I bought my present car, a Mitsubishi Space Star 1.3 GLX petrol new 15 years ago, so it's long overdue replacing. Trouble is I haven't got a clue about choosing a new car and I need your advice.
The max price I wish to pay is €24,000 so I'm also chasing the best scrappage deal. I had a drive in the Hyundai ix35 and I like it but it has its drawbacks. However, the Nissan Qashqai is a non-contender for me as it has only an emergency spare wheel and the fifth passenger has to sit like riding a donkey with the big centre console protruding from the front.
What do you think I should go for? I'm thinking of looking at the Kia Sportage and Kia cee'd, but also the Nissan Pulsar and Peugeot 3008. I would be grateful for your advice.
Kind regards, Anto.
Anthony Kavanagh (Kilkenny)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Anthony,
The Pulsar or the cee'd would be the most sensible choices and both fall well within your budget. Both are reliable and decent to drive, and the Kia's not bad looking either. In fact, I reckon you should go for the estate version of the cee'd - it's one of the nicest, comfiest and most practical cars around.
Further reading to help you decide:
Peugeot 2008 or Skoda Yeti?
Peugeot 2008 or Skoda Yeti?
Mick O'Flynn (Kilkenny)Feb 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mick,
Yeti. 2008 is nice, really nice in fact, but the Yeti remains one of the most impressive all-round cars we've ever driven.
Further reading:
New Peugeot 3008 or 141 Ford Kuga?
(a) New Peugeot 3008 or (b) 141 Ford Kuga - cost of (b) is €2,000 more?
Feb 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi John,
The current Kuga is a really nice car, and quite an underrated one I reckon. Still though, €2k is a heck of a lot of money and the 3008 is nice so why not go for that and spend the change on a cracking holiday or a new kitchen?
Further reading:
Have you reviewed the Peugeot 2008?
Have you done a review on the Peugeot 2008 1.4 HDi Active?
Mick O'Flynn (Kilkenny)Feb 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mick,
We've tested the Allure model, not the Active but here you go - the only difference is some bits and bobs of equipment: http://www.completecar.ie/testdrives/article/Peugeot/null/2008/600/2540
Is the Skoda Octavia's 1.2 TSI engine ok?
Hi guys,
Getting rid of my Peugeot 407 HDi after non-stop problems wiith the engine. I do approx 12,000km of mixed driving per year so starting to look back at the petrols. Really looking for trouble free motoring as the 407 has turned me against diesels. Looking closely at Octavia 1.2 TSI and Avensis 2.0-litre diesel as I think the 1.6 petrol will be a bit thirsty in the Avensis. Have you heard of any issues with the 1.2 TSI engine?
Any advice greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Mick
Michael Mulvey (Ashbourne)Feb 2015 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
If you want to go petrol then there are few better options than Volkswagen's 1.2 TSI turbo, and when it's fitted to the Skoda Octavia, you've got a near-perfect combination. Drive it gently, and you'll probably get very little difference in the overall fuel consumption compared to your old 407. That engine hasn't really been in the market for all that long, so it's a little hard to get a handle on whether or not there are any reliability landmines out there, but in general we've heard nothing bad.