We need a low-emission seven-seater with sliding doors
We are going to avail of the scrappage scheme to buy a new car. Our main needs are:
- great storage: we cart around jogging buggies, bike trailers, hiking back packs etc.
- preferably A tax band (if such cars exist in Band A).
Because of storage needs we have been looking at seven seaters (although we just have one child we love lots of storage capacity) and my husband spotted one we both like (the Ford Grand C-Max). We really like the sliding back doors and the tinted back windows - keeping the sun out of our two-year old daughter's eyes is a constant struggle! It is a bit out of our price range (though if really worth it we could stretch). Just wondering what you would recommend and if there is a something similar to the Ford C-Max but cheaper?
Ailis Brosnan (Castleisland)Apr 2011 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hello Ailis,
Well for a start you have forgotten about the new Mazda5, which could be right up your street and it comes in €2,000 less than the Ford C-Max . It is a really impressive car and has a 1.6-litre diesel engine, which is frugal and puts it into Motor Tax Band B. It isn't quite as engaging as the C-Max to drive but it is well equipped and feels like a very high quality product. Here it is:
€24,995 will get you the entry-point into the Mazda5 and we think it is a really good car and would seem to suit your needs.
While it doesn't have sliding doors, you simply must try the Peugeot 5008 because it is so good. Click on the link to read our full review. That would make a great buy.
With regards to the Ford Grand C-Max you need €26,995 to get into the 1.6-litre Activ model.
Out of all of these, Ailis, I think you should really consider the Mazda5.
Hope that helps!
Is the Ford Grand C-Max a good choice?
I really need help to choose the next right car for my family (me, wife and seven-year-old twin boys). I'm currently driving the Ford Focus (2007). No complaints, but do feel that newer and bigger one would be ideal. My latest shortlist is: Ford Grand C-Max, Toyota Verso and Peugeot 5008. I'm reluctant to spend too much money on power (i.e. big motor capacity etc.) and prefer to use it on comfort elsewhere.
As I'm current a customer of Ford I have to say that its offer is financially the best one out of these three at the moment. Would you recommend Grand C-Max or do you suggest to turn my attention elsewhere? Anything good/bad I should take note of with Grand C-Max?
Thanks, Andres
Andres Vaher (Tallinn)Apr 2011 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Andres,
In terms of the amount of metal that you get for your money then it is really hard to look beyond the Peugeot 5008 because it is a massive car and really nice to put together. It is much bigger than the two other models that you mentioned. However the Grand C-Max is simply the best to drive in its class and if you don't need your MPV to be massive then this could be the way to go. The Verso is good too, but doesn't really have the class of either the Ford or the Peugeot. Twins can take lots of stuff with them I imagine, so you might want the bigger vehicle, but for me right now, I'd pick the C-Max.
Can you help with the roof on my Peugeot 306 CC?
Hi, I have a '98 Peugeot 306 CC with a folding electric roof. I'm having a problem when closing the roof. It opens perfectly but when it's closing the back window won't open to let the boot part down: i.e. it isn't completing the closing sequence. Could this be an electrical problem? Can you help?
MIchelle Whitty (Tallinn)Apr 2011 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Michelle,
With a car of this age it's not surprising that something may have worn out. Without knowing the mechanism of the 306 CC in depth we would never hazard a guess as to where the problem lies. Without doubt your best bet is to bring this into a Peugeot dealer to get their opinion. The service manager may know of a common problem and quick fix so talk to them before committing to any work.
If you have no joy, please come back to us.
Can I put kerosene in my diesel tank?
Can a diesel car run well on kerosene?
Richard Nolan (Carlow)Mar 2011 Filed under: diesel
Expert answer
Hi Richard,
We talked to Brian Coogan, Peugeot Ireland's National Technical Advisor, about this. He told us: "In colder countries they do add kerosene - they sells it at pumps (a five percent mix) during winter months as it has a lower freezing point than diesel. But, we advise that it could cause starting problems. The lubrication is not the same as diesel and therefore the injectors don't get enough lubrication to work efficiently. Even a small amount can cause problems."
I hope this answers your query, but come back to us if you'd like more information.
Can you recommend an MPV as a second car?
Can you recommend an MPV as a second car?
Reilly Sean (Longford)Feb 2011 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Sean,
It really depends on your budget and how many seats you need, but you can't go too far wrong with something like a Ford C-Max, Mazda5 or Peugeot 5008. These are probably the best around at the moment. If you need more room, then a Ford S-Max or Galaxy is your best bet. But come back to us if you need a more detailed response and can give us an idea of your budget.
I hope this helps.
What car has three ISOFIX points?
Hi
We hope to trade in our 2005 Skoda Octavia during the summer for a car that has three isofix points in the back. We would prefer not to get a seven-seater as we don't need that many seats. Our wishlist would include the three isofix points, a big boot to accomodate a double buggy, low tax and fuel efficiency. We have been looking at the Peugeot 307 SW. The trade in value of our present car seems to be in around the €5,000 mark. We can afford to add another €,5000 to that.
Any advice greatly appreciated! Many thanks.
Feena Farrell (Kilcock)Feb 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi there Feena,
The Peugeot 307 SW would be a good solution for you and it is great value and cheap to run. The 1.6-litre diesel engine is the best-seller in that model, is fuel-efficient and has low road tax. You would get one for within your budget alright. My sister has driven one for the last few years and apart from some loose bits of trim it has been a very solid car. Unfortunately there are only two ISOFIX points in the centre row.
Absolutely brilliant is the Fiat Multipla. Is it a little on the unusual side, but has a really clever 3+3 layout that your kids will really enjoy. The difficulty is that there are only two ISOFIX points in this too.
A little bit of research seems to suggest that there are normally only ISOFIX on the outer seats in the second row of a car. There are exceptions though, with the latest Renault Scenic (late 2009 on) having three ISOFIX points in the second row of seats. But this is outside your budget.
The Citroen C4 Picasso can take three ISOFIX seats across the rear and this might be a little bit outside your budget too, but perhaps you could haggle a little. Here is an example of one.
However, I reckon the solution for you is a Honda FR-V, which has three ISOFIX points across the six seats and it is a really good car. It only came as a petrol model early on, but if you don't do too many miles it should be okay. Here is one from 2006 within your budget.
Hope that helps.
What car-based van will I buy?
I currently drive a 2005 Toyota Avensis saloon - 1.6-litre petrol. I travel up to 450 miles every week to work so I'm looking at getting a diesel car, maybe a VW Golf van, Peugeot van or Skoda Octavia. Don't really know to be honest.
I don't mind a van as my girlfriend has a Ford Focus that I could use whenever needed. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Ronan O Connor (Kilcock)Feb 2011 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Ronan,
I reckon a Volkswagen Golf Van would do a brilliant job for you. You told us by e-mail that you have another €2,000 to spend on top of the value of your Toyota Avensis so I reckon this one could be a good option.
The Ford Focus van is good too, but I don't imagine you want to be a two Focus family! If I was having a car-van I'd have a Golf.
Hope that helps
How much is my Peugeot 307 SW worth?
Where can I find out how much my 2002 Peugeot 307 SW Estate is worth? Thinking of trading it in for a new car, if possible a Renault.
Lisa Naughton (Tullamore)Jan 2011 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Lisa,
You don't mention whether your car is petrol or diesel or how many miles it has on it and that makes it difficult to give you an idea of the price on it. Could you come back to us with these details and we will do our best to help you?
Thanks
When did diesel particulate filters come?
Could you tell which were the first diesel cars on the Irish market to be fitted with diesel particulate filters (DPF) as standard or even as an option? We're looking for a 6-8 year-old car and would like to consider a diesel for cheaper running costs, but a DPF is a must because of our concerns over how diesel soot particulates can cause asthma. Preferably at least medium sized or mini-MPV.
John Cradden (Celbridge)Expert answer
Hi John,
This one took a little bit of research, but according to Peugeot, it was the first to market a car with a diesel particulate filter in Ireland with the 607 saloon. Then in 2002 Peugeot introduced the DPF on its 307 2.0-litre HDi model. They came into general use around 2005 onwards. Ford told us that its cars came with DPFs from then on.
I am not sure of your budget, but perhaps a Ford Focus C-Max diesel would make sense? This car would be a top choice for you.
I hope this helps, but come back to us for more information if needed
Which estates have seven seats?
Can you recommend any estate car (not SUV or MPV) that can seat seven?
Paul Stack (Co Kildare)Dec 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
I am not sure if you want a new car or a used car. In terms of a new car, there aren't all that many seven seat estates anymore. First up is the Peugeot 308 SW, which is available with a third row of seats. However, it doesn't seem to be offered on Peugeot's online price list anymore - since the 3008 arrived it doesn't really have a large audience. We did contact Peugeot though and if you do want a 308 SW with seven seats the car is available on special order. A 1.6 HDi 308 SW seven seater will cost from €25,725 plus delivery and a 2.0 HDi will cost from €28,150.
But you can have a 2008 307 SW model for very little money. This one is just €9,990 for a 1.6-litre diesel.
Mercedes-Benz still does a seven-seat option for the E-Class Estate, but the third row is best suited to kids. That range starts at €46,500 before you start putting in optional extras.
Here is a quite nice 2004 model though: low mileage, a nice 2.7-litre diesel engine and it is a decent price too.
Add more detail in the comment box below if you'd like to know more.
Thanks a lot.