I'm looking for a high-up diesel auto...
Currently driving a Peugeot 2008 diesel automatic. Love it, but need a slightly higher car again - still diesel automatic. My passenger has a disability and needs easier access. Don't need larger car just higher car. I like the Ford EcoSport, but the diesel version is not automatic. It appears slightly higher than the 2008. Something along that line and price bracket would suit me if it were available. Otherwise I will have to return to a Peugeot 3008 diesel automatic, which I had some years ago, but felt it was too large. Did not have to take disabled passenger at that stage.
Yvonne O'Dwyer (Kilkenny)Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Yvonne,
It’s going to be very hard to find a car that’s taller but not bigger overall. Most car makers cluster around the same size and dimensions within a given class, so unless you go for a larger car altogether, you’re unlikely to find anything else that is more than a few millimetres different either way.
Your best bet might be to have a look at the Opel Mokka X, which is similarly sized to the 2008, but a little bit higher in its ride height. Why not go and check out out and see if it suits?
Relevant reviews:
Which new car on PCP for around €25k?
Hi, I am looking to buy a new car on PCP. Budget is around €25k. I have looked at family options like the Skoda Octavia, Volkswagen Golf and Mazda3. Also on my shortlist is the Audi A1. Can you please advise which of these is the best bet?
Please suggest any other car that I can look at.
Rahul Nair (Dublin)Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Rahul,
There are a lot of other options from the Ford Focus to the Toyota Auris to the Peugeot 308 to the Hyundai i30 to the Kia cee’d and Nissan Pulsar. Of the ones you’ve mentioned, the two that I’d pick from are the Skoda (huge inside, practical, reliable) and the Mazda (high quality cabin, ultra-reliable).
Relevant reviews:
What is the best SUV for families?
What is the best SUV for families?
Kim Spendlove (South Circular Road)Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Kim,
At the moment, I'd say the Kia Sorento, which is big, comfy, smooth and has the requisite seven seats. Hang on though, because the new Skoda Kodiaq and Peugeot 5008 are imminent and those are both cars with big appeal. Relevant reviews:
I have a reappearing dent in my Peugeot!
I have a 151 Peugeot 5008 that I got last June a year old. The car had a dent on the boot just above the number plate. The dealer got a man to push the dent out and it looked really well. In December I noticed the dent had reappeared. The dealer wants the same guy to push this dent out. I am happy with this, however, I am concerned that in six months time the dent will reappear. Is there anything else that can be done to strengthen the door from behind. I was talking to the dent guy and he seems a bit worried about doing anything from behind (I suppose from a warranty point of view).
Thanks
Liam Mc Grath (Portarlington)Feb 2017 Filed under: bodywork
Expert answer
Hi Liam,
We’ve been on to the guys from Peugeot about this, and they’ve told us that they’ve never heard of a manufacturing fault that can cause a recurrent dent, and definitely haven’t heard of a specific issue with the 5008. They also said, though, that you won’t invalidate your warranty if you add in an adhesive pad to the back of the panel.
Peugeot 308: will three child seats fit?
Will a Peugeot 308 take three car seats on the back seat?
Jim O'Driscoll (Enniskeane )Jan 2017 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Jim,
It depends on the car seats. If at least one of them is a booster cushion (and a narrow one at that) then you might get away with with, but I doubt it would take three full-sized infant seats across without compromising safety.
Ford Fiesta 1.2 or Peugeot 208?
142 Ford Fiesta 1.2 or 151 Peugeot 208 1.2? Both have high mileage. Asking the same money. Which is best, in your opinion?
Tom Nelson (Maynooth)Jan 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Tom,
Both are good cars, but we’d say the Fiesta has a slight edge in terms of quality and of driving experience.
Which car for space behind the driver?
I am looking for a car that has enough room for a car seat behind the driver's side even when the driver seat is pushed way back. My partner is very tall and in our Peugeot 407 we cannot fit a second baby seat.
Please help.
Natasha Doran (Arklow)Jan 2017 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Natasha,
Try a Skoda Superb - they have tonnes of rear space, which should give plenty of room even with the driver's seat shoved right back. Big boot too, plus they're reliable and nice to drive.
Used Peugeot 308, Renault Megane or Auris?
Hi, we want to buy a newish car this year with about €10,000. We have looked at a few models including a 2012 Peugeot 308 HDi, 2012 Renault Megane 1.5 dCi and a Toyota Auris 1.4 diesel all with 50k ish miles. Which would be your choice? We do about 20,000 miles a year.
Thank you
Ruairi Mc Carthy (Mullagh Co Cavan)Jan 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Ruairi,
The Auris stands out mostly because it will be the most reliable and also because it has the most interior space. That said, the 1.4 diesel isn't perfect and does develop oil pump issues so check to see if it's had any remedial work done.
Of the other two, the Megane is a solid and sensible choice and the 308 is roomy and very economical. Overall, I'd say the Toyota is the best bet though.
Looking at the Toyota Proace Verso for a taxi.
Looking at the Toyota Proace Verso for a taxi; is it value for money?
Dave Taaffe (Dublin)Jan 2017 Filed under: taxi
Expert answer
Hi Dave,
Generally speaking it is, but much will depend on who you go to for a disabled access conversion. Worth remembering that the new Toyota Proace Verso is mechanically identical to the Citroen SpaceTourer and the Peugeot Expert, so it might be worth having a shop around to see if there are any sharper deals going on those.
Any scrappage AND 0% PCP finance deals?
Hi,
I am in the market to replace my 14-year old Peugeot 307. I note a lot of manufacturers have scrappage deals at present. Quite a few also have 0% finance deals, but these two offers are generally mutually exclusive. Do you know of any manufacturer offering both deals on new cars?
Thanks for your time, Rowland
Rowland Crawte (Raheny)Nov 2016 Filed under: finance
Expert answer
Hi Rowland,
Sadly no, the two offers are generally mutually exclusive. On top of which, the zero per cent finance offers are generally only on PCP (or Personal Contract Purchase) plans. Being as those run on a three-year replacement cycle and you’ve kept your Peugeot for 14 years, I’d suggest that they may not be the ideal way to buy a car for you. I reckon you’d be better off with either a Hire Purchase plan or a bank loan and taking full advantage of the ‘scrappage’ discount.