Which of these hatchbacks for €25,000 to go for?
Hi,
I am on the hunt for my first "new" car - I've only ever had hand me downs. I'm currently driving a low mileage (<92,000km) 2000 Yaris, which is running well and NCT'd until end of October. I am thinking of an MG3+ Excite, Hyundai i20 Deluxe or Kia Stonic.
I have test driven all, for around 20 minutes in city traffic. I will be using the car mainly for work, which is 80km round trip, mostly on N or M roads. It'll be around 12-hour shifts, a mix of day and nights, so visibility, safety and comfort are factors.
It will also be used for occasional trips around the country but rarely used on days off from work or short run-arounds. I am also thinking of trying a Renault Clio Evolution.
I have found one of each type, coming in around €25,000, which is my maximum budget.
Your opinion would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you
Ciara (Dublin)Sep 2025 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Ciara,
Out of those options, we'd likely choose the Renault Clio or the MG, as both are comfortable even at higher speeds on larger roads, while also being quite economical - more so than the other cars mentioned.
You really should try to get a proper test drive on such roads as you'll be spending all your time on them.
Can I check if an AA-approved dealer is genuine?
I am buying a 2012 Renault Clio from an AA-approved dealer. Can I be sure dealer is genuine?
OBroin (Kildare, Ireland.)Mar 2025 Filed under: history
Expert answer
Hi there,
Go to the AA Approved Car Network and search by car or location to see if you can find the dealer you are dealing with. Aside from that we'd recommend you carry out a car history check on the registation of the car you are interested in. And make sure you physically visit the dealer's premises to discuss and see the car before you pay out a deposit.
Renault Clio or Toyota Auris?
Hi,
I am looking at purchasing either a 2015 Renault Clio 1.5 diesel with 88,000km on the clock or a 2013 Toyota Auris diesel with 196,000km on the clock for €8,500. I used to drive a Peugeot 207 and currently renting a Clio until I buy a new car.
I drive a lot for work and need a good seat (neck issues) and something that is economical on fuel. I'd really appreciate your advice on which is the better car in the long run. My budget is €9,000, which I know is low for a decent car.
Ciara Conway (Galway)Nov 2024 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Ciara,
In general, larger cars come with better seats, and the Auris is in a class above the Clio in size terms so that would normally hold true. However, there's two years between these cars and over 100,000km, to the benefit of the Clio, and that really goes against the Toyota as its seats (and everything else of course) will have been through a lot more use. On top of that, the Clio is one of the bigger and more substantial cars in its sector.
In this case, and without knowing anything about the condition or service history of both (just as important as mileage and year), I'd suggest the Clio would be a better bet for you. Both are similarly economical.
A quick look on Carzone.ie for a diesel hatchback for under €9,000 reveals plenty of good alternatives to the above, including the Nissan Note and Pulsar and Honda Civic. There are loads of others with higher mileages on the clock already. From what I've seen, the Honda Civic seems like a really good option.
Is the Volkswagen Up suitable for me?
Hi there,
I'm looking to buy a newer car than my 2007 1.2 Renault Clio. I spend roughly half the week in a small city and the other half in a small country village, about 25 minutes from the nearest town. I do a short motorway trip about twice a week. I'd love something like a Volkswagen Up, but am worried this would be too small and lack enough power for my amount of driving, which is roughly 21,000km per year.
What would you advise?
Many thanks, Eimear.
Eimear Molloy (Kilkenny/Waterford)May 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Eimear,
I’m happy to report that you’re wrong — the Up (and the equivalent Skoda and SEAT versions) is one of those small car’s that’s oddly good on the motorway. OK, with 60hp you’re not going to be winning any Grands Prix, but it’s entirely adequate, keeps up with other traffic and is pretty decently economical too. Indeed, it’s probably a better bet than buying a basic Clio or similarly-sized car, which will be bigger and heavier but won’t necessarily be that much more powerful.
Looking for used automatic car...
Hi, I am looking for a used automatic hatchback petrol car for my wife. She's a learner and would prefer a small automatic hatchback. Would you mind helping me to find the best automatic car from year 2015 to 2017? We went through your reviews and made a list of cars thatsuits our needs. They are Hyundai i10, Skoda Citigo, Kia Picanto, Toyota Yaris, SEAT Ibiza, SEAT Mii, Opel Corsa, Peugeot 108 and Renault Clio etc. I was wondering if you could suggest me the best option?
Nithin Mathew (New Ross, Wexford)Apr 2020 Filed under: automatic
Expert answer
Hi Nithin,
You’re kind of shopping in two separate segments of the market, there — small city cars (such as the Up and the i10) and larger superminis (such as the Yaris and Clio). If it’s one of the small ones you want, then the decision is kind of made for you. The Up is one of our favourites, but there’s no automatic option, so the Hyundai it has to be. No bad thing — it’s an excellent car.
If you fancy something a little larger and roomier, then I’d suggest going for the Toyota Yaris Hybrid — it gets you the automatic transmission you want, plus you’re future-proofing yourself a little with the hybrid powertrain.
What's happening with the new Clio?
Hi,
Can you tell me please what the new Renault Clio to be released here by 2020 will be called that is comparable with the existing Renault Clio IV Dynamique Nav and is it expected to same sort of price? Thanks so much as dealer offering to buy 191 and get 2020 in year's time and I want to make sure will be getting as good a spec with offer in a year's time and know what I should be asking for clarification.
Alison Jones (Waterford)Oct 2019 Filed under: pricing
Expert answer
Hi Alison,
We have to give you a slightly cop-out answer on this one as Renault is in the process of launching the new Clio on the Irish market, and so isn’t prepared to confirm pricing and spec details with us just yet. What Renault has told us is: “The Dynamique version of Clio IV was by far our most popular, accounting for almost 9,000 of the 12,000 Clio IV sold in Ireland since 2013. We’ve built the Clio V range to ensure that the new car has the easy-life features that Clio IV Dynamique owners enjoy, while now including a raft of life-saving active safety features as standard.”
The new Clio will go on sale in Ireland next week, so keep an eye on CompleteCar.ie, and at your local Renault dealer, for more details.
How good is the Clio's air conditioning?
How good is the air conditioning in the Renault Clio Expression?
Joan Gardiner (Athens Greece)Jun 2018 Filed under: comfort
Expert answer
Hi Joan,
It should be fine — French cars tend to have decent air conditioning, not least because it gets exceptionally hot in some parts of France and, as ever, car companies build to what they know. If it’s an older one, though, you might want to have a look at getting the system re-gassed, as with age, air conditioning systems become progressively less efficient.
Ford Fiesta or Renault Clio for reliability?
Hi,
Looking for a reliable small car; thinking of Ford Fiesta or Renault Clio with a petrol engine; which is more durable?
John.
John Scanlon (Dublin)Nov 2016 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi John,
It probably depends what year you’re talking about, but if you mean the current models then I’d say there’s not an awful lot in it in reliability terms. I’d suggest that the Fiesta will just shade the Clio in overall reliability but there won’t be a huge difference. If we’re talking much older versions, then it’s the Fiesta by miles.
Can you help my buy my first car?
I am in the market to buy my first car. I have looked at a 2007 Volkswagen Polo for €5,500 with 80,000 miles; a 2009 Renault Clio with 50,000 miles for €5,500; and a 2007 Opel Corsa with 110,000 miles for €4,500 (all 1.2). It is important to purchase a car that will help to keep my insurance and maintenance costs low.
Any advice on these cars or others that I should consider would be greatly appreciated. Is the best method of purchasing through a dealership?
Niamh, Limerick
Niamh McCrann (Limerick)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Niamh,
I'd go for the Polo - of the three you're looking at it's the one (all things being equal) that's likely to be the most reliable. One thing though - you'll have to change it again next year as then it will be 10 years old and it's now proving almost impossible to get an affordable quote for a 10-year old car.
Skoda Fabia or Opel Corsa or Renault Clio?
Hi,
Would you go for a 2011 1.2-litre Skoda Fabia (89k miles) or 2012 Opel Corsa 1.0-litre (69K miles) or 2011 Renault Clio 1.1-litre as a second family car/run around?
Catherine Healy (Cork)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Catherine,
Go for the Skoda; assuming that it's in good shape and has a decent service history as it'll be the most reliable of the bunch.