Renault Megane E-Tech or Tesla Model 3?
Hi,
I'm planning to change to a new EV. I've narrowed my choice down to two cars - the Megane E-Tech and the new Tesla Model 3. Which in your opinion is the better car, and why?
Many thanks
Peter
Ainsley Heffernan (Bray)Jan 2024 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Ainsley,
In our opinion, the better EV out of the pair is the Tesla Model 3 - but there are caveats to that, and one very big one to consider. Subjective, of course, but the Megane E-Tech is nicer to look at outside and in, and the quality of its interior fittings are also better. It also drives very sweetly, so it's a strong contender.
However, the Model 3 has greater one-shot driving range (both official and real-world), is the more refined car at speed and, once you've tried it you'll realise just how much of a USP the proprietary Supercharger system is for Tesla; there is no finer public recharging experience than this.
The big caveat with the Model 3, though, is the placement of the indicators and the windscreen wiper controls on the steering wheel in the facelifted version - it's a cackhanded piece of ergonomics if you come to it direct from a car with conventional column stalks.
On top of that, there's a vastly different customer service model at work, as Renault has a nationwide network of dealers you can just pop into, and Tesla does not.
We'd suggest you take all that into consideration while you go test-drive both cars for yourself.
Please do let us know which one you go for.
Can I fix a Megane Cabrio's door?
I have a 2006 Renault Megane cabriolet. Last month an idiot in an old 4x4 reversed into the passenger side back panel (behind the door) creating what can only be described as a meteor strike of a dent! Would a reputable body repair shop be able to "beat out" the dent, or is the panel in question reinforced from the inside and not accessible?
This is what a repair shop has told me... or is he just worried about further damage?! I really would appreciate an honest answer to this dilemma which is becoming a total insurance nightmare!
Phil Partridge (Cavan)Feb 2023 Filed under: bodywork
Expert answer
Hi Phil,
Without seeing it for ourselves we wouldn't like to say for sure, but we do know that massive dents are not ever easily repaired as you've described and panel beaters prefer to replace the panel completely where possible.
How much to tax our Renault horse truck?
I am wondering if you are able to help me as I find the car tax system confusing. We have a 1991 Renault horse lorry that is now 30 years old, a 3.5T model. What should it cost to tax?
Olivia Hodges (Cahir)Nov 2021 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Olivia,
In theory, once any vehicle is 30 years old or older, it qualifies for so-called ‘vintage’ tax — which is a mere €56 per year. If for any reason your truck doesn’t qualify, then it’ll be taxed according to its engine capacity. Rates for any goods vehicle under 3,000cc start at €333 per annum.
Can I buy a Citroen Ami here?
Hi there.
I have been reading about the Citroen AMI all electric vehicle and am very interested in purchasing one. Citroen Ireland tells me it has no plans to market the vehicle here. I am wondering how our department would treat this vehicle; as an electric car? Or quadricycle? Would Revenue want a cut for importing a vehicle? VAT and VRT? Purchase price is circa €6,000 in France and you can buy one online. I don't have the finances to buy a "Normal" electric vehicle where the cheapest seems to be in the €25K region. Would the Department of Transport want road tax, log book, registration fees etc?
Any pointers you might offer would be appreciated.
John Ryan. Dublin 12
John Ryan (Dublin 12)Feb 2021 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi John,
Citroen is currently reviewing options on potentially introducing the Ami to Ireland in the future. Initially the car was only to be produced in left-hand drive, but this is now being reconsidered due to high levels of interest in the car from the UK market. If the car was to be officially sold here it would be liable for the applicable VAT and VRT rates and would require motor tax and insurance, in the same way that the Renault Twizy does. These would also apply if you were to privately import one.
What's up with my new Kadjar?
Hi,
I have a new Renault Kadjar 1.3 TCe 160 Iconic. Every time I turn on the speed alert, it promptly turns itself off again.
Please help
Graham Durgan (Irlam)Jan 2021 Filed under: electrics
Expert answer
Hi Graham,
If you're sure it is turning itself off (i.e. have you driven above the speed to test it is working?), then this sounds like a question for the Renault dealer you bought the car from. If it's very new than everything is under warranty and I'm sure they'll be helpful in getting to the bottom of the issue.
How much to tax a 2008 Renault Scenic?
How much to tax a 2008 Renault Scenic 1.9 diesel?
Eduatd Cazan (Portarligton)Jul 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Eduatd,
All 2008 cars should, by now, have been updated to the CO2-based tax system, but the good news is that the 1.9 dCi-engined version of the Scenic has a CO2 output of 159g/km, so costs €570 a year to tax, instead of the €673 you’d have spent on the old engine capacity system.
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.
How to stop my Captur from beeping?!
How to turn off overspeed alarm buzz in my 2015 Renault Captur? It starts beeping after 120km/h and the sound continues every 30 seconds, the car beeping for 10 seconds.
Haytham ALNAHHAL (Harrisburg)Mar 2020 Filed under: electrics
Expert answer
Hi Haytham,
Sounds to us that your car has the Overspeed Alert system, which tells the driver when they are breaking the local speed limit. If your car has a button near the middle screen that looks like a road with broken lines down the middle, you can directly access the Driving Assitance menu and alter or disable this system. Alternatively, look for the settings menu entitled Vehicle and then something like 'Speed alert settings.'
Ford Fiesta Active or new Puma?
I am looking at getting a new car, something easy to get into. I have aFord Fiesta automatic (disabled driver) so was looking at an Active model or saving up a bit and going for the Puma (which I like the look of). Both will have to be automatic. Am looking at Fords first before I look at options.
Emmet K (Westmeath)Mar 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Emmet,
To be honest, the difference in height between the Fiesta and the Fiesta Active is pretty minimal and so it’s probably not worth the trade-up. The Puma, though, is a different story entirely. Again, in terms of height, the difference isn’t huge, but the Puma’s interior and boot are much larger than that of the Fiesta, and added to which it’s even more entertaining to drive. In fact, it’s one of our favourite cars of the year thus far, so we’d say go for it. Well worth also considering the likes of the new Renault Captur, the Peugeot 2008 and the Skoda Kamiq too.