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What family car suits our needs for €9,000?

I need advice on which car to buy. I have one child in a car seat, and am planning to have two more children pretty quickly, so I need a car that can accomodate two car seats and a booster seat, that also has plently of boot space for buggies and shopping. Fuel economy is really important for me, as is annual tax charges, as I don't have a lot of spare cash every month. So I have been looking at 1.5 diesels. I have about €9,000 to spend. I love the Nissan Qashqais, I think they are gorgeous, and am really considering buying a 2007 model. However I have been told that they are very hard on fuel, is that true? Do you have any idea what mpg I can expect? My second and third choices are Citroen Xsara Picasso or a Renault Mégane (2009 hatchback). Do you have any advice for me, or any suggestions of a car that would suit my needs?

Thanks in advance.

Dawn Higgins (Edenderry)

Aug 2013 Filed under: family car

Expert answer

Hi Dawn,

The problem here is that you need space for three child seats across the back, and it's getting harder and harder to find a car that can accommodate that. The Qashqai is a fab car, no doubt, but yes, unless it's the 1.5 dCi diesel model you're talking about, they can indeed be hard on petrol. Besides, it will also fall down on the three-across-the-back test. The Xsara Picasso should be able to manage three across though, so is the best suggestion out of the ones you've been looking at, but here's another possibility: if you're looking for space on a budget, try going for a van-based MPV such as a Citroen Berlingo or Renault Kangoo. They're surprisingly nice to drive, have masses of space both in the back and boot, and both can be found with 1.4-litre petrol or 1.5- or 1.6-litre diesel engines so tax and, generally, fuel economy shouldn't be an issue. Also, being van-based, they're often more reliable and ruggedly built than their car cousins.


What MPV should I upgrade to from an Avensis?

What car should I upgrade my 2001 D4-D Toyota Avensis to? I was looking at a Renault Scenic 1.5 dCi: are they reliable?

Jean Gordon (Easkey)

Aug 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Jean,

Sadly no, they're not. At least, not as reliable as a Toyota, so if it's a people carrier you're looking for, I'd say stay within the Toyota family and get yourself a Verso. Solidly reliable, just like your Avensis.


Should I trade in my Suzuki for a Renault Fluence?

What trade-in price could I expect on a 2009 Suzuki SX4 saloon with 44,000km on the clock against a 2011 Renault Fluence? I expect to be driving a lot more mileage in the next few years.

Thank you.

David Loughran (Co Dublin)

Aug 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi David,

To be honest, I'd be tempted to hang on to the SX4. Suzukis are generally astonishingly reliable, whereas with the best will in the world, Renaults are not. Even if your mileage is increasing, there are cheap and simple ways to improve your economy (a tune-up, low rolling resistance tyres, practice) so my best advice is to stick with what you've got. 

In the meantime, I'd say you're looking at a trade in value of around €8-9,000.


Are Renault Grand Espaces reliable cars?

Are Renault Grand Espaces reliable cars?

Kevin Barry (Cork)

Jul 2013 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

Not great I'm afraid. The current Espace, which dates back to 2003, is based on the same platform as the second generation Laguna and suffers the same problems. So expect lots of electrical issues (not great on a car with an all-digital dashboard) and the electric windows are especially fragile. Front tyre wear is also an issue, and we've heard reports of collapsing front suspension and a tendency for the exhaust system to give problems, especially with the catalytic convertor.


How reliable is the 2004 Renault Clio?

How reliable is the 2004 Renault Clio?

Mark Nolan (Dublin )

Jul 2013 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

The most common fault with that generation Clio was with the bonnet catch that could fail and allow the bonnet to fly open when driving! Worrying that, and it never triggered a full recall, although Renault did offer to inspect and repair cars for free - make sure the one you're looking at has had that done. Engines are pretty solid, but watch for electrical issues with the windows, the CD player and the engine immobiliser. There are reports of cold starting problems, usually because of a faulty air pressure sensor and the cable-operated gear shift can give problems too. If you have difficulty selecting a gear, then the gearbox is on its way out. Cabin trim is pretty fragile and you need to watch for problems with the brake servos and front suspension arms.


What should I look out for on a 2006 Renault Laguna?

What should I look out for on a 2006 Renault Laguna 2?

Ben Byrne (Dublin)

Jul 2013 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Ben,

Watch for faulty exhaust cats, failing electrics (especially the electric windows), fragile suspension mounts and bushings, disintegrating cabin trim and cracked engine mounts.


I'm thinking of buying a seven-seat MPV.

Hello, I’m thinking of buying an MPV, possibly Citroen Grand Picasso or Renault Grand Scenic. I have max €10,000 plus 2004 Renault Mégane 1.6 petrol Dynamic with low mileage to trade in. I’m reluctant to buy another Renault as I had many electrical problems with the Mégane. Also, petrol or diesel? Any advice? Thanks and regards, Carol

Carol Murphy (Kildare)

Jul 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Carol,

Well, we'd definitely go for diesel unless your mileage is really low, and while both cars are reasonably reliable, both have issues with electrics and fragile cabin trim. 

If you want something with (near enough) total reliability in this class, go for a Toyota Corolla Verso.


Anything I can do about my Renault Laguna?

Doing a bit a research on Renault.  I bought a new Renault Laguna III 1.5 dCi in January 2008 with beige half leather and auto hand brake and now have 210,000km on the clock. I forked out €32k in 2008 and five years later the engine is gone. Not happy, won’t buy another Renault. Seems to be a built-in switch that when it reaches 200,000km or five years the car is knackered. I have to get a replacement engine, which is impossible and not cheap. So much for commercial good will. Car was serviced and timing belt was changed. I would not recommend Renault to anyone, especially when the garage/dealer that I bought it from in 2008 is now in liquidation (not mentioning any names). Is it true that I potentially only have recourse through dealer of purchase? Are people out there aware of this situation?

Gareth Egan (Cadamstown)

Jul 2013 Filed under: warranty

Expert answer

Hi Gareth,

Unfortunately, if the dealer from which you bought the car is now in liquidation, then your options are a bit limited. You can of course apply to have your case heard by the liquidator, or bring a case to the small claims court, but I would suggest that the first thing you do is talk to Renault head office directly.

A figure of 200,000km is not excessively high mileage for a car such as the Laguna III (it’s only just over 120,000 miles in old money) so there’s no reason for the engine to fail. If the dealer in question was a Renault franchised dealer, then there may well be some comeback on it. The only problem is that, at nine years old, the car is long, long out of warranty so you are, as you suggest, relying on Renault’s corporate goodwill.


How reliable is the Renault Fluence

How reliable is the Renault Fluence and are there any hidden faults that we should know about? We are thinking of buying a 2010 model.

Albert O'Connor (Listowel)

Jul 2013 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Albert,

Generally speaking, it should be fine. In fact, depending on which options the original owner ticked on the sales form, it may even still have a couple of years worth of warranty to run. Most of them are fitted with the 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine, which is a proven and rugged design. It's also very economical, which is a bonus.

As ever, with any French car, watch the electrical systems like a hawk. Renaults are prone to throwing an odd warning light at you, which could be something major about to go bang, or it could just be a faulty warning light. Either way, pounce on any potential issue and get it sorted, quick. Watch for the diesel particulate filter clogging up too if the previous owner has only been doing low-speed, around-town mileage.

Hope that helps and let us know how you get on.


How good is the Renault Kangoo passenger model?

How good is the Renault Kangoo passenger model?

Pat Murphy (Cork)

Jul 2013 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

To be honest, if badge snobbery were outlawed in the morning, the Kangoo is what we'd all be driving. Massively spacious, comfy and not at all bad to drive, it's the closest modern successor to the original Renault 4. And yes, that's a good thing.

As for reliability, they're pretty good. Being van-based, the mechanical bits are generally of an older design, so the kinks have been long since ironed out and they don't break down much. The only thing to watch for, as on any French car, is the electrical system, which can storm off in a Gallic huff, especially where electric windows are concerned.

Let us know how you get on


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