Volkswagen Jetta or Renault Fluence?
Which would you buy? 2011 Renault Fluence 1.5 dCi 90 Dynamique (57,000 miles) for €10,000 or 2010 Volkswagen Jetta Comfortline 1.6 TDI 105 (41,000 miles) for €12,000?
John Cormack (Cork)Oct 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi John,
Go for the Jetta - it's nicer to drive, nicer looking (to my eyes, anyway) and better built, so it should be more reliable.
Which MPV will I replace our BMW 3 Series with?
Hi Shane & team,
We're looking at trading in again. You helped us source our last car four years ago. We really like our curent 2006 BMW 318, but for the last nine months to a year we've been pouring money into for what feels like constant repairs and the car tax is crippling too. We've now come to the realisation that we need to move to seven-seat territory for these and family reasons. Today we saw and drove both of these cars:
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/renault/grand-scenic/used-2010-renault-grand-scenic-1-dublin-fpa-200914374138165780 http://www.cbg.ie/citroen-c4-grand-picasso-1.6-2008-dublin-diesel-silver-mpv
The Renault felt more car like to drive and I wasn't wild about the delay in the Citroen semi-automatic gearbox. For the Renault they've said the cost to change is €6,500 and just under €7,000 for the Citroen. The Renault, being a 2010 model, is almost seems too good to be true. Can you give me any advice on these? Is the Renault a good buy? Is it reliable or will it swallow money on repairs as our current car is? Are there any others you would recommend? We really don't want to spend more than €6k-ish.
Thanks
Enda
Enda Lowry (Dublin)Sep 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Enda,
I'd tread carefully here. If you don't like the semi-auto box on the Citroen then just let it go - it's not going to get any better and it'll bug you for the rest of your time with the car.
As for the Renault, I'm just not confident predicting reliability. Generally, Renaults are now a lot better built than they used to be, but long-term they can still be a bit shaky. Also, the reason it's a high-spec 2010 model for such a small price is because Renaults depreciate faster than snow in summer.
So, I think you might need to shop around a bit and buy something on the basis of reliability and condition rather than year. Have a look at the likes of a Ford S-Max, Toyota Verso, Volkswagen Touran or, if six seats rather than seven will do the trick, a Honda FR-V. You might need to go back to a 2008 or 2009 model to get one within budget, but buy with a full service history and keep the maintenance up and any of those should give you long and hopefully reliable service.
Last, but not least, Shane, our Editor, is in the same position as you right now and he has homed in on the Mazda5, which has an exceptional reliability record.
Can I swap engines in my Renault Laguna?
Would a 2003 Renault Laguna 1.6 petrol engine fit in place of the 1.9-litre turbodiesel?
Tom Corcoran (Carlow)Sep 2015 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Tom,
There's no doubt that the 1.6-litre petrol engine would fit in the Laguna's engine bay, but it could be a world of pain getting everything to work, from the fuel system to the electronics and sensors. We wouldn't recommend such a project.
What's the top automatic Renault Kadjar?
What will the top of the range automatic Renault Kadjar cost?
John Robertson (Abbeyleix )Aug 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi John,
At the time of writing, the Renault Kadjar pricing ranges from €24,990 to €33,990, the latter for the top-of-the range Kadjar Signature Nav powered by the 130hp 1.6-litre dCi diesel engine featuring four-wheel drive.
It's not currently possible to pair an automatic gearbox with that 1.6-litre engine though, so the most expensive automatic Kadjar is the Signature Nav powered by the 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine with 110hp. That costs €32,290.
Can you help me find insurance for my older car?
Hi there, it's John Hewitt again!
I'm desperate to get some reasonably priced insurance for my car. The situation is that I own a Renault 19 TR in excellent condition but because it's 24 years old (March 1990) and I use it as my main vehicle it can't come under classic car insurance and no other insurance company will insure it! I'm currently insured with Aviva and have been since 2003, 65 years of age, never made a claim, do less than 3,000 miles a year and have a clean driver's licence yet they still 'hammer' me every year. What price loyalty eh?
In normal circumstances I'd go elsewhere but they know I can't because no one else will insure me just because I use my vehicle on a regular basis. Can you please help me at all?
John Hewitt (Nenagh)Jul 2015 Filed under: insurance
Expert answer
Hi John,
Sorry to hear you're still having trouble, but if it helps, you're not alone. Aviva (along with Allianz) have announced that they're no longer going to provide cover for new customers with cars older than 14 years. Now, in a statement last week, the company did say that it would continue to cover existing customers with such cars, and would provide cover for existing customers purchasing such cars, but from what you're saying there it seems that Aviva simply doesn't want your business anymore and is therefore giving you quotes deigned to push you into either replacing your car with something younger or moving to another insurer.
Thankfully there are plenty of such insurers out there, so I'd say give customer loyalty a good kick up the backside (it's a worthless thing these days anyway) and get yourself a better quote from elsewhere. There are insurers out there who will cover you. I've just put a few random details into the One Direct system for instance and got a quote of €840. Too expensive? You'll just have to shop around but the best bet for you could actually be to find a good local insurance broker - they can get access to deals and policies denied to us mere mortals. Beware though, the unfortunate and inevitable downside of Avivia and Allianz's decision is that other insurers are going to start putting extra risk loadings on older cars, so your premium is probably going to be pretty expensive wherever you go.
A representative of AXA insurance asked to be put in touch with you, so hopefully that goes well.
Tell me more about the 2016 Opel Astra and Renault Mégane.
Will there be much difference between the 2016 Renault Mégane and the 2016 Opel Astra, as they both look the same outwardly?
Frank D (Dublin)Jun 2015 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi there,
If you mean the all-new models, the replacements for the current Mégane and Astra, then yes, there'll be a massive difference. They're two entirely different cars built to different specifications in different factories by different companies. OK, so they're both mid-size family five-door hatchbacks, but that's where the similarities end. Obviously, we cannot say for certain yet, as we've driven neither car in final production spec, but the current cars differ quite a bit. The Astra feels classier and better built, the Renault is rather more engaging to drive (in spite of every rubbery steering). Will those characteristics carry over to the next models? We'll have to wait and see...
Is my old Renault Laguna worth anything?
Hi, looks like my 2002 Renault Laguna has called it a day... engine blown. It was a great car while it lasted. My question is what value has it now with a blown engine?
John
John Collins (Thurles)Jun 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi John,
Your best option is probably to break it for parts. As a complete car it would probably only be worth around €750 even if the engine hadn't blown. With no engine its effectively worthless so your best bet is a car breaker who'll buy it for spares.
Opel Zafira or Renault Grand Scenic?
I am looking to buy a used MPV (2003 - 2004 model year). Which one do you reckon is better in terms of reliability and comfort: 1) Opel Zafira 2) Renault Grand Scenic
Regards
Syd from Sandyford, Dublin
Syed Hyder (Sandyford)May 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Syd,
It's a split decision I'm afraid - the Scenic is going to be much comfier and more refined, but the Opel will be the more reliable one. You'll have to make your own call based on what you prioritise most.
I want to replace my Laguna with an Opel Insignia.
Hey, I've two questions! Very interested in buying a 160hp Opel Insignia 09-12 and want to trade in a 2003 Renault Laguna 1.6 petrol, all leather, good condition with NCT until Jan 16.
1 - Is that model of Insignia for those years with under 100k mileage worth 12k?
2 - What would you expect to get for that Laguna as a trade-in?
Thanks!
John Scully (Meath)May 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi John,
Yeah, €12k sounds about right for a 12-reg Insignia diesel, as long as it has a full service history and is in good nick. I'd be looking to knock a good bit off if it's as far back as an 09, though.
Sadly, you're not going to get much for the Laguna - it's a car the trade just doesn't like much, so even if it's in exceptional condition, you'll probably get €1,000 to €1,200 at best.
Help me choose a €20,000 family car.
I'm currently driving a 2010 Renault Grand Mégane and wondering what type of car would serve us well over the next three to five years. Do I stick with estate or look at SUV? There's two back seat passengers aged five and two, but would like something that can seat additional passengers from time to time - grandparents, other kids etc. Ideally would like something up to two years old and have budget of €18,000 to €20,000.
Gerry Connolly (Skerries, Dublin)May 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Gerry,
OK, lots of options here. Seven-seat SUVs are the coming thing and Hyundai's Santa Fe is one of the best. Lots and lots around for that kind of money so be choosy and buy the most recent one you can, so as to make the most of that five-year warranty.
The rear seats are a little tight though, so maybe look at a Ford S-Max. Big, spacious and really good to drive, you'll probably get a good deal on a nearly-new one at the moment as there's an all-new version about the be launched.
Or you could go all-out and get a Land Rover Discovery, which is a wonderful car but don't say I didn't warn you when it comes to running costs, and you won't find a two-year old one for that money.
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