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What used SUV should I get for up to €8,000?

Hi, I have €7,000 to €8,000 budget to buy a used SUV. I only drive 3,000 miles per year and I have been told by friends to go for the Toyota RAV4 or Suzuki Grand Vitara. What do you suggest? It will not be used for work or off road etc.

Many thanks, William.

William Ellis (Limerick)

Aug 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi William,

Both of those are really good options, but with that budget there are some others worth considering. Given your low mileage, you might want to take a look at (shock, horror) some petrol alternatives. Both the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage are plentiful on the second-hand ground with petrol engines and they're well worth considering.

From personal family experience, I can tell you that a CR-V with the 2.0-litre VTEC petrol engine gets a sold 38mpg in daily use and has been close to faultlessly reliable. Or, if you need an occasional seven-seater, the second-generation Hyundai Santa Fe falls within your budget and is a cracking car, well worth a look.

What do you think?


When did ISOFIX become standard fit?

In what year did ISOFIX become standard in European cars? Baby on the way and have been given a car seat that is ISOFIX compatible, but have a 2000 Toyota Yaris that does not have it fitted.

David Mullen (Leopardstown Valley)

Aug 2014 Filed under: child or baby seats

Expert answer

Hi David,

Sadly it was only quite recently that ISOFIX became a required fitting. According to the EU, "Under the current UN/ECE R14, all new vehicles produced since February 2013 are required to have ISOFIX lower anchorages and top tether attachments."  

Bonus trivia fact: ISOFIX was originally jointly developed by child seat maker Britax and Volkswagen. That probably doesn't help your search for a car that has it though. What I would suggest is to look up the website of the maker of the seat. Many seat makers (such as Maxi-Cosi, here: http://www.maxi-cosi.com/ie-en/service/car-fitting.aspx) provide a matching service to help you determine which cars your seat will fit in. 

Otherwise, get in touch with a seat expert such as Mothercare or Tony Kelly's who will be able to help you out.


Ford Focus or SEAT Leon diesel?

Hi there. I'm trading in a 1.6 petrol 2006 Mazda3 for a small diesel hatchback to commute in. Looking at a 2010 Ford Focus with 41,000 miles for €7,750 or a 2010 SEAT Leon with 47,000 miles for €7,950, both 1.6 diesel. I prefer the Ford's stats and Leon's looks - any advice?!

Claire O'Malley (Ardee)

Aug 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Claire,

I'd go for the Leon. The Focus is a fine car, don't get me wrong, but the Leon is (as you point out) better looking, SEATs have incredibly good build quality and reliability (we've had four SEATs in our family and from personal experience there's barely been a day off the road between any of them) and the Leon is really good to drive too. Cracking car, you won't go wrong.


I need a high-up car to get comfortable.

Hi, I was wondering which is the best second hand car for me. I would like a high off-the-road car because  I have back problems. I have between five and six thousand to spend.

Ta, Evelyn

Evelyn Heffernan (Cashel)

Aug 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Evelyn,

I'd suggest choosing between a Skoda Yeti or Nissan Qashqai if your budget allows - both have high h-points, or the point at which the base of the seat lies, without being so tall that you have to climb up into them. Test drive both to see which one you find the more comfortable, and it's also worth considering the Kia Sportage and Hyundai ix35 if you can find either within budget.

Let us know how you get on


Can you help me find a wind deflector for my Mercedes?

I am trying to source a wind deflector for my 1994 Mercedes-Benz E 320 Cabriolet. Have searched online but have not found anything remotely like the original Mercedes part. This is a screen that fits over the rear passenger seats to make the driving experience more pleasant from a wind point of view.

Help please!

Derek (Wicklow)

Derek Bell (Wicklow)

Aug 2014 Filed under: aftermarket

Expert answer

Hi Derek,

I sent your query to the editor of Mercedes Enthusiast magazine for an expert opinion and here's what was suggested:

Here are a few parts places to try:

www.mercman.net

www.mercedes-auto-spares.com

ken@kensbenz.co.uk

www.kmsparts.com

www.mercedes-parts-centre.co.uk

Failing all those, send a 'Wanted' advert to ads@mercedesenthusiast.co.uk.

Let us know how you get on


What should I replace my troublesome BMW with?

Hi, I bought a 2005 BMW 1 Series from a dealer and have had to return to garage six times with a series of problems. They are prepared to look at a swap with/without money and are offering a 2008 Volkswagen Polo, a 2008 Honda Civic (plus €2,000) or a 2007 Ford Focus. I need a reliable car and don't have a lot to spend. Also would like to put a bike or two into the back. What car would you suggest?

Marie Cahill (Cork)

Aug 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Marie,

Funnily enough this is similar to a series of incidents I went through with my father-in-law a few years back. He also had a BMW (a 5 Series) that was giving him no end of trouble and after, I think, the fourth time it left him stranded at the side of the road, he finally got sick of it and started shopping for a new car. I pointed him towards what I thought was a safe bet and, seven years on, he's had three quarters of a decade of near-faultless motoring in his Honda CR-V. Moral of the story? If you want a reliable car, go for a Honda. Take the Civic - it should be able to take a couple of bikes if you fold those clever rear seats flat too.

Let us know how you get on


Focus or Golf for long daily journey?

I'm thinking of buying a 2006 Volkswagen Golf 1.9 TDI diesel or 2006 Ford Focus 1.6 diesel for daily journey from Cork to Kilkenny. What would you advise? Difference of €3k in the price.

Colin Maher (Cork)

Aug 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Colin,

There's not much to choose between the two in terms of overall talent, practicality or reliability, but my instinct would be to go for the Golf - that second generation Focus had a rather plain, unlovely cabin whereas the Golf's is much comfier and more welcoming - important stuff with a long regular journey like yours. The only other thing to consider would be the cabin space - if you often carry tall passengers in the back seats, then go for the Ford, it's much more spacious.

Let us know which you go for


How reliable is the 2010 Ford Mondeo TDCi?

Looking to buy a 2010 Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi: are there any major issues with these cars?

John Behan (Dublin)

Aug 2014 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi John,

Nothing major to worry about although there are a few electrical glitches - the keyless ignition system (if fitted) can give trouble, as can the hands-free locking and unlocking (again, it was an option). There have been isolated reports of the 2.0-litre diesel engine cutting out unexpectedly too. Check the interior trim carefully as well - Mondeos often rack up big mileage and while the mechanical bits are sold, the cabins can suffer from abuse - look for collapsing seats or disintegrating trim.


Any problems with the SEAT Mii

Any problems with the SEAT Mii 75hp?

Freddie, Glin

Freddie Cronin (Glin)

Aug 2014 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Freddie,

It has a slightly small boot, and if you get the three-door version,  getting in and out of the back is a bit of a faff but other than that, no - it's a fantastic little car. 


How good is the Suzuki SX4 diesel?

How good is the Suzuki SX4 diesel?

Tommy Nashbanogue (Glin)

Aug 2014 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Tommy,

Very good really. Suzukis have an enviable reputation for reliability, but you will have to put up with cabin fixtures and fittings that are a step behind what you'd get from, say, Ford, Volkswagen or Hyundai. The old model also has somewhat tight space in the rear seats, but if you get the 1.9 TDDi with four-wheel drive you have an excellent compact 4x4 that'll see you through the very worst that the Irish climate and road network can throw at you.
Hope that helps


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