CompleteCar
Search Ask Us Anything
Showing 11 - 20 results (out of a total of 252) found for "SUV" in Ask Us Anything

Which seven-seater to replace our Tucson?

What make of seven-seater would you recommend as a good family car? Need to be able to take three baby seats, needs to be automatic, hybrid and have a good-sized boot. We have a 2022 Hyundai Tucson and the Santa Fe might be an option. Preferably no older than 2021.

Thanks

Mary Higgins (Dublin)

Feb 2025 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Mary,

There are loads of examples of the 2021-2022 Hyundai Santa Fe on the market using the plug-in hybrid powertrain, priced from about €40,000 to over €50,000 depending on the model year, mileage, etc. This is a really good car, and far more spacious than your Tucson, but we urge you to go along to a dealer with your baby seats to check out the space inside for them. There is no ISOFIX in the middle seat of the second row, nor in the third row, and it may still be a bit of a squeeze depending on how large your seats are. A dealer shouldn’t mind you trying out the space with your own seats.

Hybrid alternatives at the same price include the Kia Sorento, again as a plug-in hybrid. This shares its underpinnings with the Hyundai and the seven-seat layout, but it might be better suited to your needs as the middle row is better shaped to potentially take three baby seats. Though the middle position has no ISOFIX if that’s important to you. However, the two seats in the third row do have ISOFIX. Nonetheless, using the third row in any of these cars means a tiny boot.

Another option, though rarer on the used market, is the Toyota Highlander. It’s a seven-seater as well, comparable to the Santa Fe in terms of space. It’s similarly priced though, unlike the Hyundai and the Kia, it’s not a plug-in hybrid. That might be preferable depending on whether you are willing to install a home charger.

Another plug-in hybrid option is the Volvo XC90 T8. It has three individual seats in the middle row and, though the central one has no ISOFIX and is smaller than the outer ones, it still is likely to accommodate a baby seat. Worth checking out for sure.

Now, if you’re willing to consider a car or estate instead of an SUV, you’d do well to take a look at the Skoda Superb as it has a really wide rear seat and a massive boot. It’s also much more affordable than the cars above, available as a hybrid and should come with lower running costs.

Come back to us if you need further help narrowing your search down, but we do urge you to go try out a few of these cars for yourself.

Read our Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV review here

Read our Kia Sorento PHEV review here

Read our Toyota Highlander review here

Read our Volvo XC90 reviews

Read our Skoda Superb reviews


Looking to import a Range Rover for my business...

I am looking at buying a 2012 ‘L322’ Range Rover from NI; can I tax it for commercial tax if I have a VAT number and I have my own business?

Michael (Thurles Co,Tipperary)

Feb 2025 Filed under: commercial vehicle

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

To qualify for commercial tax rates, the Range Rover must have had its rear seats removed and a bulkhead fitted. Or be previously classed as an “N1” commercial. You can’t just bring in a regular SUV such as the Range Rover and tell Revenue it’s a commercial, even if you do have a legitimate business.


Which used diesel SUV to replace my Qashqai?

Hello,

I have €30,000 (no trade in), looking for some advice please. I have had two Nissan Qashqais and really liked them but now they don't come in diesel after March 2021. So, I am trying to decide on an SUV roughly that size, diesel, automatic, 2022/2023. I’m not completely stuck on automatic.

 It’s mind blowing trying to figure out which to go for.

Any advice much appreciated.

Ger (Leitrim )

Feb 2025 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Ger,

If you’re sticking with automatic, then your choices are very limited. We found only the Opel Grandland and SsangYong Korando, neither of which we’d be huge fans of.

Here are the manual models we found that otherwise fit the brief:

Cupra Formentor: We really like this car as it looks great, and it drives well. You might find it a little too low down for your liking as it’s not as tall an SUV as the Qashqai, but worth a look.

Dacia Duster: Not quite as solid as the Qashqai perhaps, but it’s very comfortable and you’d get more for your money - you could get a 2024 version for example.

Ford Kuga: A comfortable and well-built option. Plenty of them about.

Hyundai Tucson: Very spacious inside and in the boot. Loads of them around as it has been the best-seller for so long. Despite that it still looks interesting outside. Good reliability. Strong reputation shown by the fact that you’d probably only afford a 2022 example with your budget.

Kia Sportage: Identical to the Tucson under the skin so it just comes down to which of the two you prefer the look of. Though the Kia has a longer warranty in terms of time if mileage is low.

Mazda CX-5: Fantastic to drive and feels like a premium car in comparison to most others here. Might cost a little more to run and they’re not very plentiful on the used market.

Peugeot 3008: A stylish replacement for the Qashqai. Solid car. Double-check you can get on with the cabin layout.

SEAT Ateca: Once one of our favourite cars of this size, though it is getting on in years now. Might not feel as modern as some cars on this list, but is still well made, comfortable and spacious.

That’s still quite a long list, admittedly, but hopefully it helps you drill things down to a shortlist. We have our own preferences, and you will, too.

Feel free to come back to us if you want further help of course.


Can I register a commercial through an unused business?

Hello,

I'm an employee but also have a business name registered which I only used for sideline contacts a handful of times 20 years ago. I was going to register for VAT for the sole purpose of buying a used commercial SUV and availing of the €333 tax rate. I don’t intend to trade as I’m happy enough staying as an employee. Would this be possible or classed as fraud?

Regards

Dave (MALAHIDE DUBLIN)

Feb 2025 Filed under: taxation

Expert answer

Hi Dave,

I’m not sure if would class as fraud as such, as nobody except you knows that you don’t intend to trade (though I’d advise you get actual legal advice on that, as that’s not our remit). However, a vehicle registered for commercial use cannot be used for any personal reasons and if you’re stopped, for example, bringing the kids to school in the SUV, then you are liable to a fine.

Aside from all that, you’ll be required to submit VAT returns and other accounting paperwork for the dormant business that will cost you at least some time, most likely some money, so you need to do the sums on that and calculate whether it’s worth the hassle.

Sounds like an awful lot of trouble to go to just to reduce your annual motor tax.


Will the VW Tayron come in 4x4 spec to Ireland?

Will the VW Tayron be sold in 193hp 4x4 spec here in Ireland?

John O’Leary (Carlow)

Jan 2025 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi John,

When the Tayron was first unveiled, Volkswagen Ireland did indicate that yes, it would bring in the 193hp 4x4 model and we've not had an update since then. I can see that this model is not listed on the Tayron Product Guide currently available on Volkswagen Ireland's website, but that is not unusual at the launch of a new model as it may not be initially available.


Volvo XC60 or Audi Q5 for reliability and economy?

Hi,

I am researching 2020-2024 Audi Q5 TDI and Volvo XC60 for towing a horsebox and long commutes. Which SUV is more reliable and cheaper for servicing, mpg, etc?

Thanks.

Sarah Fanning (Carlow)

Jan 2025 Filed under: towing

Expert answer

Hi Sarah,

In terms of long commutes, and assuming you are sticking with the regular 2.0-litre diesel options, then our experience suggests that the Audi is more efficient - with the caveat that how you drive has a large influence on that. Overall, the Audi should prove fractionally cheaper to service and maintain, too.

Comparing the reliability between the two is less clearcut and the newer versions you can afford the better. Both cars are mechanically sound and most issues come from electronics etc. They’re comparable in short.


Dacia Duster hybrid or new Bigster?

Thinking of getting the new Dacia Duster or else waiting for the Bigster. Which would you recommend, and do you know when the Bigster will be available in Ireland?

Thank

 Pat

Pat OBrien (Cork City)

Nov 2024 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

As much as we like the new Duster, the Bigster is undoubtedly a superior machine. It's larger and a little more luxurious, so you can expect it to be more expensive as well, obviously. 

We're beging told that the Bigster will arrive in the second quarter of 2025, while the new Duster has just arrived in Ireland.

Did you see our news piece on the Bigster? Embedded at the bottom of it is a detailed video walk-around of the car if you're interested. 


Looking to buy a BYD as a commercial...

Hi,

I am interested in getting a BYD vehicle as a commercial vehicle. Can you tell me if the electric Seal Design saloon can be used as a commercial car? If not can its new BYD Seal U hybrid?

Thanks

Mike

Mike Breen (Limerick)

Nov 2024 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Mike,

There's nothing stopping you from using any car for business purposes, but there are no official commercial versions of the BYD cars on sale at this time. Though you've not said what you will use the vehicle for, I'd suggest that the Seal saloon is not suited for carrying bulky goods at all, as lovely as it is as a car. 

The Seal U SUV is much better suited as it has a large boot and rear seats that can be folded down. You could in theory have those rear seats removed completely and turn it into a commercial, but as it's so new we don't know of anyone that has done that. 

The Seal U runs on petrol, obviously, which you couldn't claim VAT back on, so that may rule it out for many.

Come back to us with more details if you need more assistance.


Which auto SUV for up to €35,000?

Hi,

Can I ask which vehicle you would choose from the following: Hyundai Kona 1.6 Hybrid Excellence or the new MG ZS Hybrid+. I want a reliable SUV with good power, automatic and all the mod cons with a budget of €35k for new.

Also, is it crazy to buy new or would I be better off buying from the following list even if it was 2-3 years old instead: Skoda Karoq Style or Sportline, SEAT Ateca, Cupra Formentor?

Thanks for the advice

Lorraine Rynne (Miltown Malbay)

Nov 2024 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Lorraine,

The MG is certainly worth a look as it's exceptionally good value and also quite a spacious car. The Hyundai is perhaps a better-known quantity with a wider dealer network, but MG offers a great new-car warranty as well so don't be put off by that. If you're tempted by all the mod cons for that price I expect the MG might win for you, though make sure you go drive both for yourself to see which you prefer.

Buying new suits some people and not others. If you're buying with finance then it works well, and there's nothing quite like that new-car feel either. But others don't want to pay for the early years of depreciation that a new car comes with.

Of the used cars you mentioned, the Karoq and Ateca were never offered as hybrids. The Formentor was available as a plug-in hybrid if you'd consider that. It's a lovely car for sure. 


Which new estate to buy as a second car?

Hi!

We’re a family of five (and dog) who love our 10-year-old Volkswagen Passat Estate. No plans to get rid of it but we need a second car to manage weekend logistics. A new Skoda Combi would be great (definitely don’t want an SUV), but would prefer a hybrid or electric option. Any suggestions?

Ciara Malone (Dublin)

Aug 2024 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Ciara,

We're in the same situation (without the pooch, sadly) so I understand your needs for sure. There are no electric Skoda estates as yet (at least one is on the way in the next few years, but that'll be too late for you), but there have been plug-in hybrid options. Not sure if you're buying new or used, but the current Superb Combi can be had new as a plug-in hybrid and it's an exceptional car. You'll find some of the previous-gen on the used market as well.

Other fully electric estate options include the MG5, but come back to us with your budget and new/used preference if you want us to help you narrow your search.


-->