Should I bother with a 2008 Chevrolet Captiva?
Hi. I'm looking at buying a 2008 Chevrolet Captiva 2.4 LS. Just looking for your opinion on this SUV. Are they an ok car or should I stay away? Thanks!
Noel McMahon (Dublin)Jan 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Noel,
'OK' just about sums it up. The Captiva was never up to much to be honest - it's spacious and rugged and that's about where it begins and ends. Acceptable to drive, plain grey cabin and that 2.4 petrol engine will prove ridiculously thirsty.
Which 2013 auto SUV to go for?
Any advice on 2013 choice for automatic transmission SUV?
Paxton Daniel (Fort Worth)Nov 2013 Filed under: automatic
Expert answer
Hi Paxton,
Well, it depends what you mean by SUV. Large? Small? Proper 4x4 or front-wheel drive? Our favourites run the gamut from Peugeot 2008 to Skoda Yeti to Honda CR-V to Kia Sorento to BMW X5, but it just depends what you’re looking for.
Toyota Land Cruiser or Audi Q7?
Hi, I am buying an SUV and I am in between a 2007/2008 Audi Q7 and a 2009/2010 Toyota Land Cruiser. Which in your opinion would be the best buy? Are you aware of any problems with either?
Morgan O' Connell (Tralee)Nov 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Morgan,
There's no doubt that the Land Cruiser will be the more reliable of the two. Toyota's quality has dipped in some areas of late, but the Land Cruiser is still something of a halo model for the whole range. There is a good reason why Land Cruisers are the vehicle of choice in sub-Saharan Africa and other harsh environments and that's because they're built tough. The current model lacks a little in terms of its cabin appointments (certainly, the Audi feels far plusher) and it does roll a lot through the corners (again, the Audi is much better to drive), but it's superbly comfy, very spacious and you'll be giving it to your grandkids in your will.
Mind you, the Audi is no shabby player when it comes to reliability, and only really excessive front tyre wear (it's been known to get through a set in as little as 8,000km) and some electrical niggles (watch for powered tailgate problems) seem to count against it.
Our instinct would still be to go for the Toyota though. The Q7 has an unfortunate whiff of the trendy, socialite, school-run SUV about it whereas the Land Cruiser is more appealingly rugged.
Hope that helps
Can you help us choose a large seven-seat family car?
Hello! We have a Peugeot 307 SW 1.6 petrol. We are due our fourth baby in the spring and are researching to find a full seven-seater (which could comfortably fit seven adults) preferably with low road tax. We think the full seven-seater is better from a safety point of view and aren't concerned about how this affects boot space. The newer models with low road tax are quite a bit more expensive but I assume are cheaper in the long run! What would you recommend? Value for money and safety essential!.
Feena Farrell (Kilcock)Nov 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Feena,
If you need actual space for seven full-sized adults (as opposed to jump seats for occasional use by small kids) then pretty much all of the medium-sized SUVs, such as the Opel Zafira, Peugeot 5008, Citroen C4 Picasso and Ford C-Max are out of the question. They're simply not big enough. You'll need, therefore, to trade up to a proper, full-size SUV and in that category there's simply nothing better than a Ford Galaxy. There's real space in the third row even for big people and while the 2.0-litre 140hp diesel engine is a bit juicy on tax (Band C) it's pretty good on overall fuel economy .
They're robustly made too, and while the Galaxy isn't on Ford's official Irish price list any more, a quick ring around the dealer network should easily turn up either a dealer demo model or a very young used car.
Let us know how you get on
What models can fit three child seats in the back?
What car/MPV/SUV can fit three child seats in the back?
Pamela Bastable (Dublin)Sep 2013 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Pamela,
There's a few: Renault Scenic. Toyota Verso. Peugeot 5008. Citroen C4 Picasso. Land Rover Discovery. Chrysler Voyager. Ford Galaxy & S-Max. SEAT Alhambra. Volkswage Sharan. Renault Espace.
That list isn't it either!
Which MPV would you recommend for us?
Hi, we're looking for a family car that will fit three child seats, not necessarily in the one row. We're considering a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. How would you rate this in comparison to other family MPVs? Other options we've considered are a Mazda5 or Ford S-Max. Motor tax costs are fairly important to us. We had a loan of a Toyota Corolla Verso and preferred our current Ford C-Max, so it's out of the running for us.
Thanks for your help, Susan, Dublin
Susan Kirwan (Co Dublin)Sep 2013 Filed under: family car
Expert answer
Hi Susan,
Well, strictly speaking the Santa Fe isn't an MPV, it's an SUV (I know; Captain Pedant strikes again...) and that does have a pretty unpleasant effect on its CO2 rating. A 2008 2.2 CRDi diesel Santa Fe emits 190g/km of CO2 - enough to land you with a €750 annual bill. That aside it's a very fine car, with reliability, looks and practicality all on its side.
If it's lower CO2 you're looking for though, you may well have to consider an MPV. The Ford C-Max is only capable of taking three child seats once you get into the current model, and that may still be too pricey for you. Likewise, the Mazda5 needs to be a recent model if it's to have the current 1.6 diesel that brings with it lower tax bills. So, try and track down a 2009 Citroen C4 Picasso with the 1.6 HDi diesel and the EGS automatic gearbox. That has a 140g/km CO2 emissions figure, so you'll just scrape into the top end of Band B with a €280 tax bill.
How does that sound?
How good is the Kia Sportage?
How good is the Kia Sportage? My wife is thinking of buying one.
Thanks
Joe Malone (Dublin)Sep 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
We really liked the Kia Sportage when it came out (here's our original Irish test drive) and though it's due a facelift next year it's still one of the most appealing small SUVs out there, not least because of its seven-year warranty. It also has a good 1.7-litre diesel engine now.
Anything else you need to know?
I need a car that's easy to get in and out of...
Can you advise me on a car that's easy to get in and out of? Presently driving a Skoda Octavia. How about something like a Peugeot 208?
Christpoher Reid (Navan)Sep 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Christopher,
I think what you need here is a car of medium height, not low slung like a hatch or tall like an SUV, but in the middle, so that it's easy (apologies for being indelicate) to get your bum on the seat and swing your legs in more easily. A tall hatch, essentially. So perhaps have a look at a five-door Ford C-Max, or possibly a Honda Civic or Volkswagen Golf Plus. They usually present an easier entry-exit setup than something more low and rakish. Try a few out and see what works best for you.
I'd like an SUV with loads of space and low emissions please!
Hi, is there such thing as a spacious SUV with low CO2 emmissions from 2010/2011? I have been looking at the Lexus RX 450h - any advice?
Caroline O' Farrell (Galway)Sep 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Caroline,
That's pretty much the only one, to be honest. At least so far. The front-wheel drive version of the RX 450h has CO2 emissions of 140g/km, which means you'll pay just €280 a year to tax it. Not bad for a car like that. The problem is that you'll never get the kind of fuel economy that Lexus quotes for it. Around 30mpg will probably be the best you'll achieve.
Later this month though, Honda will launch a 1.6-litre diesel version of its CR-V. It's not quite as big as the Lexus but is really very spacious and has a massive boot. With Band A4 emissions (€200 a year) of 119g/km, a smooth chassis and impeccable build quality, it could be your best bet.
What's the 2006 Kia Sportage SUV like?
Thinking of buying 2006 Kia Sportage EX manual 2-litre diesel. Have you any information on this SUV, good and bad points etc. and what performance and reliability is like please?
A Houston (Dublin)Aug 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Alan,
Actually a really good car, that. Not as sophisticated as the later, more stylish Sportage, but fine to drive, more rugged than you’d think and actually surprisingly capable off-road. Fuel economy will be a bit steep compared to a more modern car (you’ll get around 35mpg on average) and the cabin is nothing to write home about, but it’s hugely reliable and, if it has a full Kia service history, should continue to be so.