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Showing 211 - 220 results (out of a total of 252) found for "SUV" in Ask Us Anything

Which luxury saloon for up to €30,000?

What would I buy for €30k max? Must be automatic, 2010 or newer, do 10,000km per year, preferely a saloon or SUV. I currently have a BMW 520d.

Paul Byrne (Drogheda)

Feb 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

I’m tempted to say get another 520d — for the budget, they’re hard to beat. Well worth looking at an Audi A6 2.0 TDI as an alternative, though, and a Mercedes E 220d. Or a Jaguar XF if you’re feeling like a bigger change. Of course, what you could do is take that budget and spend it on a two-year-old Skoda Superb and get a fully-loaded version...


With €20,000 what family car will we upgrade to?

We are upgrading our car as we have a baby with another on the way. My current car is an Audi A3 Sportback. What can you recommend? Our budget is about €20,000 including trade-in and we cover about 15,000 kilometres per year commuting.

Gillian O Riordan O Riordan (Cork )

Feb 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Gillian,

With two small kids myself I completely understand your needs. Really, you're probably after something with a much bigger boot, but I assume you like the premium look and feel of the Audi. People in your situation would often upgrade to a bigger car in the same brand, say an Audi A4 or a compact SUV. I've taken a look through Carzone.ie with your budget and needs in mind and here's a list of potential replacements:

- Audi A4: way bigger inside and in the boot than your A3 and significantly more comfortable on the road. Your budget gets you a clean 2010 model saloon or Avant estate with a 2.0 TDI engine.

- Audi A6: much bigger again than the A4, but for the same money you'll get less equipment or an older model - you could afford the saloon or Avant estate though.

- BMW 3 Series: quite comparable to the Audi A4, though not as spacious inside and few Touring estate examples on the used market. Very efficient engines.

- BMW 5 Series: lovely car in same class as Audi A6, though your budget will probably mean a high mileage example. Insist on full service history.

- Honda CR-V: well made family SUV that was designed more for on-road than off-road use. Not all that common, but hugely spacious and reliable. Make sure you go for the newer model that has only just been replaced.

- Mazda6: I'm not sure if you're attached to the Audi badge, but this car is well worth a look. It's massive inside (especially the estate), good to drive, well equipped and reliable. Your budget gets you a low mileage 2011 example too.

- Skoda Superb: no kids will ever kick the back of your seat in this car such is its rear legroom! The boot is massive too and it comes with a range of different engine options. The 1.6 TDI is especially economical. You can afford a 2010-2011 saloon, though personally I prefer the Combi estate.

- Volkswagen Passat: there are a few 2011-2012 Passat saloons available for your budget and it'd be a sensible purchase in some ways. This car is still on sale now new. There aren't many estates about unless you go for the previous generation model.

- Volkswagen Tiguan: a good option, though supply is limited at you budget to 2008 versions. High driving position and spacious all-round.

If you'd like help narrowing your search further, please do come back to us. Also, with such a low annual mileage, it's worth seriously considering a petrol car if you find a well-priced one.


How reliable is the Land Rover Discovery 3?

What are the pitfalls in buying a Land Rover Discovery 3 automatic as a commercial?

Paraic Donohoe (Arklow)

Feb 2013 Filed under: commercial vehicle

Expert answer

Hi Paraic,

First and foremost is the running costs, but I guess they're on the same level as any large SUV-based commercial with an automatic gearbox - they're heavy on fuel and tyres, etc.

Other than that, while the Discovery 3 is proving to be more reliable than its predecessor, it's hardly the most dependable truck of its type. Some cars are perfect, but others have loads of issues, from the electrics to the air suspension and even to full engine failure.

Don't settle for anything less than a full service history and make sure you have the car checked out by someone that knows what they're looking at too.

Hope that helps


Which 2004-2008 SUV do you recommend?

I am looking for a used SUV, 2004 to 2008, 2.0-litre diesel with good space for a family of four. What would you recommend?

Thanks

Clare O Grady (Wetport)

Jan 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Clare,

I think your best bet is a circa-2007 Honda CR-V. Masses of space inside, incredibly reliable and really very pleasant to drive. It is a 2.2-litre diesel, but it has economy every bit as good as a rival 2.0-litre unit. Just make sure you get one with a full service history.


Help me choose the right BMW X3...

What concerns should I have with buying a BMW X3 manual as opposed to automatic? What would you consider pluses and minuses to be of the X3 two-wheel drive?

Dermot Walsh (Dublin)

Jan 2013 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Dermot,

Well, the plus and minus of having a two-wheel-drive X3 is: why are you buying an X3 if it has two-wheel drive? If you need an SUV, surely it should have all-wheel drive?  If not, you’re much better off in a more affordable, and more fuel efficient 5 Series or 3 Series Touring. As for the manual/auto question, we’d go with auto in this case. That eight-speed automatic gearbox actually pulls the X3's CO2 emissions down a little, and it’ll definitely help you sell the car on again as buyers in the premium sphere are increasingly looking for autos.


Can you help me find a new SUV?

What is the most economical new mid-range SUV on the market for a budget of €28,000?

Martina Mcinerney (Limerick)

Jan 2013 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Martina,

At that budget your main choices, sticking with diesel for fuel economy reasons, are the Hyundai ix35, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi ASX, Opel Mokka and Skoda Yeti.

We're assuming you don't need four-wheel drive (correct me if I'm wrong), as the front-wheel drive versions of each car are always the most economical.

Here's the most economical version of each:

- Hyundai ix35 1.7 diesel 2WD: 5.3 litres/100km (53.3mpg): from €26,495

- Kia Sportage 1.7 diesel 2WD: 5.3 litres/100km (53.3mpg): from €26,590

- Mitsubishi ASX 1.8 diesel: 5.7 litres/100km (49.6mpg): from €25,950

- Opel Mokka 1.7 diesel 2WD: 4.7 litres/100km (60.1mpg): from €24,695

- Skoda Yeti 1.6 TDI Greenline: 4.6 litres/100km (61.4mpg): from €25,320

We've left out smaller options as you specifically asked for mid-size.

The Skoda Yeti turns out to be the most economical of that lot and for us it would be between that and the Kia Sportage.

Best thing to do is go and test drive as many alternatives as you like the look of as it will come down to personal preference.

Let us know how you get on and come back to us if you need anything else.


Can you find me an economical SUV for under €12,000?

Hi there, I have €10,000 to €12,000 to spend on a used car. I drive twice a week from Kerry to Dublin for work. I dont NEED an SUV but would really really like one. I need the normal two things in a car: reliability and economy. Is there any SUV out there that won't murder my pocket in diesel costs?

Many thanks

Moss

Maurice Fitzgerald (Dublin)

Jan 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Moss,

We've scoured Carzone.ie with your budget and needs in mind. There are loads of diesel SUVs available at that price, though we've shortlisted the ones here we reckon would do the job for you:

- BMW X3 - economical, though you're looking at an older one at this price

- Honda CR-V - great option if you can find a good one

- Hyundai Tucson - plenty around, though not as 'nice' as premium models

- Mitsubishi Outlander - with Volkswagen's 2.0 TDI engine - good bet

- Nissan Qashqai - great all-rounder, though possibly not quite SUV-like for your tastes

- Peugeot 4008 - stylish, good diesel engine, should be able to afford post-2008 car

- Toyota RAV4 - safe bet, though will be pre-2008 on your budget

If you'd like us to help narrow down your search feel free to come back to us.


How reliable is the Range Rover Sport?

Hi. I am considering a 2006/07 Range Rover Sport. Some say they give mechanical trouble and can be expensive to repair. What is your opinion?

Jim Cowan (Donegal)

Nov 2012 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Jim,

There's no doubt that the Range Rover Sport (like all big SUVs) are harder on their tyres and brakes than an average car. Parts aren't cheap either and fuel consumption, even on the diesel models, is relatively high - though again, normal for the class.

Early examples were the subject of three recalls concerning brakes, the transmission and rear seat belt buckle, but once the car you're looking at has had those things recitified there shouldn't be an issue. The Range Rover Sport has a below average reputation for reliability, but we know people with faultless examples as well, so perhaps some buyers have been unlucky. Issues seem to come mostly from the electrics and the suspension so check everything is in working order and best to have some form of warranty from the dealer.

If you need more detailed help please do get in touch.


What's the 2008 Kia Sorento like?

I am interested in a 2008 Kia Sorento. I have been told by a mechanic he would never buy a Kia or Hyundai as they are substandard and Japanese cars are way better. We are aware it has a big engine (which we don't need to be honest), but we can't find a car we both like for approximately €10k and this seems to be the compromise position. Have you a view on the Kia Sorento, as all my online research has made me quite positive about it, but the mechanic I was speaking to is worrying me? We are down to one car so prompt response appreciated.

Sinead Oboyle (Dublin)

Oct 2012 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Sinead,

First of all, take the sweeping remark by the mechanic with a pinch of salt. The latest Kias and Hyundais are great cars and so too are the later used ones. In terms of stuff you may already know about the Sorento, it's quite unrefined on the road and a bit rough and ready. Large SUVs like this can cost a little to maintain too, though the Kia isn't the worst of them.

Now in terms of reliability, the Sorento has proven to be very solid, with only tiny niggles reported. Try to get one with a decent service history as always and check its mileage and history on Cartell.ie.

Hope that puts your mind at ease.


Land Rover Discovery or Volvo XC90?

Is the 2005 Land Rover Discovery a good car? Does it give problems? Is it better than say the Volvo XC90?

Joseph Jabilia (Dublin)

Sep 2012 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Joseph,

Both those cars are decent family motors, but go into it with your eyes open as large aging SUVs are expensive to run, service and repair. For the most part the Discovery and XC90 are reliable, though there are reports of some early examples of this Land Rover with (costly) air suspension and electrical problems. It's definitely worth getting a thorough professional inspection as offered by Cartell.ie as this should highlight any issues with the car you're considering.

Some XC90s have suspension, transmission and injector problems too - all expensive to fix. Don't be put off by this though, as these issues do not affect all examples sold.

Hope that helps


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