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Torn between Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai ix35 and Peugeot 3008

Hi lads,

Which would you choose between a Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai ix35 and a Peugeot 3008?

Thanks

Jim Cotter (Limerick)

Jul 2011 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Jim.

There really is little to choose between these three models to be honest so without sitting on the fence entirely I would say that you should drive all three to see which one you like best. Out of the three, personally speaking I would probably have the ix35, just because it offers super value for money. They are hard to come by at the moment however, while you will get the Qashqai and 3008 pretty readily. If you do get the 3008, go for the top spec SV. Really you have mentioned three of the best compact SUVs around so you can't really go wrong with any of them. I'd have the Hyundai though.


Which 4x4 would suit light towing?

I am interested in buying a small four-wheel drive for the occasional light trailer work. I do about 12,000 kilometres per year. What would you recommend please?

Alfie Barrett (Ballinasloe)

Jun 2011 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Alfie,

I was looking through some potential vehicles for you and to be honest there is only really one vehicle that I feel would be perfect for you. That's the Skoda Yeti 2.0 TDI 4x4, which is both within your budget and is capable of doing what you need it to do. There are lots of SUVs within your price range, but they are mostly two-wheel drive and although this would probably suffice, the four-wheel drive would add more security and grip. You can have a Skoda Yeti 2.0 TDI Ambition for €29,995 and that is a super car.

Click here to see our test drive of the Skoda Yeti 4x4.


New Audi Q5 or BMW X3?

Hello guys,

What do you think of the Audi Q5 compared to BMW X3?

Thank you.

Mary Foley (Cork)

May 2011 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

I think the new BMW X3 is where the BMW X5 used to be and the Audi Q5 is a little like where the BMW X3 used to be, if that makes any sense!

The Q5 is a decent compact SUV and it comes in cheaper than the X3 at base level. While there is a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol Q5, if we ignore that (as you should in Ireland at least) then you are left with the 2.0-litre TDI model with 143hp for €42,350. In comparison, the BWM X3 has 184hp for €45,900. Even though the X3 has more power, it is cleaner, with Band C road tax compared to Band D in the Audi.

BMW X3 - 184hp - €45,900 - Band C

The problem right now with the X3 is that you simply can't get one. They are in very short supply, so you could be waiting months. There is a similar situation with the Q5, but we believe you would get one sooner than you would get a BMW.

If you are asking us to choose one regardless of that, then I would have to say I'd much prefer the new X3. I didn't really like the old model, but this one is now so much better than before.

Audi Q5 - 143hp - €42,350 - Band D


New Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester or BMW X3?

Hello,

I have a 2004 Honda CR-V 2.0-litre petrol that I want to change next year. One of the three cars I have in mind is the new diesel CR-V because they are so reliable. My CR-V has 112,000 miles on the clock and a blown light bulb has been the most trouble it's ever given.

The second car is a Subaru Forester because again it's reliable and roomy.

My final choice is a new model BMW X3 because of less tax. I have test driven one and liked it a lot. Could you give some advice please?

Sharon Ryan (Limerick)

May 2011 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Sharon,

Those are three good choices. Obviously given the fact that you have had such great history with the Honda CR-V then it could make sense to get another one, but the CR-V doesn't really offer wonderful value. The cheapest one is a fiver under €40,000 and you can pay up to €50,000.

Honda CR-V

When you compare the BMW X3 to this, which is such a brilliant SUV, the CR-V looks expensive. We drove the BMW X3 last Christmas and it proved itself to be outstanding. Naturally you will have to spend closer to €50,000 to get a decent X3.

BMW X3

There is a problem at the moment with the X3 in that they are in very short supply, so there is a waiting list. Granted you are not taking delivery until January next year so perhaps you will have plenty of time then. Get the 20d rather than the 18d if your budget allows and choose the four-wheel drive ('xDrive') version too.

The last car you mention is the Subaru Forester and this is the best value car you choose. It is very good but certainly not as refined as either the CR-V or the BMW X3. Have you ever considered the Subaru Outback? That costs around €42,000 and it would be a better choice than the Forester in our opinions.

Subaru Forester

All of that taken into account Sharon, I would have the BMW X3 all day long. It is superb and miles better than the old one. But we would suggest that you will need to get your order in early because the waiting lists are long.

I hope this helps!


What SUVs are good for towing, but in a low tax bracket?

What cars or SUVs are in the lower tax bands and can pull a horse box with two horses inside?

Steve Royston (Listowel)

Apr 2011 Filed under: towing

Expert answer

Hi Steve, 

Here's an answer to a similar question:

http://www.completecar.ie/askusanything/question/397/Are-there-any-Band-B-4x4s

Depending on your budget, I think the new BMW X3 would be ideal. Perhaps the Skoda Yeti 4x4 would work if you are working off a smaller budget. Bear in mind that the most either of those cars can legally tow is 2,000kg (dependant on model), so whether they are suitable really depends on the weight of your horsebox - and horses of course...

Some versions of the Volkswagen Tiguan have a 2,500kg towing limit, but they fall into higher tax bands.

If you give us an actual weight to work with we can advise you further, but there certainly are not many four-wheel drive SUVs on the market that can tow more than 2,000kg and still be in Band A or Band B.


Are there any Band B 4x4s?

Are there any 4x4 diesels that fall into Band B for tax, and if not, what diesel 4x4s have the lowest tax rate?

Steve Royston (Listowel)

Apr 2011 Filed under: fuel economy and emissions

Expert answer

Hi Steve, 

From what we can tell, no there isn't any SUV with 4x4 in Band B, as yet. There are lots of SUVs and crossovers in Band B with front-wheel drive. You'll find the likes of the Skoda Yeti, VW Tiguan, Nissan Qashqai all have versions with frugal diesel engines. 

When it comes to 4x4, the best you can probably do at the moment is Band C. The Skoda Yeti 4x4 sits in Band C, as does the new BMW X3, which is selling well with good reason.

The Lexus RX Hybrid sits in Band C, as do the Hyundai ix35 2.0 CRDi 4wd and the Volvo XC60 AWD.

Hope that gives you something to think about


How safe are rear seat passengers in a seven-seater?

What is the safety record for rear seat passengers in a seven-seat car?

Shane Oneill (Kildare)

Jan 2011 Filed under: safety

Expert answer

Hi Shane,

I have looked back through the record of Euro NCAP (www.euroncap.com) and there is no major difference between the safety of a third row of seats and the second row of seats.

The modern SUV often has curtain airbags that run the length of the car and these can protect the rear seat passengers in the event of a side collision. There is also a row of seats in front of the third row of seats and this provides extra protection for the third row seats. 

Obviously they are closer to the rear of the car in a rear-end collision, but there is very little information about this available.

If there is anything else specific you'd like to know, please do get back in touch.


Should I buy a BMW 520d SE?

I am considering buying a 2011 BMW 520d SE. Should I consider anything else?

Dave Redmond (Kildare)

Jan 2011 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Dave.

You could consider the Mercedes-Benz E 200 CDI, but the BMW 520d SE is so good I wouldn't really consider anything else. It is a truly brilliant car so there isn't much to touch it at the moment. For the money you could also consider the BMW X3, which is also very good if you liked the idea of an SUV, but I'd have the 520d. 

I hope this helps


What seven-seat four-wheel drive options are there?

My wife is looking for a seven-seat four-wheel drive, but not a BMW X5 or Jeep type car. Are there any other options?

 

Eamonn Crawford (Clonmel)

Jan 2011 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hello Eamonn,

I am a little unsure of what you mean. Do you want a seven-seat car that has four-wheel drive but one that isn't an SUV?

There aren't all that many four-wheel drive seven-seaters around. Obviously the BMW X5, which you mentioned, the Volvo XC90, the Land Rover Discovery, the Hyundai Santa Fe, Audi Q7, Mitsubishi Outlander, Kia Sorento, Chevrolet Captiva, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota LandCruiser. 

A four-wheel drive seven-seat car is something that is harder to come by. The Mercedes-Benz R-Class seats seven and can be had with four-wheel drive.


Let us know if that's the sort of thing you're looking for.


Which mid-size SUV for €20,000?

What would you recommend in terms of a mid-size 4X4/SUV? Diesel is the preferred option with a sensible tax band a major consideration as well as decent fuel economy. I have circa €20,000 to spend on straight cash deal.

 

 

Maurice Hannon (Galway)

Dec 2010 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Maurice,

If I were spending my own money on something like this I would probably narrow my search down to a few key models. I would also look at something that was pre-July 2008 as the road tax is a little easier to stomach.  You didn't specify whether you need it to be a 4x4, because this does tend to make them a little harder on fuel.

The Toyota RAV4 isn't massive but it is seriously well put together and you could have a 2.2-litre 2007 model with low mileage for €17,950.

Here's an example on beepbeep.ie.

Road tax at €860 is still a lot though, so that might rule this out.

If you don't need 4x4, then a Nissan Qashqai is quite an obvious choice. You could have a 2009 model, with low mileage and road tax of a just €156 per year, for €20,495. These are popular for a reason, but forget about it if you need to go off-road.

Here's an example on beepbeep.ie.

Again, no four-wheel drive options for your budget, but you could have a Skoda Yeti, which is a great SUV with a decent 2.0-litre TDI engine for €22,750 - although I'd be pushing for closer to €20,000 in a cash deal.

You could have a Nissan X-Trail too, although they can be a little hard to find. They are really good value. Most are two-wheel drive but there are four-wheel drive ones about. This one is a two-wheel drive version, but at €18,500 for a 2008 model it is great value.

Finally, the latest Land Rover Freelander is much better than the model that went before it. You can have it with a 2.2-litre diesel engine and four-wheel drive and that would be in and around the right money.

Here's an example.

Out of this lot, I'd be inclined to go for the Nissan X-Trail.

Hope that helps. Let us know what you end up going for.


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