How does the Toyota Verso stack up?
Hi,
In relation to a family car, I see you have high praise for the Qashqai+2. How would a 2009 Toyota Verso compare in terms of space, safety, price, etc? Many thanks and good luck with the site.
Brian Keane (Dublin 16)
May 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
The reason we have talked about the Qashqai+2 a lot of late is that there seems to be quite a few people asking us about seven seats, but not really wanting an MPV. The Verso is an MPV, so as such is usually compared to its main rivals such as the Ford C-MAX and Renault Scenic.
Compared to the Qashqai+2, the Verso comes with a 2.0-litre diesel engine and the Qashqai+2 usually comes with a 1.5-litre diesel engine. The Verso has more power with 125hp against 104hp in the Qashqai+2. The Verso has faster acceleration (about two seconds faster to 100km/h from rest) and in terms of fuel economy the Verso again is slightly more frugal. The CO2 emissions in are both Band C, with road tax of €302. However the new Qashqai+2 does drop a tax band to Band B.
Both cars have five-star Euro NCAP safety ratings and come with multiple airbags. ESP (electronic stability control) is standard fit on both cars too. The rear-most row of seats would be more generous in the Verso compared to the Qashqai+2 even though they share an almost identical wheelbase. There is also more shoulder room in the second and third row of seats.
In terms of price, a 2009 Verso will cost you about €25,000 - €27,000, while a new Qashqai+2 will cost you from €30,450 for a new one and about €26,000 - €27,000 for a 2009 model.
Both have pretty poor luggage space with the rear-most seats in place, but loads with the third row folded, so it depends how often you intend using the seats.
I hope this helps.
A new MPV for a new arrival
I am thinking of buying a 2005 Renault Grand Scenic Diesel, would you recommend it? Are there problems with electrics or the engine or any other problems I should know about?
Should I go for a Citroen Xsara Picasso 1.6 diesel instead? I need room for 3 baby seats. Money is tight so cannot go above 2005.
May 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Ray
I understand that your Corolla saloon has 68,000 km (42,000 miles) on it. Prices seem to be fairly consistent for them and you should probably expect about €8,000 - €9,000 as a trade-in, which isn't bad because your mileage is quite low.
Your budget is €4,000 and you need a seven-seater and you want something that is going to be reliable, comfortable and safe. I understand that you are being asked to spend €3,000 with your own car for a 2005 model and €4,500 for a 2006 model Scenic. This seems a little steep to me and steep to our Renault advisor. Also the Scenic, as it ages doesn't always stand up in terms of reliability.
However, if money is an issue, I would be inclined to go for a petrol version of the Scenic, which can be picked up for half the price of the petrol models.
However if you want something reliable I would think you might stick with Toyota and get a Verso.
Something like this 1.6-litre petrol model would be a super buy and it is from an SIMI dealer.