Looking for a large family car...
I'm looking for a family car and have two children under three.
I've had coupes (currently in an Audi A5) all my life so ideally I'd like to switch it up and get an SUV. I'm at a loss of what to get - I'd love the Volvo XC90 and can afford it, but the pragmatic side of me is telling me not waste a huge amount of money on a depreciating asset like that, no matter how great it is.
On the other end of the scale I think the Hyundai Santa Fe is a great looking car, but I can't stand the plasticky feeling of the interior and the ugly interior layout. Do you have any recommendations that would allow me to keep the luxury feel of my Audi, but not cost the earth like the Volvo?
Or... do I just compromise and get a 3-4-year-old Audi A6 Avant estate?
Rich K (Dublin)Feb 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Rich,
OK, there’s a lot to unpick here. First of all, any car you buy (other than perhaps a classic Mercedes SL or an old Ferrari) will be a depreciating asset, so there’s not much point in thinking that buying one car over another will save you from that. Obviously some cars depreciate a bit less than others, but they do all depreciate in the end.
The XC90 is a cracking car, a really good one, but as you rightly point out it’s big and expensive, and if you’ve only got the two kids, you probably don’t really need the seven seats. The Santa Fe is an excellent car, reliable and hard-wearing, but you’re quite right that the cabin can be a bit low-rent at times. It might be worth having a look at the Kia Sorento — mechanically identical to the Santa Fe, but a touch roomier and we prefer the Kia’s interior. Also well worth having a look at slightly smaller seven-seat SUV rivals such as the Peugeot 5008, Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace and Skoda Kodiaq, all of which have genuinely excellent interiors and are good to drive too.
Mind you, once again, you’re right — you don’t need an SUV (no-one really does, but that’s a debate for another day) so actually the idea of an Audi A6 Avant estate is a really good one. You already like Audis, they’re great for quality and reliability and look awesome into the bargain, and have plenty of space for two growing kids. Worth looking at a BMW 5 Series Touring and Mercedes E-Class Estate too (the BMW’s a little better to drive, the Mercedes is bigger inside) and well worth checking out the gorgeous new Volvo V90 if the XC90 has taken your fancy. Here are all our reviews of the above cars to help you decide:
Will I go for a Skoda Karoq 1.6?
Hi,
I am looking to trade in my beloved 152 Audi A4 2.0 for something a bit bigger in the boot etc. Have been in a 162 Audi Q5, which was quite nice, and familiar, but am considering a Skoda Karoq too. Any guidance? What engine would you recommend in the Karoq? I like the idea of the 1.6 DSG, but would I feel too short changed in it coming from a 2.0-litre manual?
Thanks
Ronan, Dublin
Ronan Murray (Dublin)Feb 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Ronan,
Yeah, if you trade down to a 1.6 TDI from a 2.0-litre you will notice it alright. The 1.6 Karoq feels lively enough, but it’s going to feel less grunty than a 2.0 TDI Audi Q5 for sure. It’s also a good bit smaller inside, so bear that in mind. Lovely car though, and it’s worth considering the larger Kodiaq if you fancy the same thing with more interior space. Here are a few relevant reviews to help you decide:
Is a 1.0-litre engine ok for a family car?
Hi,
Just wondering if you have much knowledge or feedback on the new 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines? We are looking for a good reliable family car, but ideally want to go with petrol based on our mileage and daily driving routes. However, I am slightly nervous that a 1.0-litre might lack power and be very noisy or "revy" on motorway drives when travelling at greater speed. The sales people say these turbo engines feel more like a 1.6-litre. But then they are trying to sell so would be great to get some independent feeling on them in your experience. Any in particular you would recommend as there are not as many petrol options in family cars.
Many thanks, Peter
Peter Hogan (Dublin)Jan 2018 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
In this instance, the sales people are being entirely truthful — the new 1.0-litre turbo engines are indeed equivalent to an old 1.6 or even 1.8 engine in the way they drive. You certainly won’t find them too ‘revvy’ on the motorway, as the small turbo increases low-down torque and makes the car feel very relaxed and easy to drive. Certainly that’s true for the Volkswagen Group, Ford, Honda and Renault-Nissan engines anyway. The best ones to go for, in our experience, are the VW Golf or Skoda Octavia (both using the same engine, of course), the Honda Civic (which should be the most reliable in the long term) and the Ford Focus (which can be a little on the thirsty side). Read our reviews below for more detail:
Volkswagen Golf 1.0 TSI review
Timing belt change in 2014 Skoda Rapid?
What is the recommended service interval to change the timing belt in the 2014 Skoda Rapid 1.6 TDI?
Padmanabhaiah Duddela (Secunderabad)Jan 2018 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi there,
The maximum interval is 210,000 kilometres, regardless of duration. The timing belt tensioner should be changed at the same time.
What do you think of the 1.0-litre Octavia?
I'm considering buying a 2016 1.0 petrol Skoda Octavia, but my mechanic is sceptical about a small engine pulling a big car. Any advice?
Jan Crowley (Dublin)Jan 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Jan,
I'm not sure if your mechanic has actually driven the Octavia with the 1.0-litre engine, but we have and it's brilliant. If you had five adults inside and a boot full everywhere you went, it might not feel too quick, but otherwise it's more than adequate. In fact, we've done a full review and video review of that very car if you want to check it out:
Looking for a reliable family car...
We are looking for some good options for a really reliable family car. Nothing too big as parking in the car park my wife works in is a nightmare as it is very tight. We were looking at a 2014 Nissan Qashqai+2, a 2015 Kia cee'd Sportswagon and might look at the Skoda Octavia. Insignia looks good but it's a monster of a size.
The Qashqai+2 seems expensive for a 2014 model. Would it be a waste? We do mileage of about 11k to 12k a year. Are the cars we looked at above the best options or what others would you recommend and best engine to go for? We want a really good boot and rear seat space for young kids with ISOFIX seating.
Thanks
Tomas Best (Dublin)Jan 2018 Filed under: family car
Expert answer
Hi Tomas,
The problem with the Qashqai+2 is that it’s the older model Qashqai, which is nowhere near as sophisticated as the current model. Do you really need the seven seats? If not, then I think that the Kia cee’d Sportswagon is a much better bet — bigger boot than the Qashqai, comfier and better to drive and with that seven-year warranty for peace of mind. A cracking choice.
Also well worth looking at the Octavia Combi and the VW Golf Estate, but make sure you’re going for a petrol engine with that mileage — you won’t need a diesel. Actually, with that in mind, the Toyota Auris Hybrid Sport Tourer estate is also well worth a look. Here are a few reviews to help you decide:
Nissan Qashqai or Skoda Karoq?
Hi there
I’m trying to decide between the Nissan Qashqai and the new Skoda Karoq. Any advice for me please?
Thanks
Patrick Hogan (Galway )Jan 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
While both of these cars make for very good crossovers, having driven both it is the Skoda that feels like the more complete package. For me, the Skoda has a well-rounded look to it, and it has the advantage of being one of the newest cars in the segment. This is also true of the interior, where the Skoda easily surpasses the Nissan. Everything from layout to driving position and even the choice of materials used make the Karoq feel that bit nicer. Even shutting the doors on the Skoda gives a more reassuring thud.
When it comes to driving them, again, the Skoda seems better. The suspension, for example, rides the bumps and surface imperfections better whereas the Nissan can be slightly 'busier.' Nissan does have a good diesel offering as well as new petrol engines, but the same is true of the Skoda. On paper, the Karoq has a higher starting price, but Skoda starts its range with a higher level of standard spec, which is worth considering. The Karoq is likely to be in short supply during 2018, which may impact on delivery times. Nissan currently has some competitive offers, which may help sway you. Personally, I’d go with the Karoq. If you can get one...
Should we stick with petrol or go diesel?
Hi there,
We do annual mileage of about 11 or 12k. During the week the daily mileage is only about 20 miles or so and on slower roads so speed only about 80km/h max. We would do bigger mileage some weekends on motorway. My question is, would we run into problems with a diesel car? We currently have petrol but looking to update to a bigger car with a 1.4-1.6-litre range. However, there are very few petrol car options it appears suitable for family size. All the options seem to be diesel, which is fine, but I have heard that there can be mechanical issues if mileage and speed is not sufficient. Is that true?
Any advice much appreciated. What car options would you recommend to look at if going petrol or diesel?
Tomas Best (Dublin)Jan 2018 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Tomas,
Yes, it is an issue and could potentially be a very serious issue with your kind of mileage and driving profile. The problem is that you need to generate heat in the exhaust system to keep the diesel particulate filter clear, and low mileages and low speeds just don’t do that. You can get around that, a bit, by doing a regular long motorway or main road run, keeping to a low-ish gear for a while, but that’s not convenient for everyone.
Basically speaking, I think you’re best sticking with petrol if at all possible and there are some big-car petrol options out there if you look around and get a little lucky. Try and track down a Skoda Octavia with the 1.2 TSI turbo petrol engine, perhaps? Or maybe consider a Toyota Prius — they’re pretty big inside (although the boot is not massive).
I need a tiny car with a huge boot...
Hi guys, do you have any quick tips on a small enough hatch with a big boot? I need to use split seats to lock a road bike into the car. For security it needs to be in the car for a while. I can just about do it in a Hyundai i10, but it’s a real squeeze. I fold down the bigger seat split, push the passenger seat forward and in it goes but it’s very tricky. Hoping to do the same with something slightly bigger and easier! Tiny hatch with a shiny modern cockpit and a cavern for a boot anyone?
Cheers!
Richie
Richie Daly (Waterford)Jan 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Richie,
Not often we get a question with such a straightforward answer, but in this case it’s easy: get a Skoda Fabia Combi. It has a massive 530-litre boot (expanding to 1,395 litres when you fold the seats), but is still pretty compact on the outside. Plus the cabin is classy and comfy and it’s perfectly nice to drive. Your budget won’t quite stretch to a new one, but a year-to-18-month one should be well inside your reach.
Which premium estate for up to €14,000?
Hi.
I'm in a top spec '07 BMW 3 Series 2.0 petrol auto with only 60k miles. I love the car but need more space. Any recommendations you have would be greatly appreciated. My overall budget is max €14k (€10k plus €4k that I hope to get by selling privately, as dealers are only offering me €3k). I would like to stick to a premium brand, and would buy a used estate version of my current car, except they're all diesel and I don't do enough mileage to warrant a diesel engine.
Many thanks and best regards
Tony, Dublin
Tony H (Dublin)Dec 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Tony,
Well, it would certainly be worth trying to track down a petrol-engined 3 Series Touring estate, but as you rightly point out these are rarer than hens’ molars at the moment. Same story for the Audi A4 Avant and Mercedes C-Class Estate too, I’m afraid. Would you consider a VW Passat Estate? Or a Skoda Superb? A bit of a step down in class terms, I’ll grant you, but good, solid cars and you can track them down with the 1.4 TSI turbo petrol engine.