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New car decision: Hyundai ix35 or Kia Sportage?

Which new vehicle would you choose, the Hyundai ix35 or the Kia Sportage?

Patrick King (Shannon)

Apr 2013 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

Before looking at the logical stuff, we'd say the Kia Sportage. We prefer how it looks and drives.

There's virtually no difference in price at the entry-level to both ranges. They're both powered by the same 1.7-litre turbodiesel engine, have front-wheel drive and emit 139g/km for €280/year road tax. Both Kia and Hyundai offer a range of trim levels and they're both quite well equipped really.

Kia's cheapest four-wheel drive version is a little cheaper than the equivalent Hyundai (both powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine) and both are available with an automatic gearbox - though the ix35's is cheaper.

Other than all that, Kia's seven-year warranty covers up to 150,000 kilometres of driving and comes with European roadside assistance for three years. Hyundai's 'Triple Care Plan' is only for five years, but the mileage is unlimited. It includes roadside assistance and vehicle health checks.

So in summary there's little to separate these cars on paper. With your budget in mind it's worth delving deeper into what you'll get for your money in each model, but really it probably comes down to individual choice. And for us the Kia Sportage is the way to go.

Let us know what you decide upon.


Suspension problems in the Alfa 159?

Are wishbones, suspension arms and link arms prone to early wear in the Alfa 159 JTDm Sportwagon estate?

John Shorten (Shannon)

Mar 2013 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi John,

A creaking noise at the back usually means the dampers need replacing, but we don't know of any widespread issue with wishbones, suspension arms and link arms wearing earlier than they should. There aren't a lot of those cars about so data is thin on the ground.


Audi A5 or BMW 3 Series Coupe?

Hello,

I am looking at buying a used car at the moment. Trying to decide between an Audi A5 and BMW 3 Series Coupe. The 2.0-litre diesels look like the sensible option. I would like low mileage, but don't want anything newer than 2008 really. I would get M Sport if I end up going for BMW, but S line not so important for the A5. Max budget is €25k.

I'm interested in your general opinion of both cars. Would you have a preference? Is there anything in particular that I need to watch out for? Better engine options keeping in mind the tax, resale etc? I only do about 10k miles per year...

Thanks in advance, John

John O'Connor (Celbridge)

Mar 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi John,

At 10k miles a year, to be honest, you’d be better off going for a petrol model as you’re just not going to get the fuel savings out of a diesel to justify the extra cost, plus you might be running into issues with exhaust filters. Of the two cars, the BMW is without question the nicer to drive, and it has a fractionally more spacious interior than that of the Audi. The Audi is seriously well-made though, so from a reliability point of view, we’d probably give that one the nod. Just make sure you buy one with a full, preferably main dealer, service history.


What's a good medium, auto SUV?

What's a good small/medium size SUV that has reasonable tax and fuel consumption, but is also automatic? It's for my wife so not a Nissan Qashqai, too common; Kia Sportage, build quality not too hot; and VW Touran is just too boring.

Any suggestions welcome, but has to be auto.

Eoin Heaney (Ennis)

Mar 2013 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Eoin,

Have you tried the new Peugeot 3008? Great-looking, good to drive and comes with an (optional) six-speed auto. The 1.2-litre 130hp petrol turbo engine is the one to go for. Alternatively, you could try and grab a run-out Skoda Yeti (always one of our favourites and built like a tank), or have a look at the Toyota C-HR Hybrid, which is striking to look at and really good to drive. Here are our relevant reviews:

Peugeot 3008 review

Skoda Yeti review

Toyota C-HR Hybrid review


Trade value of a 2007 Renault Megane?

What is the trade value on a 2007 Renault Megane dCi Sport with 155,000 kilometres on the clock?

Nigel Roberts (Dublin)

Feb 2013 Filed under: used car values

Expert answer

Hi Nigel,

It depends on the condition and service history, but it should be worth in the region of €2,000.


Which estate car for up to €6,000?

Hi,

I am looking to buy an estate car, driving mainly around Dublin, the odd long journey. Do not want to spend more than €6k. What would you recommend? Needs to be reliable, fuel efficient and have a big boot preferably with fold down flat rear seats.

Robert Munch (Dublin)

Feb 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Robert,

There’s lots of choice in that price bracket for an estate. You could go posh with an Audi A4 Avant TDI (you’ll get into a 2007 model for that budget), or big and practical with a Toyota Avensis (2011 or thereabouts), or sporty with a BMW 3 Series Touring. However, you’re probably best going for a Golf — that budget gets you a 2008 or 2009 Golf Estate, which is roomy, practical, reliable, and nice to drive.


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 Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi?

How reliable is the Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi Sport?

Shane Flynn (Waterford)

Feb 2013 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Shane,

That’s a Mk1 Focus, yes? They’re OK, but obviously the youngest is a teenager by now, so you need to be careful. Check the oil for signs of water mixing in — they do develop problems with the heat exchanger. Check that the engine runs smoothly, as the TDCi had one of the first high-pressure direct injection systems and it’s delicate and needs regular proper servicing to work well. Black smoke could mean a blown boost pressure valve. Inside, check for leaking windscreen (wet carpets), broken gear lever springs, faulty ‘QuickClear’ windscreens and inoperative instruments.


Should I change the tyres on a low mileage Range Rover Sport?

I've found a 2008 Ranger Rover Sport with just 16,000 miles (about 26,000km) on the clock. Is this good? Seems a bit too low. Will the tyres be ok if they have never been replaced? Would they be too old?

Declan Kehoe (Dublin)

Feb 2013 Filed under: tyres

Expert answer

Hi Declan,

That sounds like crazy low mileage for a 2008 car so have it verified at Cartell.ie.

If it checks out and the tyres have never been changed then theoretically you should change them, but in reality few people would...

Best of luck


What will I upgrade to from a Mazda MX-5?

 I'm currently driving a Mazda MX-5 and loving it. It makes me smile every time I drive it. But with the latest payrise I'm contemplating an upgrade. Is there anything that will give the same driving experience or at least very close to and also be faster? I'd be thinking of spending up to about €50,000, but can be less or slightly more if I feel it's worth it. And no, doesn't have to be brand new, but like the MX-5 I want that amazing driving feeling and something that's reliable (or bulletproof as the MX-5 is).

John Duggan (Stillorgan)

Feb 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi John,

You're in an enviable position. We're assuming you'd like to stick with an open-top car and rear-wheel drive. The Irish market isn't exactly flooded with €50,000 sports cars that match that brief so in your position we'd seriously consider importing from the UK.

Fabulous cars that fall within your budget include:

- Honda S2000 - very reliable and huge fun, though even newest ones are getting on now

- Lotus Elise - one of the most engaging road cars at any price; you could afford a relatively new one with the more reliable Toyota engine

However, we'd put our own money into a Porsche Boxster. You should be able to afford one of the last of the just replaced generation Boxster S. It's very quick, genuinely brilliant to drive and reliable too.

What do you think?


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