I need a car for just one year...
I need a car for one year. What has the best resale value and what year should I be looking at if I am to sell it in 2018 and recoup the best part of my investment, i.e. not lose any more than I would if I were to hire the same model and year car for 12 months? If that makes any sense.
Helen White (Meath/Dublin/Kildare)Apr 2017 Filed under: resale value
Expert answer
Hi Helen,
Long-term hiring can often be a good idea, as opposed to buying a car and riding the waves of depreciation, but if you prefer buying then your three best bets are the Toyota Auris, Volkswagen Golf and Hyundai Tucson. All of these cars are in huge demand second hand, and as long as you keep the condition good, you should be looking at depreciation of no more than around 20 per cent of the original purchase price.
Which new car on PCP for around €25k?
Hi, I am looking to buy a new car on PCP. Budget is around €25k. I have looked at family options like the Skoda Octavia, Volkswagen Golf and Mazda3. Also on my shortlist is the Audi A1. Can you please advise which of these is the best bet?
Please suggest any other car that I can look at.
Rahul Nair (Dublin)Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Rahul,
There are a lot of other options from the Ford Focus to the Toyota Auris to the Peugeot 308 to the Hyundai i30 to the Kia cee’d and Nissan Pulsar. Of the ones you’ve mentioned, the two that I’d pick from are the Skoda (huge inside, practical, reliable) and the Mazda (high quality cabin, ultra-reliable).
Relevant reviews:
Used Peugeot 308, Renault Megane or Auris?
Hi, we want to buy a newish car this year with about €10,000. We have looked at a few models including a 2012 Peugeot 308 HDi, 2012 Renault Megane 1.5 dCi and a Toyota Auris 1.4 diesel all with 50k ish miles. Which would be your choice? We do about 20,000 miles a year.
Thank you
Ruairi Mc Carthy (Mullagh Co Cavan)Jan 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Ruairi,
The Auris stands out mostly because it will be the most reliable and also because it has the most interior space. That said, the 1.4 diesel isn't perfect and does develop oil pump issues so check to see if it's had any remedial work done.
Of the other two, the Megane is a solid and sensible choice and the 308 is roomy and very economical. Overall, I'd say the Toyota is the best bet though.
Which is the most comfy car on Irish roads?
1) Which is the most comfortable car on Irish roads considering seating, seat height, and road bumps (mainly interested in medium/large cars)?
2) Have you any reports on the Toyota Prius?
Pat Walsh (Claremorris, Mayo)Sep 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Pat,
Here’s our review of the new Toyota Prius.
And as you’ve mentioned Toyota, you could do worse than start with a current Auris or Avensis if you’re looking for something with a comfortable ride on Irish roads. Other good options are the Citroen C4 Picasso or, if you fancy something a little more premium, a Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Audi A3 TDI or Toyota Auris Hybrid?
Hi,
As our family is fleeing the nest, I am hoping to buy a new or nearly new slightly smaller and economical (possibly hybrid?) car. Changing up from a 2009 Toyota Avensis 2.0-litre high-spec diesel with 98,000km on the clock. Do about 15,000km per year mostly in the city and trips to Wicklow, and odd long trip to West Cork for pleasure.
Not sure if I should go for diesel again, or hybrid. Is hybrid risky and will the residuals drop as newer technology comes onstream? Offered €6K by Audi for my Avensis (poor!) against a brand new A3 Sportback 1.6 TDI diesel (net after discounts and trade in = €25K) or €10k by Toyota against brand new 1.8 Auris Hybrid Luna (€26,225 + €575 + €180 road tax + €575 metallic paint = €16,980). Love the look of the A3 Sportback, but in my heart think Toyota is more practical for a privately run car. I am paying cash so am conscious I might have this car a while, i.e. five years.
Do you think a new car is advisable, or good demo, and also will the Audi be expensive to run?
Thanks,
Linda DJ, Dublin
Linda Dwyer Joyce (Dundrum)Jun 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Linda,
€6k is at the bottom end of 2009 Avensis trade in values and your Toyota dealer is possibly boosting your trade in a bit (€10k is definitely top end) to keep you in the family.
I think with 15,000km annual mileage you definitely don't need a diesel - you'll really struggle to make back the extra purchase cost in fuel savings and if you're not doing lots of long journeys you could run into problems with the particulate filter. The Audi wouldn't be expensive to run at all - they're reliable and frugal, but the servicing would probably be slightly pricier than for a Toyota.
As for the Auris Hybrid, I think it sounds like it might be just about right for you, especially as most of your mileage is around town and that's where it works best. You may find it hard to get the best economy out of it on that long run to West Cork, but the rest of the time it should be about right, and super-reliable too.
An ex-demo is always a good idea as you'll get it cheap with minimal mileage, but there are fewer of them around these days.
Relevant reviews on the site:
What used car for up to €11,000 to buy?
Currently in the market for a used car. Looking for somethining with an engine size 1.3 to 1.6 that is reliable. Can spend up to €11,000. What is your advice on the best value car at the moment? Last car I had was a 2006 Ford Focus, which cost me a mint in repairs.
Michael D (Dundrum)May 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
If it’s reliability you’re looking for, then it’s always best to buy Japanese. Your budget and requirements should mean that either a Honda Civic 1.4 or a Toyota Auris 1.33 are just about right. Both are reliable, and the Toyota especially has a hugely impressive engine – smooth, revvy and frugal. Overall, the Honda is sharper to drive though, and has a bigger boot so it’s the one I’d go for.
Is an older Golf a good first car?
Hi,
I'm buying my first car and need some advice on what I should get. My budget is about €3,500 and I'm looking for a car with a 1.2- to 1.4-litre engine. At the moment a 10-year old Golf seems like the most reliable option.
Thanks, Conor
Conor Quinn (Dalkey)Apr 2016 Filed under: learner
Expert answer
Hi Conor,
A Golf is a great idea, but it would also be worth looking at the Toyota Auris too - it's not as sweet to drive as the Golf, but even more reliable. One word of warning though - both cars come with, at smallest, 1.4-litre engines, so you could run into trouble with insurance if you're only starting out as a driver. Have a shop around for premiums first as you may have to find something with an even smaller engine.
Would a small new estate suit us?
We have two small kids. We live in the city but like to go camping in the summer. Can you recommend a car suitable for city driving but still with enough room to carry camping equipment? We currently have a Mazda5 diesel, but the DPF gives us trouble due to us doing mainly short journeys. I was thinking of a petrol estate such as Fabia Combi or a petrol Corolla. Any suggestions please ?
Ray Mehigan (Limerick)Feb 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Ray,
The new Fabia Combi might well be worth looking at as the boot is absolutely enormous, but you may find the back seats a little tight as the kids get bigger. A Toyota Auris Touring Sports estate would certainly make a good buy - roomy and hugely reliable and Toyota's old 1.4-litre petrol engine has always been a good unit. Also worth looking at the Kia cee'd Sportwagon or Skoda Octavia Combi.
Relevant reviews:
Which is the smoothest automatic model?
Which is the smoothest automatic model under 1.5 litres?
Sally Mulford (Greystones)Feb 2016 Filed under: automatic
Expert answer
Hi Sally,
Generally speaking, automatics and small engines don't go well together, but there are a few good ones. Any Volkswagen Group cars using a combo of either 1.2 TSI or 1.4 TSI petrol with the DSG gearbox should be pretty smooth and there are some Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4D diesels around with self-shifters. The Auris, while not exciting, is certainly smooth and comfy.
Actually, your best option could be to go hybrid or electric. The Honda Insight has a 1.3-litre hybrid powertrain and is an automatic and is surprisingly good to drive. Or what about the Nissan Leaf? If the roughly 160km electric range suits your lifestyle, there's nothing smoother than an electric motor.
Price difference from Auris Terra to Luna?
What price difference is there between the new Toyota Auris Terra and Auris Aura?
Olive Mc Carthy (Cork)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Olive,
It depends on which engine you're considering. The Auris Terra 1.33, at €20,750, is €1,750 cheaper than the Aura model with the same engine. The difference is €1,250 when it's the 1.4-litre D-4D diesel, which costs €22,250 as a Terra or €23,500 for the Luna specification.
If you're using PCP or Hire Purchase to pay for the car then these differences become negligible in terms of additional monthly costs.