Toyota Avensis parking brake problems?
Has there been any trouble with electronic parking brakes in the Toyota Avensis?
Michael Nolan (Clonmel)Mar 2017 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
There does indeed seem to be a recurring problem with the actuator that controls the electric parking brake for the Avensis, so we’d advise a little caution when buying. Make sure you test the brake by parking on a gentle hill and taking your foot off the brake pedal, but be ready in case it does disengage and the car starts to roll. If you’re buying an Avensis, make sure it comes with a full service history and preferably a decent warranty as the actuator is an expensive part to replace.
Is the 1.0-litre Yaris powerful enough?
Hi,
I am considering a 2017 Toyota Yaris 1.0 to replace my 2004 Polo 1.2 65hp. Is the 1.0 sufficient or would I be better getting the 1.33? I don't expect it to be quick, but like the Polo.
Thanks very much!
Tim Singleton (Mallow)Mar 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Tim,
You should be fine with the 1.0 — it has 70hp, so overall performance will be very similar to that of your old Polo. You’re right though — it's not quick.
What's the best coupe for under €50k?
Best coupe available for under €50k in Ireland? Audi A5 2.0 TDI S line 190hp? BMW 4 Series? Other?
Thanks!
Brad W (Mallow)Mar 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Brad,
As ever, the answer is: it depends where your priorities lie…
The A5 is indeed a cracking car. Not the sharpest to drive, perhaps, but gorgeous to look at and practical inside. That goes equally for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, but the BMW 4 Series is the best one to drive. Don’t forget the 2 Series Coupe either, which is more fun than any of the above. Actually, though, the best one of the lot is probably the Toyota GT86. Not as premium or as big as the others, perhaps, but more fun to drive than any of them. Here are a few of our reviews to help you decide:
What makes and models are spacious?
What are the best makes/models for driver legroom/headroom and rear passenger (behind driver seat) legroom?
Eamon O'Connor (Waterford)Mar 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Eamon,
Well, obviously the bigger the car the better, and if you can stretch to a long-wheelbase Range Rover...
At a more sensible level, the best car for long legs in both front and back is the Skoda Superb (both current and previous generation models). Also good choices are the Ford Mondeo, Toyota Avensis and Hyundai i40. If you need to come down a size, go for a Skoda Octavia or Honda Civic.
How much VRT on imported Toyota Verso?
How much VRT can I expect to pay on a 2013 Toyota Verso 1.8 petrol if I import from the UK?
Alan Russell (Dublin)Mar 2017 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Alan,
It depends on the condition, history and mileage of course, but your VRT bill should be somewhere in the region of €4,000.
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:
Is it cheaper to import a car from NI?
Is it cheaper to import a new or second hand car from Northern Ireland?
David Fitzgerald (Cork)Feb 2017 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi David,
It can be, but it depends on the model and it depends on what the exchange rate is doing during a given week. By and large the rule of thumb is that the more expensive the model, the bigger opportunity to make a saving, but even more humble cars, such as Toyotas and Fords, are becoming cheaper on import now. Do your homework, work out your VRT payment in advance as best you can and then wait for Theresa May or Boris Johnson to say something utterly stupid and drive down the value of Sterling again.
Which is the best seven-seat car?
I am planning to buy a seven-seat car; which is the best?
Paul S (Limerick)Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
It depends on what size you need. If it's a mid-size seven seater, then the Volkswagen Touran, Kia Carens, Toyota Verso and the new Renault Scenic. If you need something larger go for a Ford S-Max or SEAT Alhambra. Here are our reviews:
Which saloon to get with under €12,000?
Hi,
Looking to buy a second hand saloon car for under €12k. Do about 10-15k km per year. Decent sized engine, four doors and fuel efficient and wanted to buy something other than the usual boring Toyota or Nissan! Any advice?
Thanks Michael
Michael Doran (Dublin)Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
You've got a lot of options depending on the year and size of car you want. How about an Audi A4 2.0 TDI? Perhaps a BMW 520d? Something simpler? How about a Ford Mondeo 1.6 TDCi? Or a Volkswagen Jetta 2.0 TDI? A Mazda6? A Lexus GS? There's a whole world of choice out there for €12k.
Would an electric car work for us?
Hi there,
My wife drives a 2005 Toyota RAV4 1.8 petrol. Over a year ago she changed jobs from a 6km commute to one with a 48km commute each way. This is half motorway and then mainly country roads. This coupled with kid taxi duties means she does nearly 650km a week (Mon to Fri) and spends around €75 a week on petrol. I do 900km a week and already have a car loan for a diesel car.
So my question is, an electric car feasible for someone with that commute and no option to charge at work, except for probably emergencies, and monthly repayments must be €300 or less? Which I assume means that the new Ioniq and new Leaf are out of reach.
David Delaney (Kells)Feb 2017 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi David,
Yes, you could just about do 48km each way in an electric car, certainly in the Ioniq and just about in the 30kWh Nissan Leaf, although it would be hugely helpful if there could be some way of charging up at work. A Renault Zoe might do the trick too.
Hyundai asks for a minimum €5,000-odd deposit on a new Ioniq, and the repayments are quite steep so that one might be out of the question, although they come down to around €360 if you can put a €10,000 deposit down. A basic Nissan Leaf, with €6,762 down, will cost you just €264 a month, which might leave enough wriggle room to go for the bigger battery, and Nissan has some tempting free insurance offers on at the moment, while Renault asks just €179 a month for a Zoe, but the battery rental is extra and it comes with some quite tight mileage stipulations.
The other, possibly better, option would be to go half-electric. Toyota can put you into a Prius or an Auris Hybrid for as little as €199 to €263 a month (again, depending on deposits etc.) or you can get the rather impressive new Kia Niro for €353 a month with a €9,000 deposit. All of those should average as much as 60mpg, which would put a big dent in your fuel costs.
Read our relevant reviews here to help you choose: