What's the 2007 Toyota Corolla like?
How is the 2007 Toyota Corolla Luna for problems, fuel and tax?
Jonathan Kennedy (Balbriggan)Apr 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Jonathan,
Assuming it's the 1.4 VVTi petrol model then you'll pay €385 a year to tax it. As for problems? Not many - the Corolla is spectacularly rugged so, as long as it has a full service history, we wouldn't expect any major problems. Fuel economy should work out at about 40-45mpg depending on how you drive it.
Mitsubishi Outlander or other 4x4s?
Hi ,
Thinking about buying a 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.2 diesel from the UK, not for the seven seats, but for 4×4 capabilities, low running costs and reliability. I'm wondering are there any other options. And is the Mitsubishi 2.2 belt or chain driven?
Thanks
Jonathan Crawford (Donegal )Apr 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Jonathan,
The 2.2 diesel Outlander has a timing belt, not a chain, so that will need inspecting depending on the mileage. As for cars with proper 4x4 ability, try a Land Rover Freelander 2 (more reliable than you’d think), Jeep Cherokee, Nissan X-Trail or Toyota RAV4.
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.
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.