Which new seven-seat MPVs would you go for?
I currently have a Ford Galaxy and looking to get a new/nearly new seven-seater. Have you done a review on seven-seaters? What would you recommend?
Luke Tyrrell (Dublin)Jan 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Luke,
We certainly have done a few reviews... The closest cars to your Galaxy in terms of size and space are the Ford S-Max (a little smaller, but still very roomy) and the SEAT Alhambra (not as swish to drive as the Galaxy, but very spacious and with sliding side doors). There's also the Volkswagen Sharan, which is basically identical to the Alhambra, but a little more expensive. It wasn't on sale in Ireland for a while but it's back now and there are a few second hand ones knocking about.
If you fancy something a little smaller, then try the Opel Zafira Tourer. It's a really underrated car - nice to drive, well made and with decent cabin space.
After that, you're into the smaller MPVs such as the Volkswagen Touran, Kia Carens and so on. Good cars, but much smaller than your Galaxy so you'd be trading down in size terms.
With our practical hats on, we'd go for the SEAT - it's big and useful and those sliding side doors are great.
Here are the reviews themselves if you'd like more detail:
A few others worth considering as well:
Changing my taxi to Renault Fluence - ok?
Hi,
I am changing my taxi currently a Toyota Avensis 1.6 petrol, for a 2010 Renault Fluence 1.5 diesel. Are there any problems I should know about with the Renault?
Thanks
Des Fitzgerald
Des Fitzgerald (Tallaght Dublin)Jan 2017 Filed under: taxi
Expert answer
Hi Des,
You’ll need to check for a blown turbo (lots of smoke, no power) and also check that the diesel particulate filter hasn’t become clogged up if the mileage is low. The electric windows and ventilation fan are fragile, and make sure that the clutch is engaging cleanly as for some reason replacing the clutch is an expensive job on a Fluence.
Qashqai vs. Corolla reliability comparison?
Is the 2007 Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi comparable in reliability to the 2007 Toyota Corolla 1.4 D-4D? I most likely will be buying one or the other in the near future (but also considering the Toyota Avensis 2.0 D-4D) and my heart is saying Qashqai, but my head is saying Corolla (I do 20,000 miles per year).
I would appreciate an independent viewpoint
Thanks - Cathal
Cathal Tiernan (Dunmore, Co.Galway)Jan 2017 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Cathal,
The Qashqai would be a reliable car in general terms, although they do tend to suffer from sagging suspension and occasional turbocharger failure on the diesel model. The engine management system can also go awry. The Corolla is perhaps not as perfectly reliable as is sometimes painted, but overall I’d expect it to be a little more reliable than the Nissan.
How would you rate the 2008 Toyota Avensis?
Has the 2008 Avensis 2.0 D-4D diesel a timing chain or timing belt and how would you rate its reliability overall? As reliable as the Toyota Corolla?
Cathal Tiernan (Dunmore, Co.Galway)Jan 2017 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Cathal,
That model has a timing belt, and it has to be changed every 100,000km or seven years. It’s a hugely reliable car though, easily the equal of its little brother, the Corolla.
Nissan Qashqai or Toyota Corolla?
Hi, would you consider a 2007 Nissan Qashqai 1.5 diesel to be as reliable as a 2007 Toyota Corolla 1.4 diesel of similar mileage and condition? I will be buying one or the other in the next week or so and my heart is saying Qashqai, but my head is saying Corolla - can you provide an independent insight please? I do 20,000 miles per year.
Many thanks
Cathal Tiernan (Dunmore, Co.Galway)Jan 2017 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Cathal,
The Qashqai is a reliable car, as are pretty much all Nissans, but the Corolla will still have the reliability edge. If reliability is ultimately your priority, then go for the Corolla. That said, if you really want the Qashqai, as long as it comes with a full service history and you keep it regularly serviced, we wouldn’t expect to see any major issues occur.
What is the cheapest hybrid in Ireland?
What is the cheapest hybrid car in Ireland?
Igancio Irigoien (Dublin)Dec 2016 Filed under: hybrid
Expert answer
Hi Ignacio,
There are two hybrids that are far cheaper than anything else, but we have to mention both as they’re slightly different in the way their hybrid systems work. The cheapest full hybrid is the Toyota Yaris Hybrid, which starts at €19,250 and which has impressively low CO2 emissions of just 75g/km.
Toyota has also recently updated the Yaris Hybrid so that it’s much nicer to drive than it used to be. The other is the slightly cheaper Suzuki Baleno 1.2 DualJet, which isn’t a full hybrid like the Yaris, but a mild hybrid that uses a smaller battery and clever starter/generator to take strain off the engine to help save fuel. That emits 94g/km and costs from €18,995.
What do I need to buy from the UK?
l am about to buy a used 2009 Toyota Avensis TR model from a private seller in the UK. What documents do I require from him for VRT/VRO in Ireland? I appreciate your advice because this my first time.
Thanking you.
Ebere Johnson (Dublin )Dec 2016 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Ebere,
You’ll need two crucial documents. You’ll need the V5C form, which is the vehicle’s identity papers (it’s the red, pink and blue form with the car’s reg number, VIN number etc.) and you’ll need an invoice showing the date and location of sale and the amount paid for the car.
Other than that, you’ll need the usual proof of identity for yourself (passport or driver's licence, utility bill with your home address etc.).
I’d suggest you have a good careful read of two pages before you start out:
How much is VRT on a 2003 Toyota Corolla?
How much is VRT on a 2003 Toyota Corolla please?
Kate Nash (Dublin )Nov 2016 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Kate,
Assuming it's a 1.4 Terra model with around 160,000km on the clock then you're probably looking at around €600 in VRT if you import one.
Which is the best new seven-seater around?
Hi, I was looking for a seven-seater; which is the best one? Price, space and technology are important to me. I am looking to buy a new one.
Jinesh Sebastian (Athenry, Galway)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Jinesh,
It depends on what kind of size you need. If it’s a compact seven seater, then the best on the market are the Volkswagen Touran, the Toyota Verso and the Kia Carens, but it’s worth looking at the Citroen C4 Picasso too, and maybe even the new Renault Scenic, which goes on sale in the New Year.
If it’s a larger car you need, then the two best choices, by far, are the Ford S-Max and the SEAT Alhambra.
Here are our reviews to help you decide:
What €20,000 MPVs would you recommend?
Hello, we have an 18-month old and have twins due next year. We need a car to fit all the baby seats plus all their buggies and paraphenalia. Will be used for local trips plus for weekend trips back to Cork (from Dublin). Our budget is €20k. What models would you recommend? Imported my current car (Peugeot 407 SW), so not a problem if I need to do that again.
Dan O'Connell (Dublin)Nov 2016 Filed under: family car
Expert answer
Hi Dan,
I think you’ll probably need to upgrade to an MPV with all those kids and all the kit you’ll need to carry around with you. If you don’t fancy a seven-seater then there’s always five-seat versions such as the Volkswagen Golf SV or Citroen C4 Picasso. Have a look at the likes of a Volkswagen Touran, Kia Carens or Toyota Verso too.
Our reviews to help you decide: