2014 Dacia Sandero or 2010 Toyota Yaris?
Which car would be more reliable/efficient: 2014 Dacia Sandero 1.2 or 2010 Toyota Yaris 1.0? Both come with one-year warranty at the same price.
Caroline Sweeney (Galway)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Caroline,
The Yaris. Dacia actually has a pretty good reliability record and, in spite of their cheapness, they do seem to be solidly built. But a Toyota is a Toyota and the Yaris is the only small hatchback built to withstand a tactical nuclear strike. Not really, but you get the idea.
I'd like a newer seven-seat people carrier.
Hi,
I have a 2002 3.3-litre petrol Chrysler Grand Voyager with 100k miles on the clock in great condition and never giving any trouble. But it costs €1,800 a year to tax and is not fuel efficient, though small mileage is done annually about town (Dublin). Am considering a newer seven-seater say 2008 with lower tax and better fuel consumption, but that brings possible depreciation costs. Maybe a smaller seven-seater.
Would welcome advice
Denis Gallagher (Dublin)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Denis,
Best to stick with a Toyota Verso (neé Corolla Verso) or a Volkswagen Touran so - both have space for seven, and big boots if you leave the rear seats folded down. Both should be endlessly reliable too. Honda's FR-V also worth a look if six seats (in two rows of three) would work for you.
Nissan Pulsar or Toyota Corolla?
How would you rate the Nissan Pulsar against the Toyota Corolla and what are their prices new?
Joe Naughton (Limerick)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
They're both pretty similar to be honest, although at the moment the Corolla is only available as a four-door saloon and the Pulsar as a five-door hatch.
Both are solid, reliable, unremarkable workhorses. If you're looking for excitement, sexy styling or dynamism, you've come to the wrong place - but both major on space (the Pulsar in particular has massive space in the back seats), comfort and simplicity.
The Corolla's diesel engine lags a bit behind the Nissan's in terms of performance, but other than that, they're pretty closely matched and seeing as both will probably be endlessly reliable you can safely choose according to your taste.
New, Corolla prices start at €20,995 and Pulsar prices start at €19,995.
Relevant reviews:
Which new exec diesel auto saloon to go for?
What compact exec would you choose in a diesel auto as a private buyer? BMW 320d M Sport, Audi A4 S tronic, Jaguar XE Portfolio or Mercedes-Benz C-Class? Or would you go with something cheaper like a Volkswagen Passat Highline DSG 190?
Andrew Kelly (Limerick)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Andrew,
Well, of the posh-badge brigade, my personal favourite is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class - it's supremely comfy, beautifully made and really satisfying to drive, but, to be honest, you couldn't go wrong with any of those cars, it really is down to personal taste.
Your other question is an interesting one though. If you can live without the posh badge, and aren't quite so worried about driving dynamics, then a Skoda Superb is pretty much unbeatable. Same mechanical make up as the Audi but far bigger and way better value. Try a Ford Mondeo or Mazda6 if you want something with a keen chassis or a Toyota Avensis if you never, ever want it to break.
Some relevant reviews for you:
How much is a 1996 Toyota Amazon 4.2 worth?
How much is a 1996 Toyota Amazon 4.2 turbodiesel worth?
Kevin QUAID (Cork,Ireland)Dec 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Kevin,
I reckon it's priceless - best thing Toyota's ever made and entirely indestructible. As for value, probably around the €6,000 mark if it's in really good shape.
Which big SUV to go for with €18,000?
What will be a good all-round SUV around €18K price mark? I need a seven-seater. Audi Q7 or BMW X5 etc.
John Navin (Navan)Dec 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi John,
The Q7 and BMW X5 would both be good choices, as would a Land Rover Discovery (although you'd definitely want to take out an aftermarket warranty on any of those three at that price level).
Better options are out there though. Volvo's XC90 is hugely spacious and built to last, but if you want something totally indestructible, track down a long wheelbase Toyota Land Cruiser.
Is the Toyota RAV4 worth the price?
Hi,
I want to trade in my 2008 Ford Focus diesel for a new or nearly new car. I really like the SUV style. I drive at least 1,000km per week to and from work so I need something that's reliable, will hold its value and able for big mileage. I really like the Toyota RAV4, but is it worth the price?
What car would you suggest?
Joanne Stafford (Wexford)Dec 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Joanne,
The RAV4 is most definitely worth the price, and it's one of the best cars Toyota currently makes - spacious, reliable and not at all bad to drive. Worth looking at the Nissan Qashqai and Renault Kadjar too, as well as the Skoda Yeti and Mazda CX-5. You won't go wrong with any of those choices, but given your high mileage take a very close look at the Renault and the Nissan - they'll be the most economical overall.
Relevant reviews:
What's the new Toyota RAV4 like?
What's the new Toyota RAV4 like?
Declan Dore (Tralee)Dec 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Declan,
Really good actually. Nice to drive (surprisingly sharp steering), lots of space and as with every Toyota it feels built to withstand a tactical nuclear strike. A really competent car. Here's a fuller review...
2009 Avensis: timing belt or chain?
Hi,
Do you know if the 2009 Toyota Avensis TR D-4D has a timing chain or belt? I can't find the answer in the manual or online.
Thanks,
Joan
Joan Mcdermott (Tralee)Dec 2015 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Joan,
Assuming that this is the newer shape Avensis (launched in 2009) and that it's the 2.0 D-4D you're talking about, then it has a timing chain.
Which Toyota Avensis estate to go for?
I'm looking at getting a Toyota Avensis estate between 2010 and 2012. I'm just wondering about the mileage on them. Would I be better to go for a 2010 model with lower miles or a 2012 version that may have higher mileage?
James Matthews (Waterford)Dec 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi James,
The secret is not to worry about the mileage, especially on a car as inherently reliable as an Avensis. Simply buy the one that is in the best condition, has been cared for the best and which comes with a full and complete service history. If both cars are identical in those respects, then simply buy the one your prefer.