Which diesel MPV would suit our family?
Could you recommend an economical diesel MPV or family car for a budget of around €10,000? Preferably to fit three car seats in the back, with a large boot space, low tax and suitable for country roads?
Thanks
Derek Mc (Newtownmountkennedy)Apr 2013 Filed under: family car
Expert answer
Hi Derek,
We're assuming you mean large boot space when the rear-most seats are folded down when it comes to the seven-seat models, but come back to us if not. Seven-seat cars are your best/easiest option for fitting three car seats in.
The first car we found in the classifieds that might suit you is Citroen's C4 Picasso. It's a brilliant MPV and with a little negotiation you should be able to afford a 2008 model with the economical 1.6-litre HDi diesel engine. We're not big fans of the 'EGS' automatic gearbox, but give it a go and make that decision for yourself. The five-seat version (not called 'Grand') is good too if you can live with that many seats.
Ford's C-Max and S-Max are worth a look too. The latter is a good deal bigger, but the former is economical and well priced.
Personally I'm not a huge fan of the Opel Zafira, though we have readers who swear by them. There are loads on the market too so shop around for one that suits.
Others to look into might be the Toyota Corolla Verso and Volkswagen Sharan and Touran.
Let us know if you need help narrowing down the search.
How much for a 2002 BMW 316?
What money should I get for a 2002 BMW 316 in a trade in for a 2008 Toyota Yaris 1.0-litre?
Noel Mc Donnell (Cork)Mar 2013 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Noel,
Well, we can never predict what a specific dealer will offer you against a specific car, but it’ll probably be in the region of €1,000.
Audi Q7, BMW X5 or Toyota Land Cruiser?
Hi,
We are looking at buying a 2007 Audi Q7, BMW X5 or Toyota Land Cruiser with around 60,000/70,000 miles on the clock. We need four-wheel drive and seven seats. Are there any reliability issues with these SUVs? What would you recommend?
Any advice would be great.
Thanks
S Walsh (Waterford)Mar 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Siobhan,
The Audi should be pretty solid, but make sure you buy with a full service history. Ditto the BMW, but they do occasionally have turbo issues, so watch for that. The Land Cruiser is basically indestructible, and if it’s reliability you’re looking for is definitely the best of the three.
What's a good medium, auto SUV?
What's a good small/medium size SUV that has reasonable tax and fuel consumption, but is also automatic? It's for my wife so not a Nissan Qashqai, too common; Kia Sportage, build quality not too hot; and VW Touran is just too boring.
Any suggestions welcome, but has to be auto.
Eoin Heaney (Ennis)Mar 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Eoin,
Have you tried the new Peugeot 3008? Great-looking, good to drive and comes with an (optional) six-speed auto. The 1.2-litre 130hp petrol turbo engine is the one to go for. Alternatively, you could try and grab a run-out Skoda Yeti (always one of our favourites and built like a tank), or have a look at the Toyota C-HR Hybrid, which is striking to look at and really good to drive. Here are our relevant reviews:
How best to put my Avensis through NCT?
I had my car serviced in November with four new tyres and is now due for NCT in April, it is a 1999 Toyota Avensis. Should I just do the test and fix anything that fails if it fails? Car is serviced every year.
Ronan Ballantine (Sligo)Mar 2013 Filed under: NCT
Expert answer
Hi Ronan,
Generally speaking, it’s best to get the car serviced beforehand, and let the garage know that it’s going in for its NCT. That way you’re dealing with all issues that are there, not just what the NCT picks up on. That said, with it being a Toyota, and you having serviced it every year already, you shouldn’t have any major issues I suspect.
Read our Eight top tips on how to prepare your car for its NCT feature
Which seven-seater with boot space is best?
Guys - brother is looking for a seven-seater to accommodate a growing family. Needs to have room for buggy or two in the boot if possible. His budget is about €10k. Nothing too big engine wise to keep running costs down. Any advice appreciated - thanks.
Barry Delaney (Dublin)Mar 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Barry,
The hard bit here is having buggy space in the boot in a seven-seater — seven-seaters keep their extra seats in the boot, so you can have extra seats, or luggage space, but normally not both. Our favourite ones are generally the VW Touran, the Ford S-Max, the Kia Carens, the SEAT Alhambra and the Toyota Verso, but all of those will have the seats/space issue. If they need something bigger, do let us know. In the meantime, our relevant reviews:
Market value of 1998 Toyota Corolla?
What is the current market value of a 1998 Toyota Corolla for insurance purposes?
Sandra Bickerdyke (Millstreet)Mar 2013 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Sandra,
Value of 2006 Toyota RAV4?
Value of a 2006 Toyota RAV4 auto with 23,000 miles on the clock please?
John Peart ( Dublin)Mar 2013 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi John,
It will depend on the condition and history, but in the region of €3,500 to €4,000.
Cost to change Verso to Qashqai 4x4?
Hi, what should I pay for a low-mileage 2012 Qashqai 4x4? Trading a 2007 Toyota Corolla Verso with 110,000km on the clock. Would really appreciate advice.
Pat
Pat Murphy (Dublin)Mar 2013 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Pat,
Generally speaking, a 2012 Qashqai should retail for somewhere in the region of €12,000 (that’s a mid-market value), depending on condition and history. Your Corolla Verso, again depending on condition and history, should be worth around €1,500 to €2,000 as a trade-in.
Need a mid-sized saloon for up to €9,000.
My wife and I are looking for a second hand saloon, mid-size (1.5 to 1.8-litre), primarily for her use, with a budget of maybe €8,000 to €9,000. Possibilites we've spotted include a 2008 Mazda6, a 2008 Toyota Avensis and a 2007 Skoda Octavia. The car would be doing 15,000 to 18,000 miles per year, so we're trying to find something that doesn't have excessively high mileage already. Might be a tall order, but any advice on the ones I've mentioned, or are there any suggestions on any other makes and models that might fit the bill?
Many thanks.
Colm Lambert (Wexford)Mar 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Colm,
Of the ones you’ve suggested, I’d say that the Octavia is the best bet, not least because a Mazda6 or Toyota Avenisis with a 1.8-litre engine is going to be at the very bottom of the range. Your budget should get you an Octavia with the 1.2 TSI turbo petrol engine (which is actually a better choice than a naturally aspirated 1.6 or 1.8) and probably with a 131 numberplate.
Yes, you might have to swallow a high-is mileage, but as long as you get one with a full service history, that shouldn’t be a major issue as the Octavia is a reliable car. Other models worth considering are the Toyota Corolla, VW Jetta, SEAT Exeo (if you can find one) and Honda Civic.