How best to upgrade to a newer car?
Hi, I am thinking of changing my 2006 Nissan Navara in the next nine months. I was thinking of upgrading to 2011/12 Volkswagen Passat or Ford Mondeo and my budget is about €12,000. The problem is I don't know how to sell my own car. It's seen far better days and the engine isn't in great condition either. Most dealers are offering €3,500 or less and I tried cash4cars and they're not interested. I am hoping to get four grand plus for it but don't have the time to sell it privately. I really don't know what to do with my Navara and was wondering if you would know?
Many thanks, Denis
Mike Connolly (Wicklow Town )Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Mike,
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:
Is my Volkswagen Polo TDI the most efficient?
What's the most economical car for long distance commuting (100km) to work daily? Is my 141 Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TDI the most fuel efficient car there is on the market?
Anne, Cork
Anne O'Sullivan (Athenry, Galway)Expert answer
Hi Anne,
Actually, it’s not far off. I’d say, with a bit of practice, you should be able to beat 60-65mpg on a regular basis with that Polo, and to be honest you’re not going to get much better than that from any car. There are plenty of cars with official economy figures up in the 70s and 80s mpg, but those are laboratory figures and damned near impossible to reach in real world driving. If economy is your priority, then I’d stick with that Polo.
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:
What do you think of the Volkswagen Tiguan?
Any thoughts/advice on the Volkswagen Tiguan 115bhp diesel?
Martin Moroney (Dublin)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
Nice car and the 115hp TDI engine can handle the strain (although the 150hp 2.0 TDI makes life a little easier). Great quality and lots of space. However, if you're shopping for the cheapest Tiguan, have a look at the new SEAT Ateca - it's mechanically the same but much better value for money. Our reviews:
Which comfortable new SUV should I go for?
Hi.
I'm looking at getting an SUV for medical reasons. I drive country roads 90 per cent of the time so I need something comfortable and reliable. I'm looking at the Range Rover Evoque and Audi Q5. Which one would you recommend? I also need to take running costs and servicing costs into account. As well as road tax etc. Or is there another one I should consider? I did test drive the Volvo XC60 but found it very heavy.
Thanks.
Marie G (Galway)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Marie,
If it's running costs that concern you, you should probably consider coming down in price and, a little, in size a bit. Both the Evoque and the Q5 are premium-badge SUVs and while neither is excessively thirsty, both will be expensive to run and service.
I'd suggest, instead, checking out a Honda CR-V - tonnes of space, hugely reliable, comfortable and with the 1.6 I-DTEC diesel engine and four-wheel drive, both frugal and ideal for country roads. Good to drive too.
Other good options are the Mazda CX-5, the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Santa Fe, Volkswagen Tiguan or Toyota RAV4. Here are our reviews to help you decide:
I like the look of the new Ford Kuga...
I like the look of the new Ford Kuga. Which version is best and what will it cost? Any other cars I should look at?
Dave Peterson (Dublin)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Dave,
If you find the overall aesthetics of a car matter to you then the Kuga ST Line is the best version of the new line-up to go for. It looks especially good in darker colours. We’re also fans of the Volkswagen Tiguan, though it is at the more expensive end of the market. A similarly good looking car, and more affordable, is the SEAT Ateca. Here are our reviews to help you decide:
Thinking of replacing my Polo with a Fiesta...
Hi, I currently have a 2003 Volkswagen Polo, 1.2 65hp. I am thinking of trading it in and getting a Ford Fiesta. Is it as reliable as the Polo? Also, is the base 1.25 60hp engine enough for a car that is heavier and bigger than my Polo?
Tim Singleton (Banteer, Cork)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Tim,
The Fiesta should be mostly as reliable as the Polo. In extremis, I'd say the Polo will still have a slight edge overall in terms of quality, but as long as you buy a Fiesta with a full service history and look after it properly it should be fine. The base 60hp engine is very slow though, so unless all of your driving is in town, we'd suggest upgrading to the 82hp version.
Any compensation coming from Volkswagen?
Hi,
Can you say what is the current position in Ireland in regard to the reparation and/or compensation for Volkswagen brand vehicles (mine is a Skoda Superb 1.6 TDI Greenline)?
Many thanks,
Philip
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Nov 2016 Filed under: recall
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
Volkswagen and its associated brands are currently working their way through the lists of cars to be recalled and modified to enable them to reach the required standards for emissions at all times, and not just on the official test, as was revealed by the ‘Dieselgate’ scandal. The original plan was to have all cars recalled and modified by the end of this year, but that schedule has slipped significantly.
If your car is one of those due for work, you will get a letter in the post in due course advising you to book an appointment at your nearest Skoda dealer.
As for compensation? Unlike American Volkswagen owners, European owners as yet are not being offered any, primarily because the laws are rather different on this side of the Atlantic, but owners (via the courts), national governments and the EU are all pressing Volkswagen on the issue of compensation payments so there may yet be something in the offing.
I'd like a new car that is really comfortable.
Hi,
I have just been reading Neil Briscoe's article (June 2016) about Citroen's new suspension system. I take it Neil wasn't too impressed. I have a 2003 Citroen C5 that is a fantastically comfortable car. It will have to be replaced sometime unfortunately. Because I have spine injuries I would need something that is the equivalent in terms of a smooth ride.
What do you think the chances are of finding same?
Thanks
Clare
Clare McLoughin (Tullamore)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Clare,
Well, if I gave the impression that I wasn’t too impressed, then that’s not quite right as we haven’t yet driven a new Citroen model equipped with the new Advanced Comfort suspension system. It won’t go into production until next year (2017). We have just driven the new Citroen C3, which has a very impressive ride quality on standard springs and dampers, so the omens for the new system are good.