For reliability: Volvo, Passat or Octavia?
Which is more reliable: the Volvo S40, the Passat TDI 1.6 diesel or the Skoda Octavia?
John
John D Clarke (Blackrock)Feb 2017 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi John,
The Skoda. Both the Volvo and the Volkswagen are decent, solidly built and generally reliable cars, but Skoda always seems to beat Volkswagen in major reliability surveys, so go for the Octavia if reliability is paramount.
What are the safest cars on sale today?
What is the safest car/SUV on the Irish market today? I am particularly interested in any vehicle that provides extra protection when somebody crashes into your back.
Anthony Morris (Dub)Feb 2017 Filed under: safety
Expert answer
Hi Anthony,
According to the EuroNCAP crash test experts, the three best-performing cars tested in 2016 were the Toyota Prius, Hyundai Ioniq and Volkswagen Tiguan. That said, the NCAP crash test is a laboratory test, and its parameters can be designed in to a car's structure. Only two car makers still have teams that investigate real-world accidents involving their cars and they are Volvo and Mercedes-Benz. Generally speaking, if I'm thinking of safety above all else, those are the two brands I'd look at.
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:
What is the tax on a 141 Volvo XC90?
What is the motor tax on a 141 Volvo XC90?
Tom Quinn (Galway)Nov 2016 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Tom,
Assuming you mean the D5 diesel with the automatic transmission, then €1,200.
I'd like a classy five-seat commercial please...
Hey!
I'm in the market for a new executive commercial vehicle - but it needs to have five seats. Loophole a go go... The obvious choice is the Land Rover Discovery, but I understand they are being phased out and so my leasing company won't offer it as an option. Things like an L200 / Ranger / Hilux / Navara are a little TOO commercial for my tastes...
The Pajero Executive is nice, but the equipment, engine and layout all seem older than I am. The Touareg is a nice bus, but seems expensive compared to the rest and I've heard so-so reports in terms of value for money. Any ideas what else I should look for? Do Volvo / BMW / Audi do a five-seater that classes as commercial?
Al The Commercial Vehicle Looking Guy (Dublin)Sep 2016 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Al,
BMW, Audi and Mercedes don't do an in-house commercial option, but you can get an aftermarket conversion, of course.
One option worth looking at is the Jeep Grand Cherokee. A really nice car, good to drive and Agnelli Motors on the Naas Road in Dublin do a five-seat commercial conversion with prices starting around the €45k mark.
There's also the Toyota Land Cruiser 'Business' model, but it's a bit more expensive, at €57k. Utterly indestructible though and hugely comfortable.
Just make sure you've properly taxed it if you're planning on using it for domestic or family motoring as the fines for using a commercially taxed vehicle for that are pretty stiff.
I need a huge car for my dogs and kids please!
Hi,
I'm looking for a recommendation. I have six big dogs (four labradors, two St Bernard) that need to fit in. A van is no good as I need seats for my two kids too. Currently driving an old Volvo 740 estate, but is getting too old/problematic now. Budget of max €15,000, fuel efficient diesel preferred as I average 700km a week. Two of the dogs are getting old so high up (off roaders) not really suitable. New Volvo V70 just not big enough.
Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Jennifer Rafter
Jennifer Rafter (Dublin 16)Aug 2016 Filed under: family car
Expert answer
Hi Jennifer,
You could try a Skoda Superb Combi, but I think that many big dogs would overwhelm even that car’s massive boot. Perhaps you need to go down the road of a van-based MPV. Maybe try a Citroen Berlingo or Volkswagen Caddy Life? Seats for the kids and (hopefully) enough space for the dogs, plus their tailgates aren’t too high off the ground so the older dogs shouldn’t have too much trouble getting in and out.
BMW 520d, Volvo V70 or Mercedes E 220?
Which would be a better car: BMW 520d, Volvo V70 or Mercedes-Benz E 220?
Willy Boland (Ballinasloe)Aug 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Willy,
Each has its charms – the BMW is the sharpest to drive (although not by the margin you’d imagine), the Volvo is lovely, comfortable and people won’t hate you for owning it and the Mercedes really is built like the proverbial Panzer again these days. If we’re talking new and current models, then it’s the latest Merc E-Class that gets my nod – I’ve rarely driven a car so all-round competent as it, and the interior is just gorgeous. Worth holding on a couple of months for the estate version though...
Relevant reviews:
Compare BMW and Mercedes diesel engines.
What is the power output of the BMW X3 1,997cc engine? How do you think it compares with the Mercedes-Benz 2,054cc unit?
Denis O Riordan (Dub)Jul 2016 Filed under: diesel
Expert answer
Hi Denis,
It depends which model you mean. The X3 18d has 150hp, while the X3 20d (using the same basic engine) has 190hp. It’s a grand engine (and seems to have gotten over its tendency to throw the timing chain) and really nice to drive, but a touch noisy at times. The same goes for the Merc alternative, which comes in 140hp, 170hp and 204hp forms. Good and frugal, but noisy. Right now, Audi has the best engine in the class, with its updated 150hp and 190hp 2.0-litre TDI unit, with Volvo’s D4 190hp in a very close second.
A classy car that'll fit in three child seats?
Hi,
I want to fit three car seats (3.5-year-old twins and 1.5-year-old) into the back of a new used car. Estate type of car only - no people carriers! I'm looking at Audi Avants, BMW 5 Series, Volvo V60s - can these fit three car seats in the back? Also am I missing any other make of car with similar class that will last me 10 years+ that will fit the three rug rats?!
Thank you in advance :)
Twins Rule Mac (Cork)Jul 2016 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Valerie,
The problem is that you’re going to struggle in a premium-brand car to find the sort of rear-seat width that you need. The sad fact is that most sporty, expensive estates are designed around four passengers and the middle rear seat is usually an uncomfortable perch that’s often too narrow to comfortabley fit a car seat into.
So, I’d suggest you broaden your remit a little. Of the premium cars, realistically only the Volvo V70 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class are going to offer the kind of cabin space you need. If those are too expensive, look instead to the more workaday brands – Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, Toyota Avensis, Mazda6 and Peugeot 508. You may not get the premium badge you crave, but you’ll get the interior room you need and at a much lower cost.
Have you reviewed the FWD Volvo XC90?
Hi,
Have you a review on the Volvo XC90 Momentum FWD?
Thanks
John Condren (Lusk/Dublin )Jun 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi John,
We've not reviewed that specific model, but you should be able to get a good idea from the versions we have tested, as listed below:
Volvo XC90 D4 FWD Inscription review