What SUVs have three Isofix seats?
What SUVs have three Isofix seats in the middle row? Thinking of putting two Maxi Cosi seats in middle and putting buggy in one seat's position if it's down, as I need the back two seats for children ages five and three. Most SUVs won't take buggy in boot space with seven seats in use. Is this idea viable or a non-runner?
Jim Donovan (Mallow)Jun 2016 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Jim,
I think unless you’re going to go for a full-size SUV, such as a Land Rover Discovery, Audi Q7 or Volvo XC90, you’re going to struggle to find an SUV with three Isofix points in the back. Even the family-friendly Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe only have two outer seat Isofix mounts in the middle row. I’d suggest having a look at the Ford S-Max or Galaxy, or a SEAT Alhambra. These would seem to be the only cars that have the necessary Isofix points and the boot volume you’re looking for.
Would you recommend the Volvo S40 diesel?
Can you advise me on buying a Volvo S40? I do about 1,600 miles to work each month and I am thinking of getting a 2005 S40 diesel. Any problems with this car? Would you recommend it for heavy motorway mileage?
George Murphy (Mullagh Co Cavan)May 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi George,
Yes, and I’m assuming you mean the 1.6-litre diesel model? It’s a very good engine – decently reliable and very economical and it needs long motorway miles to make sure that the diesel particulate filter doesn’t start clogging up. The particle filter also needs to be replaced at 120,000km. It needs a cam belt change every 160,000km, but you need to keep it checked at regular service time as the belt can stretch and slip. The water pump is also a weak point, so keep an eye on that. There are a few random electrical issues with these cars too, mostly to do with the ignition system and intermittent warning lights on the dashboard. They’re more niggles than serious problems though.
Oh, and don’t buy one without a full service history. That engine needs a steady diet of really high-quality oil at service time, or it can develop sludgy waste oil in delicate parts.
Which cars are best for comfort?
Hi,
Can you tell me which SUVs offer a driver's/seating position most like a standard car's? My wife and I currently both use her Opel Zafira and I find the seating position very upright and uncomfortable as the seats will not move back far enough. Effectively it means I have to lift my feet completely to operate the pedals instead of just pivoting on my heels as with a more reclined position. I have recently had a hip replaced and the other one is painful if I drive any reasonable distance.
We test drove a secondhand C-Class Estate and I wanted to buy it but she finds the seating position very cramped (in particular did not like the large console between the seats). We sat in a Honda CR-V after and she much preferred the space and lack of clutter between the seats but I found the seating position uncomfortable. Essentially we are looking for something that has the high ceiling, big windscreen and lack of clutter of most SUVs/MPVs, but with a seating position that gives good enough leg room for somebody over six-foot like me to pivot my feet on my heels rather than having to lift them to operate the pedals. Maybe we need two cars, which is a waste given we are city dwellers and do very small annual mileage between us.
Thanks
Kevin
Kevin McCormack (Dublin 8)Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Kevin,
That’s almost an impossible question for me to answer I’m afraid as, as you’ve pointed out, a car that many might consider comfortable and pleasant (the Honda CR-V) is uncomfortable for you. Mind you, you’re right about the C-Class Estate being small inside – it was never the biggest car around.
When do you review the Volvo S90?
Hi,
When do you estimate that you will have a review of the new Volvo S90 on your website?
James Murphy (Cork)Apr 2016 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi James,
We are driving the new Volvo S90 and V90 on 16-17 June and the review will be live on the Car Reviews page shortly after.
What do you think of the Volvo S80?
Can you please give me an opinion on the Volvo S80 from 2005 to 2010?
Joe Mcelwee (Galway)Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
A hugely underrated car, the S80. Big, comfy and mostly very reliable. As ever with something that started out in life as an expensive model, don’t buy anything without a full service history and check carefully for any electrical gremlins. They’re also sensitive to knocked-about suspension, so check the tyres carefully for any uneven wear and tear. Other than that, reliability is pretty decent. The bigger diesel engines can be expensive to run, but if you go for the 1.6 diesel you’ll have a car that’s really frugal and not all that under-powered.
Volkswagen Passat CC or Volvo S60?
Hi,
I am considering two cars at the moment: 1) 2011 Volkswagen Passat CC 2.0-litre diesel (140hp) with 62,000 miles, €18,950; 2) 2011 Volvo S60 D3-R 2.0-litre diesel (163hp) with 41,500 miles, cost €17,950. Which would you consider the best car in terms of reliability, fun driving, value and resale value? The Passat has a slightly better trim (brown leather heated seats, satnav...), but I liked the extra power of the Volvo!
Thanks
Barry
Barry Gilbert (Dublin)Mar 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Barry,
Tough choice - both really good but quite different cars. The CC is arguably more stylish and slightly the sharper to drive, the S60 has that wonderfully reassuring Volvo safety and a really gorgeous cabin. Personally, I'd say the Volvo just shades it but it's a close run thing and you won't go far wrong with either.
Which folding hardtop convertible to go for?
I'm looking at hardtop convertibles and have narrowed my choice to a BMW 3 Series post-2007 or a Volvo C70. Then saw a 2001 SC430 Lexus - what's your opinion as regards tax/running/repair costs if I'm not a rich kid? Well-old kid really!
Liz
Liz Mitchell Mannion (Galway)Feb 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Liz,
Get the BMW or Volvo – they’re practical, good to drive and at least reasonably economical. The Lexus would be, generally, more reliable than either, but the SC430 was an abomination of a car – big, heavy, not at all sporting and really awful to drive. Plus it has a 4.3-litre V8 engine so tax and fuel costs are extortionate.
What cars can fit three child seats in the back?
What cars/SUVs can fit three child seats across the back?
Oonagh Mangan (Innishannon, Co Cork)Feb 2016 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Oonagh,
Not many; you really need to be looking at MPVs such as the Volkswagen Touran and Toyota Verso, or the Ford S-Max or SEAT Alhmabra if you fancy something bigger. That said, the recently introduced Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are just about wide enough, but it depends on what seats you're using. Also, larger seven-seat 4x4s such as the Volvo XC90 and Land Rover Discovery will take three-abreast, but they're expensive to buy.
What are the most reliable cars in Ireland?
I would like to know the 50 most reliable and least reliable cars sold in Ireland since 2012.
Brendan Walsh (Oldcastle)Feb 2016 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
There is no specific market data for Ireland in this respect. The old rule of thumb still holds true - if you want ultimate reliability, buy a Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Suzuki, Subaru or Mazda. You could probably pretty easily add Kia and Hyundai to that list too now.
The best I can do for you is to point you towards the results of the JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study for the UK market in 2015. An independent research agency, JD Power ranks the various brands surveyed by problems per 100 cars - although it's worth remembering that those problems can range from minor electrical niggles to total engine failure, so you can't read everything into the stats. The last set of figures, ranked from best-performing to worst, were:
Are electric cars a real option now?
Are electric cars a real option now? Looking to purchase a second hand car 2012 upwards. What do you think?
Paul Mccabe (Kilkenny)Jan 2016 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
Yes, and no. And a bit yes. It still depends on your lifestyle and driving habits. Lots of short journeys, mostly around town? Don't mind taking the time to plan long journeys carefully and be prepared to take breaks for charge ups?
Things are getting dramatically better though. Nissan has just updated the Leaf with a new 30kwh battery (read our review of it here) that extends its range to around 250km, which is a lot more useful, and if you're suitably loaded a Tesla Model S can go for 500km between charges.
If you're not quite ready to take the full electric car plunge, how about a plugin hybrid? Short hops under electric power with a petrol engine for longer journeys. Try the Volkswagen Golf GTE, Audi A3 e-tron, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV or a Volvo XC90 T8.
However, if you're looking for a second hand car, your options with electric power are severely limited, as sales have been slow so far.