Help me choose a €20,000 family car.
I'm currently driving a 2010 Renault Grand Mégane and wondering what type of car would serve us well over the next three to five years. Do I stick with estate or look at SUV? There's two back seat passengers aged five and two, but would like something that can seat additional passengers from time to time - grandparents, other kids etc. Ideally would like something up to two years old and have budget of €18,000 to €20,000.
Gerry Connolly (Skerries, Dublin)May 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Gerry,
OK, lots of options here. Seven-seat SUVs are the coming thing and Hyundai's Santa Fe is one of the best. Lots and lots around for that kind of money so be choosy and buy the most recent one you can, so as to make the most of that five-year warranty.
The rear seats are a little tight though, so maybe look at a Ford S-Max. Big, spacious and really good to drive, you'll probably get a good deal on a nearly-new one at the moment as there's an all-new version about the be launched.
Or you could go all-out and get a Land Rover Discovery, which is a wonderful car but don't say I didn't warn you when it comes to running costs, and you won't find a two-year old one for that money.
Relevant reviews:
Is the Skoda Octavia TSI a good option for me?
Finally time to change my 2004 1.8 TDCi Ford Focus Estate. With 233,000 miles done, I think it has earned its keep. But what to replace it with? I only do about 20,000km now a year so dont really need the diesel though the torque is good for overtaking. I do need a decent boot as I fill it most weekends. Budget max €13,000. Interested in Skoda Octavia 1.2 TSI in hatch or estate. Is this a reliable engine and does it have enough power for overtaking? Generally only me in car and occasional towing of 500kg trailer also done.
David Doran (Skerries, Dublin)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi David,
I'd say you've already picked out the ideal car - that Octavia 1.2 TSI is magic. Plenty of oomph, very economical and should have enough grunt to haul that trailer. One thing though - at 500kg, that trailer is getting on for the maximum braked towing weight of 610kg, so if it's an unbraked one it might be worth trading it for a braked version, just to keep some margin for safety.
Help me spend €24,000 on a new car!
Hi, I bought my present car, a Mitsubishi Space Star 1.3 GLX petrol new 15 years ago, so it's long overdue replacing. Trouble is I haven't got a clue about choosing a new car and I need your advice.
The max price I wish to pay is €24,000 so I'm also chasing the best scrappage deal. I had a drive in the Hyundai ix35 and I like it but it has its drawbacks. However, the Nissan Qashqai is a non-contender for me as it has only an emergency spare wheel and the fifth passenger has to sit like riding a donkey with the big centre console protruding from the front.
What do you think I should go for? I'm thinking of looking at the Kia Sportage and Kia cee'd, but also the Nissan Pulsar and Peugeot 3008. I would be grateful for your advice.
Kind regards, Anto.
Anthony Kavanagh (Kilkenny)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Anthony,
The Pulsar or the cee'd would be the most sensible choices and both fall well within your budget. Both are reliable and decent to drive, and the Kia's not bad looking either. In fact, I reckon you should go for the estate version of the cee'd - it's one of the nicest, comfiest and most practical cars around.
Further reading to help you decide:
What engine size for a first car?
What should be the maximum engine size for a 17-year-old buying a first car?
S D (Dublin)Feb 2015 Filed under: learner
Expert answer
Hi Stephen,
Unless your surname happens to be Axa or Aviva, you need to stick to a 1.0-litre engine. Now, depending on your budget, that might not be the motoring purgatory that you think it is. If you can stretch to it, a Volkswagen up!, Skoda Citigo or SEAT Mii are all terrific to drive and funky to look at and all come with a rev-happy little 1.0-litre lump. Ditto recent versions of the Ford Fiesta with the non-turbo version of the three-cylinder Ecoboost engine.
Need to buy something older and cheaper? Track down an Opel Corsa 1.0. Not the most exciting car, but safe, solid and decent to drive. Older again? Consider a Nissan Micra from the '90s. Yes, it's slow but it's more enjoyable in the corners than you might think and they go forever on minimal maintenance.
How can I up my Almera's performance?
Hi guys, I have a 2007 Nissan Almera 1.5 SXE; are there any parts I can get to make it have a bit more power? Would it be possible to get a turbocharger installed in that model or K&N filter? Don't know if it's possible.
Thanks, it's so sluggish and I can't afford to insure anything bigger at the moment.
Michael Shannon (Daingean)Feb 2015 Filed under: insurance
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
Well, if you can't afford to insure anything bigger then a turbo's a no-go. Legally, you have to inform your insurer of any modifications made to your car, and if an increase in swept capacity is a no-go then no insurer is going to let you strap on a turbo.
A K&N filter or similar would be fine though and should readily be available for an Almera. While you're at it, why not put the turbo budget to a proper service, some high-quality oil and new tyres? All far better options for improving performance and nothing that will bother your insurance provider.
Can you help me choose a second hand Toyota Yaris?
Hi, I'm looking for a second hand Toyota Yaris; am I better to stretch my budget to a 2006 mdoel or if I find an 04 or 05 with low mileage would it be just as good (saving me much needed cash)? Also, what kind of things should I be looking out for on inspection? Is there any maintenance needed with timing chain or the like that I should be asking about before I buy?
A load of questions I know, I would appreciate any advice you can give me.
Thanks!
Aoife Smyth (Daingean)Jan 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Aoife,
I think you might actually be better off going for the older Yaris, price advantage or otherwise. According to our research it seems to be more reliable than the model that came along in late 2005. The only problem area seems to be the gearbox, which can develop an annoying whine. The clutch can be a bit fragile too but if you buy one that's got a full service history you shouldn't go too far wrong.
That generation Yaris used a timing chain, not a belt incidentally, so it should only need a regular check and possibly an adjustment at a scheduled service rather than a full change.
What should I pay for a Toyota Corolla?
What should I pay for a 2008 Toyota Corolla 1.4 petrol Luna model?
Mary Kyne (Castlebar)Jan 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
We've seen them as cheap as €5,950 on a private sale but that's probably not the best way to go. Budget between €7,500 and €8,000 to get a good one, with history, from a dealer.
Will a Skoda Superb suit my needs?
I want to buy a diesel car for a round trip daily commute of 160km, which is mainly motorway. As I have neck/back problems I want to pick up a comfortable and somewhat luxurious car. I was thinking the Skoda Superb Elegance Greenline 2 (2011), as I have a budget after haggling of about €16.5k. Do you think this is a good choice or do you have an alternative to this? And what is your opinion on private vs dealer sale of the type of car I'm going for?
Alice Gervin Dwyer (Dun Laoghaire)Jan 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Alice,
First off, yes - the Superb really lives up to its name and it's a car we can recommend without reservation. As for buying privately, it's always a bit riskier than buying from a (good) dealer, but if you tread carefully, you should be OK. Don't accept anything without a full service history, get a history check from the likes of Cartell.ie and potentially get an AA check too.
What SUV to go for with up to €18,000 to spend?
What you think about the 2010 BMW X1? First baby on the way and looking for a crossover/SUV between €15,000 and €18,000.
Gavin Kane (Meath )Dec 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Gavin,
I'd have to say nope. It's not very big inside and it has needlessly heavy steering that makes manoeuvring in town a chore.
Do you really need an SUV? Why not consider a nice estate? BMW's own 3 Series Touring is a belter. Or, for your budget, you could probably stretch to an Audi A6 Avant. Track down one with quattro four-wheel drive and leave all the front-drive SUVs standing when it snows.
Or, if you're determined on the SUV front, consider one of the following: Honda CR-V, Volvo XC60, Hyundai Santa Fe or Mazda CX-5.
What do you think?
What €12,000 estate should I go for?
I am thinking of buying an estate car as I need the extra space. Seems to be a lot of Astras out there, but want to get something fairly good with a budget of €12k-ish. Recommend anything in particular?
Jonny Jackson (Tallaght)Dec 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Jonny,
The Astra is not a bad choice and the current Ford Focus Estate is simply massive inside too. But, to be honest, if it's a compact estate you're after then there are really only two serious games in town - the Kia cee'd SW and the Skoda Octavia Combi. Both are terrifically well made, reliable and, if you get the 1.6 diesel engine in either, very frugal. And both have absolutely enormous boots - more than 500 litres each. Cracking cars both, so simply take your pick. The Kia has the better warranty, the Skoda is perhaps slightly nicer inside.
Let us know which way you go with it