Renault Kadjar or Kia Sportage?
I have to change my old 2002 Renault Scenic and I'm just wondering which would you recommend I go for: the Renault Kadjar or the Kia Sportage? I would probably be looking at a 2017 model.
Thanks
Camillus Mulcahy (Castlefinn)Jan 2019 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Camillus,
There really isn't a whole lot to choose between them, to be honest - they're both decent crossovers with good interior space and likely both to have a good level of specification. Just don't expect either to have quite as much room or flexibility inside as your Scenic.
The only obvious black-and-white differentiator between them is that the Kia comes with a longer manufacturer warranty, which be useful if you're keeping the car for as long as you have done your current Renault...
Have you pricing for the new Audi Q3?
Hi, any pricing on the new Audi Q3 please? Iinterested in diesel auto.
Thanks
Pat
Pat Higgens (Dublin)Dec 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Pat,
As it happens, Audi Ireland has just announced that the new Q3 will start at €39,600. We don't have the full price list yet, but you can read more in this news story.
New Skoda Kodiaq or Peugeot 5008?
I do 35-40k kilometres per year over motorway and hilly back roads. Considering new 2.0-litre Skoda Kodiaq diesel Ambition or 1.5 Peugeot 5008 diesel Allure. Peugeot has a higher spec including rear view camera and three full seats in second row (no tunnel). Would it have the power and comfort to tackle the high mileage? Other SUV suggestions welcome.
Gay Fannon (Cavan)Dec 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Gay,
It definitely has the power and the comfort to tackle the mileage. That new 1.5-litre HDi diesel engine is a cracker, and with 120hp it has plenty of guts, plus it’s rather pleasantly refined and very frugal too. An excellent all-rounder. The only doubt would be over long-term reliability. While Peugeot has really improved its build quality over the years, the fact is that an equivalent Skoda will be slightly better-built, especially over the longer term. It’s certainly worth considering.
I'm having issues with my stop-start system...
My stop-start stops working for about a week or more, then starts working again each time the car stops. Why is this? Should I get it looked at?
Anne McIntyre (Liverpool)Dec 2018 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Anne,
There are loads of different reasons why a stop-start system won't work as you might expect it to. Most of the time it's down to the condition of the battery or the drain on it, though it could be due to the ambient temperature, too. Here are a couple of items on the site to read through before you consider having the car looked at:
Which new crossover or SUV for me?
Hello,
Which crossover/SUV would you recommend? I do circa 25-30k kilometres per year, mostly motorways, but also a fair bit of urban driving.
Roseanna
Roseanna Gorman (Bray)Dec 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Roseanna,
First things first — if you’re doing mostly urban and motorway miles, you really don’t need an SUV. A more conventional hatchback, saloon, or estate is going to be more comfortable, better value, more economical and a better-engineered vehicle all round. If you’re looking for something with practicality then the likes of a Skoda Octavia Combi estate, a Volkswagen Golf Estate, a Kia Ceed SW, or the new Ford Focus Estate all have much bigger boots than any small-to-medium SUV (more than 600 litres, all of them, compared to around 450 litres for, say, a Nissan Qashqai), and they’re all better to drive and more frugal.
However, if you’re hooked on SUVs then we’d recommend a SEAT Ateca (plain wrapper, but it’s roomy, comfy and nice to drive) or a Toyota C-HR (small on the inside, relatively, but hugely stylish and the hybrid version is frugal). If you’re looking to ‘posh-up’ a bit, then the incoming new Audi Q3 is a bit of a stunner, or if you want something smaller and more affordable than any of those, try the updated Fiat 500X, which is kinda cute and charming.
Here are our relevant reviews for you to read more:
Why has my Honda's stop-start stopped?
My Honda Insight auto stop stopped working. Any idea why?
Juliana Funsho (Duleek )Dec 2018 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Juliana,
We don't know of any common issue with the Insight, so it's probably a protection mechanism for the battery. We get a lot of similar queries, which prompted us to write the Why won't my car's stop-start system work? feature - well worth a read.
I need comfort and space for €45,000...
Hi all,
I’m driving a Mercedes C-Class and looking to change early next year. I want more seat comfort and boot space as primary issues (boot space for golf clubs and more). I am thinking of either a 1.5 TSI Superb or Toyota Camry or an SUV like a hybrid Honda CR-V or a Toyota RAV4. I drive around 12,000km per year, mainly city with monthly 600km round trips. My budget is up to around €45k (without trade-in). I am open to alternatives. Any advice welcomed!
B.
Barry Moynihan (Dublin)Nov 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Barry,
Well, much though we love the new Camry, it’s actually quite small in the boot department — just 445 litres — so that probably counts it out here. The CR-V Hybrid is also a little short on boot space (just 497 litres). The incoming new Toyota RAV4 should have a decent boot, but if it’s boot space you need (and seat comfort too) then the Skoda Superb is hard to beat. Plus it looks smart, it’s nice to drive and well made. A brilliant package, really.
Relevant review links below:
Stop-start issues with my 2014 VW Golf.
I have a 2014 Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI Bluemotion. The start-stop function doesn't work anymore. I keep getting an error just saying "error auto start stop". I was thinking maybe it's the battery that's low, but I'm not sure. I've read online that it should work in Eco mode, but I have yet to try it; was just wondering if you could give me some more information?
SILVESTER PINARI (SWORDS)Nov 2018 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Silvester,
We have got so many questions from readers about non-functioning stop-start systems (from all makes and models) that we put together this guide to help you get to the bottom of it:
Motor tax on a 2007 Skoda Octavia?
Car tax on 2007 Skoda Octavia 1.4?
Sam Strahan (Dunleer)Nov 2018 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Sam,
If you take a look at our Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained article, you'll see that your car falls into the older motor tax system, categorised by engine size. A 2007 Skoda Octavia 1.4's engine measures 1,390cc, so its annual rate of tax is €385.
Outlander PHEV or Volvo XC40?
Hi,
We are in the process of moving from an S60 Volvo to a SUV type of vehicle. We have narrowed it down to the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV S-Edition or Volvo XC40. Is there any major positive or negative aspects of either that isn’t obvious to the ordinary punter? Help much appreciated in making the final decision.
Ann McDermott (Galway)Oct 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Ann,
The XC40 is a really likeable car, but you’ll probably find that it’s neither as refined, nor quite as comfortable to drive as the S60 (the ride quality just isn’t as good). It’s also less roomy in the boot. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a very clever vehicle, but to make the most of it, you need to have a driveway and a charging point, and be covering most of your mileage around town. The battery pack, on a full charge, should get you around 35km of electric-only driving, but if you head out on the motorway a lot, you’ll run the battery down very quickly and then fuel consumption will hover at around the 30mpg mark.
Read our reviews below: