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Nissan Qashqai or SEAT Ateca petrol?

Hi guys,

My wife drives a Volkswagen Golf 1.4 petrol with 80,000km on the clock. Her work will be based in Naas from August this year. We're looking to upgrade her car, we don't reckon she warrants diesel and have narrowed it down to the Nissan Qashqai or SEAT Ateca (1.2 and 1.4). We have about €20k to put towards it (including what she'd get for the Golf). Reliability and running costs are important. We've had two kids since she bought the Golf so she's looking for something a bit roomier.

Which of the above would you say is the better option and is there anything else we should consider (she doesn't like the Golf SV)?

Much appreciated

Brendan Cullen (Knocklyon)

Apr 2017 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

We really like the Ateca, and the 1.4 turbo petrol engine really suits it, so that’s the one we’d advise you to go for. There’s an updated version of the Qashqai coming very shortly, so bear that in mind if you’re looking at the Nissan — you might be able to get a better bargain on a run-out model.

SEAT Ateca 1.4 TSI review

Nissan Qashqai review

Facelifted Nissan Qashqai preview

Five best mid-sized SUVs and crossovers in Ireland


Mitsubishi Outlander or other 4x4s?

Hi ,

Thinking about buying a 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.2 diesel from the UK, not for the seven seats, but for 4×4 capabilities, low running costs and reliability. I'm wondering are there any other options. And is the Mitsubishi 2.2 belt or chain driven?

Thanks

Jonathan Crawford (Donegal )

Apr 2017 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Jonathan,

The 2.2 diesel Outlander has a timing belt, not a chain, so that will need inspecting depending on the mileage. As for cars with proper 4x4 ability, try a Land Rover Freelander 2 (more reliable than you’d think), Jeep Cherokee, Nissan X-Trail or Toyota RAV4.


Alternatives to the Golf GTD Estate?

Hi,

If possible please can you do a 'Five of the best' report for compact estate cars in Ireland? I desire and am ready to order a Volkswagen Golf GTD Estate as am currently on my second GTD, but need more space. I want to carry on the Golf GTD customer journey, but alas, this perfect solution for me and my family is 'not available in Ireland...' Therefore I need to look elsewhere so would appreciate your opinions if possible? It appears SEAT and Skoda have this category to themselves.

Martin Smith (Donegal )

Apr 2017 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

It is a shame that the GTD Estate isn’t imported into Ireland by Volkswagen as it’s a cracking car, but the sad fact is that the market for compact estates is so small, and high performance compact estates smaller still, that it’s probably not worth Volkswagen’s while. That said, the GTD Estate is effectively imported in the guise of both the Skoda Octavia RS TDI Combi and the SEAT Leon ST 2.0 TDI 180hp FR — of those two, we’d go for the Skoda, as it’s marginally sharper to drive than the SEAT, looks great and is simply massive inside.

Other options are the Opel Astra Sports Tourer in SRi spec with the 136hp 1.6 CDTi diesel engine — not as powerful as the Skoda or SEAT, obviously, but a great car and terrific to drive. Lovely interior too. Or you could try the Ford Focus ST TDCi Estate, which is brilliant fun to drive, but sadly is again on the personal import list.

Lastly, there’s the option of going second hand or nearly new and buying something along the lines of a BMW 3 Series Touring or Audi A4 Avant.


I need a car for just one year...

I need a car for one year. What has the best resale value and what year should I be looking at if I am to sell it in 2018 and recoup the best part of my investment, i.e. not lose any more than I would if I were to hire the same model and year car for 12 months? If that makes any sense.

Helen White (Meath/Dublin/Kildare)

Apr 2017 Filed under: resale value

Expert answer

Hi Helen,

Long-term hiring can often be a good idea, as opposed to buying a car and riding the waves of depreciation, but if you prefer buying then your three best bets are the Toyota Auris, Volkswagen Golf and Hyundai Tucson. All of these cars are in huge demand second hand, and as long as you keep the condition good, you should be looking at depreciation of no more than around 20 per cent of the original purchase price.

Toyota Auris review

Volkswagen Golf review

Hyundai Tucson review


Nearly new sensible car or older premium?

Hi.

I'm thinking of changing my car, but I'm torn between buying a nearly new model like the Mazda6 or a three-year-old premium car from such as BMW, Jaguar or Audi with lowish mileage. Servicing cost of premium brands is also a concern. On the other hand, I can get a lot of car for reasonable money. Decisions! Decisions!

Your opinion greatly valued. Thanks in advance.

Tom McGrath (Kilkenny)

Apr 2017 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Tom,

Buying a premium car on the cheap is always tempting (have you seen the price of ten-year-old Audi A8s? Tempting…), but it comes with the caveat that you do need to set aside budget for maintenance and servicing, especially if you plan on keeping it serviced with a main dealer. Even with a more affordable independent specialist, the bills for any major work can still be significant.

Now, balanced against that is the fact that cars are, in general, more reliable, and you can get a good warranty on an approved used premium car (BMW’s two-year second hand warranty is especially good).

That said, going the nearly-new Japanese route is the painless option, and the Mazda6 is an especially good comparison. Buy a specced-up Platinum version of the 6 and I defy you to say that its cabin is any less luxurious than that of a BMW or Jaguar and it’s a great car to drive too, with typical Mazda reliability.

So while the older premium route is tempting, we’d err on the side of caution and go for the Mazda. 


Thinking of getting a new Peugeot 3008...

I'm thinking of trading in a 142 Hyundai i40 Tourer for a new Peugeot 3008, but would like your opinion on what model would best suit me. I like my comfort, have no children, just my wife and myself, but will sometimes have my 5, 6, and 2 other young grand-kids to bring somewhere, but not all together. Appreciate your opinion. Val

Val Glynn (Claremorris)

Apr 2017 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Val,

The 3008 is an excellent car and there’s just about enough space in the back for three child car seats in a row (although if that’s your ultimate priority, then wait for the 5008, which is due on sale in July). Of the range, Allure spec seems to be the best balance between price and equipment, and the best engines are the 1.2 turbo petrol (if you’re doing low to medium mileage) or the 1.6 BlueHDi diesel (if you’re doing lots of long journeys). 

Some relevant reviews:

Peugeot 3008 1.6 HDi Allure review

Peugeot 3008 1.6 HDi GT Line review

Peugeot 5008 1.2 PureTech review


Motor tax for BMW 520d SE?

Hi there,

I am looking to buy a BMW 520d SE; can you confirm what the annual car tax will be?

Mark Beed (Dublin)

Mar 2017 Filed under: taxation

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

For the new model G30 5 Series, the CO2 emissions for the 520d SE are 108g/km, so that means annual motor tax of €190.


What's the best coupe for under €50k?

Best coupe available for under €50k in Ireland? Audi A5 2.0 TDI S line 190hp? BMW 4 Series? Other?

Thanks!

Brad W (Dublin)

Mar 2017 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Brad,

As ever, the answer is: it depends where your priorities lie…

The A5 is indeed a cracking car. Not the sharpest to drive, perhaps, but gorgeous to look at and practical inside. That goes equally for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, but the BMW 4 Series is the best one to drive. Don’t forget the 2 Series Coupe either, which is more fun than any of the above. Actually, though, the best one of the lot is probably the Toyota GT86. Not as premium or as big as the others, perhaps, but more fun to drive than any of them. Here are a few of our reviews to help you decide:

Audi A5 review

BMW 4 Series Coupe review

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe review

Toyota GT86 review

BMW 2 Series Coupe review


What's the BMW 218i Coupe like?

I don't see a review of the BMW 218i Coupe on your site and would like your opinion on this car. I don't see many of them for sale either.

Frank Dodd (Dublin)

Mar 2017 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi F D,

The reason that you don’t see many petrol 218is for sale is the same reason we don’t have a test drive on one yet — BMW doesn’t sell many, and so doesn’t see the value in providing one to review. We’ll raise the matter and see if we can get one reviewed for you, though. In the meantime, here's our review of the excellent BMW 220d M Sport Coupe.


Can I get an automatic Dacia Duster?

I am looking for a Dacia Duster automatic. Is it possible to get one new or second hand?

Jim Mcsweeney (Limerickj)

Mar 2017 Filed under: automatic

Expert answer

Hi Jim,

No, it's not. The Duster hasn't yet been offered with an automatic option in Ireland. It is available in Europe, so you could think about importing a left-hand-drive one, or wait and hope it arrives here soon. 

Read our Dacia Duster automatic review here


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