Which of these cabriolets to go for?
Hi,
I'm looking at three secondhand folding roof hard top coupes for my partner (Ford Focus CC, Astra cabriolet and Volkswagen Eos). Leaning towards an Eos. Can you advise of any potential pitfalls to this regarding reliability or known issues, insurance costs etc? Plus, which in your opinion is the more usable vehicle for everyday use? Also as a curve ball can you suggest an alternative to the above?
Cheers, Alan
Alan BurkeApr 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Alan,
All are, in general, pretty solidly reliable cars as you would expect, but the issues come with the added weight and complexity of those folding hard-tops. All three can suffer roof failure (often at the point of being half way up or down) and all three suffer equally from increased tyre and suspension wear relative to their hatchback cousins, not to mention higher fuel consumption. None, to be honest, are especially pleasant to drive.
Of the three, I’d say the Eos is the best built, the Focus by a slim margin the best to drive and the Astra fractionally the roomier in the back seat. As an alternative, what about an Audi A4 Cabriolet? You’d have to go for an older one to match the price, but it’s a better car and a better convertible than any of these. Alternatively, if you don’t need the back seats, get a Mazda MX-5 – literally the only small convertible that’s actually worth buying.
Changing company car with €40k to spend...
Hi guys,
Just changing company car, ballpark of €40k ish to spend, but could push if needed more for correct car. Have two children and baby en route. Was thinking seven-seater, but afraid we will loose driving style and enjoyment because of this. Finally, live in country and the idea of 4x4 even in car just seems like right thing to look for, but am I just being crazy?
Any advive would be great, need to make decision this week as soon as possible to get car ordered.
Thanks
Dan
Dan Duffy (Louth)Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Dan,
Easy answer to this… Ford S-Max. Lots of space for you and the kids, not at all bad looking and, crucially, fun and engaging to drive so you’re not having to hand in your youthful driving exuberance at the MPV door.
Is this too much mileage for a Peugeot 508?
Would you consider 119k kilometres too much on a 2012 Peugeot 508 diesel?
Mark Hamilton (Dublin)Apr 2016 Filed under: diesel
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
It's more important to look at the condition than the mileage, really. If all of those miles were on the motorway, if it's shiny and fresh-looking and there's a service book full of nice dealer stamps then it should be fine.
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.
Is 1.6 diesel enough for new Mercedes C-Class?
The new C-Class Mercedes has option of a 1.6 diesel engine with 115hp. Is that a little weak for a big car? What do you think?
Oliver Buckley (Bandon Co Cork)Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Oliver,
Actually, it's really good. True, not the fastest car in history, but peppier than you'd expect, smooth and very economical. Actually suits the car rather well, but if you're doing low mileage, have a look at a C 180 petrol model, which uses a 1.6 turbo petrol engine. Well worth checking out.
How can I compare all the electric cars?
Hi,
Is there anywhere one can see all currently available electric cars compared, not just under the usual headings of driving range, charging times, 0 to 100km/h time and overall drivability and practicality, but also the overall running costs (electricity charges, road tax etc.), which can vary when you include battery lease models like the Renault Zoe?
Donal M
Donal Murphy (Cork)Apr 2016 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi Donal,
Short answer – no. That’s partially down to the fact that such in-depth comparisons have to take into account the type of mileage you do, the electricity tariff you’re on and more. The best I can suggest is that you have a good long look through our various electric car reviews and then use the cost calculators on both the ESB and SEAI websites to further refine your research:
Will the new Mercedes E-Class have 4Matic?
Will there be a 4Matic option available in Ireland for the new Mercedes E-Class saloon?
Sean Cotter (Newtownmountkennedy)Apr 2016 Filed under: future engines
Expert answer
Hi Sean,
Yes, 4Matic four-wheel drive will arrive in Ireland this September on the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Read our review of the Mercedes-Benz E 400 4Matic here.
What's the new automatic Tiguan like?
New Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 diesel automatic: what are they like?
Larry Loughnane (Clonmel Co Tipperary )Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Larry,
The seven-speed DSG automatic works very well with the 2.0-litre TDI engine. Around town and in traffic is makes driving relaxed and easy while the long top gear means the engine revs remain low on longer motorway journeys. In fact, the noise insulation in the new Tiguan is very good and you'd almost forget that you're driving a diesel.
I also drove the manual version, and to be fair it drive very well too. If you can afford the price jump to get the DSG automatic though I would recommend it.
What do you think of the new Mercedes GLC?
What is your honest opinion on the new GLC Mercedes 220 Exclusive?
Colm MacBride (Donegal)Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Colm,
To date, we've only driven the new GLC at the international launch. I drove several versions including the GLC 220d 4Matic (read that review here) and I was very impressed. It seems to be the most comfortable car in the class and also one of the most refined and spacious. Final judgement when we drive it shortly on Irish roads in Irish specifications, but has the potential to top the segment. Will certainly give the new Jaguar F-Paces a run for its money.
Should I go for a new Skoda Superb Combi?
Need to upgrade from a 2008 Audi A4 saloon due to family expansion. Is the new Skoda Superb Combi a reasonable option in terms of drive quality and premium feel?
Mike
Mike Gallagher (Cork)Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mike,
Yes, yes, yes and oh, yes. Basically, it’s almost exactly like an A4 (same engines, same platform, same buttons, switches and touch-screen), but much more roomy (space for three child car seats abreast on the back seat and a massive 600-litre boot) and a lot cheaper to buy. Perhaps a touch noisier than the Audi, and maybe a little less precise to the steering, but you won’t feel short-changed.