Should I buy a Tesla Model 3 now?
I am thinking of buying a Tesla Model 3 instead of a Peugeot e-2008. Good idea? Should I wait for a possible M3 price drop? Do you think it may happen over the coming months? Or should I get one before the 21-23% VAT increase? Tough, perhaps impossible to know when to take the plunge.
Thank you.
Peter Dublin (Dublin)Feb 2021 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
I doubt very much that the Model 3 is going to drop in price very much in the coming months, not least because it’s actually already pretty good value. Definitely a good idea to buy before the VAT goes back up though, as that will be a roughly two per cent saving on the price. Not much, but it helps.
As for should you buy one in general? I think so — it’s a hugely impressive car, and the question marks over build quality seem to be getting smaller all the time. Do be wary of the big screen, though, and make sure you ask if the improvements to it mandated by the recent safety recall have been carried out on the car you’re buying.
The Peugeot is a good small crossover, but there's a gulf between it and the Tesla in terms of performance. Big difference in price and space too.
Any more Ford Mondeos coming?
I've been a Mondeo driver forever. All good, no problems.
Do you know if the Mondeo will stay on sale in the Irish market? Dealers are coy about disclosing the full facts.
If I cannot have a lovely new Mondeo, what do you recommend? I like diesel and the Mondeo size suits me. Give me a few suggestions, please. My mortgage is now paid so I could go up a grade as a special treat...
Fergal Reidy (Celbridge, Co. Kildare)Oct 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Fergal,
Sadly, for all us Mondeo fans, it will die in its current form soon (most likely in the next 18 months or so). Now, it will be replaced, but most likely not by another saloon, but a crossover of some description instead, sitting above the Kuga in the current Ford range, and likely with a seven-seat option.
Happily, there are still a few proper, full-sized four-door saloons around for you to choose from, and they’re good ‘uns. Our list starts with the Skoda Superb (massive inside, smooth to drive, handsome to look at and really good quality) and the VW Passat (all of the above but not quite so big inside). The Mazda6 is a big favourite of ours, too, not least because it’s so engaging to drive, and has such high quality and reliability levels, but Mazda is dropping the diesel engine option, so you might want to snap one up soon, before they’re all gone.
If you fancied going down the hybrid route, then Toyota’s excellent Camry is well worth a look, and there’s the Opel Insignia (probably one of the most underrated cars on the market) to consider too. If you fancy something a little moore stylish, check out the very slinky Peugeot 508.
You could go up a grade, as you suggest, to the likes of a BMW 3 Series or Audi A4, but the problem is you need to spend a LOT extra to get one with decent spec, so our recommendation would be to stick with one of the mainstream brands.
Here are our relevant reviews to help you decide:
Petrol or diesel for 40,000km a year?
In the market for a new car. Currently driving a 2010 VW Golf TDI and considering a crossover like 2008 or similar. I do about 40,000km per year mostly on the motorway. Would you recommend a petrol or diesel engine?
Michelle Masterson (Knocklyon)Oct 2020 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Michelle,
At that kind of mileage, at motorway speeds, most people will find a diesel car more economical. Just make sure you go for as new a model as possible within budget so you know you're driving the cleanest and most future-proof car you can that still fits your needs.
Looking for a small SUV for my business...
Hi there,
I was thinking of buying a commercial vehicle for work. I am a physiotherapist and do a lot of work outside my clinic premises (football games, home visits, nursing home etc). Are there any commercial vehicles that I could consider? I am not sure I want a pickup, but more a commercial SUV type.
Thanks in advance
Ruth Allen (Knocklyon)Jul 2020 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Ruth,
There are lots of good choices for commercial SUVs. If you wanted something really swish, you could go for a Land Rover Discovery Commercial, but it’s a bit pricey. Smaller and more affordable is the Nissan Qashqai van, which is also pretty decent to drive. There’s also the Hyundai Kona Commercial, or if you’re feeling really futuristic, the Kona Commercial Electric. But actually, to be honest, your best bet might be to just buy a compact crossover, most of which are already pretty affordable, spacious (if you fold the back seats down) and which mostly have lower annual motor tax than the flat-rate €333 commercial van tax anyway. We’d suggest starting your shopping list with either the new Ford Puma or, if you’re really looking for bargains, the Dacia Duster. Some of our reviews to help you choose:
Is the 2015-2016 Peugeot 2008 ok?
I am interested in buying a 2015-2016 Peugeot 2008 petrol automatic; is this a good buy?
Mary ODonovan (Trim)Jun 2020 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
Actually, yes, it is. If you’re in the market for a small crossover, the original 2008 was one of the better ones. Aside from a slightly cheap-feeling cabin, it was good to drive, reasonably roomy, well-made and reliable. Good choice.
VW T-Cross, Skoda Kamiq or Suzuki Vitara?
Looking at VW T-Cross, Skoda Kamiq or Suzuki Vitara... which would you recommend?
Mary Bane (Ennis)Jun 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
Of the three, it’s probably the T-Cross that we prefer. It is more expensive than the Skoda, but makes up for that by feeling rather more stylish and a little more engaging to drive. Both are very good, though. The Vitara is decent, and solid, but feels a little too cheap in the cabin these days, which does hold it back. Incidentally, if you’re buying new and you’re in the small crossover market, you should also look at the new Ford Puma — it’s the best car in the class by far. Here are our reviews to help you decide:
Looking for used electric or hybrid SUV...
Hi,
I am in the market for second hand car and would like to buy a small hybrid or electric SUV; what would you suggest? I am very confused as there are so many different cars out there now. I have been looking at the CH-R and Kona Electric, but think they are overpriced. Do you think now is a good time to buy or should I wait?
Catherine, Dublin
CATHERINE OCONNOR (DALKEY)Jun 2020 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Catherine,
Now is a good time to buy a hybrid, that’s for certain, but given that the Toyota C-HR and Hyundai Kona are among the very few hybrid crossovers currently on sale, you may struggle a little to find choice beyond those two models. It could be well worth looking at a Toyota Corolla or Auris hatchback or estate instead — they’re more practical, in any case, and there’s very little actual difference in height. Alternatively, there’s the Kia Niro hybrid, which was on sale from 2017. Prices for early Niros are now down to around €20,000, and they’ll still be under warranty until 2024.
Which nearly-new crossover to get?
I am in the market for a compact SUV (small town SUV). My 17-year-old daughter wants to learn to drive in it also so I need a manual. I think a 1.0- or 1.2-litre petrol engine would be the sort of thing. I've driven a Captur, Juke, T-Cross, Kona, Crossland X, ix20 and a Toyota C-HR. The Toyota drove really well but it's pricier and longer. What would you recommend as a 2017/2018 vehicle based on drive and value for money and a learner driver?
Anne Marie O'Byrne (Wexford)Mar 2020 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Anne Marie.
Well, normally for a learner driver and for mostly in-town driving, we’d recommend a hatchback, rather than an SUV or crossover, but if your heart is set on one… Of the list you’ve given us below, the Toyota is the best, although arguably as a 1.2-litre petrol, you’re not getting the best C-HR (which is the hybrid, but then that’s an automatic). The Volkswagen T-Cross would be an excellent choice, has a brilliant little 1.0-litre engine and is a bit more upright and square than the others, so is a bit easier to see out of, which might be helpful for your daughter while she’s learning. The Kona would also be an excellent choice, but we’d also add the Suzuki Vitara to your list as its a solid and rugged choice - and hugely reliable.
Read our Renault Captur reviews
Read our Volkswagen T-Cross reviews
Interested in buying a Kia Optima.
I am interested in buying a Kia Optima, a 1.7 CRDi 2 Luxe model, with 88,000 miles on the clock. It's a UK import registered in Ireland.
Can you tell me:
1. What price is an okay price for this car?
2. Since I am based in Ireland, can buying a UK import car be problem in any way?
3. Generally how is fuel economy for this model? Is it good/bad as compared to its competitors?
4. I am confused between Nissan Qashqai and Kia Optima. Can you advise pros/cons of one over other?
Thanks Anshul Malik
Anshul Malik (Cork)May 2019 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Anshul,
Ok, let’s take those one by one. As far as a fair price is concerned, you haven’t given us a year for the car, but I’m going to assume it’s a 2016 model. That would put a fair price, in Ireland, if about €15,000 give or take. There’s no issue buying a UK car that has already been registered in Ireland.
Fuel economy should be fine — you can expect to get around 45-50mpg from a 1.7 Optima.
Dacia Duster, Suzuki Vitara or Citroen C3?
I currently have a 162 D Dacia Duster that I want to trade up. Problem is, I don't know what to go for. I was looking at the Suzuki Vitara and also the upgraded Duster and the Citroen C3 crossover, but I don't have a lot of financial power to play around with except the car I have as a bargaining tool. Any suggestions?
Christine Lynch (Dublin)Jan 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Christine,
Well, the new Duster is a pretty good piece of kit and, if you like your current car, then it could be the best bet all round. A Dacia dealer is likely to give you a better trade-in for your current car than would a rival brand, which will help with the finances. The updated Vitara is a very decent car, but it’s noticeably more expensive than the Duster, and that goes ditto for the C3 Aircross.