Expert answer

Hi Roddy,

Well, it sounds definitely as if petrol is the way to go, and as you’ve mentioned the Ateca, that’s a good one to look at. It’s cheaper, by a little, than most of the competition, has an excellent 1.0-litre 115hp turbo petrol engine (don’t be put off by the small engine — it copes just fine) and isn’t ‘smaller’ at all — it’s the same size as the VW Tiguan, thanks to using the same chassis. The same goes for Skoda’s Karoq. A Peugeot 3008 with the 1.2 PureTech petrol engine would also be a good choice, but the Sportage isn't currently offered as a decent small petrol version, so we’d give that a swerve. The Nissan Qashqai comes with a good 1.2 turbo petrol, but doesn’t feel as good to drive in that form as the diesel. The Opel Mokka X is just too old a design and feels well out of date, but actually if you can cope with the smaller size, the Suzuki Vitara’s a good shout — good to drive, good looking and hugely reliable.

Read or reviews for more:

Volkswagen Tiguan reviews

Nissan Qashqai reviews

SEAT Ateca reviews

Peugeot 3008 reviews

Kia Sportage reviews

Suzuki Vitara reviews

Opel Mokka X reviews

Skoda Karoq reviews

Expert answer

Hi Jan,

The 1.6-litre diesel Mazda3 of that age has a timing belt. It must be changed every 240,000 kilometres or every 10 years, whichever comes first.

The 2.0-litre diesel engine also has a timing belt, which must be changed every 120,000 kilometres regardless of time.

Those intervals are the same for all markets and conditions.

Expert answer

Hi Vis,

There’s plenty of choice at that price level for a 2008-onward diesel, but the mileage you’ll get will vary hugely according to how you drive. For instance, you could get a 1.6 HDi diesel Citroen C5 saloon within your budget, and that’s capable of doing 60mpg or better, but again that comes down to how you actually drive it. In terms of reliability, you’ll never beat a Japanese brand for that, so go for a Honda Civic 2.2 CDTi, a Mazda3 1.6 D, or a Toyota Auris or Corolla 1.4 D-4D.

Expert answer

Hi Seamus,

The same size, yes, but they are very different engines. Actually, both engines also have the same 130hp power output, but without question the Peugeot engine feels livelier to drive than the Renault one. Why? We can’t say, but the effect is definitely there. Economy should be fine though — especially seeing as most of your mileage is around town, you should get a pretty easy 40mpg on average. It’s definitely the best engine option for you. At 7,000km a year you’d be wasting your money buying a diesel.

Expert answer

Hi Chris,

If it has the 1.3-litre CDTi diesel engine, then it has a timing chain.

The 1.7-litre CDTi diesel engine has a timing belt that must be changed at least every 10 years or 100,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. 

If it's the older 1.7-litre 'DI' or 'DTI' diesels, that's 150,000km or 10 years.

Expert answer

Hi Eamon,

Lovely car, the CX-7. Never got the love it deserved. Assuming that it’s the 2.2 diesel model you’re looking at, it should work out at around €3,000 in VRT to bring one in, but that will depend hugely on condition and spec.

Expert answer

Hi Steve,

You've not told us what engine your car has, so here's the full run-down:

1.3 CDTi diesel - not applicable as it has a timing chain

1.4 petrol - not applicable as it has a timing chain

1.6 petrol (87hp) - every 120,000 kilometres or every eight years

1.6 16v petrol (100hp - 2003-2010) - every 90,000 kilometres or every six years

1.6 16v petrol (105hp - 2006-2010) - every 150,000 kilometres or every 10 years - same for the Meriva VXR

1.7 CDTi diesel (100hp - 2003-2010) - every 100,000 kilometres or every 10 years

The below schedules are for several versions of the 1.7 CDTi diesel engine: 100hp (2006-2010), 125hp (2006-2010), 101hp (2007-2010)

2006-2008 - every 90,000 kilometres or every 10 years 

2009-2010 - every 150,000 kilometres or every 10 years

1.7 CDTi diesel (110hp - 2008-2010) - every 150,000 kilometres or every 10 years

1.7 D DI diesel (65hp - 2004-2005) - every 150,000 kilometres or every 10 years

1.7 D DTI diesel (75hp - 2003-2005) - every 150,000 kilometres or every 10 years

1.8 petrol - every 90,000 kilometres or every six years

I realise that might all be confusing so if you're in any doubt which engine your car has, come back to us with its engine code and we'll tell you precisely.

Expert answer

Hi Tania,

We really like the E-Class diesel hybrid — it’s a surprisingly good mix of technologies, very frugal, hugely comfortable and should be reliable too. The Audi is similarly lovely, hardly any less economical, albeit not quite as nice to drive. Head says the Mercedes, especially with that hybrid system, but heart says the more stylish Audi, especially as it’s the Avant estate, and we do love a good estate around here.

Expert answer

Hi George,

Technically speaking, it should not, as, before a tester does the exhaust smoke test, they should, according to the NCT manual, check 'visually that the emission control system is complete and properly connected.' Saying that, it's unlikely that many testers will notice that the DPF is missing and, so long as the DPF warning light is not illuminated, there's no reason for them to be suspicious.

In short, it shouldn't pass and contravenes the law on emission of pollutants, but it is unlikely to be picked up by an NCT test centre.

Expert answer

Hi Philip and thanks for this,

You make some good points here, but the main one I'd like to focus on is the uncertainty. It is, without a doubt, reducing car sales right now, as people don't know what to do, and all we can do is present the facts. They are this:

1 - There are many motorists in Ireland for which there is no economic alternative to a diesel car. Those that travel long distances day in, day out, could not use an electric car. Plug-in hybrids would be useless to them as well as they only return good economy when regularly charged up. The latest non plug-in hybrids are more economical than ever on a long run, but still not as cheap to fuel as a good diesel. And let's not forget, the majority of drivers are buying used, so there's very little choice in the used market for anything other than conventional diesel or petrol.

2 - For another large number of Irish motorists, petrol power would be perfectly fine. We've been saying for years that too many people have diesel cars because that became the default after 2008. Regardless of air quality and health issues, diesels come with higher maintenance costs, especially if they aren't used at higher speeds regularly.

3 - It seems to have been lost in the conversation that the diesel bans being discussed are not for all diesels, but for older diesels that emit much higher levels of NOx and other pollutants. 

4 - The Irish government needs to hurry up and let the country/industry know what it plans to do, for this uncertainty is killing the market full-stop, not just diesel power.

With all the above in mind, we will continue to help buyers choose a car based on their individual circumstances and for many that will still mean a diesel. For now.

I welcome thoughts and comments on this below. Would be great to get some feedback on what people think and whether they are holding off buying a car because of the uncertainty.