Is the Toyota RAV4 worth the price?
Hi,
I want to trade in my 2008 Ford Focus diesel for a new or nearly new car. I really like the SUV style. I drive at least 1,000km per week to and from work so I need something that's reliable, will hold its value and able for big mileage. I really like the Toyota RAV4, but is it worth the price?
What car would you suggest?
Joanne Stafford (Wexford)Dec 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Joanne,
The RAV4 is most definitely worth the price, and it's one of the best cars Toyota currently makes - spacious, reliable and not at all bad to drive. Worth looking at the Nissan Qashqai and Renault Kadjar too, as well as the Skoda Yeti and Mazda CX-5. You won't go wrong with any of those choices, but given your high mileage take a very close look at the Renault and the Nissan - they'll be the most economical overall.
Relevant reviews:
Help me change from Passat to C-Max.
I have a 2008 Volkswagen Passat diesel with 120,000 miles on the clock. I am looking at a 2012 diesel Ford C-Max with 60,000 miles. How much should I expect to pay and would you recommend the Ford?
Many thanks.
Catherine Davis (Louth)Dec 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Catherine,
The Ford's not bad actually, but make sure that it has been fully serviced and that the 1.6 diesel has had a steady diet of high-grade oil.
Your Passat should be worth about €7,000 to €7,500 as a trade-in.
What do you think of the 2016 Hyundai i30?
What is your opinion on the 2016 Hyundai i30 1.6 diesel?
Pat Kelly (Clonmel Co Tipperary)Dec 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Pat,
Really good car. Not the most exciting thing in the world perhaps but frugal, spacious and reliable. Our review of the 2012 Hyundai i30 gives you a good idea of what to expect, though the 2016 version has been upgraded a little.
Which new petrol estate should I go for?
Hi guys,
I currently drive a 2011 Volkswagen Passat saloon 1.4 TSI, but am looking to change to an estate. The obvious choice is the Passat Estate 1.4 TSI, but is there any other petrol estate I should consider? My mileage doesn't justify the change to diesel.
Thanks.
Brendan Cullen (Knocklyon)Dec 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
Worth checking out the Mazda6 2.0 SkyActiv-G estate, and the Ford Mondeo 1.5 EcoBoost isn't bad. Also have a look at the Skoda Superb 1.4 TSI although that's only available in Ambition spec.
Is the 2.0-litre Chevrolet heavy on diesel?
Chevrolet 2.0: are they heavy on diesel?
Kevin Mc Guire (Monaghan)Expert answer
Hi Kevin,
It depends which Chevrolet model you mean. Epica? Cruze? Captiva? Generally speaking any recently designed car with a 2.0-litre diesel is going to be at least reasonably economical, but you'll have to narrow the field down for a more precise answer.
How much would you pay for 2008 Ford Focus?
How much would you pay for a 2008 1.8 diesel Ford Focus with 200,000km on the clock?
John Hughes (Leitrim)Nov 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi John,
In and around the €5,500 mark I would think.
I need a small, reliable commuting car.
Hello, looking for a small, economical, reliable car for commuting. I currently have a 1.0-litre Nissan Micra. I do 110km a day, 5-6 days a week.
What would you recommend?
Elaine Henry (Sligo)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Elaine,
You're kind of on the cusp of being better off with a diesel with that kind of mileage. There are a few cars that are worth looking at. Sticking with petrol? Try a Honda Jazz - small but very spacious, and the 1.2-litre engine is pretty frugal. Want to go for a small diesel? Try a Volkswagen Polo. Want something a little more fun, but still very frugal (albeit not very roomy in the back)? Try a MINI Cooper D.
Advice needed on Hyundai Santa Fe...
Advice needed on Hyundai Santa Fe. I'm currently changing my Audi A4 and trying to make a decision between the Hyundai Santa Fe (131 reg) and a BMW 520d (12 reg). It's going to be the family car and I currently drive approx 25k a year. So looking for something that running costs (i.e diesel costs) are at their minimum. In your opinion what would be the better choice?
Pamela Griffin (Fethard)Expert answer
Hi Pamela,
Unless you actually need the seven-seat layout of the Hyundai, I'd go for the BMW. It'll be much more affordable to run in terms of fuel costs (close to 60mpg versus more like 45mpg in the Hyundai) and cheaper to tax too. The only concern might be that the Hyundai would be more reliable than the BMW, pound for pound. If you're buying the Beemer with a full service history and a warranty though there shouldn't be any problems.
Should I go ahead with Audi A6 order?
Any advice about buying a new Audi A6 diesel in view of the current emissions scandal? Dealers are vague and evasive with answers.
Many thanks
PAT HIGGINS (ROSCOMMON)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Pat,
The dealers are, in fairness, being evasive because they don't have the full picture yet. None of us do, to be honest. However, there's no really good reason for not buying an A6. It's an excellent car, very frugal and lovely to drive, and beautifully built too. If it does turn out to be one of the cars on which the CO2 emissions and fuel consumption has been under-estimated, then you will be compensated for any gap - Volkswagen Group has promised that customers will not be out of pocket as a result of all this. So I'd say go ahead - cracking car.
Any advice on 2007 Volkswagen Touareg?
Any advice when looking at a 2007 3.0-litre auto diesel Volkswagen Toureg with 150,000 miles on the clock?
Dan Haslam (Coleraine)Nov 2015 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Dan,