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Should I replace my Golf with a Hyundai ix20?

I have a Volkswagen Golf bought in 2002. Can you advise me re a new car, similar 1.4 petrol engine, but with elevated seating position? I looked at the Hyundai ix20 but it may not have same power as my Golf. Thanks,

Evelyn O' Meara

Evelyn O Meara

Mar 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Evelyn,

Actually, the Hyundai ix20 might be just the thing you're looking for. It's smaller and cheaper to run than a Golf, and that 1.4 diesel engine is very economical, and will actually prove more powerful to drive than the Golf. Others worth considering are the Citroen C3 Picasso or Ford B-Max, both of which can be had with either petrol or diesel power. Try a 1.0-litre turbo petrol B-Max actually - great fun to drive and you won't believe the power and performance Ford can get from its new downsized 1.0-litre engine.

Let us know how you get on


How economical is the diesel Volkswagen Golf?

How economical is a Golf 1.9 diesel? What miles to the gallon does it give? I'm looking at a 2005 diesel. Should I stick with a 1.4 petrol car?

Thanks,

Michael Conlon

Michael Conlon (Sligo)

Mar 2014 Filed under: fuel economy and emissions

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

The official average economy for a 2005 1.9 TDI 105hp Golf is 53mpg, and assuming the engine has been reasonably well cared for down the years, I'd say you wouldn't have too much trouble matching that figure in day-to-day driving. As for switching to 1.4 petrol, it kind of depends on your driving style and habits. If you're doing lots of long journeys, especially ones with lots of motorway mileage, then diesel is a no-brainer. If your driving is mostly done at low speed, around town, for short hops then it might well be worth sticking with petrol. Basically, you need to get your pen and paper out and work out what mileage you do, and then compare the prices you're seeing for both the petrol and diesel versions of the cars you want. If the saving on the fuel isn't more than extra price of buying the diesel car, then it's worth considering sticking with petrol.

Let us know how you get on


I'm thinking of buying a 2006 Hyundai Tucson.

I'm thinking of buying a 2006 Hyundai Tucson 2.0 diesel with 90k on the clock and NCT to March 2016. I drive from Kildare to Wicklow a few times a week and need something reliable. Know anything about them?

Swill Rey (Wicklow)

Mar 2014 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Swill,

They're largely excellent. The Tucson has very few reported recurring problems - in fact it has virtually none. Two things to watch for: the miles per gallon readout on the dashboard is configured in US miles per gallon, not European so there can be a confusing variance between what mileage the car says you're getting and what you're actually getting. Secondly, the Tuscon, while a fine car, comes from the last generation of Hyundais before the really, really good modern ones came along. So, it's still a nice enough car to drive but it can't match the refinement, handling or interior quality of its replacement, the ix35.


What is the 2008 Range Rover Vogue like for reliability?

What is the 2008 Range Rover Vogue like for reliability?

Joe Sparkes (Naas)

Mar 2014 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

Not half so bad as their reputation would have you believe. Keep a close eye on the gearbox (mostly fine but occasionally prone to being fragile) and carefully check to make sure that everything electric works as it should. Any doubts in that area and walk away - even minor electrical glitches can be wearingly expensive to fix. Engines, especially the BMW-sourced 3.0-litre straight-six diesel, are usually fine, as is Land Rover's own 3.6-litre V8 diesel, but make utterly sure that the car has a full and comprehensive service and maintenance history. Anything less than a full set of stamps should trigger a walk-away.


Ford S-max or Citroen C4 Grand Picasso?

Ford S-max or Citroen C4 Grand Picasso? I have three children under three.

Tom O'Shea (Kilkenny)

Mar 2014 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Tom,

The Citroen will be cheaper to run (it has a 1.6 diesel engine compared to the S-Max's 2.0-litre unit), but if you can afford the slightly higher tax and fuel bills, I'd go for the Ford. It's better built, more spacious and much nicer to drive.


Ford Focus or Toyota Avensis?

Which would be a better buy, a 2001 Ford Focus diesel 1.8 with 177,000 miles on the clock or a Toyota Avensis 2.0 diesel with 155,000 miles?

Thanks

Andy Burnett (Roscommon)

Mar 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Andy,

Well, they're two quite different cars. The Avensis is significantly bigger than the Focus, so if it's space you're looking for, that's the one to go for. To be honest, I think it's the Avensis to go for anyway. Assuming the prices are similar and condition and history are good, then Toyota's build quality and reliability is just that little bit ahead of Ford's, so its long-term longevity should be better.


Nissan X-Trail 2006: are they a reliable car?

2006 Nissan X-Trail 2006: are they a reliable car?

Eric Carberry (Dublin)

Mar 2014 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Eric,

Yup, very. Saying that, the timing chains on the diesel engine can rattle and need replacing and there are reports (rare ones) of failing turbos. There were also some small wobbles with the ventilation system, so make sure the air conditioning and heater are working properly.

Other than that, it's a very solid bet.


How economical is the Toyota Yaris diesel?

I'm looking to downsize my car, and am leaning towards a Toyota Yaris 1.4 diesel. I do a lot of miles, and am a single mum, so need something reliable, with cheap tax and good economy. Can you tell me roughly the mpg I can expect from an 08 model?

Thanks

Dawn Higgins (Edenderry)

Feb 2014 Filed under: diesel

Expert answer

Hi Dawn,

Well, according to the official figures, a 2008 Yaris 1.4 D-4D should give you about 62mpg. But, it's a car you're probably going to have a deal of trouble tracking down as few will have been sold here in the first place because of the price premium over the 1.0 and 1.3 petrol versions. A 1.0 petrol Yaris won't be quite so economical on a long run, but the fact that it will be easier to find and cheaper to buy may well outweigh that.


Would a 2007 Volvo XC90 be reliable to buy?

Would a 2007 Volvo XC90 be reliable to buy? This one has 112,000 miles on the clock.

Sue Roe (Edenderry)

Feb 2014 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Sue,

There's only one serious recurring problem and it's an issue with the diesel injectors that can be very expensive to fix. If the car is reluctant to start or accelerates sluggishly, leave it and walk away. Otherwise, you just have to make sure that it has a full Volvo service history - the XC90 is quite a complex vehicle and needs to be properly cared for, so if any servicing has been skipped, it's starting on the road to trouble. Likewise, have a careful check for ill-fitting body or interior panels. Everything should be straight and true (XC90s are high in quality) and if it isn't then you need to suspect accident or off-roading damage.


How would you rate the Jaguar XF estate?

How would you rate the Jaguar XF estate?

Peter Kelly (Naas)

Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

A brilliant car, albeit one with a couple of shortcomings relative to its German rivals. It's probably the best-looking car in the class, and the 500-litre boot is a match for the BMW 5 Series Touring and Audi A6 Avant (though much smaller than that of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class). It's utterly delightful to drive too, better even than the much-praised BMW, with brilliant steering and a comfy ride.

On the downside, the interior is a step behind the Germans (not enough space, old-fashioned touch-screen infotainment system, narrow front seats) and the fuel tank is on the small side, limiting your touring range and making the car feel thirstier than it actually is. The 2.2-litre diesel engine in 190hp form is the best all-round to go for, but the lower power 163hp is a bit cheaper to buy and you'll hardly ever notice the difference in day-to-day driving. Or, you could get the best version; the 272hp 3.0 D V6 diesel – a properly quick, practical car that.

Here's our road test of the XF Sportbrake


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