SEAT Toledo, Skoda Rapid or Renault Fluence?
Trading up from a 2006 Nissan Note to 131-132 Skoda Rapid, SEAT Toledo or Renault Fluence: open to suggestions on which is best choice.
Seamus Neville (Waterford)Jul 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Seamus,
The Skoda and SEAT are basically the same car with different badges. Neither are especially sophisticated, but they're roomy and pleasant to drive and very affordable. Personally I prefer the hatchback versions, but that's just me. Both are preferable to the Fluence, which has never been a very satisfying car and which is about to be replaced by a new saloon version of the Renault Megane.
Relevant reviews:
Is there Isofix in the back of Qashqai+2?
Hi, can you tell me how many Isofix points there are on the Nissan Qashqai+2? Nowhere on the internet can tell me if there are Isofix points in the very back two seats.
Thanks
Dave
David Cronin (Cork)Jul 2016 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Dave,
No, there aren't Isofix points for the folding third row seats. The Qashqai+2 only has Isofix for the outer two rear seats in the middle row.
What is the value of a 2011 Nissan Pixo?
What is the value of a 2011 Nissan Pixo with two owners, 86,000km with a few stone chip marks?
Mike O'Sullivan (Shanagolden )Jun 2016 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Mike,
As a trade in, probably around €4,000.
Corsa, Corolla, Micra or Polo for €2,000?
Hi, I am a first car buyer in Ireland. I would like to buy an automatic car.
The ones I am interested in are a 2002 Opel Corsa, 2004 Toyota Corolla 1.6, a Nissan Micra 1.0 from 2002 or a Volkswagen Polo 1.4 from 2000. All of them cost between €1,750 and €2,000. I am wondering if these prices are realistic for cars like these, and given the types, which one would be the best choice?
Thank you in advance,
K
Katalin Csesznek (Cork)Jun 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Katalin,
Worth buying the new long-range Nissan Leaf?
Is the new 2016 electric Nissan Leaf worth buying with range of 115 miles for €25,000? Is it worth waiting for the 2018 model that might have a range of 200 miles?
John Feely (Dublin)May 2016 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi John,
Yes, I'd say it's worth getting the bigger battery. It perhaps doesn't make quite as much of a difference as you'd think but it keeps the range anxiety at bay for a while longer on main roads and around town you'd probably only have to charge up once or twice a week, thanks to excellent regenerative braking.
Petrol or diesel for a nearly new Nissan Pulsar?
I wish to trade in my 2010 Kia Rio, looking at a 151 Nissan Pulsar diesel priced at €15,000 with trade in, or 152 petrol at €12,800 with my trade in. Not sure is best to go petrol or diesel. Any other suggestion I should be looking at?
Laurie Healy (Dublin)Apr 2016 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Laurie,
Deciding to go petrol or diesel is a simple matter of how much mileage you do every year. Do you do lots of mileage and plenty of long motorway journeys? Get a diesel then. If you do lower mileage (less than 16,000km a year, say) and mostly around town? Then go for petrol.
Which cars are best for comfort?
Hi,
Can you tell me which SUVs offer a driver's/seating position most like a standard car's? My wife and I currently both use her Opel Zafira and I find the seating position very upright and uncomfortable as the seats will not move back far enough. Effectively it means I have to lift my feet completely to operate the pedals instead of just pivoting on my heels as with a more reclined position. I have recently had a hip replaced and the other one is painful if I drive any reasonable distance.
We test drove a secondhand C-Class Estate and I wanted to buy it but she finds the seating position very cramped (in particular did not like the large console between the seats). We sat in a Honda CR-V after and she much preferred the space and lack of clutter between the seats but I found the seating position uncomfortable. Essentially we are looking for something that has the high ceiling, big windscreen and lack of clutter of most SUVs/MPVs, but with a seating position that gives good enough leg room for somebody over six-foot like me to pivot my feet on my heels rather than having to lift them to operate the pedals. Maybe we need two cars, which is a waste given we are city dwellers and do very small annual mileage between us.
Thanks
Kevin
Kevin McCormack (Dublin 8)Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Kevin,
That’s almost an impossible question for me to answer I’m afraid as, as you’ve pointed out, a car that many might consider comfortable and pleasant (the Honda CR-V) is uncomfortable for you. Mind you, you’re right about the C-Class Estate being small inside – it was never the biggest car around.
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:
Tell me about the 2012 Nissan Qashqai+2...
I am looking to buy a 2012 Nissan Qashqai+2 SVE petrol version; can you please let me know what are the spec differences between SV and SVE for the year 2012?
Does this model have timing chain or belt and what would be the replacement interval?
What would be the mpg on this particular model?
Thanks.
User Duluth (Dublin)Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi there,
Right, I'll be honest - we had to get on to Nissan Ireland for help with this, but it came through in spades.
Over and above the SV model, the SVE added Xenon headlights, Intelligent Key, illuminated passenger sunvisor, seven-speaker BOSE audio system, 17-inch alloys and rear parking sensors.
The engine has a timing chain, not a belt, so it doesn't need replacement, but it does need to be inspected at regular intervals. Any Qashqai with a full service history should be fine on that score.
In terms of economy, the 1.6 petrol Qashqai got 44mpg overall while the 1.6 diesel got 55mpg, or 60mpg if it was fitted with the stop-start system.
Hope that all helps
My 2015 Qashqai has an unwanted vibration.
I have a 2015 Nissan Qashqai 1.5 diesel. Recently there is a severe vibration from the passenger side front of the car on standing idle. It disappears after a slight rev on the engine is applied. Would appear the car body is lightly built and the diesel engine vibrates the engine mountings. Is this a common fault and or have you had other queries similar to this on the Qashqai?
William Neale (Dublin)Mar 2016 Filed under: warranty
Expert answer
Hi William,
Clearly your car is still under warranty so if you think the vibration is "severe" then you should get it back to the dealer for a look. They'll soon sort it out if it is indeed a problem such as a fauly engine mounting.
We've not had any other queries of the same nature on the Qashqai and we've always found the 1.5 dCi engine relatively smooth.