Ford B-Max or Nissan Juke?
Ford B-Max versus Nissan Juke?
Nigel Naughton (Castlebar)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Nigel,
Two totally different cars so they're quite hard to compare. The B-Max is small but spacious, and those sliding side doors make it very handy in tight parking spaces, but it's slow and not much fun to drive. The Juke is far more striking to look at (perhaps even a bit ugly?) and more engaging to drive, but space in the back and boot is really quite poor.
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What to look for on a 2009 Nissan Qashqai?
I am looking at a top spec 2009 Nissan Qashqai 1.5 diesel, with 125,000km on the clock. The seller is asking for €10,000 cash. What should I look out for?
Terry Mc Dermott (Ballina )Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Terry,
They're very solid but you do need to keep an eye on a few areas. The rear suspension can be troublesome so listen for clonks or knocks. Check the front carpets for dampness from a leaking windscreen. Interior trim and electrics can be fragile while the clutch can give problems, but usually smells strongly before it goes.
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.
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Timing belt or chain in my Qashqai?
I have a 2007 Nissan Qashqai 1.6 2WD Visia petrol with 66,000 miles on the clock. Question: does it have a timing belt or chain? When should I replace it?
Thanks
Umberto Di Candia (CAMBRIDGE)Dec 2015 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Umberto,
Our information tells us that the 1.6-litre petrol engine has a timing chain, which has no scheduled maintenance.
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.
Will Infiniti come to Ireland?
Hi, just wondering if Infiniti has any plans to sell cars here in Ireland?
Cheers, Kevin.
Kevin Caulfield (Kildysart)Nov 2015 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Kevin,
We asked the current Nissan importer and got a pretty stock answer:
"This is under continuous review - it is likely that Infiniti will be launched when the decision is taken that the demand, conditions and the model line-up are right for the Irish market."
From our point of view, the new Q30 and forthcoming Infiniti QX30 are steps towards that happening, but we believe that Irish new car sales would have to top 150,000 units a year consistently before it would be considered. Competition is already tough here and Infiniti hasn't done all that well over in the UK.
Nissan Qashqai or Suzuki Grand Vitara?
Nissan Qashqai 1.5 diesel or Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.9, both 2008?
Siobhan Warren (Dublin)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Siobhan,
Although the Suzuki would probably just about shade it on outright reliability and toughness, I'd go for the Nissan. It's a much more sophisticated device.
Does my broken down car qualify for scrappage?
My car has recently broken down, head gasket has gone, can I still qualify for a scrappage scheme?
Mark K (Dublin)Nov 2015 Filed under: scrappage
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
There are some individual brands still offering 'scrappage' (or schemes that are really trade-in bonuses for older models). Opel, for instance, is offering 'scrappage' of up to €4,500 depending on the model you're trading in against, while Nissan is offering up to €4,000 against some models. Check with your local dealer for details, but beware - some of the deals require you to drive the car onto the forecourt under its own power...
How best to trade in our old SEATs?
Hi,
We have a 2005 SEAT Toledo with 150,000km on the clock, costing regularly with repairs, and a 2011 SEAT Ibiza ST with 100,000km on the clock. We want to get a new relatively spacious but cheap car and a 2006+ Audi or BMW. Which of our two cars should we trade in for which of our two planned buys to get the most value and for the purchases to cost us least?
Joan Cleary (Dublin)Sep 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Joan,
It's a bit of a quandary to be honest. You'll get more for the Ibiza - probably around €7-8k as a trade in. But with the Toledo costing you money, your best bet might just be to keep the Ibiza and use that as your small car, chop the Toledo in for whatever you can get for it (€2k max and that's with a following wind).
Actually, better yet, why not avail of one of the scrappage schemes still being offered by some car makers? Opel, for instance, has a good one going - up to €4,500 - and you could then trade in your Toledo against a new Insignia; far more affordable than a BMW or Audi, and with a shiny new warranty to boot. Reliable and nice to drive too. Nissan also has a similar offer (potentially €4k against a nice new Qashqai perhaps?), or potentially €3k scrappage off a Hyundai ix35?
Lots of good options out there.
Secondhand Honda CR-V or Nissan X-Trail?
I am looking for a reliable, spacious secondhand SUV that won't cost me the earth to run. I have a budget of €9,000 - €10,000. Will be used privately most of the time (12,000 miles per year, two kids and a dog), but need it for off road on a farm/laneways for cutting down trees and towing a trailer full of firewood every couple of weeks.
I am undecided between a 2008 Honda CR-V 2.2d AWD or a 2008 Nissan X-Trail 2.0d 4wd. I like the space in the X-trail but would the Honda give me less trouble? Also I see that the X-Trail comes in 150 and 175hp guises. What would best suit my needs and would there be much of a difference in running cost/fuel economy?
Any advice would be grateful!
K C (Cork)Sep 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Keith,
Both are excellent cars and the 175hp X-Trail's extra grunt could be very useful when hauling trees and trailers. That said, the Honda is still plenty grunty and a bit more plush inside than the Nissan. Actually this is a hard one to choose - I know from personal experience that the Honda is close to indestructible, but I also happen to think that the X-Trail is a really underrated car.
Coin toss so - go for the Honda.