How much is my Nissan Note worth?
How much should I expect as a trade in for my 2008 Nissan Note?
A Sam (Dublin)Aug 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi there,
They retail at about €6,900 but you have to shave a good bit off that to get the trade-in value. I'd say about €5,000. Maybe even €4,900 depending on the dealer.
Which seven-seater to go for?
We are looking for a used petrol seven-seater (we do low mileage) and have narrowed it down to two cars: Nissan Qashqai, 2011, 1.6 petrol, 27,000km or Toyota Corolla Verso, 2012, 1.6 petrol, 35,000 miles (import from the North). Both cars seem to be in good nick and drive well and I am guessing will be in the same tax bracket. The Verso is a couple of thousand more expensive, but within our budget.
Cónal McGovern (Dublin)Jul 2015 Filed under: family car
Expert answer
Hi Cónal,
Ok, it depends what you need. Do you need to use all seven seats regularly? Get the Verso, as it has at least decent space in the third row. If you just need a couple of vey occasional flip-up seats for short journeys then the Qashqai is nicer to look at and better to drive.
What is the cheapest crossover as a second hand car?
What is the cheapest crossover as a second hand car?
Mary Boyce (Parked On Drive)Jul 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
Almost certainly a Nissan Qashqai. Early Mk1s are hovering around the €6k mark now, but beware of high-milers that have suffered dog's abuse.
What five-door diesel hatch will be troublefree?
Hi,
I am think of buy a 2010 five-door diesel car; tax and mpg don't bother me; I just what something that will do 35,000km per year for the next three to five years without engine trouble.
John Scanlon (Parked On Drive)Jul 2015 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi John,
If it's a lack of trouble you're looking for, you need to be buying Japanese or Korean. So have a look at a Toyota Auris, Honda Civic, Hyundai i30, Kia cee'd or Nissan Pulsar. All of those should do annual mega-miles without trouble or complaint.
What's wrong with my Almera's steering?
I have a 2003 Nissan Almera and it has a new timing chain. It now drives fine for 15 minutes, then loses power and the power steering stops working. What could be the problem?
CIARA SCULLY (Parked On Drive)Jul 2015 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Ciara,
It sounds to us like the issue might well be with the power steering pump alone, which would suggest that it's nothing to do with the fact you had the timing chain replaced. I'd suggest bringing the car back to the garage the work was done at for it to be checked out.
Let us know how you get on
Nissan Pulsar or Leaf?
Hello,
Can you advise me please; I'm thinking of buying either a Nisssn Pulsar or Nissan Leaf. Which do you recommend?
Cheers,
Noel
Noel Powell (Dublin)Jul 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Noel,
I'm actually one of the (few) motoring writers who kind of likes the Pulsar - it's not in the slightest bit exciting but it's comfy, spacious, economical and OK to drive.
The Leaf is different - it's far more of a ground-breaking car and genuinely high-tech, plus of course there's the whole concept of it being entirely free from pollution and emissions at the local level. Buying one though does mean making sure that your driving pattern and lifestyle fit the Leaf's capabilities. With between 160- and 200km on a single charge being the absolute best you can get from it, it's still really only a car for those covering short journeys and mostly city mileage. Do you regularly take long journeys or spend a lot of time on the motorway? Then the Leaf, as yet, is not for you.
Read our review of the Nissan Pulsar here
Is the clutch in the Nissan Qashqai+2 ok?
I am trading in my 2007 Toyota Avensis Strata for a Nissan Qashqai+2. Just wondering are there problems with the clutches in them, as the warranty from the garage does not cover this.
Thanks
John, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
John Walkin (Castlebar, Co. Mayo)Jul 2015 Filed under: gearbox
Expert answer
H John,
There are no recurring problems that we've heard of with Qashqai clutches. Maybe make sure the garage checks the clutch thoroughly before you buy for peace of mind.
Do I need an SUV for towing my horsebox on the motorway?
Hi, what SUV would you recommend for pulling a horsebox and also motorway driving? I do about 500 to 600km a week going up and down to Dublin a couple of times a week from the midlands so I need an SUV that is economical on diesel but also able to handle a horsebox.
Many thanks
Louise Fox (Castlebar, Co. Mayo)Jul 2015 Filed under: towing
Expert answer
Hi Louise,
You don't necessarily need a 4x4 for that - a mid size estate car would do the job just as well. So, have a look at the following and see what you'd like: Mazda6 2.2d, Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi, Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI.
Or, if you really have to have a 4x4, check out the Hyundai Santa Fe, Audi Q5 or Nissan X-Trail.
Relevant reviews:
What's the Nissan Leaf like to drive?
What's the Nissan Leaf like to drive?
Gearoid Mcdermott (Cashel)Jun 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Gearoid,
It's really good to drive. The Leaf has a low centre of gravity, which helps it feel planted and reduces unwanted body movements so it's surprisingly fun in the corners. There's no steering feel and the brake feel takes getting used to but it's comfortable, quiet and the instant torque means it's also really quite fast by normal car standards.
If you've not driven an electric car before this will surprise you. Don't take our word for it though; go get a dealer test drive.
What will we replace our Kia Sportage with?
Hi, my wife is driving a 2013 Kia Sportage and is thinking of updating. What would you recommend?
Joe Malone (Dublin)Jun 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
Lots to choose from, but if she fancies another Sportage, then hang on for a year - there's an all-new model coming. You could consider a trade-up into the excellent new Kia Sorento, but that's a bigger, more expensive car. If you want to stick in the same size range (and stick with an SUV) then have a look at the Volkswagen Tiguan, Nissan Qashqai or Toyota RAV4.
Relevant reviews: