Nissan Qashqai+2 or Toyota RAV4?
Nissan Qashqai+2 or Toyota RAV4?
Bronagh Donohoe (Galway )Apr 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Bronagh,
If it's the current RAV4, then I'd say the RAV4 - really sweet to drive and lots of space. If it's the older model (or if you really, really need the seven seats) then go for the Qashqai.
Further reading:
Why is an older 1.0-litre car cheaper to tax?
Why is it that the road tax on a 1.0-litre 2000-reg Nissan Micra is €199, but my 1.0-litre 2009 Toyota Yaris is €270 per year?
Sean Ryan (Waterford)Mar 2015 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Sean,
Because they're on two different taxation systems. The Micra is on the old, pre-2008 system, which applies tax based on engine size. The Yaris is on the post-2008 system, which is based on CO2 emissions, and the Yaris' emissions place it in Band B1, which is a cost of €270 per year.
What small new car should I go for?
I am thinking of trading in my 2011 Nissan Micra (it has an NCT until 2017) for either a new (152) car or a 142 model. The shortlist of cars are: Hyundai i10, Peugeot 208, Renault Clio and maybe the Toyata Yaris or Skoda Fabia. However, the new bigger Ford Ka is due by December 2015 in the UK and 2016 here. Should I wait for the Ka?
Jacqueline Lynch (Dublin)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Jacqueline,
I wouldn't wait for the Ka. It's being designed primarily for Asian and low-cost markets, so it probably won't be the most refined, comfortable or high-tech. That's perhaps jumping the gun on the review a bit, but it's certainly likely to be the case. Of the cars you've listed I'd say the Hyundai i10 and Skoda Fabia are the standouts. They're quite different cars (the i10 is significantly smaller than the Skoda), but both are excellent to drive, well-made, reliable and offer excellent value. Have a try of both, and see which one suits your needs, size-wise, better.
Further reading:
Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage?
Could you do a comparison, please, between the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai, both petrol and diesel? Thanks
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
The Sportage is very much on its way out right now, with a new model due next year. That said, it's still a nice car, but it can't match the Qashqai for handling or for the emissions from their diesel engines. As for petrol, there really isn't a viable Sportage petrol option right now, but the Qashqai's 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine actually makes pretty good sense if you're doing low mileage and mostly drive around town.
Further reading:
How reliable is the 2011 Nissan Note?
How reliable is the 2011 Nissan Note?
Liam O'Brien (Swords)Mar 2015 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Liam,
Generally speaking it is reliable, but there are a couple of things to keep an eye out for. Electrical problems can usually be traced to an engine management system fault. It can often be fixed by a software update but sometimes the whole black box will need replacing.
Rear seat folding hinges can jam and door locks can give trouble too. Oh, and if it's an SVE model beware of tyres - they're an odd specification and can be hard to source.
What will I replace my Lexus GS with?
Hi, I currently drive a Lexus GS 300. I love it but the tax is too expensive. I have about €25k to spend and I was thinking of the Audi Q3, but it has to be automatic. Is there any other model you would suggest? My car is over 10 years old, so other car dealers are offering the scrappage deal. What would you suggest?
Cathal O'Donnell (Tara)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Cathal,
The Q3 is nice and all but the Q5 is definitely superior so perhaps think of going for a nearly-new Q5 instead of a brand new Q3? There is no official scrappage programme at the moment, but some car makers are offering self-funded scrappage deals - Opel, Nissan, Toyota and Ford among them. Audi isn’t though, so you may need to re-think your brand if you fancy a trade-in leg-up. That said, even with the tax, a Lexus is still a Lexus so you should get a decent trade-in offer.
How much oil should a Nissan Almera 1.4 use in a year?
How much oil should a Nissan Almera 1.4 use in a year?
Gus Mc Cormick (Dublin)Mar 2015 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Gus,
That's not an easy question to answer I'm afraid. All models are different, and even then examples of the same car could vary wildly depending on how they are driven and maintained. We wouldn't like to try to put a figure on it. However, if you find yourself topping up the oil by more than a litre a month you really should get the engine looked at.
Hope that helps in some small way
Help me spend €24,000 on a new car!
Hi, I bought my present car, a Mitsubishi Space Star 1.3 GLX petrol new 15 years ago, so it's long overdue replacing. Trouble is I haven't got a clue about choosing a new car and I need your advice.
The max price I wish to pay is €24,000 so I'm also chasing the best scrappage deal. I had a drive in the Hyundai ix35 and I like it but it has its drawbacks. However, the Nissan Qashqai is a non-contender for me as it has only an emergency spare wheel and the fifth passenger has to sit like riding a donkey with the big centre console protruding from the front.
What do you think I should go for? I'm thinking of looking at the Kia Sportage and Kia cee'd, but also the Nissan Pulsar and Peugeot 3008. I would be grateful for your advice.
Kind regards, Anto.
Anthony Kavanagh (Kilkenny)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Anthony,
The Pulsar or the cee'd would be the most sensible choices and both fall well within your budget. Both are reliable and decent to drive, and the Kia's not bad looking either. In fact, I reckon you should go for the estate version of the cee'd - it's one of the nicest, comfiest and most practical cars around.
Further reading to help you decide:
What's the tax on Nissan's X-Trail?
What car tax do you pay for a Nissan X-Trail automatic?
Paul Sheehan (Waterford)Mar 2015 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
If you mean the current model X-Trail, then you're looking at Band B1 (€270 per annum) or Band B2 (€280 per annum) depending on the spec of the car.
Have you read our review of the Nissan X-Trail?
Is the Nissan Micra good value with the scrappage allowance?
Is the Nissan Micra good value now that there is a €4,000 allowance for scrappage?
John Mugan (Sligo)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi John,
To be honest - no. The current Micra is a long way from Nissan's best effort so I think the €4k trade in bonus could be put to much better use elsewhere. Perhaps consider trading up to a Pulsar? Or better yet, wait a year. Nissan has an all-new Micra coming out next year and judging from the Sway concept car it showed last week at the Geneva Motor Show, it could well be a cracker.