Should I swap my BMW for a Yeti or Qashqai?
I have a 2008 BMW 520d Touring Auto with just 70k miles on it, which is in near perfect condition. I now really need a vehicle that has a higher seating position, making it easier to get in and out of (dodgy knees are the culprit I fear!). The space on offer in the BMW is probably more than I really need now. I'm thinking of a good spec used manual Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi or a Skoda Yeti 2.0 TDI. I really do not want to spend more than I can get for my BMW so 2009 or 2010 is probably as recent as I can go? Any thoughts on my choice and advice on asking price for the BMW?
Thanks.
Martin Smith (Galway)Aug 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
Shame you have to get rid of the Beemer. What a fab car, especially the Touring. I reckon you should be looking at a value of around €19-€20k for it, which would make the world your oyster when it comes to trading in for a Yeti or Qashqai. A 2010 model for either should be easy to find, and you may even sneak into a 2011 car. Of the two, I'd go for the Yeti. I find them much more comfortable, and more spacious than a Qashqai, and better to drive too. Go for the 1.6 TDI if you can track one down - the 2.0 TDI is a bit unnecessary.
Let us know how you get on
When is the new Nissan X-Trail out?
Any idea when a new Nissan X-Trail will be unveiled and on sale? I know a new Qashqai is coming but heard a new X-Trail will be out too.
Andrew Kelly (Limerick)Aug 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Andrew,
Yes, the new Qashqai has just arrived and is already on sale, and the X-Trail will be following on very shortly (in fact by the time you read this you should be able to order one). Note that it's more an update than an all-new car, though.
Here are our reviews on both:
Which seven-seat crossover to go for?
Looking for a seven-seaters. Crossovers, maybe? Not Ford S-Max or Galaxy or MPVs. More Hyundai Sante Fe, Nissan Qashqai+2, Mitsubishi Outlander, etc. Any recommendations? Shame the 2008 crossover is compact and not seven seats like I need.
Roy Ferris (Killorglin)Jul 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Roy,
Have you considered the new Peugeot 5008? It’s basically a bigger version of the 3008, comes with seven seats as standard and prices start from €28k. Get one with the brilliant little 1.2 turbo petrol engine and you won’t go wrong. Read our review of that car here.
Is the Nissan Tiida reliable?
Is the Nissan Tiida reliable?
Philippa Murphy (Dublin)Jul 2013 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Philippa,
Yes, but it's incredibly boring!
How reliable is the Nissan Qashqai?
How reliable is the Nissan Qashqai? I'm looking at a 2.0 CVT Auto Tekna version from 2009.
Glen Martin (Dublin)Jul 2013 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Glen,
Qashqais are pretty well built, as are all Nissans, by and large. Just watch for soggy rear suspension (the dampers and bushes can wear out fast sometimes) and signs of abuse or neglect (they are designed for families after all) in the cabin.
Any issues with the 2010 Nissan Qashqai?
Any issues with the 2010 Nissan Qashqai?
Caroline Devine (Dublin)Jul 2013 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Caroline,
The Qashqai should be pretty reliable; Nissans tend to be, although we have noted that it's a model that's been through quite a few recalls, so check with Nissan to make sure that the one you're looking at has had all its work done. Other than that the only weak spot seems to be the rear suspension and bushes, which can be prone to wear. Listen for clonking noises from the back or wallowy handling.
What are the best-selling cars in Ireland?
Hello guys,
I have two questions:
1) What are the most sold cars in Ireland?
2) What is the pricing range for cars people are buying the most in Ireland?
Looking forward to hearing from you
Kind regards, Stan
Stan Melnis (Dublin)Jul 2013 Filed under: miscellaneous
Expert answer
Hi Stan,
OK, well currently (as of the end of September), the best selling cars in Ireland are, in descending order, the Hyundai Tucson, the Nissan Qashqai, the Volkswagen Golf, the Skoda Octavia, the Ford Focus, the Ford Fiesta, the Kia Sportage, the Toyota Yaris, the Toyota Corolla and the Volkswagen Tiguan. The biggest-selling market segment is the SUV/H1 segment (that’s the Qashqai-Tucson-Sportage mid-size SUVs) all of which cost between €24,000 and €40,000 depending on spec.
What's the Nissan Figaro like?
Any problems with the Nissan Figaro that you know of?
David Long (Killarney)Jul 2013 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi David,
The Figaro was only built for a very short time, most made in 1991 or 1992, so the youngest one is already old enough to drink in most US states... That said, two things play in the Figaro's favour. One, it's based on the third generation Micra, which was an astonishingly reliable car. Secondly, because it achieved instant collectors' item status, most have been cared for and owned by enthusiasts. Ask around before you buy; there are plenty of Figaro nuts out there who will be happy to help you.
Toyota Avensis or Nissan Tiida?
What is the best car to go for in 2008, Nissan Tiida or Toyota Avensis? Both are diesel for around €8,500.
Denise Bradford (Dublin)Jul 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Denise,
Go for the Avensis, by a country mile. Both cars are solidly reliable but the Avensis is bigger and comfier. The Tiida's only advantage is that it came with standard Bluetooth, but that's easily remedied with an aftermarket kit for the Avensis.
Let us know what you do
Renault Grand Scenic: worth a look at a 2010 model?
Hi, how reliable is the Renault Grand Scenic? Is it worth buying year 2010? Is it true that the engine in the Scenic is the same as in Nissan's Qashqai?
Priscilla Nkosi (Shannon)Jul 2013 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Priscilla,
If it's either the 1.6 petrol or the 1.5 diesel then yes, it's an engine shared with the Nissan Qashqai (and sundry other Nissans and Renaults) and is generally pretty solidly built and reliable.
With Renaults, it's the peripheral systems you have to watch. Major items like the engine and gearbox usually go on just fine but electric components (especially windows in the past), exhaust systems, cabin trim and such like can all be fragile. Check carefully and make sure there's a full service history.
Best of luck