New Honda CR-V or Nissan X-Trail?
Hi,
I have a recommendation question. I'm wondering which of the following cars I should consider? I have always driven Toyota and currently have a RAV4 D-4D. I'm considering a change and have the following in mind: Honda CR-V ES or Nissan X-Trail SV. I do 50,000km in two years and purchase new. I want something that will be a good trade-in against a Toyota should I revert to the brand in two years' time again.
Thanks
Stephen Fox (Galway)May 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Stephen,
Either would be good as a trade-in and it’s actually pretty hard to separate them out in that sense, as Hondas are generally considered to have higher levels of quality, but the X-Trail comes with seven seats and seven-seaters are currently much in demand. Both are good cars, but we’d come down on the side of the Honda, which is better to drive, and better built.
Best small car for value and reliability?
What is the best small car on the market with respect to value and reliability?
Made;eome O'Sullivan (Limerick)May 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Maddy,
If it's reliability you want, you need to buy either Japanese, Korean or Czech. That means Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Skoda, Kia, or Hyundai.
The Honda Jazz is really good, exceptionally roomy and smooth to drive, but it is pricey. Now, that higher price includes a lot more standard equipment than in rivals, but it's a hurdle to get over. On the whole, it would be our choice with the Toyota Yaris and Skoda Fabia tied second and the Kia Rio and Hyundai i20 bringing up the rear.
If you're buying new, it's also potentially worth waiting for the new SEAT Ibiza, which is very roomy, well made and nice to drive.
Have you reviewed the Hyundai Tucson?
Reviews of the Hyundai Tucson?
Carol Moore (Cork City )Apr 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Carol,
Sure thing. We've tested two different versions of the current Hyundai Tucson:
Hyundai Tucson 1.7 diesel Executive review
Hyundai Tucson 2.0 diesel 4WD auto review
We've also pitched the Tucson against its two closest rivals in a unique three-way test if that's of interest:
Nissan Qashqai or SEAT Ateca petrol?
Hi guys,
My wife drives a Volkswagen Golf 1.4 petrol with 80,000km on the clock. Her work will be based in Naas from August this year. We're looking to upgrade her car, we don't reckon she warrants diesel and have narrowed it down to the Nissan Qashqai or SEAT Ateca (1.2 and 1.4). We have about €20k to put towards it (including what she'd get for the Golf). Reliability and running costs are important. We've had two kids since she bought the Golf so she's looking for something a bit roomier.
Which of the above would you say is the better option and is there anything else we should consider (she doesn't like the Golf SV)?
Much appreciated
Brendan Cullen (Knocklyon)Apr 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
We really like the Ateca, and the 1.4 turbo petrol engine really suits it, so that’s the one we’d advise you to go for. There’s an updated version of the Qashqai coming very shortly, so bear that in mind if you’re looking at the Nissan — you might be able to get a better bargain on a run-out model.
Mitsubishi Outlander or other 4x4s?
Hi ,
Thinking about buying a 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.2 diesel from the UK, not for the seven seats, but for 4×4 capabilities, low running costs and reliability. I'm wondering are there any other options. And is the Mitsubishi 2.2 belt or chain driven?
Thanks
Jonathan Crawford (Donegal )Apr 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Jonathan,
The 2.2 diesel Outlander has a timing belt, not a chain, so that will need inspecting depending on the mileage. As for cars with proper 4x4 ability, try a Land Rover Freelander 2 (more reliable than you’d think), Jeep Cherokee, Nissan X-Trail or Toyota RAV4.
Is an auto Jap import Nissan less frugal?
Nissan Note 1.5 petrol with automatic transmission: this vehicle is a Japanese import. Would the transmission make a difference to the car's economy?
John Delaney (Mountmellick)Expert answer
Hi John,
We don’t have precise fuel economy figures for that model, as it was never sold here so never got put through the EU NEDC fuel economy test. Generally, an automatic car will be a little more thirsty than a manual version, but on a car as small as the Note, it probably won’t make a huge difference.
Hyundai i40 or Renault Fluence?
Hi,
We are thinking of changing our car from a Nissan Juke (as there is limited space) to either a Renault Fluence or Hyundai i40. What do you think is best?
Nicola Walsh (Wexford )Mar 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Nicola,
Go for the i40 — it’s much bigger and better built than the Fluence, and will be more reliable in the long term. It will also hold its value better than the Fluence.
I connected my battery the wrong way...
I have a 1986 Nissan Serena 2.3 diesel. I accidently connected my battery the wrong way around and tried to start it. When I discovered my mistake and connected it properly, it keeps turning but it won't start. Also, wipers, indicators, heater won't work. What damage have I done?
Patrick Mcnally (Mayo)Mar 2017 Filed under: electrics
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
It's not easy to assess the damage from afar I'm afraid, so I'd suggest getting a good autoelectrician or mechanic out to have a look. It's possible that the ECU (engine control unit) has been damaged, but I'd also hope that has protection against such things built into it. Most likely there are fuses blown somewhere along the line. As I said, get someone to look at it for you and hope nothing expensive has been damaged.
Is all ok with this Nissan Qashqai?
Hi,
Can I please ask a question regarding a 2009 Nissan Qashqai 1.5 diesel we are considering buying. We are asked for €10,000 for it and it has only 62,000 miles on the clock and I'm just wondering if that can be correct. Can you tell me what questions should I be asking the garage? And when does the timing belt need to be changed? Just worried; it's such a lovely car, am I missing something?
Thanks Marie
Marie O Connell (Drogheda )Mar 2017 Filed under: mileage
Expert answer
Hi Marie,
The timing belt interval for the 1.5 dCi engine is every 120,000km or five years, so you would expect to see that this car will have had the belt changed in 2014 at the latest. As for the mileage, it’s certainly not impossible for a car to have covered only low miles, but if you have any concerns then get a history check done by a company such as Cartell.ie, and ask to have a look at all of the service stamps and records for the car. If any are missing, be suspicious. If it’s an original Irish market car, then check its previous NCT certificates, which should have recorded the mileage at each inspection.
Which new car on PCP for around €25k?
Hi, I am looking to buy a new car on PCP. Budget is around €25k. I have looked at family options like the Skoda Octavia, Volkswagen Golf and Mazda3. Also on my shortlist is the Audi A1. Can you please advise which of these is the best bet?
Please suggest any other car that I can look at.
Rahul Nair (Dublin)Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Rahul,
There are a lot of other options from the Ford Focus to the Toyota Auris to the Peugeot 308 to the Hyundai i30 to the Kia cee’d and Nissan Pulsar. Of the ones you’ve mentioned, the two that I’d pick from are the Skoda (huge inside, practical, reliable) and the Mazda (high quality cabin, ultra-reliable).
Relevant reviews: