Do I pay VRT importing a Nissan Leaf EV?
I am planning to import a 2017 Nissan Leaf from the UKl do I need to pay VRT?
Raj Shah (Fermoy)Jun 2018 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Raj,
Technically, yes, you have to pay VRT, but actually no, you don’t. How it works is this — any car with CO2 emissions from 0-80g/km is in Band A1 for VRT, which means you have to pay 14 per cent of the Irish open market selling price. However, all electric vehicles are given a €5,000 rebate on their VRT, so as long as the 14 per cent doesn’t work out at more than €5,000, you won’t actually have to pay anything.
Electrical problems with my Nissan Qashqai...
In my 2007 Nissan Qashqai, the ABS and handbrake lights come on when driving, the steering goes light and km/h pin stops working. What's going on?
Ollie Brennan (Galway)May 2018 Filed under: electrics
Expert answer
Hi Ollie,
Sounds like a major issue with the wiring loom or engine control unit (ECU). It's a known issue with older examples and you might need to get the ECU re-programmed. Best bet is to get the car into a good mechanic to have a look at it.
What hybrid SUV will I go for now?
Hey guys,
Currently driving a Qashqai and looking to change to a hybrid, but local Nissan dealer said they won’t have hybrid Qashqais until 2020. What alternatives can you suggest please?
Thanks
Dara
Dara Weston (Dublin)May 2018 Filed under: hybrid
Expert answer
Hi Dara,
The best alternatives right now, assuming you want to stick to a crossover-style body, would be the Toyota C-HR Hybrid or the Kia Niro. Both are a fraction smaller inside than the Qashqai, but the Toyota in particular is very well made and really good to drive. The Kia can also be had as a super-efficient plugin hybrid, which is well worth a look if most of your mileage is done in town.
Nissan X-Trail or Hyundai ix35?
What would your choice be between a 2014 Nissan x-Trail 1.6 dCi and 2014 Hyundai ix35?
Jacqui Samuels (Pretoria)Mar 2018 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Jacqui,
I think, assuming price to be more or less the same, I’d go for the X-Trail. It’s a bit bigger than the Hyundai, can be had as a seven-seater (not all were, though, so make sure you check) and the 1.6 dCi diesel engine is a sweeter unit than Hyundai’s 1.7. Plus, and I know this is hardly the most important point, I think the X-Trail is nicer looking.
2014 Nissan Qashqai: how much VRT?
How much VRT should I expect to pay on a good spec 2014 Nissan Qashqai?
Paul Kelly (Limerick)Jan 2018 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
It will depend on the fine-grain spec of the car, but it should be in the region of €2,500.
Is a 1.0-litre engine ok for a family car?
Hi,
Just wondering if you have much knowledge or feedback on the new 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines? We are looking for a good reliable family car, but ideally want to go with petrol based on our mileage and daily driving routes. However, I am slightly nervous that a 1.0-litre might lack power and be very noisy or "revy" on motorway drives when travelling at greater speed. The sales people say these turbo engines feel more like a 1.6-litre. But then they are trying to sell so would be great to get some independent feeling on them in your experience. Any in particular you would recommend as there are not as many petrol options in family cars.
Many thanks, Peter
Peter Hogan (Limerick)Jan 2018 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
In this instance, the sales people are being entirely truthful — the new 1.0-litre turbo engines are indeed equivalent to an old 1.6 or even 1.8 engine in the way they drive. You certainly won’t find them too ‘revvy’ on the motorway, as the small turbo increases low-down torque and makes the car feel very relaxed and easy to drive. Certainly that’s true for the Volkswagen Group, Ford, Honda and Renault-Nissan engines anyway. The best ones to go for, in our experience, are the VW Golf or Skoda Octavia (both using the same engine, of course), the Honda Civic (which should be the most reliable in the long term) and the Ford Focus (which can be a little on the thirsty side). Read our reviews below for more detail:
Volkswagen Golf 1.0 TSI review
Is the diesel auto Kia Sportage good on fuel?
I now have a 1.2-litre petrol automatic 161 Nissan Qashqai and thinking at getting a 181 Kia Sportage 1.7-litre diesel auto. Will I be spending less on fuel?
Mark Crowley (Ennis)Jan 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
You’ll probably use a little less fuel, but overall you’re going to be spending more because of the cost of upgrading to what’s quite a pricey diesel version, especially with the automatic gearbox. Kia quotes official fuel economy for that model of 57mpg, but we’d expect to see more like 40-45mpg in real world conditions. That’s a little better than the Qashqai 1.2 petrol, but not very much better. If you want to do better on the economy front, consider dropping the automatic gearbox and getting a manual instead.
Looking for a reliable family car...
We are looking for some good options for a really reliable family car. Nothing too big as parking in the car park my wife works in is a nightmare as it is very tight. We were looking at a 2014 Nissan Qashqai+2, a 2015 Kia cee'd Sportswagon and might look at the Skoda Octavia. Insignia looks good but it's a monster of a size.
The Qashqai+2 seems expensive for a 2014 model. Would it be a waste? We do mileage of about 11k to 12k a year. Are the cars we looked at above the best options or what others would you recommend and best engine to go for? We want a really good boot and rear seat space for young kids with ISOFIX seating.
Thanks
Tomas Best (Dublin)Jan 2018 Filed under: family car
Expert answer
Hi Tomas,
The problem with the Qashqai+2 is that it’s the older model Qashqai, which is nowhere near as sophisticated as the current model. Do you really need the seven seats? If not, then I think that the Kia cee’d Sportswagon is a much better bet — bigger boot than the Qashqai, comfier and better to drive and with that seven-year warranty for peace of mind. A cracking choice.
Also well worth looking at the Octavia Combi and the VW Golf Estate, but make sure you’re going for a petrol engine with that mileage — you won’t need a diesel. Actually, with that in mind, the Toyota Auris Hybrid Sport Tourer estate is also well worth a look. Here are a few reviews to help you decide:
Should I swap my Nissan for a Mercedes?
Hi there,
Thinking of changing my car this year from a Nissan to possibly a Mercedes GLA or B-Class. Are they similar? Can you help me narrow down my decision; should I change or stick with Nissan?
Thanks in advance
Mary Murphy (Clare )Jan 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
Do you mean a Nissan Qashqai? The Mercedes GLA and B-Class are, although mechanically related, really quite different cars. The GLA is a compact crossover, similar in size to the Qashqai, but looking rather like a jacked-up A-Class hatchback. That said, it’s nice to drive, well made and very economical. The GLA 180 petrol or 180d diesel are the best models. The B-Class is a high-roofed five-seat MPV, a rival to the likes of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, and the Renault Scenic et al. Again, it’s no looker, but it’s not bad to drive, very roomy and again is well-made.
Compared to the Qashqai, they’re both of higher quality in the cabin and slightly sharper to drive, but the GLA is less roomy and the B-Class less stylish (to our eyes). And both will be more expensive to run, as Mercedes servicing costs are higher. Here are some relevant reviews to help you decide, but come back to us again if you need to:
Nissan Qashqai or Skoda Karoq?
Hi there
I’m trying to decide between the Nissan Qashqai and the new Skoda Karoq. Any advice for me please?
Thanks
Patrick Hogan (Galway )Jan 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
While both of these cars make for very good crossovers, having driven both it is the Skoda that feels like the more complete package. For me, the Skoda has a well-rounded look to it, and it has the advantage of being one of the newest cars in the segment. This is also true of the interior, where the Skoda easily surpasses the Nissan. Everything from layout to driving position and even the choice of materials used make the Karoq feel that bit nicer. Even shutting the doors on the Skoda gives a more reassuring thud.
When it comes to driving them, again, the Skoda seems better. The suspension, for example, rides the bumps and surface imperfections better whereas the Nissan can be slightly 'busier.' Nissan does have a good diesel offering as well as new petrol engines, but the same is true of the Skoda. On paper, the Karoq has a higher starting price, but Skoda starts its range with a higher level of standard spec, which is worth considering. The Karoq is likely to be in short supply during 2018, which may impact on delivery times. Nissan currently has some competitive offers, which may help sway you. Personally, I’d go with the Karoq. If you can get one...