Expert answer

Hi Tommy,

You've not mentioned if you need a big car or not, but you could get into a nearly new Dacia Jogger for that budget if space and seating are a priority. We reckon it's a good car.

There are plenty of examples of the Ford Puma around as well, though that's more a 'mild hybrid' than a full hybrid.

If you don't need a huge vehicle, then an almost-new Peugeot 208 Hybrid could be a good bet as it would be under warranty for quite some time to come – and it's a lovely car in any case. You may even get into the new-look Peugeot 308 Hybrid actually, which is a nicer car again.

Same story with the Nissan Juke Hybrid in terms of size. Quirky but very likeable.

If you want something bigger, and you're willing to go back a few years, you'll find hybrid versions of the Hyundai Tucson in budget, which is a great car.

Let us know if we're on the right track if you want help narrowing things down further, but either way, the best advice we can give you is to go and test drive as many cars as possible for yourself.

Expert answer

Hi Carol,

You'll struggle to get a premium-badge model from 2024 on for that budget so we'll focus on hybrid SUVs instead, which are plentiful.

In fact, if the year really matters to you, there are even a few new-car options open to you, including the Dacia Duster and MG ZS.

Go back to 2025 and others to consider are the Nissan Juke and Ford Puma, or you may find the more spacious Renault Arkana as well.

If size matters, you will probably have to go back to 2024, and an excellent choice would be the Nissan Qashqai e-Power, or even the Hyundai Kona Hybrid if you can find one.

Here are our reviews of those cars to help you decide, but do come back to us if you need help in narrowing things down further, and always take the time to test drive as many cars as you can yourself:

Dacia Duster Hybrid review

MG ZS Hybrid+ review

Nissan Juke Hybrid review

Ford Puma reviews

Renault Arkana reviews

Nissan Qashqai reviews

Hyundai Kona Hybrid review

Expert answer

Hi Tommy,

Assuming it is a normal 2016 Citroen Berlingo van that has been registered and used in Northern Ireland, you should not have to pay customs duty or Irish VAT, but you will have to pay VRT when registering it here.

The VRT will usually be based on Revenue's OMSP (Open Market Selling Price) for the van rather than what you paid for it. For most 2016 diesel Berlingo vans, I'd expect the rate to be 13.3 per cent of the OMSP, so probably somewhere in the region of €800-€1,200 depending on the exact model, mileage and condition.

Before buying, make sure the V5C shows NI registration/keeper history and check that it has an NI MOT/test history. If it was only brought into Northern Ireland from Great Britain by a dealer and was not previously in use in NI, Revenue may look for Windsor Framework/customs documentation, and the costs and paperwork could change significantly, potentially meaning you'd also have to pay VAT and import duty.

Expert answer

Hi Ron,

If you don't want the Honda or Toyota, then how about something from Nissan or Lexus? The X-Trail e-Power is a lovely SUV, but the only difficulty might be finding an all-wheel-drive one, as most of them sold were front-wheel drive only.

From Lexus, you could get into the luxurious RX for your budget, but it wouldn't be much newer than your existing car, so how about a Lexus NX instead?

Again, most are front-wheel drive, but we did find a few for sale with four-wheel drive, well within budget. Admittedly, the NX isn't quite as large as your Honda.

Lexus has a stellar reputation for reliability and quality, however.

Go and test drive a few options and come back to us if you want any more assistance.

Expert answer

Hi Margaret,

Both are fantastic cars, but the EV2 definitely has a higher 'hip point', meaning you sit higher up and it's easier to get in and out of it. The Kia is also a fraction more comfortable on the road.

But... if you like the Renault 5, you should really check out the Renault 4 EV as well, as you sit up higher in that and it shares a lot with the 5.

Either way, make sure you go and test drive both cars to get a feel for them - and we'd massively appreciate a (private) message via the Contact Us page to let us know which one you go for.

Expert answer

Hi Des,

You're not doing anything wrong. Most cars actually have a two-stage remote locking system confirmed by different flashing-light patterns. The second press activates the deadlocking, meaning the interior door handles cannot be used to open the car.

In some cars it's the other way around - the double-press deactivates the deadlocking.

Leave a side window open when you lock the car to test for yourself if the interior door handles are working when you press the fob once so you know for sure which way around the Opel logic is.

Expert answer

Hi Elaine,

Those cars are remarkably well-matched in terms of performance and interior space. They're both comfortable enough on the motorway and easy to drive around town as well. There's very little to choose between them.

While we do prefer the exterior appearance and interior design of the Dacia, the Opel does come with a longer warranty, so if you're planning on keeping the car for a long time that is certainly a factor to consider. Saying that, Dacia's cars are generally quite durable so we'd not be overly worried about it.

For us, the Duster just edges it, so I recommend you take both for as long a test drive as you can, including some motorway driving, to see which you prefer. 

And do us a favour - drop us a (private) message via the Contact Us page to let us know which you go for and why.

Expert answer

Hi John,

In terms of preference, I'd have a strong one for the Hyundai. It's a far more polished driving experience and it has a far more sensible interior layout that doesn't rely entirely on a touchscreen. Along with that, there's the back up of a full dealer network and Hyundai's strong warranty.

On paper, of course, the Tesla's stats are impressive as it's quicker accelerating, has a longer range on a charge and has a larger boot, but none of those things are enough to convince me it's the one to have in this comparison. 

Best advice I can offer is to go and test drive both for yourself and see what you think. Please do let us know what you think (in private) by submitting a message via the Contact Us page.

Expert answer

Hi Diana and thanks for this message.

I'm a little perplexed by it though as we quite strongly believe that hybrids are not electric cars and should not be classified as such. The latest SIMI figures on this page state a 52 per cent increase in the number of EV registrations, and that is indeed fully electric cars. That figure does not include hybrids of any sort.

Expert answer

Hi Laima,

I'm afraid that's not a lot of information to go on. We like the look of the A-Class saloon, but some of its engines can be a little weedy and the dual-clutch automatic gearbox can be jerky, so make sure you take whichever car you're looking at for as long a test drive as possible before deciding for yourself.

Our review of the 2023 Mercedes A-Class hatch might be of help.