What is the cheapest 1.2 16v new car I can buy?
Hello,
What is the cheapest 1.2 16v new car I can buy?
Thanks
Mary Jones (Waterford)Jul 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
A Dacia Sandero 1.2 16v 75hp in its most basic Alternative trim can be snapped up for €9,990. Other than stumbling across an outrageous one-off discount, you're not going to get any new car cheaper than that.
Petrol or diesel for an imported Volvo V40?
I am looking at buying a Volvo V40 import from UK, but want to know should I go for petrol or diesel as I only do between 12,000- and 15,000 miles a year. I love the V40 D2 but probably not practical with the low mileage I do and I think the V40 petrol only comes in a 2.0-litre. would it be economical or would I be better just going for a Ford Focus EcoBoost instead? I know they are complete worlds apart but I don't want to get the V40 petrol if it will be costly to run either.
Mary Boyle (Belturbet)Jul 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Karena,
You're right on the edge for choosing between petrol and diesel. If those miles are mostly on the motorway then diesel may still make sense, but if they're mostly at low speeds then you're right in considering petrol.
Now, the Volvo V40 is a fine choice, but I'm not sure what year you're looking at, as the latest petrol models are powered by a relatively efficient turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine, badged either T2 or T3. The EcoBoost Focus is also a cracking car. Try to get a test drive in a few before you decide and come back to us if you need more assistance.
Nissan Pulsar or Leaf?
Hello,
Can you advise me please; I'm thinking of buying either a Nisssn Pulsar or Nissan Leaf. Which do you recommend?
Cheers,
Noel
Noel Powell (Dublin)Jul 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Noel,
I'm actually one of the (few) motoring writers who kind of likes the Pulsar - it's not in the slightest bit exciting but it's comfy, spacious, economical and OK to drive.
The Leaf is different - it's far more of a ground-breaking car and genuinely high-tech, plus of course there's the whole concept of it being entirely free from pollution and emissions at the local level. Buying one though does mean making sure that your driving pattern and lifestyle fit the Leaf's capabilities. With between 160- and 200km on a single charge being the absolute best you can get from it, it's still really only a car for those covering short journeys and mostly city mileage. Do you regularly take long journeys or spend a lot of time on the motorway? Then the Leaf, as yet, is not for you.
Read our review of the Nissan Pulsar here
Do I need an SUV for towing my horsebox on the motorway?
Hi, what SUV would you recommend for pulling a horsebox and also motorway driving? I do about 500 to 600km a week going up and down to Dublin a couple of times a week from the midlands so I need an SUV that is economical on diesel but also able to handle a horsebox.
Many thanks
Louise Fox (Dublin)Jul 2015 Filed under: towing
Expert answer
Hi Louise,
You don't necessarily need a 4x4 for that - a mid size estate car would do the job just as well. So, have a look at the following and see what you'd like: Mazda6 2.2d, Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi, Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI.
Or, if you really have to have a 4x4, check out the Hyundai Santa Fe, Audi Q5 or Nissan X-Trail.
Relevant reviews:
How does the new Toyota RAV4 compare to the new Honda CR-V?
Hi! What is my 2011 Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI with 103,000 kilometres on the clock, worth? And how does the new Toyota RAV4 compare to the new Honda CR-V?
Thank you
Joe. Limerick
Joe Franklin (Limerick)Jul 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
I'd say your Octavia is worth in and around €12,000. The RAV4 and the CR-V are not really direct rivals although there is some crossover of their price points.
The RAV4 is very nice, well made, decent to drive and very spacious, but the more expensive CR-V looks and feels appropriately more sophisticated.
Relevant reviews:
2015 Honda CR-V review (AWD)
Honda CR-V review (front-wheel drive)
Mazda3, Skoda Octavia or Toyota Corolla?
Hi guys.
I currently drive a Volkswagen Golf (2007) and am looking to upgrade to accommodate a growing family (two young kids). I've narrowed my selection down to Mazda3 (saloon), Skoda Octavia, or the Toyota Corolla. Space is a main concern.
Any advice?
Cheers, Ronan
Ronan Murphy (Carrigaline)Jun 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Ronan,
Go for the Octavia. The Mazda3 is nice to drive and incredibly reliable and the Corolla is about as reliable and unbreakable as a granite rock, but the Octavia has the best interior space and reliability is generally excellent, so go for that. Case in point: once spent two consecutive weekends hauling my young family from Dublin to Waterford to visit relatives. First weekend with a Ford S-Max, second with an Octavia (this would have been 2006) and the Octavia carried the same amount of luggage as the S-Max...
Relevant reviews:
Can you recommend a car for €10,000 for me?
My 2001 Hyundai Accent has failed the NCT so I need to buy a new car. I'm a mum of two and my husband drives a 2003 Toyota Verso. I have a budget of €10,000. Can you recommend a car to me?
Sharon Drummond (Galway)Jun 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Sharon,
€10,000 buys you an awful lot on the second hand market, but I'm assuming you want to stay within roughly the same size band as the Accent. So, your best bets are to go for a two-to three-year old small hatchback - think Toyota Yaris, Kia Rio, Honda Jazz, Hyundai i20 or Volkswagen Polo. The Kia or Hyundai are probably the best bets as they'll both have factory warranties left to run.
Relevant reviews:
Opel Astra Sports Tourer or Skoda Octavia Combi?
Opel Astra Sports Tourer against Skoda Octavia Combi: which is the better option? New 2015 models.
A O'brien (Longford)Jun 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi there,
I'd go for the Octavia. The boot is significantly bigger than that of the Astra's, and the Astra is also starting to feel its age a bit - there's an all-new model coming towards the end of the year, so the Octavia feels fresher and better to drive.
That said, there's absolutely nothing wrong with the Astra, and if, with that new model coming along, you can get a sharper deal on the Astra, there'd be nothing wrong with grabbing one.
Relevant reviews:
What's the Nissan Leaf like to drive?
What's the Nissan Leaf like to drive?
Gearoid Mcdermott (Cashel)Jun 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Gearoid,
It's really good to drive. The Leaf has a low centre of gravity, which helps it feel planted and reduces unwanted body movements so it's surprisingly fun in the corners. There's no steering feel and the brake feel takes getting used to but it's comfortable, quiet and the instant torque means it's also really quite fast by normal car standards.
If you've not driven an electric car before this will surprise you. Don't take our word for it though; go get a dealer test drive.
What will we replace our Kia Sportage with?
Hi, my wife is driving a 2013 Kia Sportage and is thinking of updating. What would you recommend?
Joe Malone (Dublin)Jun 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
Lots to choose from, but if she fancies another Sportage, then hang on for a year - there's an all-new model coming. You could consider a trade-up into the excellent new Kia Sorento, but that's a bigger, more expensive car. If you want to stick in the same size range (and stick with an SUV) then have a look at the Volkswagen Tiguan, Nissan Qashqai or Toyota RAV4.
Relevant reviews: