New Peugeot 3008 or 141 Ford Kuga?
(a) New Peugeot 3008 or (b) 141 Ford Kuga - cost of (b) is €2,000 more?
Feb 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi John,
The current Kuga is a really nice car, and quite an underrated one I reckon. Still though, €2k is a heck of a lot of money and the 3008 is nice so why not go for that and spend the change on a cracking holiday or a new kitchen?
Further reading:
Have you reviewed the Peugeot 2008?
Have you done a review on the Peugeot 2008 1.4 HDi Active?
Mick O'Flynn (Kilkenny)Feb 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mick,
We've tested the Allure model, not the Active but here you go - the only difference is some bits and bobs of equipment: http://www.completecar.ie/testdrives/article/Peugeot/null/2008/600/2540
Toyota Auris or Hyundai i30?
Hi, could you tell me how much I should expect to get on a trade in on a 20007 Toyota Corolla? I want to go for a diesel; what do you think of a Toyota Auris or Hyundai i30?
Feb 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Eilish,
You should make around €6,500 to €7,000 on a trade in, assuming it's in top condition and has a full service history. If you're used to a Corolla, then the Auris will feel pretty familiar and it's not a bad car at all - comfy, spacious and very economical. The i30 feels a touch more sophisticated though, and is a little sweeter to drive.
Further reading:
Toyota Auris or Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo?
How would you rate the Toyota Auris against the Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo?
Frank Murphy (Cork )Feb 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Frank,
It's a totally different car - the Auris is a size bigger than either Fiesta or Polo, and much more spacious and refined than either. More expensive to buy, of course, as a result, but a good choice for those looking for pain-free, reliable motoring.
Relevant reviews:
What do you think of the Volkswagen Jetta?
What do you think of the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0-litre?
Thanks a million
Keith Browne (Cork )Feb 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Keith,
It's a long way from the most exciting car out there but actually I think the Jetta is a bit underrated. I ran one for a few months on a long-term test and it was comfy, frugal, spacious, practical and pretty decent to drive too. If you're being offered one at a sharp price, snap it up.
Skoda Yeti, Nissan Juke or Kia Sportage?
Can you compare the Skoda Yeti to Nissan Juke and Kia Sportage?
Mick O'Flynn (Kilkenny)Feb 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mick,
Well, there's a significant difference here in that the Juke is much smaller (and in fairness less expensive) than either the Yeti or Sportage. It's fun to drive too but to be honest I think its lack of rear seat and boot space counts it out here (though the 2015 model has a larger boot than before in two-wheel drive guise).
The Sportage is a good choice - good looking, high quality and with that long Kia warranty. But it's the Yeti we'd go for. It is well made, good to drive and massively practical.
Further reading:
Skoda Yeti vs. Fiat 500L Trekking twin test review
Should I change my Fiesta for a new petrol model?
I have an average mileage of 15,000km a year. I own a 2011 Ford Fiesta Zetec 1.6 diesel. I want to upgrade to a new Fiesta Titanium. Should I change to a petrol model based on my low mileage?
Feb 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Aoife,
I'd say you're just on the cusp of needing the diesel. It's probably down to what kind of mileage you do. If most of that 15,000km is driven on motorways or main roads then you could be just as well sticking with diesel. If you're mostly in town and suburbs, then it could be worth having a look at petrol.
Further reading:
Ford Fiesta review (1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol)
Nissan Qashqai or Hyundai Tucson?
1.5-litre diesel 2008 Nissan Qashqai or 2.0-litre diesel Hyundai Tuscon?
Feb 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Eva,
Actually, these are two quite different cars - the Tucson is a heftier vehicle. If we were comparing new Hyundai ix35 with new Qashqai then I'd have to give the nod to the Qashqai, but in the case of these older versions, I think the Hyundai just might shade it. It's bigger inside, with more space in the back seats and boot than the first generation Qashqai.
MINI One or Volvo C30?
I don't drive a lot and am trying to decide between a Volvo C30 1.8 petrol and a MINI One 1.6 petrol. The Volvo has been heavily discounted, but the annual tax is €750 vs €514 for the MINI. I've read that the Volvo is heavier on fuel costs and servicing vs the MINI. My heart would probably opt for the MINI for its looks alone, but the small size concerns me and I wonder how well it handles. I took it for a test drive, but it's hard to tell on such a short drive.
Declan O'Mahony (Dublin)Feb 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Declan,
Don't worry about the handling - MINIs are terrific to drive. Great fun. The C30 is perhaps a bit less so and Volvo parts and servicing have always been on the pricey side, but it's a much more practical car than the MINI, which is seriously short on space. Both are fine cars though, reliable too so it's a question of what you value more - space and comfort (Volvo) or driving fun (MINI).
Are the Volkswagen Golf BlueMotions really economical?
Need suggestions for a very economical used diesel. I currently have a 1.8 TDCi Ford Focus averaging about 50mpg. Are the BlueMotion Golfs actually getting high 60s to low 70s mpg?
Brian OC (Wexford)Feb 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Brian,
There's a serious, serious issue at the moment in the chasm between what the car makers claim you will get in economy terms from a car and what you actually get in real-world driving. There are changes to the official testing regime coming down the pipe, but the car makers are resisting that with all their lobbying might as it means that their CO2 ratings will go up too.
In the meantime, and this is based purely on personal experience, a Golf BlueMotion should get close to 60mpg in daily driving, and you may even crack the 65mpg mark, though 70mpg is probably not going to happen, being realistic.
Further reading: