Is the new Nissan Note worth the money?
Is the new Nissan Note 1.2 SV worth the money?
Una McAllister (Dublin 24)Jan 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Una,
If you had said the old-shape Note, then I'd say yes. It was always a nice car to drive, and both spacious and reliable too. If you mean the new one, then no - it just feels cheap and built down to a price. Not a nice car at all. However, if you fancy something Nissan-y for a bargain price, then I have good news. Nissan Ireland is currently offering up to €4,000 trade-in bonus on the new Pulsar. Now, it's perhaps not the most exciting car on the road, but it's comfy, roomy, well-built and well-equipped. Definitely worth a look.
Further reading:
First Irish drive of the Nissan Note
First drive of the Nissan Pulsar
Is the Audi A3 Saloon bigger than the hatch?
Is the Audi A3 Saloon much larger than the Audi A3 three-door?
Frank D (Dublin)Jan 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi F D,
There are some small differences. The three-door A3 sits on 2,601mm wheelbase, while the A3 Sportback (the five-door hatch) has a 2,636mm wheelbase so there's a bit more room in the back. The A3 Saloon has a wheelbase that's fractionally longer again, at 2,637mm, but that's a negligible difference, so really, it has the same rear seat space as the Sportback. There's a significant difference in boot space though. Both hatchback versions come with a 380-litre boot, or a 340-litre one if you opt for quattro four-wheel drive (the rear diff has to go somewhere, after all). The saloon has a much bigger boot though, at 425 litres for the front-drive version or 390 litres for the quattro version.
Can you do a review on the Opel Insignia?
Can you do a review on the Opel Insignia?
Liam Mccarthy (Macroom)Dec 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Have you prices for SsangYong cars?
Have you heard of SsangYong Motor? There aren't any prices on www.ssangyong.ie
Sam Sary (Birr)Dec 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Sam,
We're not quite sure why SsangYong Ireland doesn't appear to have any prices on its site at the time of writing. Our latest information is for the following prices:
- Korando ES: €25,995
- Korando EL: €29,495
- Rexton W 'Limited Edition': €44,475
- Rexton W 'Limited Edition' auto: €48,184
Our drives of the cars:
BMW X3 or Audi Q5?
Which is a better compact diesel SUV: the Mercedes-Benz GLK 250, BMW X3 or the Audi Q3/5?
Sunil Khemani (Surrey)Nov 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Sunil,
I'd say the Audi Q5. The GLK is still left-hand drive only (or did you mean the smaller GLA?) and pretty ugly. While the BMW X3 has evolved into a really nice car, for my money, the latest round of updates to the Q5 have just nudged it in front. Slick to look at, slick to drive and very comfy inside. It's a belter.
What should I look out for on the Alfa 159?
Hi, could you please tell me what to look out for when buying an Alfa Romeo 159 estate - 2008/2009 model?
Ruairi Mc Carthy (Mullagh Co Cavan)Nov 2014 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Ruairi,
You're expecting me to say 'everything' aren't you?
Well, actually, 159s are pretty well built and when they do suffer from old-school Alfa flakiness, it tends to be more on a car-by-car basis. So the best trick is to talk to the previous owner. If the car gave them no major trouble, then it's probably a good 'un.
The critical check point is anything electric. Wiper motors are weak and the cruise control can freak out easily and take a good long test drive to make sure that the engine always delivers its power smoothly and consistently. If it doesn't then the ECU could be on the way out.
Finally, if the front tyres are showing signs of uneven wear, then the front suspension is out of alignment and needs sorting.
Best of luck
What spacious car should I replace my Kia Rio with?
I have a 2010 Kia Rio 1.4 diesel and I want to upgrade to a new car where I can fit my golf clubs in with ease. I do about 15-20,000km per year.
Any suggestions?
Laurie
Laurie Healy (Dublin)Nov 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Laurie,
Well, I'm assuming that, as you have a Rio, you won't want to see your price tag or running costs rise by too much, so how about a Skoda Fabia Combi estate? Similar in size and running costs to the Rio, but with a massive boot that should easily take your golf clubs (although you should bring them on the test drive to make sure they slot in OK - better safe than sorry).
If the Fabia is still too small and you want to stay within the Kia family, then what about a cee'd SW estate? Masses of space, frugal 1.6 diesel engine and you should get a decent deal on a one- to two-year old example, still with lots of that nice full-sized Kia warranty to run.
Let us know how you get on
Ford Fiesta or Hyundai i20 for €11,000?
I have up to €11,000 to spend on a 3/4-year-old car. I was thinking of either a Ford Fiesta or a Hyundai i20 - which is the better buy? And is it better to buy between now and Christmas, or wait until the New Year?
Pauline O'Donnell
Pauline O'Donnell (Dublin 12)Nov 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Pauline,
At that age, I'd put the Fiesta ahead of the Hyundai. It's better to drive by far, better looking too and barely any less well made or reliable. True, the Hyundai has that long warranty, but at four years old that's coming to an end, so the balance swings back to the Ford. Get the brilliant 1.25-litre petrol engine and I don't think you'll go too far wrong. Lots out there to choose from so be picky when it comes to history, condition and price.
The end of December is the quietest for used car sales in dealers so you could strike a good bargain if you go in there with a cash offer ready to drive away. The New Year could be a bit busier if you're buying through a franchise that also sells new cars.
Let us know how you get on
What mid-sze petrol car should my parents buy?
My elderly parents are in the market for a mid-sized hatch with a budget of around €22k, which seems to get them most brand's lower-mid trim models. A crossover they feel is too big for them despite me recommending the easier entry of the higher seats. They need a small petrol engine, as their mileage is low and will never reach a speed capable of clearing a DPF.
The question is what car? There is a really good range of options between Golf, i30, Focus, Pulsar, Auris and many others. What is the best all round option, and do you happen to know if any of them are easier to get into/out of than others?
Thanks
Shane Sheridan (Dublin)Nov 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Shane,
If it's a small petrol hatch you're looking for then I think the best options are either a Ford Focus with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo engine (the 100hp version is the sweetest) or either one of the three Volkswagen Group hatches (Golf, Skoda Octavia or SEAT Leon) with the brilliant 1.2 TSI turbo. Both engines, if driven gently, should yield close-to-diesel fuel economy.
Incidentally, your point about higher seats being easier to get in and out of for elderly drivers is well made. It might be worth checking out something nearly-new along the lines of a Golf Plus or Ford C-Max in that regard.
How reliable is the Smart Roadster Coupé?
How reliable is the Smart Roadster Coupé? I'm looking at one on Carzone here.
Marguerite Collins (Dublin)Nov 2014 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Marguerite,
Check all the electrical systems very carefully and when you take a test drive, let the engine sit and idle for a while with one eye on the temperature gauge - they've been known to suffer from static overheating issues. Check all the floors and carpets for any dampness (the roofs and the driver's door can leak) and make certain it has a full and complete service history; that little three-cylinder turbo engine is highly strung and needs careful maintenance. If it's been skimped on, walk away.