What will I replace my Lexus GS with?
Hi, I currently drive a Lexus GS 300. I love it but the tax is too expensive. I have about €25k to spend and I was thinking of the Audi Q3, but it has to be automatic. Is there any other model you would suggest? My car is over 10 years old, so other car dealers are offering the scrappage deal. What would you suggest?
Cathal O'Donnell (Tara)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Cathal,
The Q3 is nice and all but the Q5 is definitely superior so perhaps think of going for a nearly-new Q5 instead of a brand new Q3? There is no official scrappage programme at the moment, but some car makers are offering self-funded scrappage deals - Opel, Nissan, Toyota and Ford among them. Audi isn’t though, so you may need to re-think your brand if you fancy a trade-in leg-up. That said, even with the tax, a Lexus is still a Lexus so you should get a decent trade-in offer.
How about the Opel Mokka for a new car?
Hi,
Thank you for your very prompt reply and your advice. The cee'd estate is that now known as the cee'd Sportswagon, right, available in TX and EX versions. Also, may I ask, is the Opel Mokka in the running with a very generous €4,500 scrappage allowance?
Thanks again, Anto
Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Anthony,
Yes, I quite like the Mokka and our ed, Shane, says that the one with the new 1.6 CDTi diesel engine is a cracker. That said, the cee'd would be a good bit more practical from a space point of view so you need to work out exactly what you need.
Further reading:
Should I replace my BMW 520d with an Audi A6?
I would like to know if you think the Audi A6 2.0-litre diesel 2014 model is a good car. I am in the market for this kind of car and currently drive a BMW 520d, but I don't know if I should go for the same again as I'm a bit worried about rear-wheel drive in the winter and because Audi is more competitive on price at the moment. I've driven an Audi and liked it but are there any problems I should know about?
Thanks.
Mike Ross (Dublin)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mike,
The A6 is a cracking choice - reliable, frugal, stylish and hugely comfy, but it's not as sweet to drive as the 5 Series. That said, it is more spacious and if you can track down an Avant estate you'll have one of the best looking cars around.
If you're concerned about driving on snow and ice there are two avenues you should explore, no matter which car you go for. One is to look into fitting either winter tyres (which you'll need to swap back over to normal tyres in the spring) or all-season tyres, such as the new 'CrossClimate' one from Michelin. Better again, go on a winter driving techniques course. BMW runs one at Rally School Ireland in Monaghan and the skills you'll learn there would get you through even the worst blizzard, no matter which set of your car's wheels are driven.
Further reading:
Help me spend €24,000 on a new car!
Hi, I bought my present car, a Mitsubishi Space Star 1.3 GLX petrol new 15 years ago, so it's long overdue replacing. Trouble is I haven't got a clue about choosing a new car and I need your advice.
The max price I wish to pay is €24,000 so I'm also chasing the best scrappage deal. I had a drive in the Hyundai ix35 and I like it but it has its drawbacks. However, the Nissan Qashqai is a non-contender for me as it has only an emergency spare wheel and the fifth passenger has to sit like riding a donkey with the big centre console protruding from the front.
What do you think I should go for? I'm thinking of looking at the Kia Sportage and Kia cee'd, but also the Nissan Pulsar and Peugeot 3008. I would be grateful for your advice.
Kind regards, Anto.
Anthony Kavanagh (Kilkenny)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Anthony,
The Pulsar or the cee'd would be the most sensible choices and both fall well within your budget. Both are reliable and decent to drive, and the Kia's not bad looking either. In fact, I reckon you should go for the estate version of the cee'd - it's one of the nicest, comfiest and most practical cars around.
Further reading to help you decide:
What's the tax on Nissan's X-Trail?
What car tax do you pay for a Nissan X-Trail automatic?
Paul Sheehan (Waterford)Mar 2015 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
If you mean the current model X-Trail, then you're looking at Band B1 (€270 per annum) or Band B2 (€280 per annum) depending on the spec of the car.
Have you read our review of the Nissan X-Trail?
Have you driven the Dacia Logan MCV?
Have you driven the Dacia Logan MCV?
Terence Hughes (Dublin)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai ix35 or Kia Sportage?
I had a test drive in the 1.5 diesel Nissan Qashqai, the 1.7 diesel Hyundai ix35 and the 1.7 Kia Sportage, all new; I want to get one but which is the best value for money and also the best resale?
Cheers
Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Jerry,
All three will have excellent resale values, but I'd say the Hyundai has a nose in front in that regard, as it's a big-selling model and the five-year warranty makes it a desirable second hand purchase.
Of the three, the Nissan is probably the best all-rounder when it comes to driving, the Hyundai is bigger and more spacious and the Kia is better looking (matter of opinion, I realise). It's worth noting though that both the Korean cars are up for replacement shortly wheras the Nissan is brand new and has more cutting edge technology.
Further reading:
Peugeot 2008 or Skoda Yeti?
Peugeot 2008 or Skoda Yeti?
Mick O'Flynn (Kilkenny)Feb 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mick,
Yeti. 2008 is nice, really nice in fact, but the Yeti remains one of the most impressive all-round cars we've ever driven.
Further reading:
I'd like a high up mid-size car that's reliable.
Hi, still trying to decide what type of midsize car to buy, one that is reliable, economical and good to drive and not too expensive, am looking at the 2010/11/12 range, average mileage. I like the height in a car, like the Kia Venga, but don't like it to drive. What do you think of the Dacia Sandero Stepway? Or any other suggestions would be appreciated.
Eva Brady (Westport Co. Mayo)Feb 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Eva,
The Stepway just isn't worth the extra money over the standard Sandero so avoid that. If you want something compact, with a bit of height that won't break the bank, track down a Suzuki SX4 hatchback. Good to drive, high-ish riding and ruggedly reliable too. We found a 2010 1.6 diesel for just over €10k.
Further reading:
Will a 'test drive' Ford B-Max be ok?
I want to buy a new Ford B-Max Titanium but the one they have is being used as a test drive car; should I order a new one?
Feb 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Jerry,
Nope, unless you're really fussy about yours being the first and only name in the logbook, I'd march right in there and snap it up. It's unlikely to have been abused, it will have tiny miles on the clock and you'll be able to get a significant discount from the new price. Get yourself a bargain.
Further reading: