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Previously answered questions

New Honda Civic or VW Golf?

Hi,

I'm currently looking at 1.5 petrol Honda Civic or 1.5 Volkswagen Golf. Which would be the better choice? Doing mostly motorway miles, 15,000 per year. Also which one would have more room in the back for two kids?

Thanks.

Gavin Moran (Dublin )

Jun 2020 Filed under: choosing new car

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What to replace by Octavia RS TDI with?

Hi, I'm doing approx. 30,000km per year. I have a 2016 Octavia RS 2.0-litre TDI 184hp at the moment and am going to change over the next few months - pandemic allowing etc! What would you recommend? Are hybrids worth looking at for example?

Mark McNally (Galway)

May 2020 Filed under: choosing new car

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Is the Volkswagen Up suitable for me?

Hi there,

I'm looking to buy a newer car than my 2007 1.2 Renault Clio. I spend roughly half the week in a small city and the other half in a small country village, about 25 minutes from the nearest town. I do a short motorway trip about twice a week. I'd love something like a Volkswagen Up, but am worried this would be too small and lack enough power for my amount of driving, which is roughly 21,000km per year.

What would you advise?

Many thanks, Eimear.

Eimear Molloy (Kilkenny/Waterford)

May 2020 Filed under: choosing new car

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Thoughts on the Subaru XV 1.6 CVT?

Hi, your good work is much appreciated.

Every so often I take it into my mind to change what is by now a seven-year-old car. And when I do, a lot of questions come to mind and so my recent questions are on long term costs of hybrids (which seem to be taking over the market) and on the Hyundai Santa Fe. The latter I wouldn't really have considered, except I was in a dealership and was very taken by it. But on mature reflection, the cost of changing simply can't be justified.

Recently I came across material on the Subaru XV 1.6, which hadn't been on my radar, but which seems on paper to have a lot going for it. But I'm rather concerned about the CVT gearbox. There's an American mechanic on YouTube, who seems very experienced, who argues that this technology has yet to prove its long term reliability and that, after 60,000 miles, they can give rise to problems. Even Toyota, with its claim to excellence, has recently done a recall in the States to replace the transmission. Secondly, also there are conflicting views on whether the engine might be described as gutless. Anyway, that's where my researches have got me and I would very much welcome your views.

Thanks in advance

Philip

Philip Donegan (Ballina)

Mar 2019 Filed under: choosing new car

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Ford Galaxy or Hyundai Santa Fe?

Ford Galaxy or Hyundai Santa Fe? I have not been able to do test drives yet, but would appreciate your view as well. I need something to drive in the city as well as for family trips (kids are 4, 10, 12 and 14). I know kids would be happiest with a V-Class, but I need something for daily commute as well. Am trying to find the right type of car. SUVs are not large enough, MPVs seem a bit big and not as fun to drive (or perhaps not), while vans are only suitable for longer trips, I think.

Thank you.

Emir Cehajic (Sarajevo)

May 2020 Filed under: choosing new car

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Looking for Tesla Model 3 pricing info...

Hi there,

Can you tell me what the VRT for a new Tesla Model 3 (basic model) is please? Why is it €48,900 here whereas in the USA it is $35,000?! Any reason for this huge price difference?

Thanks and regards

Roisin

Roisin Keating (Firhouse, Dublin)

May 2020 Filed under: choosing new car

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Looking for a new estate car...

Hi,

I am looking for a new estate car and would like to hear your opinion. I have been driving an Octavia Combi (1.6-litre TDI diesel, Ambition) for the past six years. I do approx. 25,000km per year, not many of those on the motorway. I really like the Skoda but would prefer something with a little more power and spec. I am thinking a 2.0-litre diesel in a high spec and have my eye on a one-to -two-year-old Superb or Passat. Any advice when choosing between those two? Also, I see if I go maybe one year older I could get an Audi A4 Avant. Would the A4 be a better option for comfort/spec over the other two?

Interested to hear your opinion.

Thanks.

M Lowe (Carrick On Shannon)

May 2019 Filed under: choosing new car

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Which head-turning SUV to go for?

Selfishly, I would like a head-turning vehicle, that's a comfortable ride and stylish. Unselfishly, I need to consider older parents that can get into the vehicle fairly easily and be comfortable in the back. Prepared to pay for the luxury but looking for right choice. Don't drive many miles a year, with a mix of motorway and urban. Petrol or hybrid seems sensible option. Have looked at SUVs briefly including Macan and Maserati, but not sure these are best buys? Looking for recommendations for a nice sized vehicle for up to four people.

Michelle Morgan (Bromley)

Aug 2019 Filed under: choosing new car

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Is the Grand California available in USA?

Is the Volkswagen Grand California available in the States?

Robert Kennedy (Mcallen)

Jan 2020 Filed under: choosing new car

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Ford Fiesta Active or new Puma?

I am looking at getting a new car, something easy to get into. I have aFord Fiesta automatic (disabled driver) so was looking at an Active model or saving up a bit and going for the Puma (which I like the look of). Both will have to be automatic. Am looking at Fords first before I look at options.

Emmet K (Westmeath)

Mar 2020 Filed under: choosing new car

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4,964 Irish motoring queries answered to date

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