I am looking at buying a car in the next few months.

I am looking at buying a car in the next few months.

Hi,

I am looking at buying a car in the next few months. The three cars I am thinking of buying are the Kia Sportage, Nissan Qashqai and Ford Focus. My budget is €25k max, I don't mind getting a car that's up to a year old. My biggest fear with the Qashqai/Sportage is that their drive quality is not as good, they are not as reliable or the mpg is a lot worse than the Focus, but maybe I am wrong? I know the Sportage is changing next year but could this mean I would get a better deal? I expect to be doing a mixture of motorway and rural road driving and doing 12,000 miles a year. I also expect to hold onto this car for six years.

Thanks

Our answer:

Hi Joe,

OK, I see what you're getting at. I think I can allay your fears - a current shape Qashqai is almost as good to drive as a Ford Focus and with the 1.5 dCi engine is just as economical. You should expect at least 50mpg on average. 
 
The Sportage isn't quite as nice to drive but it's bigger and roomier and, as you point out, there's a new one coming so you should be able to get some sharp deals. Worth considering definitely.

Don't discount the Focus entirely though. It's still a cracking car to drive and very reliable, but it will lack cabin space compared to the other too. 

Shane O'Donoghue

Have a motoring question? Ask us here!

Ask us anything motoring related and please provide as much information as possible so we can give you the most accurate advice.

For more information please read our privacy policy.