HELPDESK:Answering all your motoring queries, with MICHAEL McALEER
From S Browne: I drive an ’05 Renault Scenic. I have two children – the oldest is five – and I need an estate. I prefer these to people carriers. I’m looking at getting something in the next year or so. Any advice? I will not be buying new.
There are several very strong candidates to recommend. The only problem with buying used is that there is a limited supply of estates on the Irish market, due to an inexplicable dislike for estate cars in Ireland. The good news is that dealers are now very aware of what’s on offer in the UK, where the estate is far more popular. Your local dealer will source you one if you ask.
Taking for granted that space is your prerequisite, followed by styling and an enjoyable drive, I would point you towards the following cars, ranked by budget.
At the top end would be a used Audi A6 estate. There are smaller models like the A4 or the BMW 3-Series but I suspect they make too much of a sacrifice of space for styling to meet your needs. For Scenic money you will be looking at an A6 that’s several years old.
The other recommendation is the iconic family estate: the Volvo V70. To get one for €15,000 or so, you’ll be looking at 2004 or 2005 at best.
If you want to aim for something a little newer, try to locate either a ’07 Citroen C5 estate or a VW Passat. The Citroen has so much room in the back it could double as a hearse. You should be able to strike a deal for about €15,000 for a 1.6-litre diesel version.
Closer to the Scenic price range would be the likes of the Kia C’eed estate and the Peugeot 307 estate. Yes, most of these hatchback variants don’t call themselves estates – preferring Touring or SW – but estates are what they are. For my money those would be the best options: older A6 or V70, C5 or Passat, C’eed, 307. Hope this helps.
From BI: I’ve had three Opels over the past decade and never had a problem with any of them. However, the recent news has me worried: is Opel going to survive? If not, what will happen to the parts and servicing of my car?
It’s a pertinent question. We are constantly reassured it’s “business as usual” at Opel and the problems resided with departing parent General Motors and in the US.
Opel went through tough times earlier this decade with a lacklustre model range – except for the Zafira – but the new Corsa and Insignia signal a remarkable shift in the quality and ability of the brand.
The only problem is that it’s not clear how much of this change comes courtesy of technical developments derived from the relationship with General Motors, and what might come from a new independent Opel. It’s also unclear where it will get the sizeable budget needed to keep a large mainstream research and development arm in operation without the economies of scale that were available under the umbrella of the American car giant. For example, the upcoming plug-in electric car from General Motors, due to be sold as the Ampera when wearing an Opel badge, is at the cutting edge of future car development. Could Opel have developed such a car under the ownership of the Russian-Canadian partnership now preparing to take it over? I would have my doubts.
The current survival plan owes much to the upcoming German elections in September and the political necessity to save jobs. When they are out of the way, we shall see what sort of restructuring programme is introduced. A smaller, leaner Opel brand is probably going to result from all the turmoil we’ve witnessed so far.
On a more practical level, I would not have any qualms about buying an Opel at present. For a start, the brand may be resized but I suspect it will survive in some form.
Even in the worst-case scenario, there are so many Opels still on the road that servicing, warranty and parts will continue to be offered by suppliers who know there is a market for their offerings.
Look at the fall of the Rover brand. It had a far smaller customer base but suppliers are still more than happy to supply parts because they know there is a market for them.
However, this is worst-case scenario and I don’t think Opel is one of the brands to pass away.