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Car guides

The thinking behind the answers: how to work out what you actually need, and how to run it once you have it.

Choosing a car

Work out what you need before you look at what is for sale.

How to choose a car: the six answers that actually decide itWho travels, what goes in the back, where it parks, how far in a day, what it tows and what you can spend. Six answers that cut 101 cars to a shortlist.8 min
Petrol, hybrid or electric: where the car sleeps decides itThe fuel choice comes down to two facts: where the car parks overnight and how far it goes in a day. Plus why a plug-in hybrid only pays if you plug it in.8 min
How much to spend on a car: the price is not the costWhat each budget band buys across a €16,500 to €85,000 list, and why depreciation and running costs can put €15,000 between two cars with the same sticker.7 min
SUV, hatchback or estate: choosing a body style that fits your lifeThe market sells SUVs. That is not the same as an SUV being right for you. What each body style does better, and what the extra height costs.8 min
How much boot do you need: turning a vague worry into a numberBoot volume here runs from 130 to 1,844 litres. What a litre figure hides, how to measure what you carry, and which number to shop on.7 min
Do you need all-wheel drive? Usually not, and here is the testAll-wheel drive helps you go, not stop. What it costs in weight and fuel, why tyres matter more, and the cases where it earns its place.8 min
Depreciation explained: the biggest cost of a new car, and the one nobody countsNew cars lose 8 to 19 per cent a year. On a 34,000 euro car that is 17,000 euro over five years. What drives the spread — and when it is a real cost.7 min

Running a car

Charging, towing, test drives, and what a car really costs once it is yours.

© 2026 DownTo1 Cars is a decision-support tool, not advice. Figures are indicative — confirm them with the manufacturer or dealer.

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