Which 3.0 diesel to replace my Audi A6 with?
I'm replacing my Audi A6 in Jan. Hoping to upgrade to new 3.0 diesel from my 2.0 TDI S line model. Any other cars you'd recommend checking out instead?
Anthony Quinn (Ratoath)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Anthony,
It depends on the year of your current A6, but while there's not a huge jump in emissions by going for the V6 TDI, there is a big jump in price so it's certainly not going to be cheap. Others well worth considering are the incoming new BMW 5 Series with the 530d engine (or consider arguing yourself a good deal on a runout current shape model), the excellent new-shape Mercedes-Benz E 350 d or the Jaguar XF 3.0 V6 D. Test drives below to tease you further...
Audi A5 Sportback or BMW 4 Series Coupe?
I really like the look of the new Audi A5 Sportback. Would you have it over the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe? Thinking 2.0-litre diesel for a '171' plate.
Peter Boyle (Dublin 4)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
Sounds like an excellent choice. Our Editor, Shane, has driven the Sportback on its international launch recently and rates it. The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is a little sharper to drive, but the new A5 has caught up some in the dynamic stakes, added to which it's truly gorgeous inside and out. Here are links to his test drives:
What's the point of stop-start?
Whats the point of stop-start when your Volkswagen/Audi diesel is doing probably 60mpg? Is this just making a problem that isn't there or just another cost to the consumer?
John Craven (Blackpool,lancs)Expert answer
Hi John,
No, it’s not just another cost to the consumer. Stop-start systems are designed to prevent the car from running the engine unnecessarily at standstill when doing so would be at its most wasteful of fuel. After all, if you’re not moving then what is the point in having the engine on? Stop-start systems are specially designed with either a beefed-up alternator or an integrated starter/generator so that it can handle multiple stops and restarts in rapid succession, and it’s estimated that on an average car, stop-start can save as much as ten per cent of overall fuel consumption – not to be sniffed at, never mind the benefits to city-centre air quality.
Admittedly, the car makers have brought in stop-start to bring their cars' official CO2 and fuel consumption figures down, and the benefits are only really felt if you are stopping and starting regularly. If you spend all your driving time on the motorway then you won't use the system at all.
Audi S3 or Mercedes C-Class - both cabriolets?
Hi,
Could I ask you to compare the Audi S3 Cabriolet with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet for about the same money? Both are quality cars. The Mercedes possibly more polished and stylish. The Audi has four-wheel drive, is faster and smaller.
Thank you, Philip
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
You’ve pretty much summed it up there. I guess it depends where your priorities lie – performance or comfort. There’s no doubting the sheer thrust of the 300hp Audi, but I would suggest that if it’s performance you crave, skip the Cabriolet and buy the Saloon, which is much better to drive. If it’s the open top that you fancy, then go for the Mercedes, forget about performance (although the Merc is hardly a slouch in that regard) and instead revel in the comfort.
Read our Audi S3 Cabriolet review
Merc GLA, Audi A3, BMW 1 Series or new Golf?
I have just moved to Luxembourg for two years I am looking for a new car (it has to be new), 2.0-litre or close to it. Looking for a two-year lease deal or wondering about buying Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi A3, Volkswagen Golf or 1 Series BMW. Relative to Ireland, which car is best value to buy?
Brendan McDonagh (Luxembourg)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
Well, bearing in mind we have literally no idea what the market or running costs are like in Luxembourg, we reckon that a 2.0-litre Golf sounds like the best option there, especially if funds would stretch to either a GTI or GTD.
Read our Mercedes-Benz GLA review here
Read our Audi A3 Saloon review here
Read our Volkswagen Golf GTI review here
Any advice on family estate cars?
Any advice on family estate cars? Around a €12k budget, covering about 15,000km per year. Anything to particularity avoid?
Jim O'Neill (Carlow)Sep 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Jim,
Nothing to avoid, in particular, but lots of good ones to try out. Start with a Mazda6 Tourer, or a Ford Mondeo Estate, or a Skoda Superb Combi. If you want to save a bit of money (but not compromise on space) go for a Skoda Octavia Combi, if you want something with a bit of class go for an Audi A6 Avant (pricey but the 2.0-litre TDI keeps running costs down).
How often do I change my Audi A4's belt?
Hi,
How often does a 2010 Audi A4 2.0 TDI 140hp timing belt should be changed?
Thanks
Edita
Edita Len (Enfield )Sep 2016 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Edita,
It needs to be done every five years or 120,000km, whichever is sooner.
I'd like a classy five-seat commercial please...
Hey!
I'm in the market for a new executive commercial vehicle - but it needs to have five seats. Loophole a go go... The obvious choice is the Land Rover Discovery, but I understand they are being phased out and so my leasing company won't offer it as an option. Things like an L200 / Ranger / Hilux / Navara are a little TOO commercial for my tastes...
The Pajero Executive is nice, but the equipment, engine and layout all seem older than I am. The Touareg is a nice bus, but seems expensive compared to the rest and I've heard so-so reports in terms of value for money. Any ideas what else I should look for? Do Volvo / BMW / Audi do a five-seater that classes as commercial?
Al The Commercial Vehicle Looking Guy (Dublin)Sep 2016 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Al,
BMW, Audi and Mercedes don't do an in-house commercial option, but you can get an aftermarket conversion, of course.
One option worth looking at is the Jeep Grand Cherokee. A really nice car, good to drive and Agnelli Motors on the Naas Road in Dublin do a five-seat commercial conversion with prices starting around the €45k mark.
There's also the Toyota Land Cruiser 'Business' model, but it's a bit more expensive, at €57k. Utterly indestructible though and hugely comfortable.
Just make sure you've properly taxed it if you're planning on using it for domestic or family motoring as the fines for using a commercially taxed vehicle for that are pretty stiff.
Any Irish pricing for the Alfa Romeo Giulia?
Any idea on when prices for the Alfa Romeo Giulia will be announced for the Irish market?
Regards
Troy
Troy Quaine (Cork)Aug 2016 Filed under: pricing
Expert answer
Hi Troy,
We’ve had no official word as yet, but you could do a lot worse than take a glance at the prices for a BMW 320d or an Audi A4 2.0 TDI 190hp and hazard a guess from there…
Which premium coupe will I go for?
Hi guys,
Would really like a nice coupe. Trying to decide between Audi A5, BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Any thoughts?
Joe Carlyle (Dublin )Aug 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
Each has its own charms, really. The 3 Series is an obvious choice – handsome, practical and really good to drive, but you might find the ride a bit too rough at times. The A5 is hugely handsome, has a terrific interior but it’s a bit dull from behind the wheel. I’d go for the C-Class. Not quite as obviously handsome as the other two, but it’s terrific to drive, and really well put together.