Are electric cars a real option now?
Are electric cars a real option now? Looking to purchase a second hand car 2012 upwards. What do you think?
Paul Mccabe (Kilkenny)Jan 2016 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
Yes, and no. And a bit yes. It still depends on your lifestyle and driving habits. Lots of short journeys, mostly around town? Don't mind taking the time to plan long journeys carefully and be prepared to take breaks for charge ups?
Things are getting dramatically better though. Nissan has just updated the Leaf with a new 30kwh battery (read our review of it here) that extends its range to around 250km, which is a lot more useful, and if you're suitably loaded a Tesla Model S can go for 500km between charges.
If you're not quite ready to take the full electric car plunge, how about a plugin hybrid? Short hops under electric power with a petrol engine for longer journeys. Try the Volkswagen Golf GTE, Audi A3 e-tron, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV or a Volvo XC90 T8.
However, if you're looking for a second hand car, your options with electric power are severely limited, as sales have been slow so far.
I'm looking at buying a 2010-2011 Audi A6.
I'm looking at buying a 2010 or 2011 Audi A6. How reliable do they tend to be and is there anything in particular that I should look out for please?
Darren Colgan (Dublin)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Darren,
There aren't any major reported issues, but check to make sure that all the electrics are working properly and don't buy without a full service history.
Is this offer on a new Audi A4 worth going for?
Hi,
I am the owner of July 2011 Audi A4 2.0 TDI SE with 39,000 kilometres on the clock and metallic paint. The car is in pristine condition and has been regularly serviced at the local Audi dealership. On a trade in my local Audi dealer is requesting €25,000 in part payment for a new Audi A4 2.0 TDI SE with metallic paint. I should be grateful if you would advise me should I accept the offer?
Regards Martin
Martin Moran (Kiltimagh)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
Well, it's a little hard to tell without actually seeing your car and seeing the car you're buying. But, with values for 2011 Audi A4s hovering around the €20k mark (or a little less as a trade in) and assuming that the one you're buying is listed at about €40-45,000, then I'd say it sounds like a reasonable deal.
How much is my 2005 Audi A6 worth?
How much is my car worth? It's a 2005 Audi A6 in immaculate condition.
Shine Tom (Dublin)Jan 2016 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Tom,
Somewhere in the region of €5,500 I'd say.
How much to trade my Audi A6 for an Accord?
I'm thinking of changing my 2007 Audi A6 (123,000 miles) for a Honda Accord. What would I be expected to pay in a trade in for a 2010 car?
Neil Dempsey (Cork)Jan 2016 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Neil,
Well, your Audi is with circa €7,000 as a trade in, while a 2010 Accord should run you about €12-14k. So you'll have to finance about €6-7,000 to make up the gap, depending on the dealer and the history and condition of your car.
Which new exec diesel auto saloon to go for?
What compact exec would you choose in a diesel auto as a private buyer? BMW 320d M Sport, Audi A4 S tronic, Jaguar XE Portfolio or Mercedes-Benz C-Class? Or would you go with something cheaper like a Volkswagen Passat Highline DSG 190?
Andrew Kelly (Limerick)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Andrew,
Well, of the posh-badge brigade, my personal favourite is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class - it's supremely comfy, beautifully made and really satisfying to drive, but, to be honest, you couldn't go wrong with any of those cars, it really is down to personal taste.
Your other question is an interesting one though. If you can live without the posh badge, and aren't quite so worried about driving dynamics, then a Skoda Superb is pretty much unbeatable. Same mechanical make up as the Audi but far bigger and way better value. Try a Ford Mondeo or Mazda6 if you want something with a keen chassis or a Toyota Avensis if you never, ever want it to break.
Some relevant reviews for you:
Which big SUV to go for with €18,000?
What will be a good all-round SUV around €18K price mark? I need a seven-seater. Audi Q7 or BMW X5 etc.
John Navin (Navan)Dec 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi John,
The Q7 and BMW X5 would both be good choices, as would a Land Rover Discovery (although you'd definitely want to take out an aftermarket warranty on any of those three at that price level).
Better options are out there though. Volvo's XC90 is hugely spacious and built to last, but if you want something totally indestructible, track down a long wheelbase Toyota Land Cruiser.
Does my Audi A3 need an oil change?
I have an Audi A3 hatchback 1.4 petrol with only 5,500km on the clock, doing short trips. Bought the car in September 2014. Do I need an oil and filter change?
Frank Dodd (Dublin)Dec 2015 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi F D,
We'd recommend readers change their cars' oil and filter at least once a year regardless of mileage. Short hops are actually tougher on the engine (and its oil) as it does a lot of its driving when not fully warmed up.
Advice needed on Hyundai Santa Fe...
Advice needed on Hyundai Santa Fe. I'm currently changing my Audi A4 and trying to make a decision between the Hyundai Santa Fe (131 reg) and a BMW 520d (12 reg). It's going to be the family car and I currently drive approx 25k a year. So looking for something that running costs (i.e diesel costs) are at their minimum. In your opinion what would be the better choice?
Pamela Griffin (Fethard)Expert answer
Hi Pamela,
Unless you actually need the seven-seat layout of the Hyundai, I'd go for the BMW. It'll be much more affordable to run in terms of fuel costs (close to 60mpg versus more like 45mpg in the Hyundai) and cheaper to tax too. The only concern might be that the Hyundai would be more reliable than the BMW, pound for pound. If you're buying the Beemer with a full service history and a warranty though there shouldn't be any problems.
Should I go ahead with Audi A6 order?
Any advice about buying a new Audi A6 diesel in view of the current emissions scandal? Dealers are vague and evasive with answers.
Many thanks
PAT HIGGINS (ROSCOMMON)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Pat,
The dealers are, in fairness, being evasive because they don't have the full picture yet. None of us do, to be honest. However, there's no really good reason for not buying an A6. It's an excellent car, very frugal and lovely to drive, and beautifully built too. If it does turn out to be one of the cars on which the CO2 emissions and fuel consumption has been under-estimated, then you will be compensated for any gap - Volkswagen Group has promised that customers will not be out of pocket as a result of all this. So I'd say go ahead - cracking car.