When can I get hold of the new Volvo XC90?
Do you know if the new model Volvo XC90 will be here in January or is it more likely mid-2015? Also any idea what price level it will be? I would expect it to be more expensive than the current model but will they try and pitch it at BMW X5/Audi Q7?
Andrew Kelly (Limerick)Jul 2014 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Andrew,
We asked Volvo Ireland this for you and here's the response:
"The Volvo XC90 will be launched at the Paris Motor Show in early October 2014. We expect first deliveries of the car in early 2015.
We expect to have prices confirmed in time for the Paris Motor Show.
Please contact your local Volvo Dealer to be kept updated on the latest news.
There is also a link on our website to keep the customer updated on any XC90 information that gets released:
http://www.volvocars.com/ie/all-cars/all-new-volvo-xc90/pages/keep-me-updated.aspx"
Hope that helps
When do the clutch and flywheel need replacement in the Audi A6?
When will the flywheel and the cluch set have to be replaced in a 2010 Audi A6 2.0 TDI Avant?
Adam Brozynski (Swords)Jun 2014 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Adam,
We asked Audi Ireland this one and the response was as follows:
"There is no recommended change interval for these components. While they are classified as wear and tear items the rate at which replacement is required is based on a number of factors: driving style, annual mileage, urban/rural mix of mileage, vehicle load (passengers, luggage or trailer)"
Sorry to not have a definitive answer for you.
Timing belt or chain on my Audi A4?
2010 Audi A4 2.0 TDIe SE: timing belt or timing chain? How to find out ?
Sean Murphy (Swords)Jun 2014 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Sean,
We asked Audi in this case and it has a timing belt. The change interval should be shown in your user manual.
What should I look out for when buying used Audi A4 TDI?
What would be the main things to check if buying a 2009/2010 Audi A4 2.0 TDI?
Paul Gibbons (Dublin)Jun 2014 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
There are few reported problems with the current generation A4. The 2.0 TDI is a rugged well-proven engine so just check and make sure that its power delivery is smooth and consistent - there could be injector or turbo problems if it's hesitant or sluggish. Gearboxes can get a bit reluctant (although they rarely break) and check any S line models carefully for suspension or kerbing damage.
How much will VRT cost on this Audi A6?
What is the road tax on a 2008 Audi A6 2.0-litre 140hp? It's the facelifted model. Also, what would the VRT be on the same model? It has 92,000 miles on the clock, a manual gearbox and was first registered in December.
Cheers,
Sean
Sean Machale (Sligo)Jun 2014 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Sean,
The CO2 emissions of that model are 139g/km so the annual motor tax is going to cost you €280. VRT is much, much harder to calculate as it's down to the spec more than the year and mileage, and the mandarins of Revenue are famously arcane in their calculations. Prices for that model seem to hover around the €15,000 mark so, assuming Revenue accepts that as being the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP), then the VRT would be 19 per cent of that, which is €2,850.
Please don't take that as gospel though!
Is this Audi A3 Sportback too cheap?
Is €19,500 too inexpensive for 2012 Audi A3 automatic Sportback with 95,000km on it?
Paul Cafferkey (Westport)Jun 2014 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
That seems slightly low alright, but it depends on where you're buying it from. If it's a private sale, then it's probably on the money. If it's from a dealer, then it's about €2k underpriced and you might need to be a bit cautious. Ask if you can get an AA inspection of the car done (also a good idea if it's a private sale). If the vendor baulks or tries to come up with some excuse, then walk away.
What's the Lexus CT 200h like?
What do you think of the 2012 Lexus CT 200h? What about resale value?
Thanks
Ann Joyce (Galway)May 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Ann,
I'm afraid the CT 200h's residual values aren't that great. The general buying public is still a bit suspicious of hybrids (the popularity of the Prius notwithstanding) and the CT's poor day-to-day fuel consumption marks it down relative to the likes of the rival BMW 1 Series and Audi A3.
It's also quite cramped inside, with tiny rear seats and an almost useless boot. If you're looking for a classy small hatch, better stick with the Audi A3 or save yourself even more and get a nicely specified Volkswagen Golf.
What should I replace my Mercedes E-Class with?
I have a 2006 Mercedes-Benz E 200 Elegance Kompressor auto petrol and want to change for something more economical and with much lower tax. Was thinking of a BMW 320d auto or Audi A4 auto diesel. Would I get 2012 in either for €20,000 with my own? I really like the Citroen C4 Picasso diesel auto too but am worried about resale value. Any advice?
Thanks a lot.
Ann Joyce (Galway)May 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Ann,
Yeah, you might just scrape into a 2012 model in either car but to be fair, though rolling back to a 2011 or even a 2010 (assuming that condition and history are OK) isn't really going to be any hardship. As for the C4 Picasso, well it's a very, very different type of car altogether - a big, spacious family MPV rather than a low-slung sports saloon. They're nice and comfy, but won't be as well built as either of the German cars.
If it were our choice to make, we'd go with the Audi - comfy, decent to drive and reliable.
Audi Q5 or Hyundai Santa Fe?
I am looking for a four-wheel drive SUV that is three years old. Running costs and road tax are concerns: would you recommend an Audi Q5 or Hyundai Sante Fe?
William Neale (Dublin)May 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi William,
Two excellent choices there. If it was the new-shape Santa Fe you were looking at we'd recommend that without hesitation. As it's the older shape one though you need to think a little more carefully, as its CO2 emissions are on the high side these days. In that sense the Q5, in spite of being more expensive and smaller inside, is possibly the better choice.
Let us know how you get on
Should I go for 1.6- or 1.9-litre TDI Audi A3?
Hi,
I'm looking to buy an Audi A3 diesel, changing from a 2003 petrol Toyota Corolla. I would like to go up perhaps five to six years. There seems to be a lot more 1.9 TDI engines around than 1.6, which was what I had thought I would go for. Would you be able to tell me if there is much difference in mpg between them? I would do a good bit of driving per week and I want something that's more fuel efficient.
Jacinta Woods (Ennis)Apr 2014 Filed under: diesel
Expert answer
Hi Jacinta,
Essentially the old 1.9 TDI Pump Düse engine is just a bit less sophisticated than the newer, cleaner 1.6 TDI common rail engine. That said it's still pretty economical and while you could potentially get 60mpg from the 1.6 you should pretty easily get low-fifties-mpg from the 1.9.