Expert answer

Hi Hazel,

If it's fitted, then there are “MAP” and “NAV” soft buttons under the touchscreen in the middle of the car.

This was generally only found on the Executive Plus versions and above, but all models feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can hook your phone up and use its built-in navigation app if you need to.

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Hi Peter,

Yes, the two electrical systems are separate, though the 12-volt battery is kept charged up by the drive battery when the car is 'turned on'. 

When the car is turned off, but you are using features that draw energy from the 12-volt battery, it will of course lose charge and the car monitors that and protects the battery by turning off completely. 

You could in theory add a suitable charger to allow use of the car as you are doing, or you could just have the car turned on every now and then when stationary to allow it top up the 12-volt battery automatically itself.

I'd be inclined to do the latter.

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Hi Ciara,

We need the CO₂ rating to determine the motor tax.

According to our data, that car's original CO₂ rating would have been 176g/km, but that was on the old "NEDC" system and when a car is imported into Ireland now its CO₂ figure is 'uplifted' by Revenue to align it with the newer WLTP scheme. Doing that would raise your ASX's rating to 197g/km, which would mean motor tax of €790 each year.

The importation paperwork should have shown which CO₂ rating the car now has according to Revenue so you can check it. If it's not the above figure, look up the motor tax on our Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained feature or come back to us if you have other questions.

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Hi Bernard,

Yes it does have both. The battery pre-conditioning is automatic and happens when using the built-in navigation to direct you to a DC fast charger.

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Hi Laima,

I'm afraid that's not a lot of information to go on. We like the look of the A-Class saloon, but some of its engines can be a little weedy and the dual-clutch automatic gearbox can be jerky, so make sure you take whichever car you're looking at for as long a test drive as possible before deciding for yourself.

Our review of the 2023 Mercedes A-Class hatch might be of help.

Expert answer

Hi Karla,

That budget is plenty to find a decent automatic runaround that's big enough for the two of you and relatively cheap to keep on the road.

A few models that are worth looking into:

Ford Fiesta: plentiful, reliable, inexpensive to maintain
Honda Jazz: not so common, but exceptionally reliable and very spacious (also badged the Honda Fit if a Japanese import)
Kia Picanto: you'd get quite a modern one for your budget, though they are smaller than the above cars, and again, not so plentiful
Mazda Demio: this is a Japanese import, badged the Mazda2 here – nice car

There are loads of other options of course, but those are good starting points to begin your search. Sites like Carzone.ie have good search filters to allow you to put in your budget and an automatic gearbox.

In terms of general tips, we'd give you the following advice:

1 – Prioritise the condition and service history of a car over its age and mileage.
2 – If you decide on a particular make and model that you like, seek out different examples of it from various sellers and test-drive as many as you can so you get a feel for which one 'feels' best.
3 – Don't view a car at night or in the rain as that can disguise issues with it.
4 – I would suggest that a diesel car would be a bad fit for you unless you spend a lot of time on the motorway every day covering long distances – they can come with higher maintenance costs.
5 – Make sure you get an insurance quote for any car you are considering before you commit to it.
6 – If at all possible, bring a friend or family member with you when looking at cars, preferably one that has a bit of experience in such things. It's quite a daunting thing to do on your own for the first time.
7 – Ask to see the paperwork on any car you're serious about before you talk about the price.

Hopefully all that is of help. Don't hesitate to send us another question if you'd like more assistance.

Expert answer

Hi Edel,

Not many cars have the same windscreen demister that Fords do, so you may have to compromise on that. Most at your budget will have heated seats and auto lights though.

You can afford a 2023 Audi Q3 with a manual gearbox and there are plenty around within budget whether you want a diesel or a petrol engine.

For the same price, you'd get a year newer Mazda CX-5, again with a manual gearbox if you want it, and the option of petrol or diesel power.

The Mazda will be the better-equipped of the two and the more enjoyable to drive.

Then it just comes down to which you prefer the look of (the Mazda wins that one hands down).

Expert answer

Hi Lyn,

We wouldn't worry massively about parts for those cars as they're freely available, and there are plenty of garages specialising in Japanese imports anyway.

Insurance is certainly something to look into before you commit to buying. You will definitely have to disclose that the car is a Japanese import, but that doesn't always automatically mean a higher insurance cost. Sometimes it does. Also, watch out for the fact that many Japanese imports do not have alarms or immobilisers – and that point can lead to higher insurance.

Expert answer

Hi Raymond,

Full details of the Irish lineup for the new Fiat Grande Panda have yet to be confirmed, but so far all versions revealed - fully electric and hybrid - are automatic.

Expert answer

Hi Mike,

Though some people still think there's a clearly defined difference between the terms all-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD), the truth is that that line has been blurred through the years and the terms are now used interchangeably by most people, and even by the car makers.

Originally, 4WD vehicles were those defined as having selectable four-wheel drive, usually with locking differentials and even low-range transfer cases. In comparison, AWD cars generally had automated systems that manage where the engine's output is going.

The BMW X3 is the latter, but I'd advise you not to get to caught up on strict definitions of AWD vs. 4WD.