Can I get an automatic Dacia Duster?
I am looking for a Dacia Duster automatic. Is it possible to get one new or second hand?
Jim Mcsweeney (Limerickj)Mar 2017 Filed under: automatic
Expert answer
Hi Jim,
No, it's not. The Duster hasn't yet been offered with an automatic option in Ireland. It is available in Europe, so you could think about importing a left-hand-drive one, or wait and hope it arrives here soon.
Thinking of buying a classic American car...
Thinking of buying a classic American car, but don't know what I'm doing or where to have it looked after. I'm in North London.
John Stock (London)Feb 2017 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi John,
OK, well I have a few bits of good news for you. First off, there are lots and lots of classic American cars to choose from that are already on this side of the Atlantic. Whether it’s a Mustang or BelAir, Corvette or Chrysler that you fancy, chances are you can find one without going the import route.
The second thing is that there is excellent spares and parts backup for most of the major models, and you can get yourself off to a good start by joining the Classic American Auto Club or similar.
The final bit of good news is that, being based in London, you are positively surrounded by major classic car dealers and experts, many of whom will have American cars in stock. Maybe start with someone like Classic Chrome in Mortlake and see how you get on.
I'm looking for a high-up diesel auto...
Currently driving a Peugeot 2008 diesel automatic. Love it, but need a slightly higher car again - still diesel automatic. My passenger has a disability and needs easier access. Don't need larger car just higher car. I like the Ford EcoSport, but the diesel version is not automatic. It appears slightly higher than the 2008. Something along that line and price bracket would suit me if it were available. Otherwise I will have to return to a Peugeot 3008 diesel automatic, which I had some years ago, but felt it was too large. Did not have to take disabled passenger at that stage.
Yvonne O'Dwyer (Kilkenny)Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Yvonne,
It’s going to be very hard to find a car that’s taller but not bigger overall. Most car makers cluster around the same size and dimensions within a given class, so unless you go for a larger car altogether, you’re unlikely to find anything else that is more than a few millimetres different either way.
Your best bet might be to have a look at the Opel Mokka X, which is similarly sized to the 2008, but a little bit higher in its ride height. Why not go and check out out and see if it suits?
Relevant reviews:
Nissan Pulsar or Skoda Rapid Spaceback?
We are looking for an automatic that will be our family car for the future. We are talking two kids in the back and a dog in the trunk when we go on trips. It's all about practicality for us, the car is for transport not for joy rides.
So far we have been looking at the Nissan Pulsar XE and the Skoda Rapid - and here probably the Spaceback to give the dog a bit more head room. But then it comes to features we aren't too picky, but we do want air conditioning.
So as the price difference between the Pulsar EX and the Spaceback Ambition is rather small, we are torn and would be grateful for some pointers.
Susann Burnell (Dublin)Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Susann,
The Rapid Spaceback is a decent car, but it’s actually quite small, and just a bit cheap-feeling, inside. In this instance, I’d advise you to go for the Pulsar. Not the most exciting car by a long chalk, but it’s roomy, well made and very comfortable. Here are our relevant reviews:
Would you recommend the Merc E 200?
Hi, I'm looking at an E-Class Mercedes-Benz 200, automatic, 151; would you recommend this car?
Regards
Chris
Chris Mulcahy (Cork)Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Chris,
No. The E 200 is, to be honest, a bit too underpowered. We’d recommend, if you can find one, getting hold of the more powerful (and no less frugal) E 220 CDI diesel. Both models are good for reliability, comfort and space, however.
Tell me more about the new Audi Q5.
Hi, do you know if the new Audi Q5 will be sold in 190hp diesel, automatic with front-wheel drive or will they be quattro only with this engine/gearbox combination? Is the quattro permanent or part time or how does it work?
Many thanks...
Pwh, Galway
Pat Higgens (Galway)Jan 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Pat,
For the moment, the 190hp engine is only available with the S tronic automatic transmission and quattro four-wheel drive, but we'd expect a front-drive version to become available in due course. In the Q5, the quattro system does drive all the wheels, but if it doesn't detect any slippage, it will reduce power to the rear wheels in order to save fuel.
How reliable is the Volkswagen Tiguan?
How is the Volkswagen Tiguan rated for quality and reliability?
Patrick Reilly (Dublin 13)Jan 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
If you mean the current model, then I’m afraid it’s a little too early for us to tell, as it hasn’t been around long enough yet for any major reliability issues to shake out and all cars would still be under warranty. We’d be surprised if it has suffered anything major, though – it seems very well built.
The older model is also very well built, but you need to check for sticking exterior door handles, trouble with the diesel particulate filter (DPF), faulty electronic handbrakes, dodgy stability control modules, leaky sunroofs and excessive front brake wear. If it has the DSG automatic gearbox, you also need to check and make sure that it has been properly serviced, and on time, because it’s a complex piece of equipment that needs careful looking after.
Automatic Hyundai ix35: higher tax?
Hello, in your review of the Hyundai ix35 CRDi 2.0-litre on November 24, 2010 you state that the CO2 emissions are 147g/km. I have bought that model registered in 2011 and the emissions are 187g/km on the reg. cert resulting in much higher road tax.
Can you explain the difference please?
Thank you
Seamus Hennessy (Tipperary)Jan 2017 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Seamus,
By any chance is yours the automatic version, with the larger 18-inch wheels? We tested the manual gearbox version that did indeed at the time have a CO2 emissions rating of 147g/km, whereas the automatic model, with four-wheel drive, was rated at above 180g/km.
Tech specs for the 2012 Honda Fit Hybrid?
Technical specifications for 2012 Honda Fit 1.5 automatic hybrid?
Zhivko Stoyanov (Laytown )Jan 2017 Filed under: hybrid
Expert answer
Hi Zhivko,
The Fit (known to us as the Jazz) Hybrid was never officially sold here, but the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) specs for the that model are 98hp, 167Nm of torque, top speed 174km/h, 12-second 0-100km/h, 3.8 litres/100km (or 73.5mpg) and 104g/km of CO2.
Any problems with the Hyundai Tucson auto?
Hi,
I am wondering whether there is any known or recurring problems with the automatic Hyundai Tucson?
Thanks
Tom Barry (Laytown )Jan 2017 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Tom,
None of which we’re aware, mostly because the Tucson is too new a model (we presume you’re talking about the current version) for there to be any data on common issues. Hyundais all come with an unlimited mileage five-year warranty though, so any issues that do arise should be sorted pretty easily.
If it’s the older model of Tucson that you’re looking at, it was also enormously reliable with very few reported issues (mostly to do with the stereo system and the fuel gauge, oddly) so as long as you buy one with a full service history, I wouldn’t have any worries there either.