How much should I get for a 2012 BMW 520d SE?
How much should I get for a 2012 BMW 520d SE on a trade in/private sale? It's in perfect condition, automatic, full leather interior, heated seats, parking sensors (front and back), electric folding mirrors, 55,000km, full service history and two years left of BMW service pack.
Thanks.
Michael Wall (Galway)Aug 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
I'd say, as a trade-in, you'll make somewhere in the high-thirties, probably €36 to €37k.
Is the Rover 75 automatic a good car?
Is the Rover 75 automatic a good car, mechanically?
John Griffin (County. Cavan. Ireland)Jul 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi John,
Only. If. You're. Very. Lucky.
Actually, they're not that bad - probably the best car that Rover ever built, but then you need to place that statement in the context of some of the build quality horrors they did turn out... And besides that, the youngest possible 75 turned 10 this year. The oldest ones are almost old enough to vote by now.
You need to watch for some specific problems. If it's got the 1.8 turbo petrol engine, avoid it - they overheat and do their head gaskets and at that point you may as well just throw the engine away. The 2.0-litre V6 petrol is lovely and smooth but complex and expensive to maintain. The BMW-sourced 2.0-litre diesel is the best powerplant, but it does develop turbo problems and they're heavy on the transmission. You also need to check for worn, saggy suspension and rusty brake pipes.
What do you think of this Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
Hi.
I want to buy a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Elegance automatic 2.7 CDI. First of all is it a good car? The lift pump is broken in the car I am looking at so when it gets to half tank it cuts off and it also have a malfunction of the light sensor. It has 173,000km on the clock.
Simon Hlati (Capetown)Jul 2015 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Simon,
If say it's best avoided. Mercedes E-Classes from that generation were notoriously troublesome and if this one is already giving bother then it's probably not going to stop even if you get those items fixed. Find one that's been cared for, with a proper service history, and you might be OK.
What is the towing capacity of the Toyota RAV4
What is the towing capacity of the Toyota RAV4 2.2?
Larry Farrell (Capetown)Jul 2015 Filed under: towing
Expert answer
Hi Larry,
It depends on whether the car in question has an automatic gearbox or a manual. The current 4x4 RAV4 powered by the 2.2-litre diesel engine has a maximum (braked trailer) capacity of 2,000kg with a manual gearbox, or 2,240kg with an automatic.
What is the market value of a 2012 Hyundai ix20?
What is the market value of a 2012 Hyundai ix20 auto?
Pat Hanley (Monaghan)Jul 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Pat,
In and around the €9,000 mark I would think.
Why won't my Ford Focus start?
Hi,
I'm having a problem starting my Ford Focus TDCi 1.8. It won't turn over, yet I have all electrical power on my dashboard. Had problem with this some weeks ago and had heater plugs replaced with new ones, which seemed to cure the problem for a week or so but a slow degradation in starting on mornings over the weeks and now nothing. Is this going to be a costly diagnosis?
Thanks in advance.
Stephen Blower (Barnsley)Jun 2015 Filed under: electrics
Expert answer
Hi Stephen,
If it won't turn over at all it sounds like the battery is flat (it takes a lot more charge to turn the engine than to light up the dashboard) or the starting motor has stopped working. As you mentioned slow degradation I'd suspect the battery, and perhaps the alternator isn't working to full efficiency. Best bet is to get a good mechanic or auto electrician to sort it out.
Are there forums to discuss a Volkswagen Golf issue?
Where will I find a forum in Ireland to ask Volkswagen Golf owners about problems they may have experienced? I have an auto hold problem that the garage cannot sort. Kind of my word against theirs problem that shows up only about 10 per cent of the time. Never there when you drive into the dealership... cracking up from it and cannot let anyone else drive the car.
Kevin Ryan (Limerick)Jun 2015 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Kevin,
There are a couple you can try, such as golfmk7.com or forums.vwvortex.com, but you need to be aware that the people on forums are not necessarily experts. Take any advice with some level of caution.
Your better bet is to sit on your dealer's head (metaphorically) to get the problem solved. It's not a case of their word against yours - don't take that kind of crap lying down. The garage's job is to sort your problem and you shouldn't pay a cent to them until the problem is fixed to your satisfaction. Quote the Sale Of Goods And Supply Of Services Act at them. They're the experts, so a shrug and a "we can't replicate the problem" isn't good enough.
If you're still having problems, tell us the name of the garage. Volkswagen Ireland guards its reputation for after-sales service fervently so it'll also be interested to hear about this.
Tell me more about BMW X1 pricing.
On the article about the new BMW X1 you recently published, are the prices you quoted for the automatic models?
Martin (Meath)Jun 2015 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
I assume you mean this BMW X1 story. The prices are for the auto only where it's indicated that auto is standard.
Hope that's clear
What small to medium auto car would suit me?
I need a medium/small automatic car with high seats, with air conditioning, mirrors that turn in when parking. What do you recommend?
Pauline Roberts (Dun Laoghaire)Jun 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Pauline,
I think your best bet is to go for a Honda Civic 1.4 EX with the CVT automatic transmission. High seats, lots of space, comfortable, frugal, reliable and yes it has standard folding electric mirrors in that spec.
How economical is the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake
How economical is the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake 1.6 petrol Urban model?
Caroline Conroy (Limerick)Expert answer
Hi Caroline,
The manual version of the CLA 180 Urban returns 51mpg (5.5 litres/100km) on the combined cycle. Our data seems to suggest that the DCT automatic model is the same.
In case you weren't aware, official 'combined cycle' figures are to be taken with a pinch of salt for most cars. This one would do well to top 40mpg by most drivers we reckon.
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