Looking for frugal, comfy, automatic car...
Hi, could you advise me? I am looking for a economical automatic car that is comfortable for long driving.
Thanks
Eileen
Eileen McCarthy (Tipperary)Mar 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Eileen,
A lot here depends on what kind of car, and indeed what size of car, you’re looking for. There’s a huge choice out there, and most models now have at least the option of an automatic gearbox. Overall, it’s as ever hard to get away from the trusty VW Golf in cases such as this. A 1.6 TDI diesel or 1.2 TSI petrol with the DSG automatic gearbox would seem ideal.
What could be causing this warning sound in my BMW?
The rear door is fully closed on my 2007 BMW 520i, but the warning still sounds. How do I stop it?
Hugh Gillespie (Donegal)Mar 2013 Filed under: electrics
Expert answer
Hi Hugh,
Odds are that this is being caused by the switch that operates the warning. Open the door and take a look for a spring-loaded switch and inspect it for damage. After that it's worth checking the wiring to it. Then it's probably best to consult a mechanic or auto-electrician.
Let us know how you get on
Where in Kerry can I buy a new Ford Fiesta?
Where in Kerry can I buy a Ford Fiesta 1.0-litre EcoBoost?
Fred Flynn (Killarney)Mar 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Fred,
Ford has two main dealers in Kerry itself — Killarney Autos Limited on Park Road in Killarney, and Kerry Motor Works at Mileheight in Tralee. There’s also Kelleher’s of Macroom, O’Brien’s in Mallow and Cavanaghs of Charleville if you’re willing to cross the border into Cork.
What's a good medium, auto SUV?
What's a good small/medium size SUV that has reasonable tax and fuel consumption, but is also automatic? It's for my wife so not a Nissan Qashqai, too common; Kia Sportage, build quality not too hot; and VW Touran is just too boring.
Any suggestions welcome, but has to be auto.
Eoin Heaney (Ennis)Mar 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Eoin,
Have you tried the new Peugeot 3008? Great-looking, good to drive and comes with an (optional) six-speed auto. The 1.2-litre 130hp petrol turbo engine is the one to go for. Alternatively, you could try and grab a run-out Skoda Yeti (always one of our favourites and built like a tank), or have a look at the Toyota C-HR Hybrid, which is striking to look at and really good to drive. Here are our relevant reviews:
Value of 2006 Toyota RAV4?
Value of a 2006 Toyota RAV4 auto with 23,000 miles on the clock please?
John Peart ( Dublin)Mar 2013 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi John,
It will depend on the condition and history, but in the region of €3,500 to €4,000.
Should I go for a Skoda to replace my Golf?
I currently drive a 2009 Volkswagen Golf and am looking for something a bit bigger. I'm six-foot five and my problem is that, with the driver's seat in the correct position for me, you cannot fit our rear facing baby seat, or the first forward facing seat behind me. The only option is to place them on the passenger side, which leaves my older daughter sitting behind me, with her knees in my back, resulting in pins and needles for her and and an uncomfortable drive for me. The other issue is that the frame of the buggy takes up all the boot space, leaving no space for the weekly shop, or for luggage etc. I know the Skoda Superb has miles of leg room, and boot space but are there any other cars I should be looking at? I have always driven diesel and would prefer to stick with it, so I think 2009 would be best in terms of tax and getting two years before the next NCT. A lot of the Skodas on Carzone.ie seem to have huge mileage; what would you consider excessive for a 2009 car?
John Maher (Ennis)Mar 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi John,
The Skoda Superb or Octavia would have been our first suggestions. The Octavia hasn't quite as much rear legroom as the Superb, but it's still better than the Golf's - and the boot is huge. High mileages on diesel Skodas are nothing to worry about so long as it has a proper service history and is in good order. Taxi drivers regularly do hundreds of thousands of kilometres. Avoid high mileage DSG automatic gearboxes, but otherwise they are really robust. So long as the history and price are good I'd not worry about buying one with over 150,000 kilometres on the clock.
One last thing to consider: if you do less than 20,000 kilometres a year a petrol car may suit you better. They're generally cheaper to buy and better suited to low mileage use. They're also quieter!
Hope that helps, but do come back to us if you need more assistance and have a budget in mind so we can narrow down the search for you.
Market value for a 2011 Skoda Superb?
Market value for a 2011 Skoda Superb Elegance automatic?
John Mc Donnell (Cork)Mar 2013 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi John,
A lot will depend on the condition and service history, but it should be worth in the region of €9-10,000 — maybe €7-8,000 as a trade-in.
Which luxury saloon for up to €30,000?
What would I buy for €30k max? Must be automatic, 2010 or newer, do 10,000km per year, preferely a saloon or SUV. I currently have a BMW 520d.
Paul Byrne (Drogheda)Feb 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
I’m tempted to say get another 520d — for the budget, they’re hard to beat. Well worth looking at an Audi A6 2.0 TDI as an alternative, though, and a Mercedes E 220d. Or a Jaguar XF if you’re feeling like a bigger change. Of course, what you could do is take that budget and spend it on a two-year-old Skoda Superb and get a fully-loaded version...
How economical is the Audi A4 Cabriolet?
What is the fuel consumption of a 2006 Audi A4 Cabriolet 1.8T petrol?
Shane Hennessy (Drogheda)Expert answer
Hi Shane,
The manual version uses 8.4 litres/100km (33.6mpg) and the automatic 8.5 litres/100km (33.2mpg).
Hope that helps
Tell me about the 2002-2008 Nissan Primera.
Where I can find the detailed specifications and differences between different models of Nissan Primera models between 2002-2008?
Jakub Nowak (Drogheda)Feb 2013 Filed under: optional extras
Expert answer
Hi Jakub,
Right, here’s what we’ve gleaned with a little help from Nissan and a dive into its archives…
There were basically two specifications of Primera from 2002 to 2008. The entry model was an SE, which came with a full colour display in the centre of the dash, trip computer, colour reversing camera (one of the first cars to deploy this tech, as I recall), climate control, power steering, front and rear electric windows, electric mirrors, height-and-lumbar adjustable driver's seat, CD player stereo with six speakers, ABS with EBD and brake assist, six airbags, front pretensioners for the seatbelts, remote central locking, alarm, 16-inch alloy wheels, front fogs, chrome door handles and body coloured mirrors.
The T-Spec model got all of that and added auto dimming rear view mirrors, auto wipers, leather trim, power and heated seats, steering wheel audio controls, premium audio system, active headrests, cruise control (for the 1.8 petrol model) and 17-inch alloys.