Start-stop issues with my Tucson...
Hi.
I have a 2017 Hyundai Tucson and the auto stop-start button has a light on it at startup and the light on the dash is amber permanently. When I press the stop-start button nothing happens, the light remains on. None of the stop-start functions have worked for a while but I put that down to not driving a lot during lockdown. I’m now beginning to suspect there is a fault.
Justina Plaxton (Hull)Mar 2021 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Justina,
Start-stop issues are common with a lot of cars and we get many queries about it. If your car is not being used much right now, then the battery may not be in great condition and that's a leading reason for stop-start problems. It could be something else of course. Your car should still be under warranty if you want to talk to your Hyundai dealer about it.
In the meantime, read Why won't my car's stop-start system work? on the subject.
Looking for outright comfort in a car...
I am trying to identify the car that will provide the best possible ride quality for my wife who suffers from chronic pain due to multiple injuries.
So far she has found an Audi A3 and Audi A4 too hard, a Mercedes A 220 much better but with a seat that pushes her neck forward, a Volvo V40 R-Design with the best seat for her so far but too harsh a ride.
Perhaps you cannot say precisely what brand and model of car might be more suitable but the factors that overall might offer the best solution. Under consideration at the moment are a Volvo XC40 or XC60 and a Subaru Forester.
Thanks.
Seamus - Dublin 14
Seamus Connolly (Dublin 14)Mar 2021 Filed under: comfort
Expert answer
Hi Seamus,
This is obviously a tricky decision, and we wish your wife all the best in coping with this. When it comes to ride quality, the most important factors are the stiffness, overall, of the suspension, the size of the wheels, and the sidewall depth of the tyres. Basically, smaller wheels and normal suspension is the rule of thumb if you’re trying to get a car with a soft ride quality.
SUVs are actually generally quite bad for ride quality. That sounds counter-intuitive, because of course they’re taller and have longer-travel suspension, but the problem is that the springs and dampers have to be stiffened up to prevent the higher centre of gravity from inducing too much body roll. I would therefore suggest that keeping away from SUVs would be a good bet.
That said, the Subaru Forester you’ve mentioned below does indeed have a soft ride quality, again as long as you avoid the larger alloy wheel options. Ditto the smaller Subaru XV, which is helpfully lower to the ground and can get away with slightly softer suspension rates. Citroen, of course, is famed for having pillowy-soft ride quality, and the current C5 Aircross is pretty soft and springy, and has great seats into the bargain. You should definitely look at a Toyota Camry as well (very soft, and again with great seats) and the Skoda Superb.
Avoid anything that has a sporty designation (S line, R-Line, M Sport etc) as that will almost automatically have stiffer springs and bigger wheels.
Hope that helps. Below are links to our reviews of the cars mentioned above:
Is a write-off still under warranty?
I bought a 2019 Citroen Dispatch Van in the UK with 6,000 miles on it. Had light frontal damage (a wing and a headlight), but was recorded as a category S. I bought the wing and headlamp off Citroen and got the vehicle repaired by an approved body shop. The radio is not working correctly (a common fault) and a sensor went in the exhaust. Citroen refuses to do it under warranty because it's category S. By law can it refuse to do this work? I will get an engineer's report if required but it won't make a difference. In fairness, the dealership is willing to do it but Citroen won't honour it.
Owen Ryan (Templemore)Feb 2021 Filed under: warranty
Expert answer
Hi Owen,
Unfortunately, by law, Citroen can refuse to carry out work under warranty on a car that’s been written off. You’d need to get a solicitor to comb through the fine print of the original warranty agreement to make absolutely sure, but in general — across Europe and in the UK — if a car is written off by an insurer, even for something as trifling as panel damage, then the warranty on that car is automatically void. It’s because if it was to carry out warranty work, there could be legal implications further down the line if a safety issue to do with the writing-off were to be found, or worse still someone injured themselves in the vehicle because of something that should have been spotted.
Motor tax on a private 2020 Hilux?
I'm considering buying a 2020 Land Cruiser commercial (currently €333 tax annually). It's the LWB GX Commercial Auto model. It's really for transporting two large dogs. The question I have is, as a PAYE worker, how much am I gonna get landed with for motor tax each year?
Kieran Kelly (Ballyshannon)Jan 2021 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Kieran,
To tax a commercial vehicle privately, it goes by the engine size. Assuming this is the 2.4 (with a 2,393cc engine), then that works out as €1,034 per annum.
Read our Buying a commercial vehicle for private use feature for more.
Thoughts on 2014 diesel Ford Kuga?
I’m thinking of buying a 2014 2.0-litre diesel Ford Kuga with 80,000 miles on the clock: what are the pit falls?
Jim
Jim Willett (Chelmsford)Nov 2020 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Jim,
Assuming you're sure that diesel power is for you, the Kuga is not a bad choice. There were various different power outputs available, so make sure you test it and that you're happy with the performance. The only major thing to look out for is the dual-clutch automatic gearbox - we'd steer clear of it if at all possible as it comes with many known faults.
NOx value on this 2017 Skoda Kodiaq?
Hi,
What is the NOx value for a 2017 Skoda Kodiaq with CO2 value of 151g/km? It's the 2.0-litre TDI 190 4x4 SEL seven-seater with the DSG automatic gearbox.
Luke Dunphy (Dublin)Nov 2020 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Luke,
That car should have a NOx value of 39mg/km.
Should I register my imported pickup now?
Hi,
I’m looking to buy a Toyota Hilux Active Double Cab pickup, a 3.0-litre automatic from Northern Ireland for £15,000. Would it benefit me to register it in Ireland before Jan 2021? Also, I’m using it for my business. How much will motor tax cost annually? I do not know what the NOx emissions are or where to obtain them.
Regards Donal Slattery
Eamon Slattery (Co Galway)Oct 2020 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Eamon,
If you're buying and registering this as a commercial vehicle, with no private use, then it doesn't matter if you do it now or after 1 January 2021, as commercial vehicle tax and VRT have not changed. See below for more information:
Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained
Disabled driver that wants to trade up in Feb...
I am on the Disabled Drivers Scheme and want to trade up next Feb '21. I currently drive a Mercedes A-Class hatchback that has been valued at €22,500. I would like to change to something a bit more robust as most of my driving is on country roads. I carry backseat passengers very occasionally and would like a decent sized boot. Automatic gearbox and reversing camera are neccessary. Also something stylish. I have €4,500 to spend with my current car and the DDS allowance. Don't mind petrol or diesel.
Thank you,
Grainne D, Cork
Grainne Dennehy (Rosscarbery)Oct 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Grainne,
As previously noted, you’ll need to have a current and valid primary medical cert as new certs are not being issued right now thanks to a Supreme Court decision that has thrown the rebate scheme for disabled drivers into limbo. However, if you already have the cert, you should still be able to avail of the VRT and VAT rebates, so that should be fine (although it’s worth checking ahead of time — it’s a bit of a moving target at the moment).
I think that a Skoda Kamiq might be the right sort of car for you. Not much bigger on the outside than the Merc, but more roomy within, and with the necessary automatic gearbox and reversing camera on the options list. Get it with the sweet little 1.0-litre petrol engine and you’re onto a winner. It’ll be well within your budget, too.
Is the Ford Kuga PHEV being recalled?
Have you any information on the recall of the Ford Kuga PHEV?
Colm Murphy (Wexford)Oct 2020 Filed under: recall
Expert answer
Hi Colm,
Ford tells us that all Kuga PHEV buyers are being contacted and are being advised not to charge their vehicles and to only drive them in 'EV Auto' mode until work is completed by their Ford dealer.
Should I wait for the BMW 128ti?
Hi,
I have a question regarding the new BMW 128ti. Having recently ordered a BMW M Sport 118i auto, I am now in a quandary due to the announcement of the 128ti. I have spent a long time driving many cars and ended up making my decision to purchase the BMW 118i. Preferably the car would have had a little more performance (and economy for the level of performance), I waited around a year in the hope that a petrol 120i would become available (diesels are not an option for me), but nothing has yet been announced even though they exist in other markets.
Before placing my order I tried the M135i and, other than the raw power difference I far preferred the driver engagement of the 118i M Sport. I can only put this down to the 200kg or so weight difference? I live in a rural area and most of my driving is on small twisty, hilly lanes with some nice back roads, I rarely drive on main roads or motorways. So suspension compliance and driver engagement are important to me. My BMW dealer has immediately suggested I could change my order to the 128ti once it becomes possible, but it's early days with no hard facts on cost or a test drive available - I have already sold my car so it's a push bike and motorcycle only at the moment.
I would be very appreciative if you could spare some time to consider my position and would value your thoughts on the 128ti versus my ordered car. Having read your account of your experience with the 128ti, i thought you would be the best person to help.
Very best wishes
Tim
Tim Williams (Dartmouth)Oct 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Tim,
The 120i is due to come at the end this year, with 184hp and with the M Sport suspension should be a bit of fun to drive. However, I don’t think it will be as engaging as the 128ti. Not only will the 128ti still have a power advantage, I suspect there will be a noticeable difference in ride quality to what the 120i might offer. The 128ti has compliance in the suspension and involving steering that makes to a real joy to drive. More details for the car are due in the coming days, so take a closer look then and see if it helps make up your mind.