Would you buy 2015 Audi A6 or BMW 5 Series?
Which would you buy an Audi A6 S line or BMW 520d? Cars are both 2015 models.
Robert Turner (Dublin)May 2019 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Robert,
Tough choice. Head says Audi — great quality, huge cabin, comfort, reliability — but the heart says BMW — better looking and more fun to drive. On balance; BMW.
Is the SA Opel Monza ok to import to Ireland?
A friend of mine in Dublin is planning to import a 1990 Opel Monza GSi saloon from Cape Town in South Africa she's seen online, but is it legal to import to Republic of Ireland and, since it's identical to the old Opel Kadett sold in Ireland in the 1980s, no parts issues?
Rebecca J (United Kingdom)May 2019 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Rebecca,
Well, we can’t guarantee that there will be no parts issues, as despite being broadly the same car, there are bound to be a few market-specific differences between the two cars. Also, you’re not going to be able to get parts in your local Opel dealer, so if they’re going to go ahead with it, then I think joining a good owners’ club would be a good idea — always a great source of information, parts and help. As for legality, it should be fine, but you will need to check that the engine used in the South African market will meet 1990-era European emissions standards.
How to reset my car's tyre pressure system?
How do you reinitialise when you have changed the tyre pressures?
Claire Hall (Salisbury)Apr 2019 Filed under: tyres
Expert answer
Hi Claire,
The process is different in different cars. Some have a button on the centre console that you hold down. Others have an option within the on-board computer system of the car that you'll have to go digging for.
What will I replace my VW Golf R with?
I recently had my 182 VW Golf R stolen. They broke into my home to take the keys, which terrified us all, most especially my kids. Now I need to buy a replacement car. I have no clue what to buy due to the rapidly changing pace of cars from diesel to electric and I cannot hold out until the autumn for the launch of newer cars. What I would like is something no smaller than a Golf, up to any size. It cannot be a flashy car or a targeted car like my Golf R, but not as boring as the typical taxi car either. Believe it or not I would like something as fuel efficient as possible without compromising on build or ride quality. I mainly drive country roads and motorways, with city driving maybe once a week. I find cars like hatchbacks great for getting more stuff in when the seats are down. I would also like the car to keep with the times for the next three years so not diesel.
Hope you can help
Joe Lyons (Dundalk)Apr 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
I think a good bet here, if you want to buy new, is the new Mazda3 2.0 M-Hybrid. It’s only a mild-hybrid, but it’ll be good on fuel, yet it has decently punchy performance and is really enjoyable and engaging to drive. Looks great too, but not as tempting to the criminal fraternity as a Golf R. If you fancy something with a bit more grunt, but still understated styling, how about a Skoda Octavia RS? Quick and agile, and not too shabby when it comes to economy.
Is my Fiat 500 ok to drive?
My Fiat 500 has just told me that my start-stop system is unavailable and to check engine; is this dangerous and do I need to take it to a garage?
Kate Bailey (Portsmouth)Apr 2019 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Kate,
There are loads of reasons for an engine's stop-start system to stop working (see our Why won't my car's stop-start system work? feature), but it rarely is linked with a dangerous issue.
Saying that, there's no harm at all in bringing your car to a good mechanic to have it diagnosed to confirm that nothing major is amiss.
Best of luck with it
How much to convert Jaguar X300 to electric?
Hello
Just a query for my uncle please. How much roughly would it be to change a Jaguar X300 3.2 from petrol to electric please?
Regards
Jackie
Jackie Daly (Glenageary)Apr 2019 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi Jackie,
There is no simple answer to that one I'm afraid. I assume this query comes off the back of this news story. That Ferrari cost close to €200,000 to convert, but every car is different - and the owner has a lot of input into the conversion, which can alter the price.
Needless to say it is an expensive project to undertake by any measure.
Can I insure an electric Morris Minor?
I am converting a 1964 Morris Minor to electric, but can't find an insurance company to provide cover. I can get insurance if I leave the car with the petrol engine, but as soon as I mention conversion I get a negative response.
Can you help?
Brian Palfrey
Brian Palfrey (Dublin)Apr 2019 Filed under: insurance
Expert answer
Hi Brian,
OK, we’ve had a look around on this one and we think we’ve found a possible solution. It’s true that the Irish insurance industry isn’t as up to speed as some others when it comes to conversions such as this, but the nice people at insuremycars.ie said that they’d be willing to take a look. They told us that: "The main concern would be who is doing the work – is it a professional firm or a bit of a DIY? An engineer's report would be required too, and it may have to be an engineer on the insurer's panel and this could be at the client's cost.” So there are a few hoops to jump through but it’s not a no.
My Mercedes GLC seems to bottom out!
I have a 2016 Mercedes GLC 220d 4Matic. I love the car but I find that, with an adult or two in the back, the suspension feels very soft and even feels like it bottoms out on hitting even a slight undulation on a good road. Are these cars noted for soft suspension? Please give me your opinion. It is under warranty and I took it to a Merc dealer yesterday where I bought it, but I think he was trying to fob me off and said he couldn't find fault with it.
Gary Butler (Athlone)Apr 2019 Filed under: comfort
Expert answer
Hi Gary,
It’s hard for us to accurately diagnose a problem such as this without seeing the car, but it sure doesn’t sound right. Certainly, any time we’ve driven a GLC test car we’ve not noticed any such issue with the rear suspension, and there seems to be no common issue with the car that would account for it. I would suggest going back to the dealer and insist that they replicate what you’ve been doing to try and see if there’s an obvious problem. Maybe try and take out a dealer demo car and do the same with it as a test, too.
What's up with my stop-start feature?
Hi
Regarding the stop-start feature, I was told that I needed to recharge my battery by going on a 20-minute journey driving over 50mph. I have done two 125-mile journeys in the last month and it still is not working; this was done with no radio, heaters or devices charging. I was also told that engine will only stop start for so many times, and is there I a way of resetting this?
Clare Constable (NOTTINGHAM)Mar 2019 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Clare,
Stop-start systems are a source of annoyance for a lot of people. We get so many queries about them that we wrote this feature you may want to read: Why won't my car's stop-start system work?
Saying all that, the point of a stop-start system is to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, so it's seriously pointless to go on a drive specifically to charge up the battery to make it work. It could be that your battery needs to be replaced completely.
Can I turn my stop-start system off?
I have a 2011 Audi A3 and the stop-start system throws up an amber light warning that it is not working. How do I switch the stop-start system off until I can get it fixed?
Dave Cusworth (Barnsley)Mar 2019 Filed under:
Expert answer
Hi Dave,
There is no recommended way to deactivate the stop-start system permanently. If you turn it off using the button in the car, it will always come back on next time you start the car.
Have you read our Why won't my car's stop-start system work? feature to try to get to the bottom of the issue?