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Lexus GS 450h: how reliable?

Lexus GS 450h: how reliable? How good are they really? I have a 2006 GS 450h and the hybrid batteries failed. I was told by a Lexus garage they cost €4,500 approx to replace. Nice car to look at and drive but when they fail you won't buy another one - that's if you can sell it. It has 143k miles on the clock only. All I can say is don't buy one with over 70k on the clock. Maybe you have better ideas on this?

Laurence O Halloran (Rathdrum Co Wicklow)

May 2015 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Laurence,

Well, to be honest, we don't often hear of any Lexus models suffering anything in the way of major component failure. Was there some major factor, such as physical damage to the batteries, or flooding or something like that? Batteries in hybrids and electric cars are always a concern when it comes to longevity, but Toyota has 15-year-old Prius still running around and their batteries are still working fine. Lexus claims that the batteries are designed to last the life of the car, so I'm suspecting that there's some other factor at play here.


Is there any scrappage scheme for old cars?

Is there any scrappage scheme for old cars?

Paula M?rginean (Waterford)

Apr 2015 Filed under: scrappage

Expert answer

Hi Paula,

No, not an official government one. Many of the car makers do have some very tempting 'scrap-ish' trade-in offers around at the moment. Opel, for instance, is offering trade-ins of up to €4,000 against some models while Nissan has a similar offer. Have a shop around and make sure you read the terms and conditions on all the offers though.


Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake or Jeep Cherokee?

I'm driving an Audi A4 at present; how does the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake compare size-wise with my Audi.? I was also looking at the Jeep Cherokee - how is the resale value on both these cars?

Caroline Conroy (Limerick)

Apr 2015 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Caroline,

It's too early to tell on Jeep residual values - the brand is well known but still trying to re-establish itself properly in Ireland so it's hard to say quite how values will shake out long term. The Cherokee is nice though, if a touch pricey. Lots of space and it feels rugged. 

The CLA Shooting Brake is also nice, and very pretty too, but I think you'd find it a lot less practical than the A4 - space in the back and the boot is really tight.

Relevant reviews:

Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake review

Jeep Cherokee review


Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento?

Which new car would you recommend - Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento?

Damien Dunne (Dublin)

Apr 2015 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Damien,

If we're talking about second hand versions, I'd go for the Santa Fe - really nice car, sophisticated and smooth and very good to drive. If we're talking brand spanking new, go for the Sorento - one of the nicest, most roundly impressive cars I've driven for a good while.

Further reading:

Hyundai Santa Fe review (2013 model - still on sale in 2015)

Kia Sorento review (new model launched early 2015)

Kia Sorento review (2013 model)

Kia Sorento review (2010 model)


How many miles should a Ford Mondeo do?

How many miles should a 2005 Ford Mondeo Zetec 1.8 petrol do?

David O MAhoney (Dungarvan)

Apr 2015 Filed under: fuel economy and emissions

Expert answer

Hi David,

Do you mean in terms of fuel consumption? Then I'd say about 35- to 40mpg depending on your driving style. If you mean total miles, well it depends how you look after it and how it's been looked after. Cars are generally 'lifed' for between 250,000 miles (400,000km) and 300,000 miles. If you service it and care for it properly, you could potentially get even more...


Can you advise me on buying an older Mazda MX-5?

I'm looking out for a Mazda MX-5, an old one, to have as an open top / second car for the summer (I'm a weather optimist!). What issues if any should I watch out for? Is there a major difference between the 'regular' MX-5 and the Jap import versions?

Peter Mack (Dublin)

Apr 2015 Filed under: classic cars

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

OK, first off the MX-5 is the go-to choice for an affordable convertible. Lots of them out there to choose from, they are reliable and solidly built, so there are few major problem areas to worry about.

Actually, the problems that do occur are usually more to do with maintenance than anything else. Check the convertible hood first for tears, splits, shrinking or mildew and mould. If there are any leaks, check for damage from water getting into the cabin, especially the electrical system - electric windows can easily pack up if the switches get leaked on to too much.

Check the alloys for corrosion and check that the rear-window demister is working - if there has been work done on the hood it can often be left disconnected. If the steering feels anything less than laser-precise and brilliant, suspect worn bushes, but it's not a big or expensive job. 

Check also for accident damage - MX-5s can be tricky in the wet for anyone not used to rear-drive and any prangs need careful attention and work to make sure that the structure of the car remains sound. Also, avoid anything modified or tinkered with like the plague.

As for differences between the Japanese market cars and our ones, they're in the details more than anything else. The basic mechanical stuff is the same, but JDM cars often came with things like proper mechanical limited slip differentials when European cars had viscous couplings, and equipment levels in Japan were usually higher. If you're thinking of buying a Eunos Roadster (the Japanese name for the MX-5) then it would probably be a good idea to get in touch with the MX-5 Owners' club who can help you out with details of individual models and special editions, and on parts availability. You can get them on http://www.mx5ireland.com

Best of luck and let us know how you get on


Opel Insignia or Volkswagen Jetta - both 2009?

Which is better: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 1.9 TDI or 2009 Opel Insignia 2.0?

Sharon Joyce (Galway)

Apr 2015 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Sharon,

Quite different cars - the Insignia is bigger and plusher and feels, as it should, a lot more sophisticated. That said, the Jetta is comfy and has a massive boot, and is ruggedly reliable too. That old 1.9 TDI is a rattly old thing though. If they're similar on price, spec, history and condition, I'd say the Insignia shades it.


What is a reasonable discount on a new car?

What discounts are dealers typically offering for cash buyers on new cars? I'm looking at getting a hot hatch and wondering what (if any) discount is reasonable?

Gary Murray (Dublin)

Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Gary,

There's a thing with discounts and it's that most car dealers work to a margin of eight per cent - a margin that doesn't leave a lot of wiggle room. 

So, go in with realistic expectations. If you're asking for a ten per cent deposit right off the bat, then the dealer is already taking a two per cent loss so that's not going to work. 

Instead, box clever. Ask for a better deal on your trade-in or on your finance package. Or better yet, try and track down something that's been used as a pre-reg or demo. Or a model that's up for replacement shortly. That's where the real discounts are.


What small new car should I go for?

I am thinking of trading in my 2011 Nissan Micra (it has an NCT until 2017) for either a new (152) car or a 142 model. The shortlist of cars are: Hyundai i10, Peugeot 208, Renault Clio and maybe the Toyata Yaris or  Skoda Fabia. However, the new bigger Ford Ka is due by December 2015 in the UK and 2016 here. Should I wait for the Ka?

Jacqueline Lynch (Dublin)

Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Jacqueline,

I wouldn't wait for the Ka. It's being designed primarily for Asian and low-cost markets, so it probably won't be the most refined, comfortable or high-tech. That's perhaps jumping the gun on the review a bit, but it's certainly likely to be the case. Of the cars you've listed I'd say the Hyundai i10 and Skoda Fabia are the standouts. They're quite different cars (the i10 is significantly smaller than the Skoda), but both are excellent to drive, well-made, reliable and offer excellent value. Have a try of both, and see which one suits your needs, size-wise, better.

Further reading:

Hyundai i10 review

Skoda Fabia review

Peugeot 208 review

Renault Clio review

Toyota Yaris review


What are the pros and cons of the Audi A4 Avant?

Hi, I am thinking of buying a 2005 Audi A4 Avant 2.0-litre TDI. What are the pros and cons with these cars? It has 160k kilometres on the clock and a full service history.

Many thanks,

Aidan.

William Ellis (Limerick)

Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi William,

They're generally very solid cars, A4s, and the fact that this one comes with a full service history bodes well. The weak points are the electrics (so check to make sure that everything with a button or a wire works properly) and the cooling system (so try and go for a good long test drive and let the engine heat up properly to see if the radiator is doing its job). 

On the dynamic front, there's no doubt that a BMW 3 Series is a more engaging drive, but the Audi's robustness and practicality make it a very sensible second hand buy.


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