CompleteCar
Search Ask Us Anything
Showing 611 - 620 results (out of a total of 1208) found for "Cars" in Ask Us Anything

Nissan Qashqai or Hyundai Tucson?

1.5-litre diesel 2008 Nissan Qashqai or 2.0-litre diesel Hyundai Tuscon?

http://www.carenthusiast.com/nissan/nissan_qashqai2007_001.jpg

Eva Nash (Tallaght)

Feb 2015 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Eva,

Actually, these are two quite different cars - the Tucson is a heftier vehicle. If we were comparing new Hyundai ix35 with new Qashqai then I'd have to give the nod to the Qashqai, but in the case of these older versions, I think the Hyundai just might shade it. It's bigger inside, with more space in the back seats and boot than the first generation Qashqai.

http://www.carenthusiast.com/hyundai/hyundai_tucson2004_01.jpg


What is average mileage in Ireland?

What is average mileage in Ireland?

Dave Sinclair (Dublin)

Feb 2015 Filed under: mileage

Expert answer

Hi Dave,

Average annual mileage for petrol cars in Ireland is around the 17,000km mark. It's about 24,000km for diesel.


What rate of VRT do we pay on new cars?

What rate of V.R.T. is levelled at new Irish cars in Ireland?

Shay Rafter (Dublin)

Feb 2015 Filed under: VRT

Expert answer

Hi Shay,

Just as with motor tax, Vehicle Registration Tax is calculated based on the CO2 emissions of the car in question. It starts at 14 per cent of the wholesale price of the car (inclusive of options) for cars in the lowest tax band, 0- to 80g/km of CO2 rising to a maximum of 36 per cent for the highest band, for cars emitting more than 225g/km of CO2.

The most common bands are Bands A2 to A4 and B1 and B2, which run from 15 per cent to 19 per cent.


Looking to change to a Skoda Octavia. Thoughts?

Hi,

I'm going to change my car this year to a Skoda Octavia 08/09 model, but I was wondering if you could recommend any other reliable lower end road tax and economical diesel family cars. Been driving 2002 Volkswagen Passat for last 10 years.

http://www.carenthusiast.com/skoda/skoda_octavia_2009_002.jpg

Aisling Mc Bride (Dublin)

Feb 2015 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Aisling,

You won't go far wrong with the Octavia. Get the 1.6 TDI and you've got a potential 55mpg car with lots of space and terrific build quality and reliability. If you're looking for alternatives, then there's always the Volkswagen Golf (mechanically the same as the Skoda but less spacious inside) or the Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi (terrific to drive and good value but poor standard equipment and they're tight in the back).


MINI One or Volvo C30?

I don't drive a lot and am trying to decide between a Volvo C30 1.8 petrol and a MINI One 1.6 petrol. The Volvo has been heavily discounted, but the annual tax is €750 vs €514 for the MINI. I've read that the Volvo is heavier on fuel costs and servicing vs the MINI. My heart would probably opt for the MINI for its looks alone, but the small size concerns me and I wonder how well it handles. I took it for a test drive, but it's hard to tell on such a short drive.

Declan O'Mahony (Dublin)

Feb 2015 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Declan,

Don't worry about the handling - MINIs are terrific to drive. Great fun. The C30 is perhaps a bit less so and Volvo parts and servicing have always been on the pricey side, but it's a much more practical car than the MINI, which is seriously short on space. Both are fine cars though, reliable too so it's a question of what you value more - space and comfort (Volvo) or driving fun (MINI).


What are the resale values of Japanese imports like?

What are the resale values of Japanese imports like?

Laurence Ball (Drogheda)

Feb 2015 Filed under: importing

Expert answer

Hi Laurence,

It varies hugely depending on the model. The closer in mechanical terms to the original Irish and European model it is, the better its value will be simply because it will be simpler and easier to maintain with locally sourced parts. 

The more esoteric and unusual the car, and basically the more parcels of parts you need to order from Japan, the lower the value will be. 

That's not necessarily a hard and fast rule though - some cars, such as the Toyota/Lexus Soarer and the Nissan Figaro, are well catered for here and in the UK with strong parts backup. Like I say - it varies wildly from model to model.


Opel Insignia, Volkswagen Passat or Ford Mondeo?

Any advice please, Ford Mondeo Zetec with 60k on the clock; or Opel Insignia Sport with 80k; or Volkswagen Passat Comfortline with 120k - all 2011 diesels. Which would be best buy?

Mossy Prenderville (Drogheda)

Feb 2015 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Mossy,

All good choices, three cars that it's very difficult to separate. I guess the best thing to do is to use the classic car-buying technique - go for the one in the best condition and with the fullest history file - the more receipts, the more paperwork, the more stamps in the service book the better. Forget the mileage, always buy on condition and history.


How many cars registered in Dublin in 2011?

I am looking at a British imported car, 2011 registered. Can you tell me how many cars were registered in Dublin in 2011?

Noreen Brown (Dublin)

Feb 2015 Filed under: importing

Expert answer

Hi Noreen,

The total number of cars registered on Dublin plates in 2011 was 42,651.

Hope that helps.


Should I get rid of my Nissan Micra?

I have a Nissan Micra that is a 2004 model; it's only done 40,000 miles on the clock and I have been told l need a new timing chain, which will cost me around £600. I am just wondering if it's worth repairing or am l better off buying a new but different car as l have heard there's a lot of faults with Nissan Micra and Note.

Barbara Simpson (Bradford West Yorkshire )

Jan 2015 Filed under: fault

Expert answer

Hi Barbara,

It's always cheaper overall to stick with the car you've got and repair it, unless we're talking about an old Ferrari or something...

I'd say a new timing chain could keep your Micra going for a good long while yet but if you really want to change to something new then your best bets, in terms of similarly sized cars, are the Honda Jazz, Toyota Yaris, Skoda Fabia, Volkswagen Polo or SEAT Ibiza.


Opel Zafira or Ford Galaxy?

Which is more reliable an Opel Zafira or a Ford Galaxy?

Eamon Hefferon (Wicklow)

Jan 2015 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Eamon,

They're two very different cars, the Zafira and the Galaxy. The Opel is much the smaller car so if you're planning to carry full-size adults in the third row, you really need to get the Galaxy. 

In terms of reliability they both have their common issues. The Galaxy's engine can cut out unexpectedly (a software patch is the fix) and its interior trim can be fragile. A clunking noise from the steering could mean that the power steering pump is on the way out. Electrical problems are common and the alarm can give trouble.

On the Opel check that the tailgate release is working as it should and the air conditioning system can be troublesome. The stereo can also forget its preset stations or just stop working altogether. 

More seriously, the diesel engine can give serious trouble. Timing belt, water pump and the turbo are all problem areas. Make sure you get one with a full service history and an aftermarket warranty might not be a bad idea.


-->