What do you think of this BMW 1 Series?
I'm interested in this 2009 1 Series BMW on Carzone.ie. Are there any issues of note with this import?
Thanks
Una O'Connor (Dublin)Oct 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Una,
A good, solid car the 1 Series, but there are a few issues to look for. Watch for front tracking problems or even problems with the steering rack itself - excessive front tyre wear is the giveaway. All 1 Series gearboxes feel a bit stiff but one that's especially obstructive could be on the way out. Electric windows can seize (thankfully usually in the shut position) and airbag faults are common, but there'll be a dash warning light for those. Make sure that the traction control is working too, as it can fail and shut down entirely. There were a few recalls, for rear axle problems, seatbelt and pre tensioner issues and for the brake booster so make sure the work has already been done by checking with a dealer.
And for an import, we'd urge you pay for a Cartell.ie history check.
Hope that all helps
Can you compare a Ford Ka and Citroen C4 in running costs?
Hello. Can you tell me the difference in running costs between a 2000 Ford Ka 1.3 petrol (88k miles) and a 2003 Citroen C4 2.0 diesel (65k miles)?
Cheers
David Daly (Kinnegad)Oct 2013 Filed under: running costs
Expert answer
Hi David,
OK, well the Ka wins in terms of road tax as you'll pay just €358 a year for that, as opposed to €710 for the 2.0-litre Citroen, but after that things start to get a bit more murky. In terms of fuel consumption, it does depend a lot on what kind of driving and mileage you do. If you're a low-mileage person, driving mostly in and around town, then the Ka, even though it uses an aged petrol engine, will probably work out more frugal to run than the Citroen. But if you're doing lots of long motorway miles, then the Citroen will win hands down in economy terms. I'd say you'll average around 40mpg in the Ka, probably 50mpg in the Citroen, depending on your driving style. Beware though; neither of these two cars has the greatest reliability reputation. The Citroen is prone to annoying electrical failures, while the Ka suffers from occasional total engine failure if not cared for.
Should I buy a 'flex-fuel' car?
Is it worth buying a bi-fuel (ethanol/petrol) car in Ireland yet? (Ford Focus C-Max 1.8 Flexi-Fuel for example)?
Robert Wolff (Dublin)Oct 2013 Filed under: fuel prices
Expert answer
Hi Robert,
Not even slightly. There was a fad of buying bi-fuel cars about five years ago, thanks partly to an experimental push on E85 bio-ethanol from fuel supplier Maxol, but mostly because such cars got a €2,500 VRT rebate due to their supposedly 'green' credentials. That all fell apart once (a) the new CO2-based tax system came in and (b) people realised that there simply isn't enough arable farmland to grow enough crops to make E85 for all of us, and still be able to feed ourselves. As far as we know, there are not even any E85 filling stations still running, so you're effectively just buying a standard 1.8 petrol, and not benefiting from the original VRT rebate.
Can you help me choose between a new Audi A6 or BMW 5 Series?
I'm stuck between my choice for a new car. I've narrowed it down to an Audi A6 or BMW 5 Series. I hated the Mercedes-Benz E-Class; it felt so cheap inside. Friends tell me that the BMW is a much more dynamic car due to being rear-wheel drive, but I'm not the kind who likes to throw my car into roundabouts and corners; I would prefer a good, solid, reliable car with attractive features. I'm getting swayed towards an A6 at the moment. Probably mostly because I'm seeing too many BMW 5 Series on the roads. Any help or opinions would be appreciated...
James Corbett (Nenagh)Sep 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi James,
Well, frankly that's a good dilemma to have. Both are utterly excellent cars and you honestly won't go wrong picking either.
To compare, you're right that the BMW does feel that bit more reactive, that bit more plugged in to the road surface, but the gap between the A6 and the 5 Series is far narrower in that regard than once it was.
You're also right that the 5 Series is becoming a touch, shall we say, common on the roads these days and while Audi is hardly struggling to shift A6s, they are perhaps a little less widely seen.
One small spanner in the works; have you tried the Jaguar XF? It does give a little away to both the Germans in terms of cabin design and space, but it's gorgeous and utterly brilliant to drive. Plus, of a Friday night, you get to turn to your significant other and utter the immortal words; "Darling, tonight, shall we take the Jaaaaaaaaag...?"
Petrol or diesel for an older Ford C-Max?
Hi, I am looking into getting a 2004 - 2007 Focus C-Max. I have always bought diesels in my past few cars due to great economy. I currently have a Citroen Picasso 2.0 HDi, but want to drop to a 1.6 to save on tax. My driving habits would be mainly urban, with the odd long run. No more than 15k miles a year, I would guess.
I am aware that there could be costly repairs down the road with an older but relatively modern deisel engine. I'm looking at 1.6 in either diesel or petrol. Reliability would be very important to me. What would you advise I go for?
Seems to be better choice with petrol options.
Thanks Kevin
Kevin Mcgowan (Cork)Sep 2013 Filed under: diesel
Expert answer
Hi Kevin,
I'd say your choice is a pretty good one. The first generation Focus C-Max wasn't the most exciting car around, but it was pretty well put together, comfy and good to drive. You can get them up to 2007 with the 1.6 TDCi 90hp diesel, which should suit your driving pattern pretty well. At 15k a year, even mostly urban mileage, I'd say you definitely need a diesel just to keep the running costs down.
Is the 2008 Toyota Corolla 1.4 petrol a good car?
Hi is the 2008 Toyota Corolla 1.4 petrol a good car? It's a Terra model with 103,000km on the clock and is selling for €8,950. Does this price sound ok? It has alloys (Borbet) added. I test drove the car and while it wasnt the most exciting drive it felt better than some other 1.2-litre cars I drove. Is it fuel efficient compared to say a Ford Fiesta?
Thanks
Pat English (Waterford)Sep 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Pat,
Hmmm. That generation of Corolla doesn't seem to be keeping Toyota's usual reliability standard up. There have been reported issued with brakes (squealing, not failing), troubles with the automatic gearbox, clutch failures, slipping handbrakes and noisy gearboxes. If your potential purchase isn't displaying any of those symptoms, then it might be just fine, but be prepared to raise merry hell with your nearest Toyota dealer if it starts to develop problems. After all, if you're selling your cars on the basis of their reliability, then you'd better be prepared to back that up...
In terms of efficiency, well, it's a quite a small engine in quite a large car, so no, I wouldn't reckon it would be more economical than a 1.2 Fiesta - quite the reverse in fact, unless most of your mileage is on the motorway, in which case the Toyota's extra torque and power should make it more frugal than an over-stretched 1.2.
That price sounds pretty good - maybe even a touch low. Have you done a thorough history check on the car with Cartell.ie?
I'm 21 and looking for my first car...
I am 21 and looking for my first car, but I'm a bit lost. A 1.4 would be ideal with insurance and I have about €4,700 to spend. Any advice as to what cars I should be looking for? Rather something that will last me a few years.
Jeff Casey (Limerick)Sep 2013 Filed under: insurance
Expert answer
Hi Jeff,
If insurance is your main concern, then think smaller. Get as close to 1.0 litres as you possibly can. It’s a bit of a cliche, but the best cars in that arena are those good old reliables the Nissan Micra and Toyota Yaris. Lots around in your price range.
What long-lasting car will I buy for €10,000?
I'm looking for best value car new or second hand as additional car for college students. This is a 10-year plan and budget is €10,000.
Emer O Reilly (Dublin)Sep 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Emer,
If you're spending around €10k and want the car to last for a decade, I'd say your best bet is to buy nearly-new and go for one of the Volkswagen small car triplets - the Volkswagen up!, Skoda Citigo or SEAT Mii. All three are genuinely brilliant cars, mechanically quite simple (which means reliable), safe, fun to drive without being fast and really quite cool. Should keep your student drivers happy.
Which French MPV should I go for?
Which is the better car, a Renault Grand Scenic 3 or a Citroen Grand Picasso? I have a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe petrol and looking for one of these cars. I have €10,000 cash to add!
James Brady (Clonsilla)Sep 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi James,
Both are good, although French brands are never the most reliable, but of the two we'd go for the Picasso, simply because it's more stylish and strong second hand demand should keep your residual values shored up.
Do I need to service my Opel this often?
Hi, I drive a 2012 Opel Astra 1.7 CDTi diesel and just wondering how often it has to be serviced. My local Opel dealer says every 10,000km and just wondering is this correct or is it just to get more money! It was serviced last February and now 10,000km later do I need to get it serviced again?
Ian Abbott (Longford)Sep 2013 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Ian,
If nothing else, you need to adhere to manufacturer servicing schedules to ensure you don't invalidate your warranty. If you don't trust your local dealer then contact Opel directly, though these figures should be in your owner manual as well.
Besides all of that, we'd thoroughly recommend servicing modern diesel cars regularly, as the car makers often push the service intervals out to appeal to fleet buyers. Regular oil changes in particular are a very good idea.
Hope that helps