Big stop-start issues with Toyota Verso-S...
My automatic 2013 Toyota Verso-S (28,000km on the clock) has suddenly started to cut out the engine altogether (engine chokes and I need to turn the key in the ignition in order to re-start the engine). This happens often after I make a turn, stop at a traffic light and also when I park and remove my foot from the brake pedal. It also sometimes occurs after I have stopped and then start driving again. Toyota reprogrammed my two ignition keys and replaced software to no avail. I could press "A" button, but want this fixed, for when I eventually sell my car.
Please advise!
Razanne Heggem (MOLDE)Mar 2019 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Razanne,
If this is the diesel version, it's possible that the issue has nothing to do with the stop-start system at all, as its engine is known to develop problems with the fuel injectors that could lead to poor running and stalling.
Otherwise, all we can suggest is that you read our Why won't my car's stop-start system work? feature to see if anything helps - and persevere with your mechanic to get to the bottom of the issue. An auto-electrician might be worth visiting, too.
Will there be a new BMW X5 '25d'?
Hi,
Do you know if BMW will introduce a 25d version of the new X5? The last generation had one and it was usefully cheaper than the 30d version.
Thanks
Bill O Donnell (Cork)Mar 2019 Filed under: future engines
Expert answer
Hi Bill,
We've had to change our original answer as BMW has now revealed an X5 xDrive25d version after all, powered by a twin-turbo diesel 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. It thankfully retains four-wheel drive, but should help reduce the entry cost for the X5.
My Mercedes stop-start is now working...
The auto start-stop not working even when the engine is at 80 degrees, any reason why? Or what I am doing wrong. It's a 2015 Mercedes C 220.
Bepin Gumani (Enfield)Mar 2019 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Bepin,
There are many reasons why a car's stop-start system will not work. And we get so many queries about it that we've put together this Why won't my car's stop-start system work? feature.
Give it a read and if you're still not convinced, then bring your car along to a good mechanic to have it diagnosed.
Which new hybrid SUV to go for?
I am a disabled driver and use hand controls for the brake and accelerator. For the last 12 years I have driven a Honda Accord 2.0 petrol automatic. It has been a fantastic car and now has 260k km on the clock. I am looking for a higher vehicle, an SUV, and am looking at the Honda CR-V Hybrid, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and the Volkswagen Tiguan (I could wait for the hybrid later in the year). I live in rural Ireland and handling on twisty roads is important and accelerating to pass slower moving cars on those all too few straight stretches of road. Is this a good shortlist, and if so, which would you recommend?
Robert Joyce (Clifden)Mar 2019 Filed under: hybrid
Expert answer
Hi Robert,
Yes, it’s a very solid shortlist, although obviously we can’t comment either way on the Tiguan plug-in hybrid as we’ve not driven one yet. As for the Honda and the Toyota, the Honda is roomier and rather more engaging to drive (better for all those twisty roads) so is probably the one we’d go for. The new RAV4 is well worth looking at, though, and it has impressive performance, so it’s good for all that overtaking. Links to our reviews below:
Thoughts on the Subaru XV 1.6 CVT?
Hi, your good work is much appreciated.
Every so often I take it into my mind to change what is by now a seven-year-old car. And when I do, a lot of questions come to mind and so my recent questions are on long term costs of hybrids (which seem to be taking over the market) and on the Hyundai Santa Fe. The latter I wouldn't really have considered, except I was in a dealership and was very taken by it. But on mature reflection, the cost of changing simply can't be justified.
Recently I came across material on the Subaru XV 1.6, which hadn't been on my radar, but which seems on paper to have a lot going for it. But I'm rather concerned about the CVT gearbox. There's an American mechanic on YouTube, who seems very experienced, who argues that this technology has yet to prove its long term reliability and that, after 60,000 miles, they can give rise to problems. Even Toyota, with its claim to excellence, has recently done a recall in the States to replace the transmission. Secondly, also there are conflicting views on whether the engine might be described as gutless. Anyway, that's where my researches have got me and I would very much welcome your views.
Thanks in advance
Philip
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Mar 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
In general, we wouldn’t see CVTs as a major issue when it comes to reliability. Yes, Toyota has just issued a recall on some models, but this is pretty well par for the course — all car makers issue recalls all the time. If you want to gauge the reliability of CVTs, just look at how many older Toyota Prius there are, still running about.
As for the Subaru XV itself, we wouldn’t have any major concerns over reliability — Subarus are built pretty tough — but you are right to say that the 1.6 engine is gutless. Entirely so, as it happens. It’s a shame, as the XV is actually a pretty nice car in most other respects. There is a 2.0-litre version, which is worth considering, and a new hybrid version too, but we’d avoid the 1.6 for just being frustratingly slow.
We need a bigger car for our kids...
Hi there!
Having just added to our family a few weeks ago for the second time, my faithful little Opel Astra is stretched to breaking point. My partner is 6ft 6'' and is squeezed into the driving seat and squashed against the car seat behind him and getting fairly fed up. We have been looking for something with a bit more room but we are really struggling. Any advice on what cars are best for tall drivers and rearward facing car seats?
Chris
Chris McGrath (Mayo)Mar 2019 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Chris,
The answer here is Skoda Superb. Nothing else, at least nothing else affordable, has the sort of rear legroom to truly allow a very tall driver to get comfy in front of a rear-facing infant seat, and the Superb has the kind of massive boot that every parent of two growing kids will truly need. They’re not expensive, either — go for the second-generation or later model (which first launched in 2009, although the current version, launched in 2015 is nicer still) and you’ll be onto a winner, just make sure to get one with a full and comprehensive history and make sure that it’s not been previously used as a taxi (many have). Even better — get the Combi estate for maximum practicality.
Any news on Tesla Model 3 in Ireland?
Whats the latest on the Tesla Model 3 for Ireland... availability, trade ins and costs?
Thanks
Fintan Farrell (Maynooth)Mar 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Fintan,
At the moment we don’t have a set date for when the Model 3 will arrive in Ireland, as the first European deliveries are all left-hand-drive cars. We expect that it will be early 2020 before the first Irish deliveries are due to start. If you’re keen to get one early on we recommend contacting Tesla (in Sandyford, Dublin) to discus order placement. You can currently reserve a Model 3 through Tesla’s own website, too. Initially, all-wheel-drive, long range versions will be offered, which we expect to cost between €60,000 and €70,000 depending on specification, but in time the cheaper standard range car should become available in Europe.
In the meantime, check out our review of the Model 3 here.
Looking for a spacious family car...
Looking for recommendations for a family car for a two-year old and a newborn. Petrol, good legroom and boot size, affordable and doesn't feel 'huge' to drive or difficult to park. Already checked out Skoda Octavia and Nissan Qashqai so any advice on these? We weren't looking to buy a brand new car but they both seem to have good scrappage deals...
Orla Greaney (Dublin)Mar 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Orla,
Get the Skoda. Trust me, as the father of two growing boys a Qashqai is just not big enough inside. The Octavia, on the other hand, has lots of rear legroom (crucial for people in rear-facing child seats or boosters) and a massive boot, especially if you go for the very practical Combi estate version. If you’re looking for other alternatives, stick within the mid-size estate market — they’re much more practical for families than a compact SUV, and usually cheaper too run too. Oh, and they’re not much bigger than the hatchbacks they’re based on, so parking etc. is still a doddle.
Good alternatives to the Skoda are the Ford Focus Estate, the Kia Ceed Sportswagon, the Hyundai i30 Tourer and the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports. Click on those links to read our reviews of each.
What's up with my Ford's stop-start system?
I have a 2017 Ford Escape. The auto start/stop functionality stopped working after Ford dealership regenerated the computer because the car would sporadically die at intersections. Now, when I have complained the auto start/stop functionality doesn't work they have provided me a list of 10 plus scenarios when the functionality will not work. If the engine is cold, too hot, if devices are plugged in, battery low etc. It seems like this is an excuse for a software bug that Ford doesn't want to address in older models.
Your opinion is welcomed
Beth Mills (Indianapolis)Feb 2019 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Beth,
Stop-start systems from all car makers do indeed have a long list of situations in which they won't work. We get so many queries about it that we wrote a guide called Why won't my car's stop-start system work?
It's certainly preferable to have the stop-start system not working rather than the car cutting out when you don't want it to.
Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Skoda Kodiaq 4x4?
Hi.
Could I ask you to do a comparison between the Skoda Kodiaq and new Hyundai Santa Fe in 4x4 format, please?
Thanks
Philip
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Feb 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
Well, the first thing to note is that with four-wheel drive, both models will be quite a bit thirstier on fuel than if you went for the more basic front-wheel-drive models. In terms of making a direct comparison of the Kodiaq and Santa Fe, that’s actually kind of tricky as they sit at very different price points. You can pick up a basic Kodiaq for €32,495 while a new Santa Fe starts at €42,745. The Skoda is a really nice car — handsome, roomy and good to drive, but its cabin can feel a little bit plain at times, unless you spend a lot of money on optional extras. The Hyundai looks and feels rather more luxurious, as befits its price, and it feels more of a premium product. Both, in seven-seat form, suffer from the usual SUV problem of the third row seats not really being big enough, either for adults or for small kids in bulky safety seats. If it’s value you’re after, then the Skoda is the obvious choice, but if you fancy something that can take on the German premium brands, at a slightly lower price, then it’s worth looking at the Hyundai. Both should be very reliable in the long term, incidentally.