Nissan X-Trail or Hyundai ix35?
What would your choice be between a 2014 Nissan x-Trail 1.6 dCi and 2014 Hyundai ix35?
Jacqui Samuels (Pretoria)Mar 2018 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Jacqui,
I think, assuming price to be more or less the same, I’d go for the X-Trail. It’s a bit bigger than the Hyundai, can be had as a seven-seater (not all were, though, so make sure you check) and the 1.6 dCi diesel engine is a sweeter unit than Hyundai’s 1.7. Plus, and I know this is hardly the most important point, I think the X-Trail is nicer looking.
Best plug-in hybrid on the market?
I have a budget of €30-35k; what is the best plug in hybrid car available in the market now?
Lee Russell (Dublin)Mar 2018 Filed under: hybrid
Expert answer
Hi Lee,
It depends on what you want. I reckon that the best new plugin hybrid on the market right now might be the Kia Niro Plugin, which has very good electric only range, and yet manages to do over 60mpg on long motorway runs. An excellent car. The new Prius Plugin is also very good, but only recently launched so will be beyond your budget unless you buy nearly-new.
If you fancy something a bit classier, the BMW 330e is a really good choice, but bear in mind it’s not as economical as the Kia or Toyota on longer journeys. Here are our reviews for you to read:
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid review
Kia Niro review (not the plug-in model, apologies)
Should I go for a BMW 530d?
I am looking at 2017 BMW 5 Series. Is it worth spending the extra on a 530d over 520d? There is about €8-10k difference on used cars. I do about 25,000km a year of driving. I would love the extra power but do wonder if it is a waste to spend more.
Andy Kelly (Limerick)Mar 2018 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Andy,
It’s not a waste, as such, but you do need to balance out whether or not it’s worth the extra cash to you. Yes, the 530d has a lot more power and torque, and is smoother than the four-cylinder 520d from a refinement point of view. Balanced against that, the 520d will easily beat the 55mpg mark every day, while the 530d will struggle to do better than around 45mpg, and you’ll be paying a bit more motor tax every year too. So, while we love the 530d, and its six-cylinder smoothness, the head clearly says buy a 520d.
What compact saloons are worth a look?
I love saloons (memories), but my wife says they are too big. What saloon, up to four years old, would look not much bigger than an Opel Astra hatchback?
Frank Dodd (Dublin)Mar 2018 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi F D,
Well, the good news is that there are plenty of mid-size saloons that are more or less the same size as an Astra — yes, they have a big boot slung out the back, but the difference in overall length is usually only a few centimetres. The best is probably the VW Jetta; it's plain looking, but good to drive and really well made. Ditto the Toyota Corolla. There’s a Ford Focus saloon too, and a really lovely Mazda3 saloon (which is actually nicer looking than the hatchback). There was also an Astra saloon, but to be honest it was a bit awkward looking if you ask me. If you do like the Astra hatch, though, it might be worth seeking one out. Here are a few relevant reviews to read:
What to replace my BMW 330d with?
I currently drive a BMW 330d Touring. It's been a great servant and never missed a beat in the four years I've owned it, but it's coming to the time to move on. With the future of diesel looking at best unsure, what would be your recommendation for a long term replacement?
Typically I like to hold a car for about five years and in an ideal world to buy a one-year-old car. Looking for something practical yet fast, engaging and comfortable. A plug in electric car is out as I don't have and cannot get a power point installed in the apartment complex that I live in. Typically I do only 11,000km per year in this car and 90 per cent of the time is on motorway runs.
David Smyth (Dublin)Mar 2018 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi David,
How about a BMW 320i? Not as powerful as your 330d, of course, but a really lovely engine, and pretty frugal for all those long journeys. Of course, if you’re buying a year-old car then diesel is still a viable option, especially if you’re racking those miles up, so another 330d could well be a good choice. It’s Euro 6 emissions compliant, so even if there are some penalties for diesel models coming down the line, it probably (fingers crossed) won’t be affected.
There are some other options, of course. How about a Lexus GS 300h? Big, comfy, great for long journeys, and 40mpg+, plus you’re future-proofing yourself with a hybrid (not a plugin). The IS 300h is also a good bet, but is a touch small on the inside, hence we’d possibly try and spend the extra to the the GS. Here are a few reviews to read:
Why does my SEAT stop-start not work?
I have a 2011 SEAT Leon Ecomotive SE 1.6 diesel and the stop-start system is not working. It seems to have decided to stop working and when I try to use it the message on my dashboard is 'start/stop is not possible.' I have checked the tyres and the pressure and they seem to be within spec. Can you advise what I need to do to get it back working?
Thanks
Anne Marie
Anne Marie Connolly (Mullingar)Mar 2018 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Anne Marie,
Stop-start systems on cars will stop working for a variety of reasons, some of them outside your control, but if you think your SEAT still has a problem after looking through this list of possibilities, best bet is to get the car along to your nearest SEAT dealer to check it out:
- Ambient temperature too cold
- Ambient temperature too hot (unlikely in Ireland!)
- Battery in poor condition
- Driver's seat belt usually must be on
- Driver's door and bonnet usually must be closed
- Engine temperature is too low
- Climate control settings may force the engine to stay on
Hope that's of some help. This question by an Audi owner has proven very popular and is mostly applicable to your car too.
Thoughts on the 1.0-litre petrol Octavia?
Your comments on the Skoda Octavia 1.0 TSI petrol automatic please? Fuel consumption, power, spec level, or any other useful info.
Many thanks in advance
Angela
Angela McIntyre (Co. Offaly)Feb 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Angela,
An absolutely cracking car, and a great combination of car and engine. The 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine is smooth and economical, and really does suit the Octavia very well indeed. The specification is decent, especially if you’re buying an Ambition model or above, and make sure you spec it with the eight-inch touchscreen, as that really lifts the ambience of the cabin. Fuel economy should work out at between 40mpg and 50mpg on average, depending on how you drive it.
Tell me about petrol Skoda timing belts...
How reliable are the timing belts on the 2015 Skoda Octavia 1.2 petrol TSI? How often should they be changed? Any issues with timing belt on new 1.0 TSI?
James Barry (Dublin)Feb 2018 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi James,
The 2015 Skoda Octavia 1.2 TSI petrol uses a timing belt that must be changed at least at 240,000km first, and then every 30,000km after that, regardless of time.
It's the same interval for the 1.0 TSI engine's belt. It has only been in production since 2016 so there isn't a lot of data, but we've not heard about any issues with it.
Which car is best for motorway driving?
Hi,
I am currently driving a 2005 Toyota Yaris 1.0-litre. Now I am planning to upgrade to a bigger car since I will be driving regularly on the motorway. My budget is around €3,500. What cars can you suggest that are comfortable to drive for longer distances? I have Suzuki SX4, Mazda3 and Skoda Octavia in mind.
Thanks in advance
Hago
Hariprasad Govindharajan (Shannon)Feb 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Hago,
Of the three you’ve mentioned, we’d discount the SX4 first. It’s a decent car, but a bit tiny and noisy for long motorway hauls. A Mazda3 would be much better, and hugely reliable, but the Skoda will have a slight edge in terms of comfort (really good seats) so go for one of those would be our advice. Here are our reviews to help you decide:
I need a larger car for my golfing needs!
I currently drive a 2008 Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion. I would like to change to a car that is higher off the ground. I need a boot big enough to hold golf club and caddy, but not looking for a big expensive SUV. Does the new Golf fit with these conditions? I also would like an automatic; what makes do you recommend please?
Kind regards
Angela
Angela Osullivan (Wicklow)Feb 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Angela,
The current Golf’s boot isn’t all that much larger than that of the 2008 model, so if you’re struggling to fit your golfing gear into that one, then I don’t think the new one will help. Happily, there is a solution — go for the Golf Estate, which, with its 600-litre boot, has more than enough room for all of your clubs, the caddy, bags, shopping, one or two kitchen sinks etc. The Golf’s optional DSG automatic is very good too, so it’s well worth a look. Also worth a look is the Toyota Auris Touring Sports Hybrid, which has similar boot space combined with a 'saintly' hybrid transmission, and there’s a handsome new Kia Ceed estate coming in the next few months.