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Thoughts on 2008 Nissan Primera petrol?

How economical is a 1.6-litre petrol 2008 Nissan Primera and how reliable would such a car be?

Seán Mc Groarty (Donegal)

Jan 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Sean,

The last-generation Primera was generally speaking not as solidly built nor as reliable as earlier models, but it’s still a cut above average for its age, and should be solid enough as long as it comes with a full service history. That 1.6-litre will struggle with the weight of the car, though, so don’t expect to get much better than 35-40mpg out of it in daily driving, and check to see if it’s been used as a taxi in the past, as many were.


Is the 1.6 TDI VW Golf worse on the road?

Hi,

Have you driven the VW Golf mk7 1.6 TDI yet? Is the semi-independent torsion beam set up going to be less composed under normal driving conditions (including poor roads) compared to the multi-link set up on higher powered versions?

Thanks

Shane.D

Shane Drew (Balbriggan / Dublin)

Jan 2013 Filed under: comfort

Expert answer

Hi Shane,

 

Well, obviously a plain old torsion bar suspension is never going to be as sophisticated nor as well-controlled as a proper multi-link rear setup, but for all that the basic versions of the Golf seem to drive just fine. The ride quality will be noticeably more firm, but the 1.6 TDI doesn’t have the power nor grunt to seriously upset things, so under most driving conditions the difference is pretty minimal. You’d only notice it if you’re thrashing the car on a seriously bad road.

 


Is the BMW 520d Touring a good buy?

Is the BMW 520d Touring a good buy in today's market?

Garath Smith (Balbriggan / Dublin)

Jan 2013 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Garath,

Yes, absolutely. True, diesel values are softening a little with all the adverse publicity, but the 520d is a car that’s going to retain its allure for a while yet, and in the meantime it’s frugal, refined and brilliant to drive. If you’re a low-mileage driver, it’s very definitely worth considering either a petrol 520i or a plugin-hybrid 530e, but for long-distance driving the 520d is still king.


What's wrong with my 02 VW Golf?

Hi,

I have a 2002 Volkswagen Golf and lately it has began to start chugging when driving. It happened tonight and was worse than ever and then the oil light came on.

Claire Kelly (Balbriggan / Dublin)

Jan 2013 Filed under: fault

Expert answer

Hi Claire,

It's very difficult to assess such things from afar, but I wonder if the oil pressure was low already and the car has damaged one of its big-end bearings on the crankshaft. First thing to do is make sure there's sufficient oil in the engine and then get it along to a good mechanic right away.


What's the 2013 Ford Kuga like?

whats the new ford kuga like is it value for money

Derek Sheehan (New Ross)

Dec 2012 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Derek and thanks for the question about the new Kuga,

Sadly, we won't be driving the new car until January so we can't give you much of an opinion as yet. It's bigger! Ford of Ireland has not released pricing either so we can't comment on how much value it is I'm afraid.

Keep an eye on the site at the end of next month for an update though.

Thanks and have a great Christmas.


Which first car with €2,000 to spend?

Looking for my first car with €2,000 to spend. Looking for something small like the Renault Clio, Opel Corsa, Nissan Micra etc. Any advice? Also what year/mileage should I expect for this price?

Thanks

Emma H (Dublin)

Dec 2012 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Emma,

I’d go for the Micra, as it’ll be the most reliable of the cars you’ve mentioned. A budget of €2,000 should get you a 2006-2007 model, and I wouldn’t be bothered about mileage — buy on service history and condition. Other good options are a Toyota Yaris, Honda Jazz or, if you fancy a bit of driving fun, a Suzuki Swift.


Can you find me a fun, but smart buy for under €15,000?

I'm looking at buying a used car at the moment. I'm trying to be smart considering fuel prices etc, but still want to enjoy driving. I've beem looking at BMW X5s, Volkswagen Touaregs and Audi A8s. I'd like a car that is a good all rounder in terms of comfort, style and on the off chance it snows I wont be stuck!

Any advice welcome. (Feel free to advise me to get an M5... please!)

Thanks

Andrew Rhatigan (Dublin)

Nov 2012 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Andrew,

You're in an enviable position. I'm going to go on the assumption that four-wheel drive is a must-have (though a rear-wheel drive car on winter tyres is as good as a 4x4 without in terms of stopping and changing direction as well as traction...) and given your comment on fuel we'll say it has to be diesel too. Don't worry, there's still fun to be had.

The 3.0 TDI V6 engine found in certain Audi A6s and A8s is a gem and partnered with quattro four-wheel drive seems made for you. The equivalent rear-wheel drive BMWs are a little more engaging, and the 330d/530d's engine is also fantastic, though we suspect you want four-wheel drive. Try a 535d out for size and you might change your mind and invest in winter tyres instead!

As much as we admire the X5 and Touareg, and they're good value on the used market at the minute, we can't help but feel they'll be just as difficult to sell on in a few years.

Another excellent alternative to the (quite common) Audi A6 is the allroad quattro version, based on the A6 Avant. Seems to tick all the boxes.

Let us know if we're on the right track here.


What's better in a small car? Trad auto or new DSG?

Which type of automatic gearbox is better in a small car? We're considering a conventional automatic in the Ford Fiesta or a DSG dual-clutch system in rival model.

Frank D (Dublin)

Nov 2012 Filed under: automatic

Expert answer

Hi F D,

As discussed via email, the dual-clutch transmissions are usually far more efficient, resulting in lower emissions and fuel consumption. They also offer a more 'engaging' driving experience if that's what the driver wants. However, they can also be jerkier to drive than an old-school automatic, so we'd always recommend buyers to drive both to form an opinion of their own.

Hope that helps with the buying decision.


Which diesel Golf to buy?

Hello. I want to buy a 2009 Volkswagen Golf 2.0-litre diesel, but my question please is how does it compare with the fuel efficency of a 1.6-litre diesel Golf? Which is more fuel efficent? I don't do huge driving, just 60-80 kilometres a trip. Please help!

Thank you.

Lorraine O Connor (Dublin)

Oct 2012 Filed under: fuel economy and emissions

Expert answer

Hi Lorraine,

The 1.6-litre TDI engine is available in either 85- or 105hp outputs both of which have an official combined cycle consumption figure of 4.5 litres/100km (62.8mpg). The 105hp version is also available in BlueMotion trim with its longer gearing, unique bodystyling and other tweaks allowing for fuel consumption of 3.8 litres/100km (74. mpg). By way of comparision the 140hp 2.0-litre TDI Golf returns 4.8 litres/100km - or 58.9mpg in old money.

So while less powerful the 1.6 TDI is more efficient. All of the 1.6 variants also qualify for Band A tax of €160 whereas the 2.0 TDI is Band B, costing €225 annually. 

Just to throw a spanner into the works; over shorter journeys like the ones you outline a petrol powered model may actually prove to be more economical due to the time it takes a diesel engine to heat up and reach ideal operating temperature. And of course it will be cheaper to buy in the first place.

If you would like to discuss this further let us know. 


Help me choose my BMW or Audi!

I'm looking to spend up to €8,000 on car. I'm torn between the Audi A4 TDI S line (2005 and up), E90 BMW 320d (2005 and up) and the E46 BMW 320Cd (2004 -2006). Wondering what the pros and cons of all three cars are and which would be the best choice. Or would those models in petrol be better again?

Sean Pidgeon (Dublin)

Oct 2012 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Sean,

Nice choice of cars to be thinking about. Before we look at the stats of the cars, the driving experience in the 3 Series vs. the Audi A4 is quite different - and will be the deciding point for many, so please do try to get a test drive in examples of both. That's the case whether you go for the older 3 Series Coupé or the newer saloon.

Personally, I prefer the way a 3 Series of this age drives in comparison to an A4. It's more 'dynamic' and engaging thanks to the rear-wheel drive layout. However, not everyone likes that and I've heard non-enthusiastic drivers call the feeling 'skittish'. There is no doubt that a front-engined, front-wheel drive car like the Audi A4 will find more traction on snow and ice than a rear-wheel drive BMW (assuming neither has winter tyres), but our climate is too mild for that to be a serious car-buying priority.

In terms of running costs, the early versions of the E90 BMW 320d saloon and Audi A4 2.0 TDI 140 are very close and, as you'll be buying a car registered before 2008 with that budget then tax will be the same, as it's based on the engine size. The E46 320Cd coupé is a little heavier on fuel, but not much.

The 320d saloon has the most powerful engine of these three, though there's not much in it really.

Both saloons are generally quite reliable, though we'd recommend getting full service histories and getting mileage checks with Cartell.ie as each car has its own known issues that crop up from time to time - like turbo issues on the BMW and burning oil in the Audi. The E46 coupé is also reliable, though it's built on older architecture so won't be as modern in general.

One final thing to bear in mind. While the S line Audi specification is highly tempting, it comes with firmer suspension, which may not be to everyone's taste. Test drive it before committing. Likewise an M Sport version of the BMW 320d, though you may not find many of those within budget.

Now, whether you should consider petrol instead of diesel is a whole other story. The decision really should come down to your average mileage. The diesel models will definitely be far more economical on a long run or commute, but not in town. Likewise, you can get lower capacity engines in the petrol cars bringing your annual tax bill down.

If you want to discuss the latter point in more detail come back to us and we'll go through options.

Hope this all helps


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