When did Renault begin charging extra for white?
When did Renault begin charging extra for white?
Late in September I ordered a new Renault Clio for delivery at the beginning of this month. In early October I changed the colour to white, which was not a problem to the dealer. I was informed last week that it would not be available until the end of this month. Since then I've seen on the Renault website that they are now charging €540 extra for a white Clio, whereas when I placed my order the extra charge did not apply to white. However, as my original order was for a colour that carried the extra charge I would not be surprised if the dealer tried to hit me for this extra and consequently am wondering when precisely Renault introduced it.
Thanks, E K Dublin
Ed Kearney (Wexford)Jan 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Ed,
OK, we've been on to Renault about this and they say that the charge for Glacier White on the website was an error and has since been corrected, so you shouldn't be charged for it. If an extra charge does show up on the bill, give your dealer hell as it shouldn't be there. If he/she doesn't give you any joy, get on to Renault's head office about it.
What should I do about my car insurance?
I am a new learner driver and hold a provisonal licence. I am interested in buying a Peugeot 206 1.1-litre. I am 24 years old; roughly how much would it cost me to insure and who are the cheapest insurance for girls? Thank you
Kirsty Harris-green (Stourbridge )Jan 2015 Filed under: insurance
Expert answer
Hi Kirsty,
I'm afraid it's a classic case of how long is a piece of string? Insurance quotes are often plucked out of thin air and the only way to get the best value is to get on the internet and get on the phone and start looking. Now, based on the details you gave (and a bit of creative accountancy on our part - you do work in a call centre for an accounting firm and live in Skerries in Co. Dublin, right?) the best quote we were able to find for you came from AXA and it was €1,778 - that's for third party, fire and theft.
Obviously, having just third party would be a bit cheaper but it might be worth paying slightly extra this year and getting yourself a more solid insurance record. It's also well worth finding a good insurance broker and seeing what kind of deal they can swing for you. Brokers can often access deals that mere mortals cannot.
Let us know how you get on
How reliable is the Saab 9-5? Can I get parts?
I was looking to buy a 2011 Saab 9-5 Vector. Could you tell me whether it's a reliable car and if something does go wrong how easy it would be to source parts?
Many Thanks, Conor (Dublin)
Conor Carbury (Dublin)Nov 2014 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Conor,
Tread very, very carefully. Saab 9-5s are generally very troublesome, with electrics and suspension being the key weak points. According to Warranty Direct in the UK, it's probably the least reliable prestige car you can drive.
In terms of parts, it shouldn't be a major issue and there are Saab specialists such as www.saabparts.com from whom to source them.
To be honest though, you're probably better off going for something else. Maybe track down a nice Volvo S60 T5 instead? Terrific car, that and much more reliable.
Why did my Toyota Corolla break down?
Hi,
My Toyota Corolla broke down on the M8 while driving to Dublin. Had the car for seven years no problem. It gave a clicking sound a few times and then suddenly started slowing down. I stopped by the hard shoulder and opened the bonnet to see smoke coming out of the engine. I got the oil indicator and thought it needs oil. I topped it up, but now the car won't start. I called breakdown assist who took me to the nearest garage. It just doesn't start now. What is wrong with my car?
Dwtdil D (Cork)Nov 2014 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi there and sorry to hear about your issue. That sounds to us like a blocked gauze in the oil pick-up in the sump. This gets clogged up with dirt and debris and the oil pump can't cope with the blockage. The end result is starvation of oil to important areas of the engine like the camshaft and crankshaft bearings, which could result in terminal engine damage.
A decent mechanic should be able to diagnose it properly for you. Hopefully we're wrong...
Does the Dacia Duster have a wiper problem?
I read last year in a British review of the Duster 4x4, that the windscreen wipers are seriously inadequate, too small and too slow to deal with anything more than a light rain shower. I had been considering buying one until then. I drive a good deal on the M50 and even in a car with good wipers it can be a nightmare to get caught behind one of the thousands of HGVs using that road. It is akin to trying to drive while more than half blind, since the HGV creates its own mini Niagra of water and dirt.
So I decided to forget buying a Dacia Duster 4x4. Do you know if the situation is still the same now? The British site in question take cars on a week long test, and thus have a far better idea of what they are like long-term.
Cheers, DF Nolan, Dublin
David F Nolan (Dublin)Sep 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi David,
OK, a couple of points to deal with there. I can well remember my first drive in the Dacia Duster, which was a left-hand drive 4x4 model and I happened to drive it from Galway to Waterford and back on some of the wettest days of 2012. I can honestly not remember feeling that the wipers were inadequate to the task, and I'm generally pretty sensitive to things like that, so I'd say you might be crossing the car off your list somewhat unfairly. I can certainly remember thinking that the Duster felt unusually well-planted on the road and sure-footed in what were truly appalling conditions.
Incidentally, it's worth noting that we also take almost all of our test cars on week-long tests, and occasionally even longer ones. The full CompleteCar.ie team also endeavours to drive each car personally so that we can put together a fully rounded opinion on every model, and we always try to drive them in as many different conditions as the prevailing weather will allow.
Is the Mazda MX-5 25th Anniversary available as an auto?
Paul Healy wrote an article about the 'New special edition MX-5' on April the 17th, 2014. He states that this Anniversary Edition is available with manual or automatic gearboxes. I have tried many times, in vain, to get information from both Mazda UK and Mazda Ireland about the automatic version. The answer simply is that it is not available. Who could I write to in Mazda HQ to find out when the auto version will be available in Ireland?
Your advice would be much appreciated.
Auke - dublin - Ireland
Auke Van Der Werff (Dublin , Ireland)Sep 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Auke,
We asked Mazda about this and the official response was: "Simple answer is it is not available in Ireland unfortunately. There are only 1,000 examples of the limited edition 25th anniversary in the world and we have one press model for marketing/PR purposes really - not for sale."
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news
Honda CR-V or Hyundai Santa Fe?
Hi,
I'm currently driving a Land Rover Freelander TD4 and am looking to change. I am considering a 2008 Honda CR-V EX 1.9 petrol or a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.1 diesel. I am based in Dublin but do a good bit of driving around the country. Can you please let me know about the performance and reliability (potential problems) of these two cars, and point out any other vehicles I should be considering. My budget is a max of €14,000.
Joe Harbourne (Dublin)Jun 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
Both excellent choices although it's worth pointing out that the petrol-powered Honda will struggle more to hold on to any value as the market is so diesel-obsessed at the moment. Still, that means prices are cheaper for you at buying time...
As with all Hondas, the CR-V is remarkably reliable, although this model has suffered from some issues. There have been some problems with trim scratching and scuffing too easily, as well as problems with the alternators. Some have had issues with the gearbox too and high front tyre wear. You should also check carefully underneath to make sure that any previous owner hasn't been taking the 4x4 bit too seriously.
That goes equally for the Hyundai and the good news here too is that reliability is excellent. The only regularly reported problems with the Santa Fe are that the air conditioning system can need regular re-gassing and that the stereo is pretty rubbish.
Both will be expensive to run though. The CR-V has CO2 emissions of 194g/km so motor tax is going to be pricey. Despite being diesel, the Hyundai is no better, with CO2 emissions of 191g/km. Both will average around 35mpg in regular driving.
I have to admit to a small bias - my father-in-law has owned his 2.0-litre petrol CR-V from new in 2007 and loves it. It's been massively reliable (only ever needing a replacement alternator) and he regularly gets better than 40mpg from it. That said, the Hyundai is also an excellent vehicle and I would say both are safe bets - try some test drives and see which one you prefer and let us know which way you go.
Where can I find a Lexus IS 300h in Ireland?
Where can I find a Lexus IS 300h nearly new in Ireland?
Anna-Maria Hyland (Dublin)Apr 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Anna-Maria,
I'd start with a Lexus dealer. Mind you, Lexus has only a few dealers in Ireland - four to be precise. Two in Dublin (Blackrock and M50), one in Cork (Macroom) and one in Galway (Ballybrit). If any of those locations aren't convenient to you, try having a word with your local Toyota dealer - the two companies are obviously tightly interlinked and you should at least be pointed in the right direction.
Let us know how you get on
What should I look out for on E60 BMW 5 Series?
Looking for info on second hand BMW 5 Series M Sport (E60): what should I look for fault wise?
Keith, Dublin
Keith Lestrange (Dublin)Apr 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Keith,
The areas you have to check carefully on an E60 5 Series are the suspension and electrics. If there are any nasty noises coming from underneath, or if the steering feels anything less than precise and solid, you've got possible trouble. The run-flat tyres can also cause trouble, suffering from little air leaks that play havoc with the tyre pressure monitoring system. The iDrive infotainment system can also be wayward, sometimes taking as long as 20 minutes to boot up, but apparently post-2005 cars are far better in this regard. Finally, check all the electrical and electronic systems to make absolutely sure that everything is working as it should be, and don't even consider a car that doesn't have a full service history.
How can I tell if the mileage is legit on an import?
Thinking of buying a UK import in Dublin. I'm a bit suss about the mileage as apparently the car has only done 2,000 miles in last year... Is there any way to find out if the mileage is legit?
Brian O'Donoghue (Dublin)Apr 2014 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Brian,
The car could well have been off the road or traded in to a UK dealer before sitting around for a while and then coming to Ireland.
Nonetheless, it's best to be safe. We recommend a Cartell.ie history report. It can pick up mileage discrepancies, even on UK cars.
Let us know how you get on