Should I replace my BMW 520d with an Audi A6?
I would like to know if you think the Audi A6 2.0-litre diesel 2014 model is a good car. I am in the market for this kind of car and currently drive a BMW 520d, but I don't know if I should go for the same again as I'm a bit worried about rear-wheel drive in the winter and because Audi is more competitive on price at the moment. I've driven an Audi and liked it but are there any problems I should know about?
Thanks.
Mike Ross (Dublin)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mike,
The A6 is a cracking choice - reliable, frugal, stylish and hugely comfy, but it's not as sweet to drive as the 5 Series. That said, it is more spacious and if you can track down an Avant estate you'll have one of the best looking cars around.
If you're concerned about driving on snow and ice there are two avenues you should explore, no matter which car you go for. One is to look into fitting either winter tyres (which you'll need to swap back over to normal tyres in the spring) or all-season tyres, such as the new 'CrossClimate' one from Michelin. Better again, go on a winter driving techniques course. BMW runs one at Rally School Ireland in Monaghan and the skills you'll learn there would get you through even the worst blizzard, no matter which set of your car's wheels are driven.
Further reading:
Help me spend €24,000 on a new car!
Hi, I bought my present car, a Mitsubishi Space Star 1.3 GLX petrol new 15 years ago, so it's long overdue replacing. Trouble is I haven't got a clue about choosing a new car and I need your advice.
The max price I wish to pay is €24,000 so I'm also chasing the best scrappage deal. I had a drive in the Hyundai ix35 and I like it but it has its drawbacks. However, the Nissan Qashqai is a non-contender for me as it has only an emergency spare wheel and the fifth passenger has to sit like riding a donkey with the big centre console protruding from the front.
What do you think I should go for? I'm thinking of looking at the Kia Sportage and Kia cee'd, but also the Nissan Pulsar and Peugeot 3008. I would be grateful for your advice.
Kind regards, Anto.
Anthony Kavanagh (Kilkenny)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Anthony,
The Pulsar or the cee'd would be the most sensible choices and both fall well within your budget. Both are reliable and decent to drive, and the Kia's not bad looking either. In fact, I reckon you should go for the estate version of the cee'd - it's one of the nicest, comfiest and most practical cars around.
Further reading to help you decide:
How much is my unusual Peugeot 206 SW worth?
How much will I get for a Peugeot 206 SW S estate diesel 1,997cc, first reg 25 05 2004 18,000 miles in superb condition?
Douglas Izon ( Solihull)Feb 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Douglas,
Quite a difficult car to value that, as there are (a) so few 206 SWs around and (b) that 2.0-litre engine is going to make it quite a hard sell. On that basis I'd say you'd be lucky to get €2,500 for it retail. Even less on a trade in.
What could be wrong with my Opel Astra's heating?
Hi. I have a 2008 Opel Astra 1.3 diesel estate. My heating in the car is working but the heat is not that hot at all and this isn't normal. My friend has the same car and there is a vast difference in he heat...
Brian Fitzgerald (Cobh Cork)Jan 2015 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Brian,
It's likely that the heating matrix within the car heating system has corroded and needs to be replaced. It could also be the actual switches controlling the heating, but that's less likely.
Either way, you need to get the car to a good mechanic to have it checked over.
How much is a 2001 Toyota Corolla Estate worth?
How much is a 2001 Toyota Corolla Estate worth?
Brendan Fahey (Ardee)Jan 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
It depends entirely on the condition and history. Is it immaculate and has a full, continuous service history? Then maybe €1,500 or thereabouts. Is it a bit shagged out and missing its service book? Probably €750 then.
What SUV to go for with up to €18,000 to spend?
What you think about the 2010 BMW X1? First baby on the way and looking for a crossover/SUV between €15,000 and €18,000.
Gavin Kane (Meath )Dec 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Gavin,
I'd have to say nope. It's not very big inside and it has needlessly heavy steering that makes manoeuvring in town a chore.
Do you really need an SUV? Why not consider a nice estate? BMW's own 3 Series Touring is a belter. Or, for your budget, you could probably stretch to an Audi A6 Avant. Track down one with quattro four-wheel drive and leave all the front-drive SUVs standing when it snows.
Or, if you're determined on the SUV front, consider one of the following: Honda CR-V, Volvo XC60, Hyundai Santa Fe or Mazda CX-5.
What do you think?
What €12,000 estate should I go for?
I am thinking of buying an estate car as I need the extra space. Seems to be a lot of Astras out there, but want to get something fairly good with a budget of €12k-ish. Recommend anything in particular?
Jonny Jackson (Tallaght)Dec 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Jonny,
The Astra is not a bad choice and the current Ford Focus Estate is simply massive inside too. But, to be honest, if it's a compact estate you're after then there are really only two serious games in town - the Kia cee'd SW and the Skoda Octavia Combi. Both are terrifically well made, reliable and, if you get the 1.6 diesel engine in either, very frugal. And both have absolutely enormous boots - more than 500 litres each. Cracking cars both, so simply take your pick. The Kia has the better warranty, the Skoda is perhaps slightly nicer inside.
Let us know which way you go with it
Ford Mondeo or Volkswagen Passat?
Hoping to buy a 2.0-litre diesel estate and need to decide between 2010 Passat (high spec) and 2011 Mondeo (lower spec). Similar mileage and price. I spend a lot of time on the road.
Any suggestions?
Diarmuid Crowley (Limerick)Dec 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Diarmuid,
It's a close run thing, but I'd go for the Passat. I reckon it'll work out just a little more economical than the Mondeo, and it has a nicer, comfier, more 'premium' edition. Mind you, I'm basing that on the assumption that you're going to be on the motorway a lot. If it's twisty roads, then it's Mondeo all the way...
What should I look out for on the Alfa 159?
Hi, could you please tell me what to look out for when buying an Alfa Romeo 159 estate - 2008/2009 model?
Ruairi Mc Carthy (Mullagh Co Cavan)Nov 2014 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Ruairi,
You're expecting me to say 'everything' aren't you?
Well, actually, 159s are pretty well built and when they do suffer from old-school Alfa flakiness, it tends to be more on a car-by-car basis. So the best trick is to talk to the previous owner. If the car gave them no major trouble, then it's probably a good 'un.
The critical check point is anything electric. Wiper motors are weak and the cruise control can freak out easily and take a good long test drive to make sure that the engine always delivers its power smoothly and consistently. If it doesn't then the ECU could be on the way out.
Finally, if the front tyres are showing signs of uneven wear, then the front suspension is out of alignment and needs sorting.
Best of luck
How economical should my Toyota Avensis be?
What economy should I be getting from my 2011 Toyota Avensis estate? It's a 2.0-litre diesel with 90,000 miles on the clock.
Stephen Woods (Drogheda)Expert answer
Hi Stephen,
Well, according to the official figures, you should be getting 55mpg on average. If you're not getting that, or something near it, then you need to consider a few possibilities:
Are your tyres up to the correct pressures? Has the car been serviced lately, and given an oil and filters change? Are you carrying around lots of extra weight in the car or have you got a roof rack or roof box on top?
If none of these helps, maybe you need to take a look at your own driving style. Lighter throttle openings, earlier gearshifts, a bit more anticipation - that sort of thing.
Hope that's of some help