I'd like a new Mercedes GLC 220 d Sport.
I am considering the purchase of a Mercedes-Benz GLC 220 d, but I note the Sport version of this car does not seem to be available from Mercedes-Benz Ireland. Is this going to remain the case or is it likely that the Sport will come on stream, as I would like to consider this car spec as it opens the door to the Off Road Option wherein I would be able to take the car into forest tracks etc, but not in any severe capacity.
Regards Seamas
Seamas McHugh (Belfast)Dec 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Seamas,
Good choice, we really liked the GLC at the international launch. We asked Mercedes-Benz Ireland about your query and here was the response:
"It will be available and he should go for the GLC 220 d 4Matic AMG SPORT version with the additional option of the Off-Road Pack."
Hopefully that clears it up for you.
What taxes to pay on registering a classic?
Sirs, I have an opportunity to purchase a classic car that was acquired in the UK in 2006, but little used and never registered. What registration charges and/or penalties are likely to be due now?
Much obliged.
James Edwards. Tullow.
James Edwards (Belfast)Nov 2015 Filed under: classic cars
Expert answer
Hi James,
It depends on what you mean when you say 'classic.' If the car is more than 30 years old (taken from its first date of registration) then you'll only have to pay a nominal Vehicle Registration Tax fee (about €200) and motor tax will be €56 for a year. If it's younger than 30 years then you'll have to pay VRT at the full rate and depending on the car and its estimated value that could be quite expensive.
What do you think of the 2011 Opel Insignia?
What is your opinion of the 2011 Opel Insignia 2.0 CDTi?
James Cloney (Wexford)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi James,
A really good car that one, but just give it a thorough checkover to make sure that all of the electrical systems are working properly (the alarm and central locking seem to be especially vulnerable) and have a check in the back and the boot for any dampness coming from leaking boot seals.
How can I buy a Volkswagen Golf R Estate?
I have my heart set on a Volkswagen Golf R 'Sportwagen' (estate), but it seems Volkswagen Ireland will not be selling them here. Do I have any real options to buy one, given that importing from the UK is prohibitively expensive considering the exchange rate?
Thanks.
Graham McGarry (Greystones)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Graham,
I'm afraid not - it's simply not a model appearing on the official Volkswagen Ireland price list. You could try sweet-talking a Volkswagen dealer but they'll essentially just have to privately import it themselves so they'll just pass on the same costs to you.
We double checked the situation with Volkswagen Ireland and it confirmed the same.
Such a shame!
How does the car scrappage scheme work?
How does the car scrappage scheme work? Is it up to individual garages or are there a set of guidelines?
Nicola Kelly (Drogheda)Nov 2015 Filed under: scrappage
Expert answer
Hi Nicola,
There is no official, government-backed scrappage scheme at the moment, so all of the adverts you are seeing for scrappage are actually just special trade-in offers. In that sense, there are no specific guidelines - it's purely down to the offers from each individual brand and dealer.
I need a small, reliable commuting car.
Hello, looking for a small, economical, reliable car for commuting. I currently have a 1.0-litre Nissan Micra. I do 110km a day, 5-6 days a week.
What would you recommend?
Elaine Henry (Sligo)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Elaine,
You're kind of on the cusp of being better off with a diesel with that kind of mileage. There are a few cars that are worth looking at. Sticking with petrol? Try a Honda Jazz - small but very spacious, and the 1.2-litre engine is pretty frugal. Want to go for a small diesel? Try a Volkswagen Polo. Want something a little more fun, but still very frugal (albeit not very roomy in the back)? Try a MINI Cooper D.
Will Infiniti come to Ireland?
Hi, just wondering if Infiniti has any plans to sell cars here in Ireland?
Cheers, Kevin.
Kevin Caulfield (Kildysart)Nov 2015 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Kevin,
We asked the current Nissan importer and got a pretty stock answer:
"This is under continuous review - it is likely that Infiniti will be launched when the decision is taken that the demand, conditions and the model line-up are right for the Irish market."
From our point of view, the new Q30 and forthcoming Infiniti QX30 are steps towards that happening, but we believe that Irish new car sales would have to top 150,000 units a year consistently before it would be considered. Competition is already tough here and Infiniti hasn't done all that well over in the UK.
Should I go ahead with Audi A6 order?
Any advice about buying a new Audi A6 diesel in view of the current emissions scandal? Dealers are vague and evasive with answers.
Many thanks
PAT HIGGINS (ROSCOMMON)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Pat,
The dealers are, in fairness, being evasive because they don't have the full picture yet. None of us do, to be honest. However, there's no really good reason for not buying an A6. It's an excellent car, very frugal and lovely to drive, and beautifully built too. If it does turn out to be one of the cars on which the CO2 emissions and fuel consumption has been under-estimated, then you will be compensated for any gap - Volkswagen Group has promised that customers will not be out of pocket as a result of all this. So I'd say go ahead - cracking car.
Any advice on 2007 Volkswagen Touareg?
Any advice when looking at a 2007 3.0-litre auto diesel Volkswagen Toureg with 150,000 miles on the clock?
Dan Haslam (Coleraine)Nov 2015 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Dan,
What runaround to get for €10,000?
Please advise on best value annual costs for a small runaround. Budget c. €10,000. Anticipate c. 15,000km per annum - some on quite rough country lanes. I anticipate keeping the car for maybe 6/7 years so diesel a prefered option but those I have looked at - from Volkswagen up!/Skoda Citygo/SEAT Mii stable, Hyundai i10, Fiat Panda, Suzuki Alto/Splash all seem to be petrol only.
Thank you
Charles Cooper (Collooney)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Charles,
Yeah, with a small car like that (a) diesel is not generally available and (b) it would push up the price tag so much that you'd never earn the difference back in fuel savings. Of the ones you're looking at, I'd go with withe Hyundai i10 - it's really comfy and spacious for a small car, and should be sufficiently rugged to deal with the roads you're talking about. Plus the five-year warranty should help to keep the running costs down.
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