CompleteCar
Search Ask Us Anything
Showing 1241 - 1250 results (out of a total of 2375) found for "FR" in Ask Us Anything

Which seven-seater is is safest?

Which seven-seater is safest?

Sinead Sinclair Sinclair (Dublin)

Jun 2015 Filed under: safety

Expert answer

Hi Sinead,

Probably the Volvo XC90 - whatever about EuroNCAP scores, Volvo always makes its cars real-world safe, basing its design on data taken from actual, real accidents and not just lab testing.

If you mean something a bit more conventional and cheaper than an XC90, then according to EuroNCAP the best performing are the Volkswagen Sharan and SEAT Alhambra, both of which scored a maximum five stars, with the Sharan getting a 96 per cent mark for adult occupant protection, 80 per cent for kids, 46 per cent pedestrian protection and 71 per cent safety assist. The Alhambra's marks were identical.

Relevant reviews:

Volvo XC90 review

SEAT Alhambra review


Are parts for Saabs becoming expensive?

I'm thinking of buying a 2007 Saab 9-3 Linear Sport, 1.9 diesel. It's in good condition and seems to be a very good price, but I'm told parts for Saabs are becoming ridiculously expensive and that's why you can purchase them so cheaply. Can you shed any light on this?

Jules Hickson (Dublin)

Jun 2015 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Jules,

You could be on to something there alright. The 9-3 is generally a pretty reliable car, although you have to watch carefully for things like engine ECU problems (if it's slow to fire up or runs sluggish then walk away) and gearbox and clutch issues. 

As for parts - there is definitely a price difference. A quick trawl of the listings over at micksgarage.ie will show you that, for instance, a replacement front wing for the 9-3 will cost you €114 whereas the same part for a contemporary BMW 3 Series will only set you back €70.  That's not the case right across the board for all parts but there is definitely a premium charged for Saab bits.


How much VRT will I pay on importing a Kia cee'd?

Hi,

I'm thinking of purchasing a Kia cee'd from the UK and the only information I have is that it is a 2010 model with 36,000 miles on the clock and will be five years old this coming December. Could you please give me some sort of idea regards the VRT I would have to pay to bring it into R.O.I?

John

John Hewitt (Nenagh)

Jun 2015 Filed under: importing

Expert answer

Hi John,

You'll need to know its CO2 emissions rating to work out the VRT you'll have to pay. If you have its registration number in the UK you should be able to get that from the Cartell.ie website, where you can also do a full history check on the car for a small fee.


Thinking of buying a 2007 Peugeot 407.

Thinking of buying a 2007 Peugeot 407. Full service history and Cartell.ie report available, 48k miles on the clock. NCT to May 2017. Cost is €3,900. This seems low. Am I missing something and why are used Peugeots cheaper than other cars of same year?

Aiden Watkin (Dublin )

May 2015 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Aiden,

No, you're not missing anything. French cars, and big French saloons in particular, always suffer staggering depreciation and the 407 is not a car that's especially loved by the used trade. 

There's nothing much mechanically wrong with them but make sure you check that all of the electrical bits and pieces are working, and check the cabin for loose or ill-fitting pieces of trim. Then check the suspension, especially at the front, for any damage. Listen for clonking or knocking noises and check the tyres for signs of uneven wear.


Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson or Nissan X-Trail?

2005 - 2007 Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson or Nissan X-Trail - low mileage use as a second car. Which would you recommend? Any issues to look out for with these?

Many thanks, Ben from Limerick

Ben McMahon (Limerick)

May 2015 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Ben,

OK, first off, if it's a second car for short journeys and low mileages, go and track down a petrol model. That shouldn't be too hard if you're looking pre-2008, and it will save you from getting diesel particulate filter problems later.

Of the three, the Tuscon would probably be the most painless to own - it has a great reliability record and the 2.0-litre petrol version is decently frugal. Worth looking at a Kia Sportage of the same vintage too - it's mechanically identical and, to our eyes, slightly better looking.

I'd avoid the RAV4. That generation of RAV was very short on refinement and they tend to need clutch and flywheel replacements as the miles build up. Not a patch on the current, much more sophisticated RAV4.

The X-Trail is well worth a look too. You might struggle to track down the rare 2.0-litre petrol version, but it's worth doing so - it's more reliable than the diesel version and, as long as you go for the second-generation X-Trail, introduced in 2007, you're getting a massively spacious car that's surprisingly good to drive. Be picky though - it has to be that second-gen model, as the first X-Trail was a bit underwhelming. If you can't find a nice one, revert to the Tucson or Sportage.


Opel Zafira or Renault Grand Scenic?

I am looking to buy a used MPV (2003 - 2004 model year). Which one do you reckon is better in terms of reliability and comfort: 1) Opel Zafira 2) Renault Grand Scenic

Regards

Syd from Sandyford, Dublin

Syed Hyder (Sandyford)

May 2015 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Syd,

It's a split decision I'm afraid - the Scenic is going to be much comfier and more refined, but the Opel will be the more reliable one. You'll have to make your own call based on what you prioritise most.


Lexus RX 450h or BMW X5?

2008 Lexus RX 450h or BMW X5?

Brendan O'Connor (Templeogue)

May 2015 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

X5. Yes, it's bigger, heavier and (on paper) thirstier than the Lexus, but it's also far nicer to drive, more spacious and actually, in the real world, probably a little more frugal than the RX 450h. The Lexus' only advantages are lower motor tax and the fact that it will be more reliable long-term than the BMW, but if you buy the Beemer with a  full service history and look after it properly, you shouldn't have any major problems.


Can I put Ford Kuga wheels on my S-Max?

Can I fit 18-inch alloys from a Ford Kuga (7.5J x 18) to my Ford S-Max (7J x 17)? I know that my friend's Ford S-Max 1.6 TDCi has 18-inch wheels from Ford, and it's a 2013 S-Max, which is the same shape as my 2011 model.

Matt Graves (Yanworth)

May 2015 Filed under: tyres

Expert answer

Hi Matt,

We asked Ford for an official adjudication on this, and here is the response:

"Each vehicle/wheel has a specific offset and wheel width regardless of tyre size. The 7.5J x 18 referenced for the Kuga wheel means that that wheel is 7.5 inches in width and the S-MAX referenced is running 7J x 17 meaning the wheels originally fitted were seven inches in width. Therefore, the answer from Ford is no - we would only recommend like for like replacements."


Can you give me advice on buying a Peugeot 308?

Hi,

Can you give me advice on buying a 2008 to 2010 Peugeot 308? We do about 15,000 miles a year. Which would suit us better - diesel or petrol?

Thank you

Ruairi Mc Carthy (Mullagh Co Cavan)

May 2015 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Ruairi,

With that kind of mileage you would probably be fractionally better off with a petrol, but the thing is that you're unlikely to find one - petrol sales collapsed in the wake of the 2008 change in the car tax regime, so it's very likely that all you'll find out there are diesels. 

Which is no harm - the 308 was always nicer to drive with the 1.6 diesel than with a petrol (unless you can track down a vanishingly rare 150hp 1.6-litre petrol turbo). You just need to watch for a few key items. Make sure the diesel particulate filter has been kept clean, and make sure you give the car at least one good long drive at motorway speeds every week to keep it that way. Check that the cooling system is working properly and that the (plastic) water pump is in good nick. Check the gearbox too - the five-speed manual can sometimes get jammed in neutral.


Who has oversight over the NCT?

Who is over the NCT? I'm having problems getting anywhere with them...

Patricia Bird (Laois)

May 2015 Filed under: NCT

Expert answer

Hi Patricia,

Well, it depends what the problem is. If it's that you're having trouble booking a testing date, welcome to the club. Waiting times have gone up a lot lately, but if you can't get a slot within 28 days, you are actually entitled to a free test.

If the problem is one of a complaint or something like that, don't bother talking to the NCT people directly - the NCT is run by a Swiss-based company called Applus and you're unlikely to get very far, very fast talking to them. Instead go over their heads - the Road Safety Authority has oversight of the whole NCT process, so if you have a problem, contact them here http://rsa.ie/en/Utility/Contact-Us/Who-do-I-contact-about/


-->