What is the tax on the Lexus RX 400h?
What are the tax rates for a Lexus RX 400 Hybrid?
Pat Cuffe (Dublin)Mar 2015 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Pat,
The RX 400h has CO2 emissions of 192g/km so that puts it in Band F, which means annual road tax of €1,200. You might be better off trying to get a current-shape RX 450h, which is in Band B2 in front-wheel drive form.
How much oil should a Nissan Almera 1.4 use in a year?
How much oil should a Nissan Almera 1.4 use in a year?
Gus Mc Cormick (Dublin)Mar 2015 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Gus,
That's not an easy question to answer I'm afraid. All models are different, and even then examples of the same car could vary wildly depending on how they are driven and maintained. We wouldn't like to try to put a figure on it. However, if you find yourself topping up the oil by more than a litre a month you really should get the engine looked at.
Hope that helps in some small way
What can you tell me about the Renault Scenic RX4?
Do you have any information on the Renault Scenic RX4 1.9 dCi?
Dave Doyle (Burgas, Bulgaria)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Dave,
Well, it's been a few years since we drove one... The RX4 was Renault's idea of an SUV based on the practical family friendly Scenic. It had higher ride height, plastic bash-panels and permanent four-wheel drive.
If you're thinking of buying one check the electrical systems very carefully and also check the suspension, as it could be very fragile. The cabin is a weak point too with disintegrating trim. Also, as it's a practical 4x4, check for abuse at the hands of builders and the like using them on sites.
How about the Opel Mokka for a new car?
Hi,
Thank you for your very prompt reply and your advice. The cee'd estate is that now known as the cee'd Sportswagon, right, available in TX and EX versions. Also, may I ask, is the Opel Mokka in the running with a very generous €4,500 scrappage allowance?
Thanks again, Anto
Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Anthony,
Yes, I quite like the Mokka and our ed, Shane, says that the one with the new 1.6 CDTi diesel engine is a cracker. That said, the cee'd would be a good bit more practical from a space point of view so you need to work out exactly what you need.
Further reading:
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:
What decent diesel suits a young driver?
I'm only 19 and buying a good quality diesel car in the next week. Looking at an Opel Astra 1.3 CDTi or a Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec. What would you reccommend? I'm thinking between 2005 and 2008.
David Egan (Kilmihil)Mar 2015 Filed under: diesel
Expert answer
Hi David,
I would reckon you'd be better off going for the 1.3-litre Opel. If it's pre-08 it'll have cheaper road tax and given your age I would think keeping the engine capacity down as far as possible would be good from an insurance point of view.
Is the Nissan Micra good value with the scrappage allowance?
Is the Nissan Micra good value now that there is a €4,000 allowance for scrappage?
John Mugan (Sligo)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi John,
To be honest - no. The current Micra is a long way from Nissan's best effort so I think the €4k trade in bonus could be put to much better use elsewhere. Perhaps consider trading up to a Pulsar? Or better yet, wait a year. Nissan has an all-new Micra coming out next year and judging from the Sway concept car it showed last week at the Geneva Motor Show, it could well be a cracker.
What sort of checks will be carried out for a PCP contract?
Are there any criteria for a PCP contract with a new car? Do you have to give proof of income or credit history? My wife and I are self employed.
Thanks.
James Culleton (Sligo)Mar 2015 Filed under: finance
Expert answer
Hi James,
There are no specific criteria across all car makers and traders, but it's a credit agreement so like any other you'll be asked to give some details about your personal status and employment and there will be a background credit check carried out. As I know all to well, as a freelance journalist, the words 'self-employed' are ones that most banks and credit institutions don't usually like to hear, but if your credit history is in good order and you can demonstrate regular income, there shouldn't be any problems.
Is there a way to track a new car in transit at sea?
Hi guys, I've been told that my new car is in transit. Is there anyway of seeing where it is at sea?
Simon MacMahon (Dublin)Mar 2015 Filed under: miscellaneous
Expert answer
Hi Simon,
It depends where it's coming from. If it's coming from the UK or Europe, then it'll probably come by train to a major port and then by car transporter ship to either Dublin, Cork or Rosslare. From Europe it wouldn't be at sea long enough to be of any interest.
If it's coming from Japan or the Far East then it might be worth trying to find the name of the shipping vessel and then you can track it's movements from this website: http://www.marinetraffic.com