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 LestrangeApr 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 do I repair the mirrors in my Honda FR-V?
Hi, I have purchased a Honda FR-V. Annoyingly, neither electric wing mirror is functioning properly. One won't tilt side to side and the other up and down... Is it possible to just replace the motors? FR-V parts aren't abundant - would another Honda part do the trick? Don't want to relace the whole mirror if possible as very expensive!
Garry AlbonApr 2014 Filed under: electrics
Expert answer
Hi Garry,
Without having the car in front of us it's hard to tell, but it really sounds like the issue could be with the switch itself rather than the mirrors or their motors. It seems too coincidental that they'd both fail.
That could save you rather a lot of money if so - let us know how you get on.
Is the Toyota Avensis as bomb proof as they say?
Hi lads,
Quick question: I'm looking for an ultra reliable car, as seem very unlucky with every car I get. Peugeot 407 at moment and all injectors to be replaced, latest drama. Looking closely at Toyota Avensis; are they as bomb proof as they say?
Michael Mulvey (Ashbourne)Apr 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
Basically yes, it's almost impossible to kill an Avensis, but you could also consider a Skoda Superb, Honda Accord or Mazda6 as they will all be similarly reliable. The Mazda is the most fun to drive, the Accord the most luxurious (though they are pricey too) and the Superb the most spacious. The Avensis is a good mix of the three and with so many being on the road, you'll probably get the best value by shopping Toyota. Just avoid ex-taxi ones and it's worth buying an approved second hand example from a Toyota dealer to get a warranty and good after-sales care.
Let us know how you get on
Will the insurance be high on a BMW 1 Series Sport?
Hi guys, my son is thinking of buying a BMW 1 Series diesel. It's a Sport model. What does this mean and would it have implications for his insurance? He's 27.
Thanks.
Sean C (Ashbourne)Apr 2014 Filed under: insurance
Expert answer
Hi Sean,
Well, any insurance company is going to load any male driver under 30 with a hefty premium, and if they're going for a BMW, any BMW, then that premium will be stacked higher still. Perhaps it would be better to seek out a version of the 1 Series that doesn't specifically have the word 'Sport' in its name? The SE model is just as good to drive and look at and there's no actually major dynamic benefit to having the Sport badge on the car.
Or, if the insurance is still working out too steep, why not consider a MINI? A One D would be pretty much as much fun to drive as the 1 Series, cheaper to run and insure and still has that BMW-style handling (front-wheel drive notwithstanding). Could be a better car to drive until he's past 30 and into the sunlit uplands of cheaper insurance.
What do you think?
What's the Mazda3 like?
Hello, I'm considering buying a 2008 Mazda3 1.6 diesel. Any drawbacks or are they a good car?
Thanks,
Val.
Valerie Swan (Dublin)Apr 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Valerie,
Nope, they're excellent. Mazda's reputation for reliability is well earned and the 3 is a really nice car to drive. They're a little plain on the inside, but they're certainly hard-wearing so if you're a family motorist that should reassure you. The only problem to report is that some early models suffered from turbo failure, but it seems to have been an isolated problem. You will have to put up with a little more road roar and tyre noise than you might expect, though.
Go drive one for yourself to see what you think and let us know.
How do the Golf Match and Highline differ?
Can you explain the difference between the Highline and Match specifications in the Volkswagen Golf?
Brian Dempsey (Dublin)Apr 2014 Filed under: optional extras
Expert answer
Hi Brian,
That's a little bit tricky at the moment as there isn't currently a 'Match' spec Golf in Volkswagen's range. The current Mark VII Highline Golf though is the ritziest Golf you can buy short of getting a GTI or GTD. Over and above a standard Golf, you get things like 16-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel, front fog lights that include a cornering function, auto headlights and wipers, sports seats and nice trim on the seats and dash.
When the last Mark VI Golf Match was around, it included (for a relatively small extra outlay over a standard car) such items as automatic lights and wipers, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, USB and iPod connectors, a digital radio, a trip computer and alloy wheels. The current Golf probably won't get a Match version for a year or two yet but keep an eye out for when one arrives as it will probably be quite a good bargain.
What will cure my Honda CR-V?
Although my 2001 Honda CR-V seems to drive very well and it starts easily from both hot and cold, the engine management light (EML) comes on; and from cold the rev counter does not operate. When the rev counter isn't working the engine is a little lumpy. After five minutes if I turn the car off and re-start, the rev counter works and the car drives perfectly.
This is an intermittent problem, sometimes the EML light isn't on, and sometimes it is. This problem has only occurred since the car has been parked up un-used for a couple of months. It doesn't appear to affect daily use once the car has been running for five minutes. The car does not over-heat. Any ideas what could be wrong? And will it be expensive?
Ali Bluck (Bristol)Apr 2014 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Ali,
That sounds to us like the distributor is playing up. It's a common problem on early petrol Hondas.
Let us know if that fixes it.
Is a 2010 Toyota diesel car any good?
Is a 2010 Toyota diesel car any good?
Raska Lowe (Clare)Apr 2014 Filed under: diesel
Expert answer
Hi Raska,
Well, you haven't specified which model, but I'm going to take a stab that you mean Auris, Corolla or Avenisis. On that basis, the answer is yes (reliable, comfy, practical, lots of them around to choose from) and no (Auris and Corolla's 1.4 D-4D engine is underpowered compared to the competition, Avensis cabin feels a touch old-fashioned).
If you need a little more than that come back to us with a specific model.
Is there a problem with imported Nissan Micras?
I just want to buy a Nissan Micra, but some of my friends are saying don't buy an imported one. So what is the drawback of an imported car in Ireland?
Mech Orle (Dublin)Apr 2014 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Mech,
There are few drawbacks to be honest. If you're importing the car from the UK then there is no drawback at all, other than the extra bit of legwork and travel needed to find and bring the car home. And of course you should consider potential difficulties with warranty, financing and trading in your current car.
If you're importing a Japanese model there can be a few issues to look at. Some parts are different, which can make repair and maintenance work a little tricker (and occasionally more expensive) and Japanese emissions laws are different too, so the car may need a tweak to the engine management system to pass the NCT emissions check. Helpfully, there are still several companies in Ireland that specialise in the importing of Japanese market cars and they'd be able to help you out with any of that.
Should I worry about the oil in this Opel Astra?
Hi, I am about to buy a 2009 Opel Astra 1.4 five-door hatchback and I have just noticed that it has a lot of creamy stuff round the oil cap. I am buying the car from an Opel garage and they are saying this is meant to happen on newer cars as the engine is different and there is no temperature gauge in the car.
Even their engineer told me this and I also rang my local garage and they said the same. The car has only done 6,083 miles so may need breaking in as basically new... Is this right or are they just trying to sell me something dodgy? I am worried I will get a lot of problems with this as I have always been told to stay away from cars that have this problem. Please help!
Chelsea Gard (BRISTOL)Apr 2014 Filed under: miscellaneous
Expert answer
Hi Chelsea,
This is not all that unusual on modern cars and is usually nothing to worry about. Take the oil dipstick out, clean it and put it back in. Then take it out again and inspect. If that has anything other than clean oil on it then walk away.
With a car that new you'd hope the dealer will throw in a warranty in any case so ask about that too.