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Should I get a remap for my 2009 Audi A6?

Can you please advise on getting a remap? I own an 2009 Audi A6 TDIe 136hp with low mileage and in great condition. However, I used to own a diesel Octavia RS and miss the power in the bigger, heavier Audi, but do not want to buy a new car. I am considering getting a remap. What do you think of this? Is it worth it?

M L (Dublin)

Mar 2014 Filed under: aftermarket

Expert answer

Hi there,

I’d be slightly careful. Remapping can unleash more power and torque, but you need to be very careful that the chip comes from a reputable source and that it won’t unduly affect the reliability and fuel consumption of the engine. I’d have a word with the guys at the Volkswagen and Audi owners club of Ireland, VAGE, as they tend to know their onions and would be able to give you more precise advice.


What's the Honda FR-V like?

What's the Honda FR-V like?

Gillian Counihan (Cork)

Mar 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Gillian,

Yes, it's really good. I've always liked the idea of a six-seat MPV with two rows (I'm also a Fiat Multipla fan) and the FR-V is just excellent. They're really reliable, spacious (even if that front centre seat is a touch cramped) and really quite nice to drive. Nothing major goes wrong with any regularity but just check the cabin for signs of family abuse beyond the call of duty. One downside - there's no compact diesel option, just the 2.2-litre diesel unit. That means you're much more likely to end up with the 1.8 petrol.


Any problems with the 2002 Volvo C70 cabriolet?

Any problems with the 2002 Volvo C70 cabriolet to look out for?

Thanks

Paul Bristow (Glengarriff)

Mar 2014 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

The turbos go so beware of blue or black smoke from the exhaust, and check the convertible hood for any signs of wear and tear. If it's leaking (damp carpets are the giveaway) then replacement parts and repairs can be very expensive. Check too for uneven tyre wear - it can just be that the previous owner has kerbed the wheels but it can also be an indication that the car has damage to its driveshafts.


Tell me more about the 2008 Range Rover 3.6 diesel.

Tell me more about the 2008 Range Rover 3.6 diesel.

Tom Healy (Ardmore ,co. Waterford)

Mar 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Tom,

That one came with the first generation of Land Rover's own V8 diesel engine (the Range Rover had exclusively used BMW's 3.0-litre straight-six diesel prior to that) and brought with it much more power and torque and better fuel economy too. Good points are the comfort, the style, the on-road deportment, the off-road capability (mountain goats glare jealously at you) and the image. Bad points are fragile gearboxes and electronics and the mammoth running costs - you CANNOT run a Range Rover on the cheap, even if you can buy them quite cheaply now.


What's the Honda FR-V like?

What's people's opinion on the 2008 1.8-litre petrol Honda FR-V? How is it on fuel etc, and are there any major issues with it?

Pam Sullivan (Ardmore ,co. Waterford)

Mar 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Pam,

It's pretty close to brilliant as a second hand purchase - there are no major reliability or warranty issues to report on the FR-V. The only things to really look for are obvious signs of damage or abuse on the inside (they are used as family transport, after all) and the outside (they're wider than most cars so check for bashed panels or kerbed wheels). That 1.8 won't be the most economical engine ever, but it probably won't break the bank as long as you're not doing lots of long motorway miles.

Let us know how you get on


How much does this Mercedes cost to tax?

How much is the road tax on Merc reg no 11 XX XXXX?

FRANK BARNETT (Dalkey)

Mar 2014 Filed under: taxation

Expert answer

Hi Frank,

The registration you provided is for a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML 300 CDI BlueEfficiency with an automatic gearbox. That falls into the emissions band 191- to 225g/km, which costs €1,200 per annum to tax.


Merc SLK: what should I look out for on inspection?

Mercedes-Benz SLK 230K convertible: can you tell me any problems to look for on inspection?

Thanks, Paul

Paul Bristow (Glengarriff)

Mar 2014 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

OK, the good news: the SLK 230K (built from 1996 to 2004) is from an era when Mercedes engineers built the car the best they could, and then the accountants had to go away and figure out how much to sell it for. That changed later with disastrous consequences for Mercedes' reliability reputation, but the good news, as I say, is that the original SLK was built tough. There are few regularly reported issues, so the thing to check for here is maintenance. If the car has been obviously cared for properly, has a full set of service stamps, receipts and previous NCTs then you're probably on to a good one.

That regular servicing is vital to keep the supercharged engine in good shape (the supercharger itself needs a regular top up with high quality oil) and it's a good idea to very carefully check the operation of the folding steel roof. Any hesitation, vibration or grinding noises are bad signs. Check also for condensation or water in the lights front and rear, and check the interior for any obvious signs of excess wear and tear.

Hope that helps


How costly is the 2.4-litre Volvo S60 to run?

What are the running costs associate with the Volvo S60 2.4 diesel?

Joe Murray (Dublin)

Mar 2014 Filed under: running costs

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

The last-generation S60 got a bit unfairly hit by various Irish tax regimes (it never had an engine under 2.0 litres for instance), but it's actually a cracking car - well built and superbly comfy, as Volvos tend to be. Keep an eye out for minor electronic glitches (the cruise control and electric windows seem to be vulnerable points) and if the engine is 'lumpy' when you're switching it off, you're looking at injector issues - expensive ones.

In terms of day-to-day running costs, it should do 44mpg with a manual gearbox (a little less with the optional automatic) and emissions of 175g/km mean you can tax it for €750 a year. That's pricey, but better than buying a pre-2008 model (2008-2009 was the last full year of production) when the engine capacity would land you with a €1,034 tax bill. One running cost to keep an eye on is front tyres. The S60 is quite nose-heavy and has a massive turning circle, things that tend to banjax the front boots. Check any potential purchase for worn rubber and budget for at least a new set every year.


With €4,000 what will I upgrade my Peugeot 206 CC to?

Hi, I have a 2002 Peugeot 206 CC, which I love but need a slightly bigger car. I am looking at a 2006 Peugeot 207 CC at €4,000 with low mileage (22,000 kilometres). Is this a good car to change to? Alternatively a small SUV would be good, but my max budget is €4,000. What do you think?

Many thanks!

Emma Webb (Dublin)

Mar 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Emma,

It's not bad, and the 207 represented a major leap in quality over the old Peugeot 206. That said, it's heavier (to the detriment of fuel consumption) and that folding roof mechanism can be worryingly unreliable. Keep an ear out too for any unhappy noises from the suspension - wheel bearing and suspension damper failures are common while a malfunctioning radio LED display in the cabin is an expensive, and all too common fix. 

In terms of a small SUV, that kind of budget will get you in to a Hyundai Tucson (very, very reliable but you'll only get a petrol version for that budget) or a Toyota RAV4 (likewise), both of which are fine purchases. You could think about going up a size to, perhaps, a BMW X3 or Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, but at that money you're into a world of potential unreliability so tread carefully.

Let us know what you go for


When does the new Ford Focus arrive in Ireland?

Is the new Ford Focus 1.5 petrol with slight changes inside and out likely to be available in Ireland and if so when?

Frank Dodd (Dublin)

Mar 2014 Filed under: future cars

Expert answer

Hi F D,

The new Ford Focus is expected to begin deliveries here in Ireland from July of this year, although that was a provisional date given to us at the preview of the car last month, so that date could move back by a month or so. The new 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine sounds like it will be a great choice for the new Focus, and should be available straight away in 150hp guise - there will also be a 180hp version. If you're planning on getting one of the new versions straight away, I'd advise paying a visit to your local dealer soon, as allocations are likely to be small when the car first goes on sale. 

Hope this helps.


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