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What's the noise in my Toyota Previa?

Hi,

My parents have a 1991 Toyota Previa and lately it has been making a lot of metal grinding sounds from the rear. I took it out to test it and for the first few minutes the car seems fine. But after a while, and especially on the motorway, the car starts making metal grinding sounds.

We took it to a couple of garages and they said it was the rear axle. To fix/replace it, its going to cost around €700 to €1,000 depending on if we want to fix/replace the whole axle. Can the rear axle really be the problem? And does the price range sound right for this problem?

Thank you.

Jin Masaki (Fresno)

Sep 2013 Filed under: fault

Expert answer

Hi Jin,

Going by the assessment of the garages, I think that it could well be the rear differential. The price to replace it doesn't sound bad at all if they're using new parts, but I would suggest that it's probably not worth doing on a vehicle that old.


Any oil problems with Mazda's diesels?

I was wondering if there is an issue with Mazda's new SkyActiv diesel engines? I have heard there may be an issue with the oil levels.

Thanks

Eamonn McDermott (Limerick)

Sep 2013 Filed under: diesel

Expert answer

Hi Eamonn,

Not that we’re aware of. Like any modern engine, the SkyActiv 2.2 diesel is built to very fine tolerances, and needs regular care and attention. That doesn’t mean it’s fragile, just that it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the oil level, and make sure that the car is serviced, properly, according to schedule. The old days of using and abusing engines is gone.


Does the VW Transporter have a DPF?

Does the 2010 2.5-litre Volkswagen Transporter have a partical filter?

Thanks

John

John Mceleney (Ballyliffin)

Sep 2013 Filed under: DPF issues

Expert answer

Hi John,

Yes, that engine was fitted with a particulate filter from 2004 onwards.


What's the best starter car for €3,000?

I'm looking to buy my first car and have around €3,000 to spend. I would estimate that I would travel about 12,000 miles a year. Would you be able to give me any advice on what car to buy, taking into account things like insurance (I'm 22), running costs etc? Any advice would be great!

Thanks

Andrew Quigley (Dundalk)

Sep 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Andrew,

Simple answer: Ford Focus 1.4. Not the quickest Focus ever (only 75hp) and perhaps not as classy as the rival Volkswagen Golf, but they're well made, reliable, exceedingly good to drive (that Jackie Stewart-tweaked suspension will teach you all you need to know about driving dynamics) and spacious enough to pack in all you need for Electric Picnic next year. That's what you young people do, right? Lots out there to choose from so be picky, find a good one in a nice colour and tart it up with some nice alloys. You won't go wrong.


Which French MPV should I go for?

Which is the better car, a Renault Grand Scenic 3 or a Citroen Grand Picasso? I have a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe petrol and looking for one of these cars. I have €10,000 cash to add!

James Brady (Clonsilla)

Sep 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi James,

Both are good, although French brands are never the most reliable, but of the two we'd go for the Picasso, simply because it's more stylish and strong second hand demand should keep your residual values shored up.


Are there different types of Subaru Justy?

What is the difference between a 'twin cam' and an ordinary Subaru Justy? I am thinking of buying a 2009 model in Waterford, but I think the private seller is asking way too much. I missed one from a SIMI dealer a few days ago - same year and mileage (only 18,000 miles) - which was sold for €5,950 - supposedly not a twin cam.

I would appreciate any information you can provide on this type of vehicle.

John Hurley (Waterford)

Sep 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi John,

Don't be mislead by the 'twin cam' bit. All Subaru Justys of that era have a double overhead camshaft set-up (referred to as both DOHC and Twin Cam). However, there was a special edition model called the Twin Cam Special Edition. This had no changes to the mechanicals, but it did have a lot of extra equipment for the price. It might be worth a little more as a second hand car because of that, but not a lot in reality. Compare the equipment lists. However, we'd urge you to buy first on foremost on condition and mileage.

Hope that helps


Does Mitsubishi now sell a seven-seat car?

Hi, can you please tell me if there is a seven-seater Mitsubishi available to replace the Grandis?

Helen Crowley (Cork)

Sep 2013 Filed under:

Expert answer

Hi Helen,

While there is no direct replacement for the Grandis, the Mitsubishi Outlander comes as a seven seater, with the choice of manual or automatic gearboxes. It's also got selectable four-wheel drive. From a pricing perspective, the Outlander seven-seat manual is in the same price bracket as the old Grandis.

Here's our recent road test of the Outlander for your information


I am a disabled driver and would like a change.

I am a disabled driver and I bought a 1.6 Nissan Juke auto and I am due to change next June; my question is what would you recommend? It must have ample boot space for mobility scooter or wheelchair and the seating position must be high up. Hand controls on steering column must be possible. I had a Citroen Picasso five-seater, which was ideal and fitted all criteria, but I would like to change to something different.

Stephen Folan (Galway)

Sep 2013 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Stephen,

Would you consider a Skoda Yeti? It's a similar size to the Juke but much more spacious, with a more sophisticated cabin and brilliant rear seats that can tip, fold and be removed altogether if you need extra load space. The boot on the front-drive diesel models should be plenty big enough to take a scooter or wheelchair too, and the DSG automatic gearbox is available. I presume you're already familiar with the work the Irish Wheelchair Association does with modifying cars for hand control, so that should be a simple enough process for you. A cracking car, the Yeti - brilliant to drive and very practical, and with a new model coming later this year, you should be able to argue yourself a decent deal on a new one.


How can I tell if a Toyota RAV4 has four-wheel drive?

Hi. I'm looking at buying a 2002 Toyota RAV4 2.0-litre petrol. How would I know if it's a 2wd or a 4wd? Thanks!

Mark Kelly (Cork City)

Sep 2013 Filed under: miscellaneous

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

The simplest and most sure way is to take a look underneath. Only the four-wheel drive RAV4 has a solid-looking metal tube running from the gearbox at the front to the rear axle, running alongside the exhaust. Also, there are distinct driveshafts to the rear wheels with rubber 'boots' on either end. The two-wheel drive car doesn't have any of that.

Hope that makes your life easier.


I'd like an SUV with loads of space and low emissions please!

Hi, is there such thing as a spacious SUV with low CO2 emmissions from 2010/2011? I have been looking at the Lexus RX 450h - any advice?

Caroline O' Farrell (Galway)

Sep 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Caroline,

That's pretty much the only one, to be honest. At least so far. The front-wheel drive version of the RX 450h has CO2 emissions of 140g/km, which means you'll pay just €280 a year to tax it. Not bad for a car like that. The problem is that you'll never get the kind of fuel economy that Lexus quotes for it. Around 30mpg will probably be the best you'll achieve. 

Later this month though, Honda will launch a 1.6-litre diesel version of its CR-V. It's not quite as big as the Lexus but is really very spacious and has a massive boot. With Band A4 emissions (€200 a year) of 119g/km, a smooth chassis and impeccable build quality, it could be your best bet.


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