New BMW Series: 316d with options or 318d?
Good morning,
I'm intending to buy the new BMW 3 Series (F30), but I don’t know if I should go for a 318d 136hp or a 316d 116hp with a better pack of options. I’m a calm driver, but I’m afraid that this difference of power could make a huge difference concerning the comfort. Could you please advise me?
Kind regards, Fernando.
Fernando Tenorio (Brussels)Feb 2012 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Fernando,
That's quite an individual choice really and before you make the decision try to drive both versions.
I'd be inclined to say go for the 316d with extra options - and delete the badge on the boot! However, if you regularly carry a lot of people, or you drive on roads where you need to overtake, then it's worth buying the 318d, as the extra performance will be of help.
Come back to us if you need anything else.
How much is my Volkswagen Golf worth?
What trade-in price would I get for my 2006 Volkswagen Golf 1.6 Sport Comfortline with 155k miles on the clock?
Michelle Masterson (Dublin)Feb 2012 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Michelle,
There's no simple answer to such questions. It will depend on the condition of your car, how much the seller of your next car wants the sale, etc. From a dealer's perspective that's quite high mileage. They may offer as low as €4,000. You're likely to get a better price selling it privately.
Best of luck
Is the 1.6 TDI engine man enough for the Volkswagen Passat?
Hi guys,
Looking closely at a 2010 Volkswagen Passat, powered by the 1.6 diesel engine. It's the Highline model with great spec. My only concern is with the 1.6 engine: is it big enough for this car? Will I be dropping the gears to overtake etc?
Thanks
Mick
Michael Mulvey (Ashbourne)Feb 2012 Filed under: performance
Expert answer
Hi Mick,
The 1.6-litre TDI engine has 105hp, which doesn't sound like much, but it's the engine's torque that matters more in the real world, and this Passat has 250Nm from just 1,500rpm. It's more than enough for the Passat in most circumstances and as all the performance is low down in the rev range you don't really change down to overtake.
Saying all that, if you plan on towing or you drive with a full car regularly you'll appreciate the extra power of the 2.0 TDI engines, but most people will find the 1.6 perfectly acceptable.
Hope that helps.
Kia Rio or Toyota Yaris - both new?
Which would you buy? 2012 Kia Rio 2012 or Toyota Yaris?
Ashlene Prasad (Fiji)Feb 2012 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Ashlene,
In the past the Toyota might have been the automatic choice, but Kia has come on leaps and bounds. Toyota still has the reputation for longevity and troublefree motoring, but Kia is catching up, and its seven-year warranty is real peace of mind for a new car buyer.
Looking at the price lists (of the five-door models - the best-sellers), the Rio is available as a 1.25 petrol model for €15,550 to €16,775 or a 1.4-litre diesel for €18,190. They are all in Band A for tax with emissions of less than 120g/km.
The Toyota Yaris can be had with 1.0- or 1.33-litre petrol engines and a 1.4-litre diesel. Toyota offers far more trim levels, and pricing varies from €15,585 (1.0 Terra) to €19,725 (1.33 Sol). All versions appear to be in Band A as well.
Unless you plan on travelling more than say 12,000 kilometres a year it's best to stick with the petrol versions. The 1.0-litre Toyota is the most efficient, but not by much and the Kia 1.25 engine and Toyota 1.33-litre are largely comparable, though the Yaris engine has a little more go in it.
Kia is more generous with its equipment, but only a bit, and there are more Toyota trim levels to choose from so you can tailor your needs. We'd urge you not to go for the entry-level versions of either though (LX and Terra respectively), as the step up to the next model is well worth it for what you get.
So that's the overview. In terms of our personal opinions we prefer the Kia Rio. It feels and looks more substantial and it drives well. Best bet is to go to a Kia and Toyota dealer and try them both out for yourself.
Let us know how you get on.
How much is my Opel Zafira worth?
How much is my 2002 Opel Zafira worth as a trade in against another car? It's petrol and has 135,000 miles on the clock.
Denis Horgan (Limerick)Feb 2012 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Denis,
There's no simple answer to such questions. It will depend on the condition of your car, how much the seller of your next car wants the sale, whether it's the 1.6 or 1.8, etc. From a dealer's perspective that's quite high mileage, certainly in comparison to a lot of examples of the 2002 Zafira on sale. You may be offered as little as €1,500, though you could hope for a little more than €2,000 if you're lucky.
Let us know how you get on.
What car will I replace my Hyundai Tucson with?
I have a Hyundai Tucson diesel worth about €3,000. My daily commute is 130km, seven days a week, mostly away from the motorway. I have another €12,000 to add to the trade-in value.
I am a single person, but I need to pull a trailer for very small stuff and need to fit in the golf clubs. I typically hold onto a vehicle for five to seven years.
What is the right second-hand vehicle for me ?
Rory Donohue (Galway)Feb 2012 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Rory,
I'm sure you're aware that your budget will get you any number of relatively new regular cars such as the Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus, along with bigger models like the Ford Mondeo and Toyota Avensis.
However, given your current choice of car I'd suspect that you'd like to retain the elevated driving position and your mileage dictates a diesel engine. Most cars can take a tow bar and you don't have heavy towing needs so that's not a major consideration. Likewise, all SUVs etc. will have room for your golf clubs.
So the logical choices based on all that include:
BMW X3: Good diesel engine, spacious, but your budget may only get you an older example.
Citroen C-Crosser: Great 2.2-litre diesel engine; rest of car built on Mitsubishi mechanicals.
Honda CR-V: Bomb-proof reliability, but again may have to settle for older example.
Hyundai Santa Fe: Big and comfortable, though running costs higher than smaller SUV.
Mitsubishi Outlander: Spacious, well made, ok diesel, if loud.
Nissan X-Trail: Strangely forgotten, but plenty around at this price.
Peugeot 4007: Shares its engine and underpinnings with the Citroen above.
Suzuki Grand Vitara: Very reliable.
Toyota RAV4: Another with impressive reliability. Possibly the choice of the lot at this price.
There are loads of older, bigger SUVs for sale at that price too, but they'll cost you more to run for no real benefit.
If you're willing to change body styles completely it's worth checking out something like a BMW 120d Coupé or a diesel 3 Series Coupé. There are also plenty of great estates on the market for that budget, including the Audi A4 Avant and BMW 3 Series Touring. I know you don't need that space for a family, but it's useful for a lot of other things.
Come back to us with more information and we'll help to narrow your search further.
Hyundai i40 or Kia Optima? Help!
I am thinking of buying a Hyundai i40. I was advised to wait until March and have a look at the Kia Optima. Which car would you opt for?
Damien Dunne (Dublin)Jan 2012 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Damien,
Both are good cars so you're starting from the right place. They're not too dissimilar as they share so much under the skin, but there are differences. Admittedly these are quite personal. Graeme Lambert works for us, and as he's the only one in the team that has driven both cars he's best placed to comment:
"Forgetting deals, spec and warranties, the Hyundai i40 is probably the one to go for. It is more refined and smoother on the road than the Kia Optima and has a better quality interior. Saying all that I really prefer the look of the Kia..."
Sorry if that confuses things, but the best advice is to go drive them for yourself.
Let us know how you get on.
Where do I start in looking for a new Audi Q3?
Hi, I own and drive a 2007 Audi A3 and would love to change to a Q3. Any idea of price and where to buy one?
Susie Rourke (Cavan)Jan 2012 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Susie,
Click here to get our news story from the launch of the new Audi Q3 in Ireland. Prices start from €35,180 on-the-road now, following the VAT increase on January 1st. The most up to date prices should be on www.audi.ie and here's the current price list.
You'll find an Audi dealer list on there too.
Let us know how you get on.
Will a car fail its NCT if it has been clocked?
If a car is clocked between NCT tests will it fail? As in, if it shows up this year with less mileage than it did at the last test, will it be noticed?
James Mulcahy (Cork)Jan 2012 Filed under: NCT
Expert answer
Hi James,
We put this to Cartell.ie, the vehicle records experts. Here's the response:
"Officially, there is no particular line on this question. Anecdotal evidence suggests a vehicle may still pass a subsequent NCT even with a lower odometer reading. The National Car Testing Service is not releasing its mileage data to anyone. Cartell has actively sought mileage records from the NCTS for some time now and continue to do so on the grounds of public safety."
Hope that helps
What's the hissing noise from my Peugeot 206?
I have a hissng noise coming from behind the glove compartment in my Peugeot 206. What could it be?
John O Connell (Cork)Jan 2012 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi John,
That sounds like it could be a leak in the brake servo in the engine bay. It's a vacuum system and it's not uncommon. Best bet is to get a qualified mechanic to confirm that and repair as necessary.
Best of luck.