How much to replace a tyre on my BMW X5?
Hello, I would like to know how much it would cost to replace one standard size tyre on 2010 BMW X5 please.
Mary Murphy (Cork)Jan 2012 Filed under: tyres
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
I'm afraid you've not given us enough information to answer that properly. We'd need to know the exact size and ideally the version of the X5 you have. Expect not far off €300, but again that'll depend on the brand.
Come back to us with more details and we'll get a few prices for you.
Is having a Dublin reg an advantage?
I'm getting a new car shortly. Does having a D (Dublin) registration over other county regs make any difference?
Noel Freeman (Navan Co. Meath)Jan 2012 Filed under: registration
Expert answer
Hi Noel,
It really depends where you plan to sell your car on. Anecdotal evidence indicates that dealers regularly do not want cars from other counties as they are harder to sell on. However, I do wonder if that applies to Dublin cars, as, naturally, more cars are sold in Dublin than anywhere else.
Let us know if you have other worries.
Should Renault dealer have told us about new Mégane?
My father-in-law is getting a new Renault Mégane the end of January. Should the dealer have told him about the revised model due in April?
Noel Freeman (Navan Co. Meath)Jan 2012 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Noel,
There is no onus on the dealer to do that I'm afraid. When did he order the car? The dealer may not have known about the new car as yet. On top of all that, it's unlikely that the new car will be initially offered with the same incentives as the current one.
Hope that's of help
What bank is best for car loans?
What's the best bank for a car loan?
Eric Mullins (Dublin)Jan 2012 Filed under: finance
Expert answer
Hi Eric,
I'm afraid there's no easy answer to that. It'll depend on your circumstances and on the amount of money you wish to borrow as much as anything. While it is not as easy as it once was to obtain credit banks are happy to loan to 'good bets'.
Beyond the high street banks it's well worth checking out what finance the dealer you're buying from offers. Several car makers have effectively set up their own car finance arm to make the process easier. This includes BMW/MINI, Ford, Renault and the Volkswagen Group.
As ever shop around, but if want some specific help please do come back to us.
Why is my Passat's fuel consumption worsening?
I have a Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion with just 4,000 miles on the clock. The fuel consumption is increasing and has gone from 53mpg average in October to 48mpg now. Dealer says he can find no fault on electronic test rig. Any ideas please? Previously got over 60mpg on same journey now getting 48-49mpg and seeming to be dropping. Variables like fuel etc. all same as is possible and driving style not changed. Best regards and Happy New Year to all.
Richard Paterson (Solihull)Expert answer
Hi Richard,
Lots of potential reasons for this. Very first thing I'd look at is tyre pressures. Are they all even and to spec? Are there any other issues with the tyres you can see? Uneven wearing, etc. If no problems with pressures I'd suggest getting the alignment checked. If it gets knocked out (relatively easy to do with a pothole or kerb) then there could be more friction causing heavier fuel consumption.
Come back to us when you've checked that.
What SUV for €10k would be good for carrying bikes?
I'm thinking of getting an SUV. Nothing fancy, just big enough to get a couple of bikes in the back, won't be much off road done in it, and preferably low emissions for tax reasons. What would you suggest? My budget isn't great, under €10k if possible. Is that way too little to get something half decent?
Rob Davis (Dublin)Jan 2012 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Rob,
For that budget we are assuming you are looking for a second-hand car. The Honda CR-V springs to mind, but the tax could be a little high for you as your budget will get you a pre-2008 version, which came with 2.0- and 2.2-litre engines. How about a five-door version of the Honda HR-V instead? We found this example on Carzone.ie and it looks the part. The 1.6-litre engine means it's not too much to tax either.
There are loads of Hyundai Santa Fes and the smaller Tucson around at that price too, though again their age and engine size might rule them out for you in terms of tax costs. Same story with the previous generation Kia Sportage.
Don't be tempted by older Land Rover Freelanders.
Another good option is the Suzuki Grand Vitara. A quick search showed that there are several 1.6-litre petrol versions with four-wheel drive within your budget, though most seem to be the less practical three-door body style, so you may need to look around to find a five-door example that suits your needs.
The Toyota RAV4 would be a great option, but keeping your tax bill down on a four-wheel drive version with five doors might be tricky. Recommeded though.
Hope all that helps. If you narrow down your search a little come back to us and we'll help you choose!
Why is the Discovery called the LR4 in the USA?
Why is the Land Rover Discovery 4 called the "LR4" in the USA?
Shane Hickey (Dalkey Co Dublin)Dec 2011 Filed under: miscellaneous
Expert answer
Hi Shane,
It goes back to the introduction of the previous version, the Land Rover Discovery 3, which was sold in the US as the LR3. Land Rover reckons that the American market prefers this type of naming strategy (though there are forums full of Land Rover fans that disagree!). Although the company won't admit as much, the name change was probably also influenced by the desire to distance the newer model from the unreliability of its predecessor.
Hope that's of interest
Is Volvo servicing expensive?
Hi, am I being ripped off on my Volvo servicing? I was quoted €229 for 20,000 service, €259 for 40,000 service, €360 for 60,000 service. The first is for oil, oil filter and fluid top-ups; 40,000km service includes oil, oil filter, pollen filter and fluid top-ups, plus Volvo wipers were €48. Servicing for other cars I've owned (VW, Ford and Opel) was nearly €100 cheaper. I am sorry I bought a Volvo now.
Jimmy Dillon (Swords, Dublin)Dec 2011 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Jimmy,
We've done some ringing around for you based on extra information you provided us with (2010 Volvo S40 1.6 diesel). First of all, you can't do anything about different brands charging different amounts; that's a fact of life. We talked to several Volvo dealers around the country to compare pricing and they all quote similar amounts to the numbers you gave us. It seems expensive for the first service for sure, but at least you know it's standard across the network.
While we didn't ring every dealer in Ireland, we did get a quote from Bandon Motors (www.bandonmotors.com) that was much cheaper for the first service - though the same after that. Best bet is to ring all the Volvo dealers you are within easy driving distance of.
Of course, failing all that you could take the car to a non-Volvo garage, but I'm guessing you'd like the main dealer stamp in your service history.
Let us know how you get on.
Skoda Superb, Saab 9-5 or Volvo S80 - all diesel - which one?
Hi lads,
Question for you: 2009 Skoda Superb 1.9 TDI, 2008 Saab 9-5 1.9 Tid or 2008 Volvo S80 2.0 D: all similar price. Safety, reliability and economy are what's important and in that order!
Thanks
Justin McElwee (Galway)Dec 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Justin,
Let's break it down into chunks. First of all, safety. Here are the crash test results from Euro NCAP:
Skoda: five stars on new system
Saab: five stars on old system
Volvo: four stars on old system
Looks like the Volvo loses out there, though it's a safe car by most standards.
In terms of reliability, the Skoda has no reported issues. The Saab doesn't fare so well, with plenty of electrical issues and problems with the suspension. Check for uneven tyre wear and that all the switches are working - every single one. The Volvo is a little better, but has a few known problems, with random electrical gremlins and several recalls. If you're serious about that one get confirmation that the recall work has been completed. Also, it should have its timing belt, tensioners and pulleys changed every four years so best to check that it has been done.
Assuming you're looking at the 105hp Superb, then the combined cycle consumption was quoted at about 5.7 litres/100km (50mpg) and it is a frugal car. The 150hp Saab uses a fraction more fuel (5.8 litres/100km) on the combined cycle, while the 136hp Volvo also uses 5.7 litre/100km.
So in summary, for us it would be between the Skoda and the Volvo. They're both comfortable and spacious, though we'd trust the reliability of the Superb more given the data.
Hope that helps.
Where is the oil leak coming from in my Opel Astra?
Hi lads. I have a 2005 Opel Astra four-door saloon. there is a lot of oil leaking from what looks like a plastic valve about two inches in length at the front of the engine. It leaks when driving. Looking into the engine on the left side above the alternator. What is it called and what does it do?
Thanks a mill, Michael
Michael Maguire (Duleek)Dec 2011 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
That sounds like the oil light switch to us. It monitors the oil pressure in the engine and switches on the oil light in the dashboard if it drops too low. It's quite common for them to develop leaks and they're relatively cheap to replace.
Hope that helps.