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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)

Jan 2012 Filed under: fuel economy and emissions

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.


What tyres should I go for on my Mazda?

I put new tyres on my car about six months ago, but just got cheap ones as cash was a bit tight. I have never been happy with them. The car (Mazda3 saloon) hasn't handled the same since. The slightest bit of moisture and there is very little grip at all. And with the cold weather lurking I am not looking forward to driving in ice and snow with them. So, basically, I am going to get new (better) tyres in the next few days, but I am not sure what to get.

I don't mind spending a few euro on them. I'd rather do that and feel safer. Should I be looking at winter tyres, or will this mean forking out more money in spring for regular tyres again? Or is there an all-weather option that would see me safely through the winter but wouldn't need to be taken off in a couple of months?

Thanks, Rob

Rob Davis (Dublin)

Dec 2011 Filed under: tyres

Expert answer

Hi Rob,

It's tempting to save money on tyres, but it's impossible to understate how important they are. As you've found out for yourself!

Personally I like the security of having winter tyres on at this time of year. I acknowledge that there are extra costs involved, plus some inconvenience in terms of changing them twice a year and storing the other tyres. However, I was converted last year when I experienced the difference first hand.

Saying all that, and despite two bad winters, the statistics still say that Ireland's climate is too mild to warrant having winter tyres on for a long period. If we do get heavy, sustained snow then snow socks will get most people out of a tricky situation at low speeds, but they have limitations.

So, assuming you'd rather not fork out on two sets of tyres in the next few months, what are your options? Well Bridgestone offers a good compromise called the A001 All Weather tyre. Sounds like it'd be perfect for you? I spoke to Bridgestone and there are limitations on the size they do - or have in stock - but take a look for a stockist though www.bridgestone.ie and take it from there.

Hope that helps


When does the plug-in Prius arrive?

Any firm news yet about the release and pricing of the Toyota Plug-in Prius? I drive an '06 Prius and have been holding out for this but fear that if they wait much longer the new models from Peugeot and Opel will steal their market.

Peter Browne (Dublin)

Dec 2011 Filed under: future cars

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

Toyota Ireland has confirmed that the plug-in Prius will go on sale here in June 2012. No word on pricing as yet though.

Hope that helps


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