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
Do you have prices for the new BMW 3 Series?
Do you have prices for the new BMW 3 Series, due in the New Year?
Shane Hickey (Dalkey Co Dublin)Dec 2011 Filed under: pricing
Expert answer
Hi Shane,
We have a preliminary price list:
BMW 316d: €34,180
BMW 318d: €37,160
BMW 320d: €38,710 (320d EfficientDynamics the same price)
BMW 320i: €37,710
BMW 328i: €42,450
BMW 335i: €56,800
Note that those are RRP prices, not on-the-road and it's 'from' in all cases. There'll be SE, ES, M Sport, Modern, Sport and Luxury trim levels.
Is the Nissan Twice is Nice Deal a good one?
Would it be a good idea to change my 2011 Nissan Qashqai 2011 for the Twice is Nice Deal? With the VAT increase and new diesel engine, is it still a good deal? Thanks.
Joe Malon (Dublin)Nov 2011 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
On the face of it this is a great deal for sure - especially if you do not plan on doing excessive mileage. The terms and conditions (see here for the document) seem reasonable enough. One thing you have to realise though is that you're giving up any potential discount on the new car. Essentially you're offsetting that against a year of depreciation.
In your position I'd first of all go into a Nissan dealer and get the best deal on trading in your car against a new Qashqai as normal. Only ask about the Twice is Nice Deal after you have a price to compare with.
Please note that some dealers may have elected to have a limited quota of cars to sell on the Twice is Nice Deal as well so you may not get what you want from the first one you visit.
Let us know how you get on.
Should I take €10,500 for my BMW 520d?
I have been offered €10,500 trade-in value for my 2005 BMW 520d M Sport with 91,000 miles on the clock, including an NCT until 2013 and a full BMW service history. Is that a good trade-in value?
David Mc Kenna (Dublin)Nov 2011 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi David,
That sounds reasonable enough from a dealer. As always, shop around though. Don't settle on the first offer you get.
Hope that helps
What do you think of driverless cars?
Are self-driven cars a good idea in your opinion?
Rory McCormack (Sligo)Nov 2011 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Rory,
I don't have a strong opinion for or against the idea. I can see merit in the technology, but also major hurdles and potential issues. First, some good points:
- Potential to significantly reduce collisions caused by careless or distracted drivers
- Big gains in efficiency and fuel economy - on average
- Long-term could be used to transport people that cannot drive
- Could help ease congestion, especially on motorway networks
- Could eliminate drink-driving once and for all!
Some negatives:
- We all know that computer systems are far from infallible
- If something goes wrong, who is responsible? Legal minefield
- Would breed a whole generation that may never learn to drive for themselves
- I love driving and would hate for that choice to be taken away from us
We already have aspects of this technology in our cars right now, with things like Volvo's City Safe system (it can brake the car with full force if it detects a pedestrian in the car's path and the driver does not react) and Honda's Lane Keep Assist (where the car gently steers itself back on course if it thinks you're distracted) and it's likely they'll become more commonplace. Self-driving in really slow traffic may be next, though at all times a sober, responsible driver will have to be behind the wheel.
Fully autonomous cars are a long way off.
What are your thoughts?
What do you think about the 2009 Ford Focus TDCi?
I'm looking at buying the previous generation Ford Focus, the 1.6 TDCi 110hp five-door. There is also a 90hp version available. Was the 110hp released in Ireland from 2009 on? Are there any major problems to date with this model? What sort of money would I be looking at for a 2009 1.6 TDCi Zetec 110hp five-door with about 40,000miles ?
Steve O'Meara (Sligo)Nov 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Steve,
We are not aware of any issues with this engine as yet. Most problems would have been rectified under warranty so far in any case, making it too early to say for sure.
Prices vary around the country and of course between dealers and private sellers, but the car you're describing is worth somewhere in the region of €13,000 to €15,000.
Hope that helps.
How much is my 2005 BMW 1 Series worth?
Hi, could you please tell me how much our car is worth as a trade-in? It's a 2005 BMW 116i ES five-door in red, fully colour coded. It has 70,000 miles on the clock and it has climate control etc, etc, plus two years of NCT.
Thanking you
Ruairi Mc Carthy (Mullagh Co Cavan)Nov 2011 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Ruairi,
As we say to all readers with similar questions, all trade-ins are only worth what the dealer thinks they're worth, so take this as a guideline only.
There seems to be a massive variation in pricing on the the 116i from 2005, varying from €7,000 - €9,000 on dealer forecourts. That indicates you should ask for in the region of €8,000 and be prepared to go down a little, though not much.
Make sure you try a few places to get the best deal.
Please do let us know how you get on with it