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Is the Grand California available in USA?

Is the Volkswagen Grand California available in the States?

Robert Kennedy (Mcallen)

Jan 2020 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Robert,

I'm afraid not.


How much to ask for a damaged 1999 Colt?

Want to get rid of a 99 Mitsubishi Colt 1.3 (bit of cosmetic damage on the side but driving really well). Any idea how much I should ask for it?

Ruth Palmer (Naas)

Jan 2020 Filed under: used car values

Expert answer

Hi Ruth,

With the damage I’m afraid it’s not going to be worth much. Pristine, it might make €1,000, but with damage probably more like €300-€500. 


Toyota RAV4 Luna vs. Sport?

What is the difference between a Toyota RAV4 Luna and RAV4 Sport?

Don Murphy (Cork)

Jan 2020 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Don,

The differences are around €5,000 in terms of a new car price. The Sport, on top of the Luna, gets built-in navigation, contrast stitching on the dash, blue ambient background light, paddle shifts for the CVT gearbox, power operated driver's seat, heated front seats, 18-inch alloys, rear privacy glass, sportier exterior styling, contrast-colour roof and bi-beam LED headlights. 

Read our Toyota RAV4 reviews here


When to change my Peugeot 308's belt?

When should the timing chain/belt be changed on a Peugeot 308?

Kevin Sadler (Amamoor)

Jan 2020 Filed under: servicing

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

It would have been useful to have more details about the car, such as age and engine, as it varies considerably. I'll deal with the 2013 on model, which is still in production.

All 1.2-litre petrol engines:
 - up to Sep 2014, 180,000km/10 years
- Oct 2014 to Apr 2017, 175,000km/10 years
- from then on, 100,000km/6 years first, then every 200,000km/12 years

1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel: every 180,000km or 10 years

All 1.6-litre diesel engines: 175,000km or 10 years

All 1.6-litre THP petrol engines: timing chain

1.6-litre VTi petrol engine: 150,000km or 10 years

All 2.0-litre diesel engines: every 180,000km or 10 years


Are EV range figures based on 100% battery?

Hi,

All the articles I read say that electric car batteries should only be charged to 80/85 per cent. Are the published range figures based on 100 per cent or 80 per cent charging?

Thanks, Philip

PS: For me, electric cars will only become realistic when they have a real world range of 600km.

Philip Donegan (Ballina)

Jan 2020 Filed under: electric cars

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

Well, Tesla already sells a Model S long range that will go for a claimed 610km...

Yes, the maximum range figures are quoted at 100 per cent charge, but the 80-85 per cent charge only really matters when you’re fast-charging. Using high-speed charge for the final 15-20 per cent can, in theory, affect the battery chemistry and cause faster degradation. To get to 100 per cent charge, you’re better slow-charging from a domestic source (preferably a 7.4kW wallbox) overnight. The slower the charge, the better it is for overall battery health and longevity. 


Will an imported Rifter be under warranty?

Buying a used Peugeot Rifter in the UK. Reading online that warranty will not be honoured here in Ireland. Is this true or how can I find out?

Brian Duke (Strokestown)

Jan 2020 Filed under: warranty

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

It depends on the age of the car and where you’re buying it from. If it’s young enough to still be under its official manufacturer’s warranty then it’s fine — these are pan-European and will be honoured. Being as the Rifter was only launched last year, it should be fine. The trouble comes when you have either an older car that has a ‘local’ warranty from the dealer selling it, or a newer car with a one-year manufacturer warranty and a two-year ‘dealer top-up’ warranty. In the case of the latter, it MIGHT still be honoured here, but best to check with your local Peugeot garage before taking the leap. 


Do we pay VAT on UK imports after Brexit?

When the UK exits the EU at the end of this month, will VAT on UK car imports have to be paid from then on?

Many thanks, Fin.

Fin Breatnach (Dublin)

Jan 2020 Filed under: importing

Expert answer

Hi Fin,

Not just yet, no. When the UK leaves the EU this month it triggers a transition period, which lasts until the end of this year. During that time, the UK will mirror EU rules and regs, until such time as a new free trade deal is signed, or the UK crashes out at the end of the transition period (which looks increasingly likely). After that, all bets are off. 


Do I need to weigh my Peugeot Partner?

I have a Peugeot Partner Van that was imported from UK. It is VRT'd and due for a commercial test. Do I need a weigh docket before it is tested, or before it is taxed at the commercial weight? Its mass in service is 1,406kg according to the V5.

John Joy (Listowel)

Jan 2020 Filed under: commercial vehicle

Expert answer

Hi John,

The quoted weight on the V5 should be sufficient as the only thing that matters come inspection time is the maximum gross vehicle weight, the limit for which is 3,500kg. As long as you’re not carrying a two-tonne load (which the van wouldn’t take anyway) you should be fine. 


Petrol or diesel Skoda Octavia?

Would a 2018 1.0-litre petrol Octavia cost much more in petrol costs than a 1.6 diesel to run in a year, when I will be doing 16,000 miles approx?

Donal Carroll (Tralee)

Jan 2020 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel

Expert answer

Hi Donal,

Well, fuel consumption depends very much on your own driving style and where (and to an extent when) you do most of your driving. That said, in general, we wouldn’t expect that 1.0 TSI engine to be much thirstier overall than the 1.6 diesel. In our tests, both engines are in and around as economical as each other and you should expect to get around 50mpg from either with a light foot. The diesel may be a little better than the petrol option at a sustained high-speed cruise. However, with such low annual mileage, we suspect that the petrol engine will cost less to maintain in the long run. It's probably the best option for you.


BMW 320d or 330e?

Hi lads,

I'm trying to decide between a 2016 BMW 320d or a 330e... I do about 40,000km a year, my work commute is three days local (about a 50km round trip) and two days to Dublin (350km round trip). I live in the countryside as well, so not an urban driver as such. I'd like to move away from diesel, but I'm concerned that I won't at least match my current mpg on my existing diesel Audi A5.

Any thoughts would be most welcome!

Thanks, Brian

Brian Duignan (Kilkenny)

Jan 2020 Filed under: hybrid

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

It’s a tricky one. The problem is that a 330e gets amazing fuel economy as long as you keep it plugged in as much as possible (which would work nicely for your short commutes), but that all goes to pot a bit on long motorway journeys (which is obviously not going to be good).

We think it’s a good idea to start moving away from diesel and towards hybrid and electric, but you’re going to struggle — overall — to match your A5 TDI’s economy with the 330e. Now, the thing is you can maybe make this work from the perspective of overall running costs. If you can charge up at work as well as at home, and stick to electric-only power as much as possible for your three short commuting days, then it’s just possible that might balance out the thirstier longer runs on the other two days.

Unfortunately, we can’t be more certain than that — the only way to know for sure is to try it out. If you don’t fancy making that leap of faith, then I guess it’s back to 320d diesel power and wait for truly long-range electric cars to arrive.