Does my Toyota Avensis have a timing belt?
Does my Toyota Avensis 2.0 D-4D have a timing chain or a belt drive?
Jonathan Garvey (Galway )Mar 2018 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Jonathan,
You've not told us the year, which is a key thing, here, as the current Avensis (first launched in 2009) uses a timing chain in its 2.0-litre diesel engine, but some versions of the previous version use a timing belt. The 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 116hp (engine code 1CD-FTV) made between 2003 and 2006 has a timing belt, for example, but the 127hp engine, made from 2006 to 2009 (code 1AD-FTV), has a timing chain.
The recommended change interval for the timing belt in that 1CD-FTV engine is 105,000 kilometres, regardless of time.
Do warranties carry over from UK to Ireland?
If I import a car from the UK, do any manufacturers provide the balance of the new car warranty once the car has been re-registered here if the car is still in warranty in UK?
Simon M (Dublin)Mar 2018 Filed under: warranty
Expert answer
Hi Simon,
You’ll need to check the fine print, but in most cases the warranty will be a pan-European one, so it should be honoured in any of that brand’s official dealerships here in Ireland. The only exceptions are where a manufacturer might have a different warranty in the UK compared to Ireland (such as Toyota) or where, in some cases, one or more years of the warranty are covered and backed by the local dealer group, rather than the manufacturer.
I think RWD cars should use winter tyres!
Why are winter tyres not mandatory on rear-wheel-drive cars? I’m on my second Mercedes and know to switch to winter tyres each year. I rarely see other rear-wheel-drive cars doing the same yet such vehicles are uncontrollable in icy conditions - much worse than front-wheel drive. This is a serious safety issue not just for owners but other road users. I can guarantee someone will get killed if action is not taken. I suggest campaigns but also really dealers have an onus to notify buyers. Perhaps you could highlight as well.
Thanks
Sean
Sean Burgess (Dublin)Mar 2018 Filed under: tyres
Expert answer
Hi Sean,
I agree to a certain extent with this, but not completely. Rear-wheel-drive cars with their engines up front (as with your Mercedes) really struggle with traction in icy conditions, but front-wheel-drive cars are no better when it comes to braking and turning in the same conditions so if such a law was to be brought it, it really should apply to all cars, as winter tyres provide much more grip whether you're accelerating, braking or turning.
However, despite the crazy week we've had here in Ireland with snow and ice, long term weather stats clearly show that we don't get enough cold weather in most parts of Ireland (i.e. the temperature below seven degrees C) to warrant forcing everyone to change to winter tyres. Above seven degrees C, winter tyres are not as good as all-weather/summer tyres and they wear much quicker.
The Irish motorist already feels hard done by in terms of taxation and running costs so I don't think any government would bring this in here, but to be honest, I don't think they should, either. It really should be up to the individual. And that's coming from someone that has expereinced how brilliant winter tyres can be. Other opinions area available...
Do delivery charges for new cars vary?
Is it cheaper to buy a 2018 Peugeot 3008 in Dublin instead of Wexford? We are finding the delivery charges as high as €2,100.
Catherine Harris (Wexford Town)Feb 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Catherine,
It might be, but it depends on the dealer. Car makers aren’t allowed to set fixed dealer delivery charges for their models, as the authorities consider that an anti-competitive policy. So, dealers are free to set their own prices, and then to offer discounts on those as they see fit. All you can do is shop around.
Can you get me an ECU part number?
Hi,
If i give you the VIN number of my car would you be able to supply me with the ECU part number?
Regards
Aaron
Aaron Mccann (Co.Louth)Feb 2018 Filed under: parts
Expert answer
Hi Aaron,
I'm afraid we don't have a way to do that. You'll need to contact a main dealer direct for that.
Should I worry about outstanding finance?
I am purchasing a used car imported from the UK by a dealer in Dublin who appears to specialise in this type of car sales. I have paid a small deposit to the dealer but have discovered via a Cartell.ie check that the vehicle has outstanding finance of a type called 'Unit Stocking' from a UK finance company. Interestingly the start date is shown as 01/02/2018 with a term of six months. I was told there was no finance outstanding on the car and the vendors appear to be respectable and trustworthy.
What steps should I take to protect my interests prior to completing the purchase?
GH, Tullamore
Gabriel Hannon (Tullamore)Feb 2018 Filed under: finance
Expert answer
Hi Gabriel,
We had a worth with our contact at Cartell.ie and this is what they said:
"Unit Stocking usually points to dealer finance. These types of issues can often be resolved, but as with any amount outstanding on a vehicle Cartell would advise caution until the matter is resolved. A Cartell.ie report provides a contact telephone number and account reference number for finance markers in the UK - so the customer can contact the bank directly and look to clarify the issue. If you are still having problems ring Cartell.ie customer service team on 1890 252331 or 01 5241517 and they'll be happy to talk you through the steps."
Hope that you get sorted
Looking for a large family car...
I'm looking for a family car and have two children under three.
I've had coupes (currently in an Audi A5) all my life so ideally I'd like to switch it up and get an SUV. I'm at a loss of what to get - I'd love the Volvo XC90 and can afford it, but the pragmatic side of me is telling me not waste a huge amount of money on a depreciating asset like that, no matter how great it is.
On the other end of the scale I think the Hyundai Santa Fe is a great looking car, but I can't stand the plasticky feeling of the interior and the ugly interior layout. Do you have any recommendations that would allow me to keep the luxury feel of my Audi, but not cost the earth like the Volvo?
Or... do I just compromise and get a 3-4-year-old Audi A6 Avant estate?
Rich K (Dublin)Feb 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Rich,
OK, there’s a lot to unpick here. First of all, any car you buy (other than perhaps a classic Mercedes SL or an old Ferrari) will be a depreciating asset, so there’s not much point in thinking that buying one car over another will save you from that. Obviously some cars depreciate a bit less than others, but they do all depreciate in the end.
The XC90 is a cracking car, a really good one, but as you rightly point out it’s big and expensive, and if you’ve only got the two kids, you probably don’t really need the seven seats. The Santa Fe is an excellent car, reliable and hard-wearing, but you’re quite right that the cabin can be a bit low-rent at times. It might be worth having a look at the Kia Sorento — mechanically identical to the Santa Fe, but a touch roomier and we prefer the Kia’s interior. Also well worth having a look at slightly smaller seven-seat SUV rivals such as the Peugeot 5008, Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace and Skoda Kodiaq, all of which have genuinely excellent interiors and are good to drive too.
Mind you, once again, you’re right — you don’t need an SUV (no-one really does, but that’s a debate for another day) so actually the idea of an Audi A6 Avant estate is a really good one. You already like Audis, they’re great for quality and reliability and look awesome into the bargain, and have plenty of space for two growing kids. Worth looking at a BMW 5 Series Touring and Mercedes E-Class Estate too (the BMW’s a little better to drive, the Mercedes is bigger inside) and well worth checking out the gorgeous new Volvo V90 if the XC90 has taken your fancy. Here are all our reviews of the above cars to help you decide:
Will I go for a Skoda Karoq 1.6?
Hi,
I am looking to trade in my beloved 152 Audi A4 2.0 for something a bit bigger in the boot etc. Have been in a 162 Audi Q5, which was quite nice, and familiar, but am considering a Skoda Karoq too. Any guidance? What engine would you recommend in the Karoq? I like the idea of the 1.6 DSG, but would I feel too short changed in it coming from a 2.0-litre manual?
Thanks
Ronan, Dublin
Ronan Murray (Dublin)Feb 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Ronan,
Yeah, if you trade down to a 1.6 TDI from a 2.0-litre you will notice it alright. The 1.6 Karoq feels lively enough, but it’s going to feel less grunty than a 2.0 TDI Audi Q5 for sure. It’s also a good bit smaller inside, so bear that in mind. Lovely car though, and it’s worth considering the larger Kodiaq if you fancy the same thing with more interior space. Here are a few relevant reviews to help you decide:
Which cars suit swivel passenger seats?
Hi,
Just wondering which car is best to buy for a swivel front seat passenger as my sister has difficulty getting from her wheelchair to the passenger seat. I thought a swivel seat may help. I drive a Passat, but I was told these are not suited for swivel seats.
Thanks
Linda Fagan (Co Louth)Feb 2018 Filed under: wheelchair
Expert answer
Hi Linda,
To be honest, we’re not really the experts when it comes to vehicle access in this respect, but we do know the right people to talk to — Motability Ireland, who can be contacted at www.motabilityireland.com
How to keep WiFi on my new Opel Astra?
Hi,
I am a proud owner of a new Opel Astra SRi with onStar features. I got 12 months of free subscription and three months of free WiFi. My question is, after three months WiFi subscription, who will provide me with WiFi access and what is the monthly/yearly cost of it?
Natalia Pakowska (Wexford )Feb 2018 Filed under: infotainment
Expert answer
Hi Natalia,
It’s actually Vodafone that supplies the data link through the OnStar built-in SIM card in the car, and it costs €125 per year, which gets you 100GB of data over WiFi. There is the option of 5GB per month for €15, or 10GB for €19.99, but obviously these will work out more expensive over a year than the 100GB plan.