My Hyundai ix35 is squealing!
There is a squealing sound near the pullies of my 2011 Hyundai ix35; is it my timing chain?
Sylvester Taylor (Oudtshoorn)Apr 2017 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Sylvester,
The good news is that it is highly unlikely to be your timing chain based on your description of the noise. It sounds to us like it's just the alternator belt, which is a cheap and easy thing to replace. Timing chains usually rattle if they have stretched.
Book value for a 2012 Hyundai ix20?
What is the book value for a 2012 Hyundai ix20?
Amanda Quinton (Shannon)Apr 2017 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Amanda,
As a trade in I'd say it's worth in the region of €7-8,000.
Have you reviewed the Hyundai Tucson?
Reviews of the Hyundai Tucson?
Carol Moore (Cork City )Apr 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Carol,
Sure thing. We've tested two different versions of the current Hyundai Tucson:
Hyundai Tucson 1.7 diesel Executive review
Hyundai Tucson 2.0 diesel 4WD auto review
We've also pitched the Tucson against its two closest rivals in a unique three-way test if that's of interest:
Which SUV for kids with €30k to go for?
Good morning guys,
I need some advice on cars or SUVs! I am looking for a family vehicle as I have three kids under five. So that means car seats. I have a bad back so I need height and I need boot space for a buggy. My budget is €30k and I already have a Renault Grand Scenic that does the job, but is ugly to be honest. I live in Kildare and do drive on bad roads. I do have an option to buy in the UK and bring the car over, as well.
Can you recommend anything?
Thank you
Donna
Donna Phelan (Maynooth )Apr 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Donna,
The current Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are both just about wide enough to take three child seats across the back, or you could try the SEAT Ateca or Volkswagen Tiguan too (this has the widest back seat of all those). The Skoda Kodiaq is brilliant, but it’ll be outside your budget if you want a diesel, or, if you can hang on until the summer, the new Peugeot 5008 is coming, which has three ISOFIX points in the back, and should come in for under €30k.
Relevant reviews:
I need a car for just one year...
I need a car for one year. What has the best resale value and what year should I be looking at if I am to sell it in 2018 and recoup the best part of my investment, i.e. not lose any more than I would if I were to hire the same model and year car for 12 months? If that makes any sense.
Helen White (Meath/Dublin/Kildare)Apr 2017 Filed under: resale value
Expert answer
Hi Helen,
Long-term hiring can often be a good idea, as opposed to buying a car and riding the waves of depreciation, but if you prefer buying then your three best bets are the Toyota Auris, Volkswagen Golf and Hyundai Tucson. All of these cars are in huge demand second hand, and as long as you keep the condition good, you should be looking at depreciation of no more than around 20 per cent of the original purchase price.
Thinking of getting a new Peugeot 3008...
I'm thinking of trading in a 142 Hyundai i40 Tourer for a new Peugeot 3008, but would like your opinion on what model would best suit me. I like my comfort, have no children, just my wife and myself, but will sometimes have my 5, 6, and 2 other young grand-kids to bring somewhere, but not all together. Appreciate your opinion. Val
Val Glynn (Claremorris)Apr 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Val,
The 3008 is an excellent car and there’s just about enough space in the back for three child car seats in a row (although if that’s your ultimate priority, then wait for the 5008, which is due on sale in July). Of the range, Allure spec seems to be the best balance between price and equipment, and the best engines are the 1.2 turbo petrol (if you’re doing low to medium mileage) or the 1.6 BlueHDi diesel (if you’re doing lots of long journeys).
Some relevant reviews:
Peugeot 3008 1.6 HDi Allure review
Is the Hyundai i40 a reliable car?
Is the Hyundai i40 a reliable car?
Jana D (Celbridge)Mar 2017 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Jana,
Yes, very. We can’t actually find any major recurring problems with the i40, and on top of that it’s comfortable, roomy, frugal and nice to drive.
Hyundai i40 or Renault Fluence?
Hi,
We are thinking of changing our car from a Nissan Juke (as there is limited space) to either a Renault Fluence or Hyundai i40. What do you think is best?
Nicola Walsh (Wexford )Mar 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Nicola,
Go for the i40 — it’s much bigger and better built than the Fluence, and will be more reliable in the long term. It will also hold its value better than the Fluence.
What makes and models are spacious?
What are the best makes/models for driver legroom/headroom and rear passenger (behind driver seat) legroom?
Eamon O'Connor (Waterford)Mar 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Eamon,
Well, obviously the bigger the car the better, and if you can stretch to a long-wheelbase Range Rover...
At a more sensible level, the best car for long legs in both front and back is the Skoda Superb (both current and previous generation models). Also good choices are the Ford Mondeo, Toyota Avensis and Hyundai i40. If you need to come down a size, go for a Skoda Octavia or Honda Civic.
Which new car on PCP for around €25k?
Hi, I am looking to buy a new car on PCP. Budget is around €25k. I have looked at family options like the Skoda Octavia, Volkswagen Golf and Mazda3. Also on my shortlist is the Audi A1. Can you please advise which of these is the best bet?
Please suggest any other car that I can look at.
Rahul Nair (Dublin)Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Rahul,
There are a lot of other options from the Ford Focus to the Toyota Auris to the Peugeot 308 to the Hyundai i30 to the Kia cee’d and Nissan Pulsar. Of the ones you’ve mentioned, the two that I’d pick from are the Skoda (huge inside, practical, reliable) and the Mazda (high quality cabin, ultra-reliable).
Relevant reviews: