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Showing 281 - 290 results (out of a total of 375) found for "Irish" in Ask Us Anything

How reliable is the Ford Mondeo 2.0?

How reliable is the Ford Mondeo 2.0?

Carol O'Dwyer

Oct 2014 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Carol,

There's a specific issue with the 2.0-litre diesel whereby it can cut out unexpectedly - it's a problem with the engine management system but it's a pretty easy fix. You will need to take it to a Ford main dealer if your car develops the problem. 

Other than that, they're pretty solid. Keyless ignition systems give a bit of bother but few Irish cars had that so it shouldn't be a major worry. The cabin trim can be a bit fragile too - listen for rattles and look for loose bits.


Is the Volkswagen Golf a reliable car?

Hi, just wanted to ask your opinion on a 2004 Volkswagen Golf 1.4 petrol. Are they a reliable car that will give hassle free motoring? Will be doing approx. 15,000 miles per year.

Thank you

Paul Carroll (Roscrea)

Oct 2014 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

By and large yes, but remember that this is a ten-year old car now, so you're going to have to find an immaculate one if you're looking for trouble-free motoring. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) has been known to give bother, so check and make sure that the engine runs smoothly and produces power properly. Mind you, the 1.4 petrol Golf was always woefully underpowered, so check also for signs that it has been ragged - floppy clutch, loose gearshift, smoky engine etc. Check the suspension too and if the tyres are unevenly worn, then the alignment is probably out. If it has electric windows and central locking (most Irish-spec 1.4 Golfs from that era won't) check to make sure they work properly too.


How good is the Ford Focus?

How good is the Ford Focus?

Charles Murphy (Dublin 17)

Sep 2014 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Charles,

I've only this week driven the updated version for the first time and it takes a considerable step forward in terms of refinement, quietness and comfort, while also being far better to look at and astoundingly good to drive. The full report can be read here.

It could well be the best car in its class - we'll reserve judgement on that until we've tried an Irish spec car.


BMW 320d, Audi A5 Sportback or Mercedes C-Class?

2013 BMW 320d M Sport, Audi A5 Sportback S ine or Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG Sport? Want something that's well built. Am hearing differing stories about the quality of the BMW, DPF issues on the Audi 2.0 TDI, the Mercedes more expensive that either.

S S (Meath)

Sep 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Simon,

Generally speaking all three of these cars are really well built and shouldn't give you any major troubles. The BMW 2.0-litre diesel engine has some well documented and recurring issues with weakness in the turbo, but if you buy one on BMW's approved used programme, you'll get a two-year warranty that should cover you for any issues. The Diesel Particulate Filter issue on the Audi 2.0-litre TDI engine is usually related to drivers doing too low a mileage at too low a speed for the DPF to heat up sufficiently to clean itself - it's a recurring problem on any diesel car bought by someone who fundamentally doesn't understand how diesels work and are best driven.

I'd say of the three, my choice would be the last-gen C-Class. If you're looking at 2013, try and track down one of the last Edition C models - they were loaded with equipment and got an extra AMG body kit and nice wheels too. Superb to drive, cracking 2.1-litre diesel engine (if it touch noisy) and the only drawback is that they're not very spacious in the rear.

Of course, if it's reliability and reliability above all that concerns you, buy a Lexus IS 300h and you won't go wrong...


Any word on Irish pricing for the Land Rover Discovery Sport?

Any word on Irish pricing for the Land Rover Discovery Sport?

Martin Moroney (Dublin)

Sep 2014 Filed under: future cars

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

I'm afraid not. Land Rover Ireland won't disclose the figures as yet...

Here's the full story otherwise in case you missed it.


When do the new Ford Mustang and Mondeo arrive?

When is the new Ford Mondeo due for sale in Ireland? Same for the Mustang?

Fergal Reidy (Celbridge)

Aug 2014 Filed under: future cars

Expert answer

Hi Fergal,

The Mustang has already started rolling off the production line in right-hand drive, but is not due to arrive in Ireland until late summer 2015. Apparently one Irish buyer has already ordered one.

We're (finally!) driving the new Mondeo early next month and we understand that the first examples will arrive in Ireland this November. That probably means in dealers nationwide for December, in time for the new '151' plate in January.

Hope that helps


What do you think of the Dacia Sandero Stepway?

What do you think of the Dacia Sandero Stepway?

John Coleman (Athlone)

Aug 2014 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi John,

It's quite a likeable car at first and many will be sold on its looks alone, but we couldn't logically say it's worth the extra over the regular Dacia Sandero. Then again there aren't really many direct rivals at the price. Saying that, the price rises rapidly once you want a few niceties such as air conditioning...

For a full review of the Sandero Stepway on Irish roads click here.


How good is the Suzuki SX4 diesel?

How good is the Suzuki SX4 diesel?

Tommy Nashbanogue (Athlone)

Aug 2014 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Tommy,

Very good really. Suzukis have an enviable reputation for reliability, but you will have to put up with cabin fixtures and fittings that are a step behind what you'd get from, say, Ford, Volkswagen or Hyundai. The old model also has somewhat tight space in the rear seats, but if you get the 1.9 TDDi with four-wheel drive you have an excellent compact 4x4 that'll see you through the very worst that the Irish climate and road network can throw at you.
Hope that helps


Why doesn't the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV use a CVT?

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV comes with a single reduction gear transmission, why not a CVT? Does this not mean that engine and electric motors miss out on the advantages of operating at their optimum torque or economy band?

Chris Camp (Auckland)

Jul 2014 Filed under: electric cars

Expert answer

Hi Chris,

The thing to bear in mind here is that the engine rarely has to directly power the wheels; most of the time it operates (at set optimum speeds) to turn the generator and charge the battery pack. Other than that, when it does power the front wheels it's at specific speeds in particular conditions, for which we assume it has been calibrated. The addition of a CVT may well enhance the situation, but it would add another chunk of weight to an already heavy vehicle.

Electric motors don't need a continuously varying gear ratio to operate efficiently.

You can read our drive of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV here


Are pre-tax prices still lower in Ireland?

In 2000 I exported a new, unregistered car to the UK and registered it there. At the time, pre-tax prices were cheaper in Ireland than the UK and the taxes were lower in the UK. So, this all made sense, then. Is it still the case that pre-tax prices are lower in Ireland?

Trevor Hampson (Macclesfield)

Jun 2014 Filed under: VRT

Expert answer

Hi Trevor,

It would seem not. Certainly it was the case some years back when car makers often 'de-contented' (i.e: stripped out) their cars to help compensate for Ireland's staggering levels of vehicle taxation, but the situation seems to have stabilised now.

 According to the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, to whom we spoke about this, the last official EU survey on pre-tax prices carried out in 2011 showed that the gap was, in some cases, still there, but was narrowing.

In a statement, the EU said that "The Commission continues to monitor the competitive situation on the new cars market, as well as the markets for spare parts and repair and maintenance, in cooperation with National Competition Authorities. The Commission is committed to safeguard competition in this sector and will not hesitate to take the necessary enforcement action if problems arise."

Basically, the changes in the tax system in Ireland since 2008 have meant that we're much more in line with the rest of Europe than was once the case.

Now ask us about the post-tax price...

 


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