What SUV to go for with up to €18,000 to spend?
What you think about the 2010 BMW X1? First baby on the way and looking for a crossover/SUV between €15,000 and €18,000.
Gavin Kane (Meath )Dec 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Gavin,
I'd have to say nope. It's not very big inside and it has needlessly heavy steering that makes manoeuvring in town a chore.
Do you really need an SUV? Why not consider a nice estate? BMW's own 3 Series Touring is a belter. Or, for your budget, you could probably stretch to an Audi A6 Avant. Track down one with quattro four-wheel drive and leave all the front-drive SUVs standing when it snows.
Or, if you're determined on the SUV front, consider one of the following: Honda CR-V, Volvo XC60, Hyundai Santa Fe or Mazda CX-5.
What do you think?
Issue with timing chain in the Mazda CX-7?
Was there an issue with the timing chain in the Mazda CX-7? I have heard conflicting reports.
Thanks
John Cloonan (Athlone)Nov 2014 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi John,
There does seem to have been an issue with the timing chain on CX-7s, which caused an irritating rattling or tinkling noise. Generally speaking, it’s more of an annoyance than a failure point, but it’s best to have the engine inspected by an expert if the noise is there.
What diesel family car can I get for €5,000?
Can you recommend a good family car for two adults and two kids and all the bits and pieces? I do a lot of driving so I need a diesel. I only have around €5,000 to spend. Keep up the good work!
Ashleigh O Connor (Virginia)Nov 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Ashleigh,
How about a Mazda3 1.6 diesel? Sharp looking, sharp to drive, impressively economical and given Mazda's reputation it should stand up to years of family rough and tumble. We found on on Carzone.ie for under €5k from a dealer in Carlow as well.
How economical is the Mazda3 saloon?
What mpg does the Mazda3 saloon 1.6 petrol return?
Maria Whelan (Letterkenny)Expert answer
Hi Maria,
I presume you're talking about a first generation Mazda3, seeing as most of the second-gen models came with diesel power. The official economy for a 2005 model year Mazda3 1.6 petrol is 39mpg with CO2 emissions of 172g/km.
What are the pros and cons of the Mazda6?
I am thinking of purchasing a 2007 Mazda6 Executive with 58,000 miles on the clock. It's the 1.8 petrol; what are the pros and cons of this model?
Nelius Collins (Cork)Oct 2014 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Nelius,
Cracking car the original Mazda6. One of the best-to-drive saloons ever built and the good news is you're looking at mostly pros, and very few cons. The only real mechanical weak point is the clutch - we've heard of them failing at as little as 50,000km so check to make sure that the action is smooth and not too heavy and that the gear changes are crisp and quick. Any slipping or smell should set off alarm bells.
Other than that, there are a few recalls that you need to make sure were attended to (leaky fuel lines, dodgy fog lamps, brake warning light and oil seals) and it's worth checking to make sure that the suspension and steering are in good fettle and that there's a good set of high-quality tyres on the car; the better to enjoy that wonderful handling balance.
I have €35,000 to spend on a sporty car...
If you had €35k to spend on a sporty car what would you buy? Doesn't necessarily need to be new, would go up to three years old, running costs wouldn't be that much of an issue but need to tolerable all the same, i.e. car tax < €1,000 a year.
Simon MacMahon (Dublin)Oct 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Simon,
OK, for that kind of budget you have a wealth of options, new and used. How about a new MINI Cooper S 2.0-litre? Massive fun to drive, affordable to run (it'll do 50mpg and costs just €290 a year to tax) and they're really well built. Better yet, a brand new one starts at €27k so you have plenty left over for insurance, extras and servicing.
Not practical enough? How about the best hot hatch around at the moment then? The Volkswagen Golf GTI? Your budget just about gets a new one, but it'll be pretty basic. Better to go for nearly-new; get one with a bit of spec and make sure it has the optional Performance Pack fitted - it turns a brilliant car into a gob-smacking one.
Is the Mazda MX-5 25th Anniversary available as an auto?
Paul Healy wrote an article about the 'New special edition MX-5' on April the 17th, 2014. He states that this Anniversary Edition is available with manual or automatic gearboxes. I have tried many times, in vain, to get information from both Mazda UK and Mazda Ireland about the automatic version. The answer simply is that it is not available. Who could I write to in Mazda HQ to find out when the auto version will be available in Ireland?
Your advice would be much appreciated.
Auke - dublin - Ireland
Auke Van Der Werff (Dublin , Ireland)Sep 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Auke,
We asked Mazda about this and the official response was: "Simple answer is it is not available in Ireland unfortunately. There are only 1,000 examples of the limited edition 25th anniversary in the world and we have one press model for marketing/PR purposes really - not for sale."
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news
Ford Mondeo, Mazda6, Toyota Avensis or Opel Insignia?
Which car is best on fuel between 2007-08 Mazda6 1.9, Ford Mondeo 1.8, Toyota Avensis or Opel Insignia please?
John Donohue (Dublin)Expert answer
Hi John,
All are pretty good and I have to admit to having thrown some covetous glances myself at second-gen Ford Mondeos lately - that's a shape that has aged really, really well. That said, from the ones you've selected there, I'd go for the Mazda. It has terrific handling (best in the class for that time, actually) and should be very reliable so it's definitely the one to pick.
Petrol or diesel Mazda6 for my mileage?
I have to drive 260km a day. I am trying to decide on Mazda6 1.8 petrol or 2.0 diesel?
Alan Downey (Newbridge)Aug 2014 Filed under: diesel
Expert answer
Hi Alan,
Well, that's 67,000km a year so we'd call that pretty high mileage. To say the least. Get the diesel. You're going to need it.
Ford Focus or SEAT Leon diesel?
Hi there. I'm trading in a 1.6 petrol 2006 Mazda3 for a small diesel hatchback to commute in. Looking at a 2010 Ford Focus with 41,000 miles for €7,750 or a 2010 SEAT Leon with 47,000 miles for €7,950, both 1.6 diesel. I prefer the Ford's stats and Leon's looks - any advice?!
Claire O'Malley (Ardee)Aug 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Claire,
I'd go for the Leon. The Focus is a fine car, don't get me wrong, but the Leon is (as you point out) better looking, SEATs have incredibly good build quality and reliability (we've had four SEATs in our family and from personal experience there's barely been a day off the road between any of them) and the Leon is really good to drive too. Cracking car, you won't go wrong.