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Why are the brakes rattling on my Opel Astra GTC?

I have a 2012 Opel Astra GTC with a rattle from the brake caliper at low speeds and revs. What should I do?

M Mullins (Ennis)

Sep 2012 Filed under: brakes

Expert answer

Hi Mike,

First thing to do is bring the car back to the dealer. It's very new and is hence covered by warranty. Trying to fix it yourself could invalidate the warranty.

Without hearing the problem for ourselves it sounds like it could be something small like the dust shield vibrating against the caliper, but definitely worth getting it looked at.

Let us know how you get on.


What's the diesel Opel Insignia like?

What do think of the Opel Insignia diesel?

Daniel Okeeffe (Fermoy )

Aug 2012 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Daniel,

You've not told us which of the Insignia diesels you're looking at, and whether you're buying new or used, but in general Opel's diesel options in the Insignia are a little on the loud side. However, they all give good performance and economy, and the latest come with stop-start.

Come back to us if you need more detail than that


Trading in my Impreza for a new Opel Astra.

Hello,

I'm thinking of trading in my 2009 Subaru Impreza Diesel shortly. I'm looking at the new entry-level Opel Astra GTC. My car was an ex-demo, has 60,000 kilometres on the clock, is the middle spec edition (Xenons, sports seats etc.) and is in excellent condition with full service history. There are not many diesel Imprezas around and I'm finding it hard to put a value on it. Would it be reasonable to expect a trade-in allowance of €12K against the new car which is priced around €22K?

Thanks.

David Ryan (Dublin)

Aug 2012 Filed under: used car values

Expert answer

Hi David,

That's a tricky one to answer accurately. It really depends on the dealer you bring the car to. There's undoubtedly a real lack of good second-hand cars so dealers do want such things, but the Impreza Diesel is, as you say, quite rare.

We reckon your expectations are fairly realistic, especially if you are happy to go into a dealer right now for a 2012-plate car. New car sales are slow at this time of year. Aim a little higher than that and try a few Opel dealers.

Let us know how you get on.


Which MPV is the most reliable and economical?

Which people carrier is the best option of the Opel Zafira, Toyota Verso and Mazda5 - in terms of reliability and economy.

Trish O' Mahony (Cork)

Jul 2012 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Trish,

We don't know your budget or the year of car you're looking at, but assuming it's a 2009 model and that you're looking at diesel versions for better economy, the Toyota and Mazda both have better reliability records and decent economy, though the Opel has higher economy figures - especially if you can find a 1.7 CDTi diesel for your budget. Unfortunately, the diesel Zafiras can be problematic.

Come back to us with more details if you'd like advice on a specific car.


Would an Opel Zafira suit our family?

Is the 2003 Opel Zafria any good as a family car? The one we're looking at has 160,000 kilometres on the clock.

Michelle Collibs (Bandon)

Jul 2012 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Michellle,

You've not told us what version of the Zafira you're looking at, but you should know that the basic 1.6-litre petrol engine is a little gutless and the base spec cars a little spartan inside. However, the interior of the Zafira is cleverly designed and great for family use. Check the service history carefully, as cambelts require regular changes (where fitted). Other than that, make sure all the seats move as they should, that the spare wheel is underneath at the back and that there's no damp in the cabin.

I know several happy owners of these cars.


Why did the sump plug o-ring have to be changed on the Corsa?

My mam's 2007 Opel Corsa came back from a service with the garage saying it had to replace the 'sump plug o-ring' and I am wondering what could have caused this?

Karl Treacy (Malahide, Co.Dublin)

Jul 2012 Filed under: servicing

Expert answer

Hi Karl,

This is nothing to worry about. It's good practice on a lot of cars to replace the sump plug seal whenever the sump plug is opened to drain the oil. It prevents slow oil leaks.

I assume your mam wasn't charged very much for this? It's an inexpensive part and there's no extra work involved if the sump plug has already been taken out.


Which manual, diesel 4x4s are good?

What is the best type of 4x4 with a manual transmission and diesel engine?

Aidan Kelly (Kildare)

Jun 2012 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Aidan,

Without knowing your budget and what your needs with regards to towing etc. are it's difficult to give a precise answer, but as a starting point, and in alphabetical order:

None of Audi's Q models are really suited to heavy off-road work, though the Q5 and Q7 are fine towing machines. Not that you'll find a Q7 with a manual gearbox.

Same story with BMW's X models. Fine for towing. You'll have to seek out an older X5 if you want a manual transmission though.

Citroen C-Crosser, Ford Kuga, Honda CR-V, Hyundai ix35: fine road cars.

Hyundai Santa Fe: depending on age and spec can be quite good off-road and as a tow car.

Hyundai Terracan: horrible beast of a thing, but it is big...

Hyundai Tucson: more car-like than most 4x4s.

Isuzu Trooper: hard as nails, durable workhorse.

Jeep Cherokee: good workhorse, but raucous on the road.

Jeep Compass: really not that great on the road despite its 'crossover' image.

Jeep Grand Cherokee: surprisingly good depending on age.

Jeep Patriot: a Compass with more upright bodywork...

Jeep Wrangler: tough, great off-road, but not so good on it.

Kia Sorento: first generation a tough tow car; latest more road-biased.

Kia Sportage: fine road car - especially the latest one.

Land Rover Defender: same comments as Jeep Wrangler above.

Land Rover Discovery: one of the very best all-rounders - newer versions way better.

Land Rover Freelander: good mix of on-road behaviour with all-road ability, but others at price better.

Range Rover line-up: luxurious regular model not bad off-road, Sport great to drive on-road and Evoque not really a 4x4 despite the badge.

Mazda CX-5: new SUV in the crossover mould - lovely on the road, where it should stay.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class: see BMW X5 comments.

Mitsubishi ASX/Outlander: very much road cars.

Mitsubishi L200/Pajero/Shogun: durable, strong, tough, but also rough and unrefined - proper 4x4 system though.

Nissan Navara/Pathfinder: see L200 etc. above...

Nissan Qashqai: a road car, even in 4x4 guise.

Nissan Terrano: old-school 4x4.

Nissan X-Trail: pretty good mix of attributes.

Opel Antara: road car - and not a good one.

Peugeot 4007, Renault Koleos, Skoda Yeti: just road cars.

SsangYong Actyon/Kyron/Rexton: rough and ready tow machines.

Subaru Forester: more a road car, though later one pretty good.

Subaru Outback/XV: road cars - nice ones.

Suzuki Grand Vitara: not bad as an all-rounder - relatively cheap and cheerful.

Suzuki SX4: car with 4x4 mechanicals.

Toyota Hilux/Land Cruiser: enviable reputation for toughness and reliability, though not very civilised.

Toyota RAV4: good road car, ok tow car.

Volkswagen Amarok: good all-rounder, though just a pick-up.

Volkswagen Tiguan: lovely road car, but most models so-so off-road.

Volkswagen Touareg: high quality car that's a good all-rounder.

Volvo XC60/XC90: good road cars - not for off-road.

So come back to us with more details and we'll talk you through a purchase.


Does the Opel Zafira have issues with its coil packs?

Have you heard anything about coil packs being faulty for Opel Zafira's 1.6 petrol engines 2005-2011?

Michael Buggy (Templetuohy)

Jun 2012 Filed under: fault

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

We've not heard anything about this one to be honest, but that doesn't mean it's not a problem! Since 2008 the vast majority of the Zafiras sold have been diesel so there are not many petrol versions around now.

Hope that helps


What small car for €8,000 could replace my MINI?

Hi, I am driving an 08 MINI Cooper 1.6D that is a work lease car. I want to buy a small car for less than €8,000 - ideally a 1.1 or so that I don't feel the drop too much! I do very low mileage - 5,000km per year - but want something that could manage a motorway journey or two a year ok. What would you recommend? I have been looking at something 08 or newer: Hyundai i10, Toyota Yaris; old model Fiesta/Polo - any other ideas?

Suzie Perry (Dublin)

May 2012 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Suzie,

Others to consider include the Citroen C3 and Fiat 500, Mazda2, Nissan Micra, Opel Corsa, Peugeot 207, SEAT Ibiza, Skoda Fabia and Suzuki Swift. They're all good small cars. Given your low mileage you're definitely better off with a petrol model.

I assume you know that you could afford slightly larger cars in the Ford Focus class as well with that budget, but that you don't want one that big? They'd be far more comfortable on the motorway.

With all that in mind, and sticking to your small car demand, we reckon one of the three Volkswagen Group cars makes the most sense - that's the Skoda Fabia, SEAT Ibiza or the Polo. If you'd like help narrowing down your search further come back to us.


We need a second car for less than €5,000.

Hi there. I am looking for a used small car from 2006 on with four doors and small engine, just as a second car for my wife. Maybe for less than €5,000. Any recommendations or no goes?! Thanks

Hagen Stroh (Greystones)

Apr 2012 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Hagen,

There's a lot of choice on the market for that price. Here's a few cars we'd consider good buys for the purpose you've described:

Citroen C3, Fiat Panda, Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Honda Jazz, Mazda3, Nissan Almera, Nissan Micra, Opel Astra, Opel Corsa, Peugeot 207, SEAT Ibiza, SEAT Cordoba, SEAT Leon, Skoda Fabia, Suzuki Swift, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Yaris, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Polo.

I appreciate that's a long list, but we've left out plenty too! If you'd like more in depth help with choosing from the above come back to us.


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