I can't play CDs on my Astra...
Hi,
I bought an Opel Astra and I put songs on a CD from my computer and now the stereo won't read them. Can you tell me what's the problem?
Bojan Jovanov (Radovis)Feb 2020 Filed under: aftermarket
Expert answer
Hi Bojan,
Without knowing anything about the specific stereo that's in your Astra, it sounds like the format of the songs is just not compatible with the sound system.
What's wrong with my Opel Zafira?
I have a 2010 1.7-litre diesel Opel Zafira and it's cutting power on acceleration and changing gears from second to third. What's wrong with it?
Winstyon Luza (Dublin)Jan 2020 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Winstyon,
This sounds like your car has a very common issue associated with that engine. The fuel flow control valve, located on the high-pressure fuel pump, could be faulty and it needs to be replaced.
Will Opel fix my Meriva for free?
I have a 2006 Opel Meriva with a power steering problem. Will Opel repair it for free?
Thank you kindly Mary
Mary O Driscoll (Cork)Jan 2020 Filed under: warranty
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
We're not aware of the issue you are referring to. If we've missed it and it is part of a recall, then Opel would be obliged to fix it for free, but if it is not part of a recall, then it is highly unlikely that Opel would offer to repair your car for free. It is well out of warranty.
Extra NOx levy for imported Mokka?
Hi,
I've just bought a 2014 Mokka Techline CDTi (120g/km) and just heard about the NOx levy; what should I expect to pay extra on top of €1,680 VRT? Help, as I'm registering it on Jan 6.
Thank you
Lynnnoone Noone (Donegal Moville )Jan 2020 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Lynn,
It’s not going to be cheap I’m afraid. According to the best figures we can find, a 2014 1.7 CDTi Opel/Vauxhall Mokka has NOx emissions of 133mg/km. On the new NOx tax of €5 per mg for the first 60mg, €15 per mg between 60 and 80mg and €25 per mg above that, you’re looking at a NOx tax cost of €1,925 ON TOP of the normal VRT cost (which is going to be around €1,700 or so).
Why different tax for these Zafiras?
Hi!
I can't understand something. How come my Opel Zafira 161 is in the €570 tax band and a 141 is in the €280 tax band? The two cars are identical.
Tamas Giran (Enniscorthy)Dec 2019 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Tamas,
Well, it depends on which version of Zafira each one is. From the detail you’ve given there on the tax costs, I’d suspect that the 141 car has the 2.0 CDTi diesel engine, the 129g/km of CO2 emissions of which would put it in Band B2 for a €280 tax cost. Is the 161 car a 1.4 turbo petrol? Because that version’s 156g/km emissions put it just into the €570 Band D. Or the discrepancy could be down to one having an automatic gearbox, instead of a manual. Without more details, I’m afraid, we can’t be sure.
What do you think of the Merc A-Class Saloon?
Hi,
have you some views of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon? What models are available? Is it value for money? Thinking of buying one for the 201 registration.
Regards,
Pat Conway
Patrick Conway (Fountainstown)Nov 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
We have indeed reviewed the A-Class Saloon and you can read our thoughts on the car here. As for whether it’s good value for money, it kind of depends on how you look at it. Compared to other similarly-priced cars — Volkswagen Passat, Skoda Superb, or Opel Insignia for example — it’s not good value as you’re paying the same or more for a smaller car, probably with less standard equipment. That three-pointed star on the bonnet costs a fair bit… On the other hand, viewing the A-Class Saloon as a slightly smaller (but not that much so) alternative to the C-Class saloon — an entirely valid point of view — it’s actually really good value. Models available range from the basic A 180 petrol and A 180 d diesel versions, through A 200 and A 200 d, all the way up to the slightly rabid 300hp A 35 AMG model.
Which Outlander PHEV to go for?
Hey there, I love your site, the content is great and I have been reading it for a while now. I have a question you might be able to help me with.
I am looking to buy a used Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and have two options as per below and would love your opinion on which one to go for - basically the highest spec version of the second generation model for €17.5k or the second highest spec version of the third-generation version for €19.5k...
Option 1 - 2015(1) Second Generation PHEV 5hs
- This is the top of the line spec with red leather interior, all heated seats, Alpine stereo system
- This one has 23k miles on the clock
- Price - €17,500 (with a trade-in for my banged up Opel Meriva)
Option 2 - 2015 (2) Third Generation PHEV 4hs
- This is the newer model of the PHEV
- It is high spec but not quite as many bells and whistles as the above
- This one has 30k miles on the clock
- Price - €19,500 (with the trade-in)
Thank you
Patrick Conway (Dublin)Nov 2019 Filed under: hybrid
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
We’d go for the slightly later, slightly more expensive Outlander, and sacrifice a couple of options. That update was a major one, not just on the styling front, but on the mechanical front too. The second-generation Outlander PHEV was more refined than before, and there were some significant improvements to the electric part of the powertrain, which make it both a bit quicker under electric-only power, and a bit more economical overall.
Do Opel Astra saloons have air conditioning?
Do 132 Opel Astra saloons have air conditioning?
Sharon Byrne (Carlow)Nov 2019 Filed under: optional extras
Expert answer
Hi Sharon,
It should do — air conditioning was standard on all Astra models by that time, but there is always the possibility that a rogue, down-specced, model got through the net.
When to change 162 Astra's timing belt?
Hi,
Just wondering when should the timing belt be changed on an Opel Astra 162 1.6 diesel?
Richard Chamney (Limerick)Oct 2019 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Richard,
The 162 Opel Astra 1.6 CDTi diesel uses a timing chain, designed for the life of the engine, instead of a timing belt.
Chain or belt in this Opel Insignia?
Does a 161 Opel Insignia 1.6 diesel have a timing belt or chain? And if a belt, what interval should it be changed at?
Jason Shanley (Dublin )Jun 2019 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Jason,
That engine uses a timing chain.