What's the Volvo V40 Cross Country?
What is the difference between the Volvo V40 and the V40 Cross Country?
Willy Boland (BALLINASLOE)Jul 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Willy,
For most people, the differences are cosmetic, though the Cross Country has its own suspension settings, including greater ground clearance. For now though, the only four-wheel drive model is powered by the top-of-the range petrol engine, so it's not likely to be very popular in Ireland.
We've driven both and, if you like the look of the Cross Country, there's very little compromise. It drives as well, is actually a little more comfortable, yet is nigh on identical inside. The regular V40 line-up starts at a lower price point though.
Hope that's of some help
Renault Grand Scenic: worth a look at a 2010 model?
Hi, how reliable is the Renault Grand Scenic? Is it worth buying year 2010? Is it true that the engine in the Scenic is the same as in Nissan's Qashqai?
Priscilla Nkosi (Shannon)Jul 2013 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Priscilla,
If it's either the 1.6 petrol or the 1.5 diesel then yes, it's an engine shared with the Nissan Qashqai (and sundry other Nissans and Renaults) and is generally pretty solidly built and reliable.
With Renaults, it's the peripheral systems you have to watch. Major items like the engine and gearbox usually go on just fine but electric components (especially windows in the past), exhaust systems, cabin trim and such like can all be fragile. Check carefully and make sure there's a full service history.
Best of luck
I'm thinking of selling my Toyota Corolla
I have a 2002 Toyota Corolla 1.4 VVT-i petrol, which has just passed its NCT. It is the newer type model for that year and has 138,000 miles on the clock. It has never given me any trouble and is in good nick but I'm doing about 340 miles a week in it and it's costing me about 60 Euro a week in petrol. If I were to sell it private how much would I expect to get?
John O'Shea (Ennis)Expert answer
Hi John,
I'd say on a trade-in you'd probably get about €2,500 to €3,000 for it. But make sure you do your sums carefully when changing. The cost of change can often outweigh what you're spending on petrol. Maybe practice some seriously economical driving techniques? Take any excess weight out of the car by emptying the boot etc. And get the engine properly serviced and tuned, with fresh filters and new oil. Check the tyres for condition and correct pressure. You'd be surprised what a difference things like that can make to your fuel consumption.
Hope that helps
Petrol or diesel BMW 3 Series GT?
I am interested in the BMW 3 Series GT, but unsure of which model would suit me. I drive about 10,000 miles per annum. Not sure whether I should go for petrol or diesel.
Patrick Rice (Greystones)Jul 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
At that kind of mileage, you really should be going for a petrol. A 320i has plenty of poke, is very refined and nice to drive, and has decent fuel economy and emissions.
What diesel car will I trade in my Mazda3 for?
I'd like to trade in my 2007 Mazda3 1.6 petrol and change to a diesel engine. Fuel economy and lower tax would be important as I cover around 360 miles a week mostly motorway driving. I'd like a roomier car in the back for two children and a bigger boot. Was thinking of a diesel car or SUV. What would my Mazda3 be worth on trade-in?
Alanna Mangan (Newbridge)Jun 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Alanna,
Anything pre-2008 with a petrol engine is pretty hard to shift on these days, sadly, so I'd reckon you're looking at a value of possibly as little as €5,500 for the Mazda3 at the moment. To get the best from it, I'd suggest staying within the Mazda family (a Mazda dealer will usually give you a better trade-in on a Mazda than will another dealer) and trade up to a Mazda6 Estate. Loads of space, brilliant to drive, reliable and, with the 2.2-litre 129hp diesel, very economical too. SUV? Do you live up a mountain or at the far end of a rutted dirt road? No? Then you don't need one - stick to the family car market and the Mazda6 size class (which also includes cars like the Toyota Avensis, Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat and Opel Insignia) is where you'll get the best bang for your buck.
Let us know how you get on
What are the common faults with the Audi A4 Cabriolet?
Audi A4 Cabriolet automatic 2006: what are the common faults?
David De Roeck (Dublin)Jun 2013 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi David,
It's a pretty solidly built car the A4 Cab, but just avoid the 1.8T petrol engine as apparently it gives no end of trouble, and watch for clogging fuel fillers on the diesel models if you're doing low mileages. Clutch problems are also not unheard of, and check carefully for any signs of oil leaks in the engine bay. The good news is that because it has a folding cloth (not steel) roof there are no reported problems with an overly-complicated roof mechanism.
What will I replace my Mazda3 with?
I'd like to replace my Mazda3 petrol 1.6 for a diesel car or SUV; what would you recommend? I'd like something with good fuel economy as I do over 360 miles a week, mostly motorway driving, and lower tax preferably. I have two young children in car seats. I'm looking for something a year or two old, but not a Golf.
Thanks
Alanna Mangan (Newbridge)Jun 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Alanna,
If you like the Mazda, then it would be well worth considering an upgrade to the current-shape Mazda3 with the 1.5-litre SkyActiv diesel engine — it's smooth, refined, very economical and with the usual Mazda reliability. A lovely car. Also worth considering are the Honda Civic 1.6 iDTEC diesel or Kia cee’d 1.6 CRDi.
A few reviews for you:
Is the Volvo V40 a good new buy?
Is the Volvo V40 a good new buy?
John Dignam (DUBLIN IRELAND)Jun 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi John,
Yes, it certainly is. Now, that comes with the caveat that it will be replaced by an all-new model nest year, but the current V40 is still pretty good — handsome, good to drive, comfortable, and well made. It is a little short on cabin space, though, which is worth remembering, and it lacks a good down-sized turbo petrol engine in the mould of Volkswagen’s 1.0-litre TSI as yet.
Here are a few reviews for you:
I'm trying to decide between diesel and petrol...
I am thinking about buying a new car, and I can't decide between diesel or petrol. I only do urban driving, about 1,500km per year. Taking into account the road tax, which would be the most economical for me?
Mary Gaughan (Galway)Expert answer
Hi Mary,
At just 1,500km per year it's highly likely that a petrol car would be better suited to your needs. Diesel cars are usually more expensive to buy in the first place, and new petrol cars are much closer to their diesel counterparts than ever before in terms of fuel economy and tax so in your case the balance tips in favour of petrol. On top of that, diesel cars are designed to be driven at higher speed regularly and they don't take well to a life in town.
Recently we did a piece of research in conjunction with Cartell.ie looking into this very thing. Read the results of the research here.
With a budget of €6,000 is the Mazda3 a good choice?
Hi,
I have a budget of €6,000 and am looking at picking up a reliable saloon that has good boot space. I am looking at a 2006 Mazda3, but need some advice as to whether this is a good buy or not and what else I should be looking at. Most of my driving is in Dublin with the occasional trip to Mayo. Should I be looking at petrol or diesel? I don't really want to go above 1.7-litre as the tax will just be too much for me.
Thanks
Joe Harbourne (Dublin)Jun 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
Your first choice there is a bit of a hard one to argue with. The Mazda3 is impressively well built, hugely reliable and, in saloon form, not only has a big, useful boot but also manages to look better than the five-door hatch on which it's based. The downside is a dour, plain cabin but that €6,000 budget should, with a little haggling, get you into a 2007 1.6 TD diesel model. No, you won't get the benefit of the cheaper post-2008 tax, but for those occasional runs up to Mayo, you'll be saving yourself a whole lot of fuel.
Hope that helps