Is it worth changing the engine in my Audi to a diesel one?
Can I change my 2005 petrol 1.8T Audi engine to a diesel?
Dermot Gorman (Dublin)Feb 2014 Filed under: diesel
Expert answer
Hi Dermot,
If you mean actually physically swapping out the engine and plumbing in a diesel then I wouldn't recommend it. Diesel engines are much heavier than their petrol counterparts and most car makers tweak the suspension, brakes and steering to allow for that fact. Putting a diesel lump in where a petrol one was could upset that delicate balance. Also, it's an enormous amount of expense and hassle to do so, when you could just trade in for a similar model with a factory-fit diesel.
What hatchback should I buy and should I stick with a petrol car?
Looking to upgrade my trusty 2000 petrol Toyota Corolla Liftback. I am considering the new model Toyota Auris or Hyundai i30 or a similar hatchback. My annual mileage is 10,000 miles with mostly short runs ranging in distances of between less than 10 miles and 2 miles urban and town driving with longer spins at the weekend. Which engine type should I go for? Also considering that at weekends I will be carrying two adults and two teenagers.
Dan Lyons (Cork)Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Dan,
Hmmm. Generally for your mileage I would recommend a petrol car, but the bad news is that in your size bracket, petrol engines are a little thin on the ground. You could go for either a straight replacement for your Corolla by getting a Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4D, which is a very fine car, or you could, as you suggest, branch out and snap up a Hyundai i30 1.6 diesel - again a very fine car and with that five-year warranty, a very tempting buy.
But, with your mileage profile, I would suggest taking a good long look at petrol alternatives. The Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost is a terrific car with a great engine and well worth a look. That said it's a little tight in the back seats for two teenagers so I'd say the best all round bet is a Skoda Octavia 1.2 TSI. It's more affordable than the diesel version, damn near as economical and has a big boot and lots of space in the back seats for those teenager-filled weekend runs. Great quality and reliability too.
New Opel Insignia or used BMW 3 Series?
If you had the option between buying a new high spec automatic Opel Insignia with leather for €39k or a one-year-old BMW 3 Series for similar money, which would you recommend?
Michael Dempsey (Dublin)Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
It kinda depends on the spec of the cars in question. If, for instance, it's a 2.0 160hp Insignia versus a 110hp 316d, then go for the Opel. If it's a 320d, then go for the Beemer.
Come back to us in the comments if you'd like more help.
How much is my BMW 520d worth?
Hi. I have a 2008 BMW 520d Business Edition with a leather interior and 75,000 miles on the clock in immaculate condition. I am looking at maybe trading it in for one-year old 320d saloon with similar specs for around €21,000 or €22,000. How much do you think that I could get as a trade-in?
Thanks very much for replying to those at the mercy of unscrupulous car sellers. As a rule how do we know how much a trade-in is worth?
Jean Marchand (Duns)Jan 2014 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Jean,
Tricky to say, I'm afraid, as the trade-in value offered by a dealer has as much to do with their business model and circumstances as it does with any intrinsic value in the car. It also of course depends on the car you're trading it in for. If it's something that's sticking to their forecourt, they'll be more keen to offer you a good deal to get shot of it. Values for a 5 Series like yours seem to vary from around €27,000 at the high end to low-twenties for higher-mileage models. You can knock off around €1,500 - €2,000 from that for the dealer to build in a margin and defray any costs of preparing the car for sale, so your trade-in should range from around €20,000 to €25,000, but that's a best guess and nothing more.
Try and have a ring around (or better yet, a drive around if you have the time) to various dealers and try and get them to give you a rough idea of what they'd give you for the car.
Do let us know how you get on,
What small car would suit my 20,000km annual mileage?
Hi, I am looking to move out from a town, which would mean commuting of about 15,000 to 20,000km per year. Should I be looking for small diesel or petrol in order to keep costs as low as possible? Ideally about 1.4 or 1.6 engine size...
Thanks
John Stalmach (Dublin)Jan 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi John,
Yup, a small diesel sounds like it should be ideal for you. Depending on what kind or size of car you need I'd recommend either a MINI Cooper D 1.6 (small and sporty), Opel Astra 1.3 CDTi (slower, but more spacious), Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4D (similar to Opel but probably more reliable) or that old favourite the Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI BlueMotion (ultra economical). Or, if you need more space how about a Skoda Octavia Combi estate 1.6 TDI or a Citroen C4 Picasso 1.6 HDi?
Help us with your needs and we'll narrow that down a little!
Are Dacia safe in comparison to their rivals?
Are the new Dacia cars safe compared to other similar cars on the market?
Katy Culloty (Tralee)Jan 2014 Filed under: safety
Expert answer
Hi Katy,
Kia Rio, SEAT Ibiza or Volkswagen Polo?
Two questions:
1) Kia Rio EX or SEAT Ibiza five-door Sport or Volkswagen Polo Comfortline - which would you recommend and why?
2) Is the Volkswagen Polo changing this year?
Danielle Victory (Drogheda)Jan 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Danielle,
An updated Polo is indeed imminent, but from what we've seen it won't be a massive change from the current car, certainly in terms of styling, and the only major mechanical change will be the addition of a new 1.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine. While that will probably make for an enticing drive, it's a sad fact that the current 1.2-litre Polo is a touch sluggish to drive, and the mechanically similar SEAT Ibiza has some refinement issues. On that basis, we'd go for the Rio - it's neatly styled, comfy, well made and lively to drive. And it comes with that seven-year warranty. It's a tough package to beat.
Let us know how you decide in the comments below.
Should I buy from BMW direct or not?
Thank you so much for answering my other question. You are providing a fantastic service.
I am planning on buying a BMW 520d (2010 or 2011). BMW dealers offer a two-year warranty but charge more for the car. I was wondering if it would be better/possible to buy from another SIMI dealer and maybe purchase a warranty myself from BMW at www.bmw-warranty.ie
Thanks a million, Bill
Bill Hughes (Dublin)Jan 2014 Filed under: warranty
Expert answer
Hi Bill, glad we're of assistance - spread the word!
In answer to your question, it's something of a yes and no. Yes, you could potentially find a cheaper 5 Series by shopping somewhere other than a franchised BMW dealer, but why then try and buy a warranty from BMW? Part of BMW's second hand car warranty package is a full inspection of the vehicle and a check of all major components. Assuming that they would warranty your car unseen, there would almost certainly be a loading on the premium to reflect the fact that they are effectively insuring an unknown car against failure.
So, I would suggest one of two things - either stick with the full franchised BMW second hand package (which is actually pretty keenly priced once you factor everything in) or buy elsewhere and go to a third party for the warranty insurance. Mapfre is pretty much the only game in town in Ireland for aftermarket warranties at the moment, and it has a simple online application form so you can work out the cost of the warranty before you buy the car. Here's the company's website.
What will I replace by Hyundai Santa Fe with?
I'm currently driving a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0-litre 2WD... It's a lovely car and has great spec for its time - leather upholstery, a/c, cruise control, etc, but on the downside is poor on fuel consumption and motor tax. I drive about 20,000km per year - manily Dublin with about 10 trips to Mayo each year.
What would you recommend replacing it with?
Francis Rock (Swords)Dec 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Francis,
Can I suggest then chopping it in for another Hyundai, this time an i40 Tourer? It's massively spacious so you won't (aside from the seat height) feel like you're trading down. It's also very comfy and, with your long-haul runs and high-ish mileage in mind, hugely economical. Drive the 1.7 115hp CRDi version gently and you should top 60mpg.
If you don't fancy another Hyundai, then picking a similar estate from the Ford Mondeo, Opel Insignia, Volkswagen Passat or Peugeot 508 ranges should do the job just as well.
Let us know what you end up doing
What's wrong with my 2007 Skoda Octavia?
Hello,
I have a 2007 Skoda Octavia 2007 1.9 TDI that sometimes won't start - the engine will turn over, but won't start. When it does eventually start it runs ok for a while, then it cuts out and won't start any more: fuel pump, pipes, filter and fuses etc, have been checked and all ok. Have a fault code but not sure if related - P1650 data bus powertrain: missing message from instrument cluster ECU.
Thanks
Steve
Steve Daly (Cork)Nov 2013 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Steve,
That fault code indicates a wiring issue somewhere that may well be your problem, but would require a good auto electrician to sort out.
However, before doing that, a known issue with that car causing similar problems is a faulty engine coolant temperature sensor that intermittently sends the wrong signal to the car's brain and causes all kinds of problems. It needs to be replaced and shouldn't cost the earth.