When does the Renault Captur arrive?
When is the Renault Captur expected to hit the showrooms in Ireland?
Patrick (Co. Clare)Apr 2013 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
Renault Ireland tells us that we should be able to test one in July, so that's likely to coincide with the cars arriving in dealers as well. We'll be at the international launch of the car this week.
In case you missed our earlier news item here it is: Stylish new Renault SUV on the way
Should I tell buyers my car's mileage is higher?
Hi there - I have a query regarding selling my car. A year ago I bought a 2002 Ford Focus from my brother, as he couldn't afford to keep two cars on the road. It was in great running order; however the instrument panel was not working, so the speedometer, odometer all the gauges etc wouldn't work. My brother sourced a second hand instrument cluster and had it fitted, and everything worked perfect EXCEPT, the mileage had gone from approx 90,000 to 70,000, as that was the mileage on the second hand cluster. My problem is now I want to sell on the Focus, and I don't know how to approach the mileage issue with potential buyers. Obviously it wasn't my intention to clock the car, it just turned out that way - any suggestions?
Morgan Casey (Dublin)Apr 2013 Filed under: mileage
Expert answer
Hi Morgan,
We asked Cartell.ie to comment on this, as they're deeply involved in clocking legislation etc. Here's what they said:
"This is an interesting scenario. There are two issues here: 1 - On a legal level, in proposed legislation that Cartell drafted, seeking to criminalise vehicle clocking, we sought to accommodate this type of scenario in the drafting of the provisions. We certainly appreciate that a genuine attempt to represent fairly the mileage of the vehicle, where the original odometer of a vehicle no longer functions, should be accommodated by future legislation in this area. 2 - Practically, we feel this vehicle should be advertised with the true mileage, not the figure showing on the odometer. The seller can then clarify the issue of mileage where there is a query from a prospective purchaser. At Cartell we are happy to enter the correct mileage into the National Mileage Register for the vehicle, if the owner wishes to pass this along to us."
Hope that helps
When will the Skoda Yeti be replaced?
When is the new facelifted Skoda Yeti going to be in Irish showrooms? And can we get a pic?
M L (Dublin)Apr 2013 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi there,
We're told that the new Skoda Yeti will be here in 2014 with a revised look front and rear (and we suspect on the inside too). There are no official or otherwise shots available though.
Thanks
Do you think my Fiesta is returning poor economy?
I have a 2010 Ford Fiesta 1.25. It's a great car and fun to drive, but very uneconomical for a small car. Is this normal? I average 6.7 litres/100km (42.2mpg) by its own computer and manually checked to be similar.
William Neale (Dublin)Expert answer
Hi William,
I'm afraid that engine is getting on now so it's not as economical as the latest generation of low capacity, turbocharged units. Our data shows the official combined consumption at 5.8 litres/100km (48.7mpg) so you're doing quite well really.
Usual tips to help improve further apply:
- remove unwanted junk from the boot
- check your tyre pressures and wheel alignment
- make sure the air filter is clean
- ensure it's well serviced
- don't use air conditioning or rear window demister unless needed
Hope that all helps in some way
Surely tax on a Volkswagen Polo Sport can't be €570?!
How much is the road tax on a 2009 Volkswagen Polo 1.4 Sport auto petrol? One example is showing as €570 tax, which can't be right, can it?
Barry Charles (Dublin)Jan 2013 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi there,
A rate of €570 per annum would put the car in Band D based on its emissions, which is 155- to 170g/km. Our initial investigations suggest that this car should have emissions of just 134g/km, which would put it in Band B2 for an annual tax bill of €280, however, that's for a newer car than you're talking about. The older one has emissions of 165g/km, which would indeed mean a €570 tax bill.
Hope that helps clear it up
Buying a car with finance owed...
I have looked at a great second hand car being sold privately; however, car history reports show that there is outstanding finance on the car. The owner has told me that the finance was cleared this morning, but that it could take the bank two weeks to finalise and close the account. Is there any way that the current owner can get his bank to prove to me that the loan has been cleared and that it is ok for the car to be sold to me?
Neil O'Callaghan (Dublin)Dec 2012 Filed under: finance
Expert answer
Hi Neil,
The seller will have to request a letter from the bank confirming all of the above, but I don't know if they'll provide one any quicker. Still worth a try.
I certainly wouldn't advocate taking a risk on it and just believing the seller.
Can you clarify the price of the Dacia Duster 4x4?
Is the real price of Dacia Duster 4x4 €14,990 as shown on this site or €18,990 as on the Dacia site?
Rolande Hall (Shannon, Co. Clare)Sep 2012 Filed under: pricing
Expert answer
Hi Rolande,
The €14,990 price quoted in our first drive is for the entry level, two-wheel-drive, Duster in 'Alternative' specification with the Signature 4WD model that we tested coming in at €18,990 as you say.
For reference, information from manufacturer sites should always be checked, as prices and specifications can change over time and every once in a while a car will slip through the cracks when we update test drives.
We hope that clears things up for you.
Is there a front-wheel drive BMW coming?
When does the front-wheel drive BMW 1 Series go into production in right-hand drive?
Ian Mckenzie (Grays/essex)Aug 2012 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Ian,
BMW hasn't even confirmed production for this car as yet. However, we did manage to find out that there will be a concept at the Paris Motor Show at the end of next month in this vein. No doubt it'll be called the BMW 1 Series Gran Turismo Concept or something else cryptic like that...
Watch this space for more.
When does the new Mazda6 arrive in Ireland?
When will the next generation Mazda6 be launched in Ireland?
Eamonn McDermott (Grays/essex)Jul 2012 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Eamonn,
The launch date has yet to be announced, though it will be 2013. Mazda has confirmed that the new 6 will be unveiled in production-ready format at the Paris Motor Show this September.
Let's hope it looks half as good as the Takeri concept car!
is the Toyota Avensis about to be replaced?
Hello, The current Toyota Avensis was only launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show last September; however, a current British car magazine is showing that a facelifted Toyota Avensis is due around now. A close relation is planning to buy an Avensis very soon, so is it correct that it is to be updated so quickly?
Regards
Jerome O'Connor (Wicklow)Jul 2012 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Jerome,
Can you tell us which magazine you saw this in? We'll take a look and comment further. However, the Avensis was facelifted in time for 2012 sales as you say and we are not aware of any changes on the way just yet. It would be very unusual for it to be updated within two years.
Hope that puts your relation's mind at ease.