I'd like a sporty diesel for a young driver...
What would you recommend as a reliable sporty diesel car for a young driver and easy to insure?
Thanks
Eoin
Eoin Treacy (Cork)Mar 2017 Filed under: insurance
Expert answer
Hi Eoin,
Young driver insurance is always going to be a sticking point, and adding sporty into the mix is just going to drive your premium up and up and up. You really need to stick to as small a diesel engine as possible, so how about a SEAT Ibiza 1.4 TDI? It’s a good looking car, roomy and reliable, and has a whiff of a sporting image that can be added to with body kit and wheel options as and when your budget allows.
Motor tax for BMW 520d SE?
Hi there,
I am looking to buy a BMW 520d SE; can you confirm what the annual car tax will be?
Mark Beed (Dublin)Mar 2017 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
For the new model G30 5 Series, the CO2 emissions for the 520d SE are 108g/km, so that means annual motor tax of €190.
What's the best coupe for under €50k?
Best coupe available for under €50k in Ireland? Audi A5 2.0 TDI S line 190hp? BMW 4 Series? Other?
Thanks!
Brad W (Dublin)Mar 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Brad,
As ever, the answer is: it depends where your priorities lie…
The A5 is indeed a cracking car. Not the sharpest to drive, perhaps, but gorgeous to look at and practical inside. That goes equally for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, but the BMW 4 Series is the best one to drive. Don’t forget the 2 Series Coupe either, which is more fun than any of the above. Actually, though, the best one of the lot is probably the Toyota GT86. Not as premium or as big as the others, perhaps, but more fun to drive than any of them. Here are a few of our reviews to help you decide:
What's the BMW 218i Coupe like?
I don't see a review of the BMW 218i Coupe on your site and would like your opinion on this car. I don't see many of them for sale either.
Frank Dodd (Dublin)Mar 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi F D,
The reason that you don’t see many petrol 218is for sale is the same reason we don’t have a test drive on one yet — BMW doesn’t sell many, and so doesn’t see the value in providing one to review. We’ll raise the matter and see if we can get one reviewed for you, though. In the meantime, here's our review of the excellent BMW 220d M Sport Coupe.
Can I get the owner's name from a car reg?
Can you tell me the name and address of the registered keeper for a Mercedes-Benz C 220 CDI, reg number DE12 XXX?
Michael Blanchfield (Bray Co.Wicklow)Mar 2017 Filed under: registration
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
I'm afraid that's not information that we have access to. That's a UK car so the only ones that would have that information is the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licencing Authority) and the British Transport Police, neither of which are in the habit of disclosing such private information to the public.
It makes no difference that it is a British car; the same limitations would apply to an Irish one.
How much to tax a BMW 318i?
Hi, could you please let me know how much it is to tax a 2006 BMW 318i M Sport?
From Lo in Dublin
Lorraine Lyons (Dublin)Mar 2017 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Lorraine,
It’ll set you back €710 a year, unless it was imported from the UK post-2008. If it’s an import, then it will be on the current CO2-based system, which will mean tax of €750 a year.
Which SUV for up to €40,000?
Can you recommend a reliable economical SUV type car? I have a budget of €30-40 thousand, looking at an Audi Q5 or Q3. Is there any other car in that class and price bracket similar?
William Neale (Dublin)Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi William,
Yes, the Q5 and the BMW X3 are both solidly reliable and good to drive, but if your budget is around the €40k mark, can I suggest instead shopping for a Honda CR-V or Kia Sorento? Not only would both of those be more reliable, long-term, than either of the German cars, for your budget you’ll also get a brand new one, and the 1.6 i-DTEC Honda is very economical. Some reviews for your consideration:
I'm looking for a high-up diesel auto...
Currently driving a Peugeot 2008 diesel automatic. Love it, but need a slightly higher car again - still diesel automatic. My passenger has a disability and needs easier access. Don't need larger car just higher car. I like the Ford EcoSport, but the diesel version is not automatic. It appears slightly higher than the 2008. Something along that line and price bracket would suit me if it were available. Otherwise I will have to return to a Peugeot 3008 diesel automatic, which I had some years ago, but felt it was too large. Did not have to take disabled passenger at that stage.
Yvonne O'Dwyer (Kilkenny)Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Yvonne,
It’s going to be very hard to find a car that’s taller but not bigger overall. Most car makers cluster around the same size and dimensions within a given class, so unless you go for a larger car altogether, you’re unlikely to find anything else that is more than a few millimetres different either way.
Your best bet might be to have a look at the Opel Mokka X, which is similarly sized to the 2008, but a little bit higher in its ride height. Why not go and check out out and see if it suits?
Relevant reviews:
What do you think of the BMW 640d?
What is your expert opinion of the BMW 640d Coupe? I'm thinking of buying a 2016 model.
Paul Tyrrell (Wexford)Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Pau,
It's a fabulous car, really - low slung, gorgeous, great to drive and just about practical enough for everyday use. Not cheap to run, though, and don't dream of buying one without a copper-bottom service history. Worth considering a 535d as well - similar performance and handling, but much more affordable. Read our most recent review of the 640d below (admittedly in Gran Coupe guise - but same applies for the most part):
Nissan Pulsar or Skoda Rapid Spaceback?
We are looking for an automatic that will be our family car for the future. We are talking two kids in the back and a dog in the trunk when we go on trips. It's all about practicality for us, the car is for transport not for joy rides.
So far we have been looking at the Nissan Pulsar XE and the Skoda Rapid - and here probably the Spaceback to give the dog a bit more head room. But then it comes to features we aren't too picky, but we do want air conditioning.
So as the price difference between the Pulsar EX and the Spaceback Ambition is rather small, we are torn and would be grateful for some pointers.
Susann Burnell (Dublin)Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Susann,
The Rapid Spaceback is a decent car, but it’s actually quite small, and just a bit cheap-feeling, inside. In this instance, I’d advise you to go for the Pulsar. Not the most exciting car by a long chalk, but it’s roomy, well made and very comfortable. Here are our relevant reviews: