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:
Will the Volkswagen software affect tax?
Will the software update affect my road tax?
Hugh Murphy (Ballydesmond )Jan 2017 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Hugh,
Assuming you mean the Volkswagen diesel software update, no, it shouldn't. Volkswagen has had to clear all the updates with the German federal transport agency to comply with a ruling that any changes won't affect the CO2 emissions or fuel economy of the cars.
What do I need to buy from the UK?
l am about to buy a used 2009 Toyota Avensis TR model from a private seller in the UK. What documents do I require from him for VRT/VRO in Ireland? I appreciate your advice because this my first time.
Thanking you.
Ebere Johnson (Dublin )Dec 2016 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Ebere,
You’ll need two crucial documents. You’ll need the V5C form, which is the vehicle’s identity papers (it’s the red, pink and blue form with the car’s reg number, VIN number etc.) and you’ll need an invoice showing the date and location of sale and the amount paid for the car.
Other than that, you’ll need the usual proof of identity for yourself (passport or driver's licence, utility bill with your home address etc.).
I’d suggest you have a good careful read of two pages before you start out:
Expensive to convert a Transporter?
What are the cost issues with converting a Transporter SWB to a crew cab?
Ollie Stapleton (Kilkenny)Nov 2016 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Ollie,
The costs will be significant, as converting a van with no seats to one with seats is going to involve an awful lot of welding and cutting, and getting it approved for use afterwards could be tricky. You’d be better off, to be honest, selling and buying again.
Which high-up SUV to go for?
Guys,
I am interested in buying a second hand SUV with a similar elevation to the Land Rover Freelander, but I am finding most SUVs are closer to saloon car height. Do you have any recommendations for SUVs similar to the Freelander?
Does it make more sense at this stage to wait until January when there will be a more plentiful supply and if so where is best place to get a short term rental for a couple of months?
Thanks
Conor Dowd (Enniskerry)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Conor,
The two best SUVs of similar elevation to the Freelander would be the Honda CR-V and the Nissan X-Trail. Both are excellent choices (and the X-Trail can be had with seven seats), but the Honda’s more spirited driving experience nudges it for us. Also worth looking at a Land Rover Discovery Sport (effectively the third-generation Freelander), although they’re pricier than the Honda or Nissan.
As for choosing a buying time, yes, if you wait until the end of January, depending on how new car sales go, there should be a few more trade-ins and the like cluttering up dealer lots so you might get a sharper deal. Any of the big car rental companies will set you up with a good deal on a long-term rent, and Enterprise is probably the best place to start.
Here are a few of our reviews to help you choose:
Ford Mondeo, Skoda Superb or Kia Optima?
Hi,
Looking to change car for 2017. Looking at Ford Mondeo Titanium+ five-door 1.5 TDCi diesel, a Skoda Superb +Business Pack 1.6 TDI or a Kia Optima SW (estate) EX 1.7D. I would like something very comfortable and practical (hence the Kia estate, which, to my eyes, does not look like a hearse! - but no other estates need apply), but also something that is very reliable - so something with a long warranty that I don't end up using because reliability issues is not what I'm looking for.
I do 25,000km per year, all 'extra urban' and I'm not a badge snob. Currently drive a Honda CR-V, but would like to go back to a D-segment car again. All the above are well specified as such - of the three what would be your opinion? Great web site!
Many thanks,
John
John Fleming (Killarney)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi John,
I think given the criteria you’ve given us it has to be the Kia. It’s good looking and nice to drive, roomy, comfy and well equipped and above all it has the longest warranty by far. The Ford is great looking and good to drive but the quality isn’t as good as it was on the last Mondeo and while we love the Skoda Superb, it sounds like the Kia would suit you better.
Here are our reviews to help you decide:
Which comfortable new SUV should I go for?
Hi.
I'm looking at getting an SUV for medical reasons. I drive country roads 90 per cent of the time so I need something comfortable and reliable. I'm looking at the Range Rover Evoque and Audi Q5. Which one would you recommend? I also need to take running costs and servicing costs into account. As well as road tax etc. Or is there another one I should consider? I did test drive the Volvo XC60 but found it very heavy.
Thanks.
Marie G (Galway)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Marie,
If it's running costs that concern you, you should probably consider coming down in price and, a little, in size a bit. Both the Evoque and the Q5 are premium-badge SUVs and while neither is excessively thirsty, both will be expensive to run and service.
I'd suggest, instead, checking out a Honda CR-V - tonnes of space, hugely reliable, comfortable and with the 1.6 I-DTEC diesel engine and four-wheel drive, both frugal and ideal for country roads. Good to drive too.
Other good options are the Mazda CX-5, the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Santa Fe, Volkswagen Tiguan or Toyota RAV4. Here are our reviews to help you decide:
Peugeot 508 RXH, Mondeo or Superb estate?
I'm due to change my car in 2017. Options I'm considering are Peugeot 508 RXH, Ford Mondeo Vignale and Skoda Superb Sportline Estate. What would you recommend?
Regards
Troy
Troy Quaine (Cirk)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Troy,
The 508 RXH is a really likeable car, with tremendous comfort and very good quality. It’s a bit pricey, but a surprisingly good choice. We would avoid the Mondeo Vignale with all our might – the depreciation on a Ford that costs that much is going to be catastrophic so instead just go for a well-equipped Mondeo Titanium or Titanium Plus. The best of the three is the Skoda, though. It’s the biggest inside and will have the best resale value.
Here are some of our reviews to help you decide:
How much VRT on a Mercedes CLA import?
What VRT or tax in Ireland would I pay on a Mercedes Benz CLA 220 Sport auto diesel coming from England?
Fidelis Mannion (Cirk)Nov 2016 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Fidelis,
Well, it depends on the year, but assuming you mean a 2014 model, you’ll pay around €5,300 in VRT.