Are electric cars a real option now?
Are electric cars a real option now? Looking to purchase a second hand car 2012 upwards. What do you think?
Paul Mccabe (Kilkenny)Jan 2016 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
Yes, and no. And a bit yes. It still depends on your lifestyle and driving habits. Lots of short journeys, mostly around town? Don't mind taking the time to plan long journeys carefully and be prepared to take breaks for charge ups?
Things are getting dramatically better though. Nissan has just updated the Leaf with a new 30kwh battery (read our review of it here) that extends its range to around 250km, which is a lot more useful, and if you're suitably loaded a Tesla Model S can go for 500km between charges.
If you're not quite ready to take the full electric car plunge, how about a plugin hybrid? Short hops under electric power with a petrol engine for longer journeys. Try the Volkswagen Golf GTE, Audi A3 e-tron, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV or a Volvo XC90 T8.
However, if you're looking for a second hand car, your options with electric power are severely limited, as sales have been slow so far.
Which new exec diesel auto saloon to go for?
What compact exec would you choose in a diesel auto as a private buyer? BMW 320d M Sport, Audi A4 S tronic, Jaguar XE Portfolio or Mercedes-Benz C-Class? Or would you go with something cheaper like a Volkswagen Passat Highline DSG 190?
Andrew Kelly (Limerick)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Andrew,
Well, of the posh-badge brigade, my personal favourite is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class - it's supremely comfy, beautifully made and really satisfying to drive, but, to be honest, you couldn't go wrong with any of those cars, it really is down to personal taste.
Your other question is an interesting one though. If you can live without the posh badge, and aren't quite so worried about driving dynamics, then a Skoda Superb is pretty much unbeatable. Same mechanical make up as the Audi but far bigger and way better value. Try a Ford Mondeo or Mazda6 if you want something with a keen chassis or a Toyota Avensis if you never, ever want it to break.
Some relevant reviews for you:
I'd like a new Mercedes GLC 220 d Sport.
I am considering the purchase of a Mercedes-Benz GLC 220 d, but I note the Sport version of this car does not seem to be available from Mercedes-Benz Ireland. Is this going to remain the case or is it likely that the Sport will come on stream, as I would like to consider this car spec as it opens the door to the Off Road Option wherein I would be able to take the car into forest tracks etc, but not in any severe capacity.
Regards Seamas
Seamas McHugh (Belfast)Dec 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Seamas,
Good choice, we really liked the GLC at the international launch. We asked Mercedes-Benz Ireland about your query and here was the response:
"It will be available and he should go for the GLC 220 d 4Matic AMG SPORT version with the additional option of the Off-Road Pack."
Hopefully that clears it up for you.
Kia Sorento vs. Hyundai Santa Fe please!
Do the new Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe drive exactly the same when driven on Irish twisty back roads, or has one better handling? I live in Killarney.
Tim O'Mahoney (Killarney)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Tim,
Nope, they don't. The Kia is noticeably softer and has a nicer ride quality. It's not a lot less precise than the Hyundai though, which is a little stiffer and sportier, so given the rough roads in and around Killarney, I'd recommend the Kia.
Relevant reviews:
How can I buy a Volkswagen Golf R Estate?
I have my heart set on a Volkswagen Golf R 'Sportwagen' (estate), but it seems Volkswagen Ireland will not be selling them here. Do I have any real options to buy one, given that importing from the UK is prohibitively expensive considering the exchange rate?
Thanks.
Graham McGarry (Greystones)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Graham,
I'm afraid not - it's simply not a model appearing on the official Volkswagen Ireland price list. You could try sweet-talking a Volkswagen dealer but they'll essentially just have to privately import it themselves so they'll just pass on the same costs to you.
We double checked the situation with Volkswagen Ireland and it confirmed the same.
Such a shame!
I am looking at a 2007 Volkswagen Passat...
I am looking at buying a 2007 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI Sport. It has 103,000 miles on the clock and has been well looked after. Are there any known issues with this car? Is it worth the £4,000 price tag?
Mark Smith (Greystones)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
Well worth it, but check to make sure the engine is in good health. The injectors can develop problems if the car hasn't been looked after properly, so check to see that it has a full service history and be wary if the engine's power delivery seems flat or inconsistent.
I need to change my Audi A4 with room for three child seats.
Good morning.
I am changing a 2010 Audi A4 Avant TDI as I will not be able to put three car seats into it. Looking for a 2012/2013 recommendation that will take three full size car seats (preferably three Isofix points). Would prefer to avoid MPVs but if there is a strong recommendation for one would consider.
Thanks
Sinead (Dublin)
Sinead Skrba (Dublin)Sep 2015 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Sinead,
Needing to fit three car seats but not wanting an MPV is a difficult juggling act. Normally I'd recommend something like a Ford S-Max, which ticks all your boxes and, while its an MPV right enough, it's an uncommonly sleek and good looking one.
A good non-MPV option is the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer estate. Sleek and lovely to drive, it comes with the required three Isofix mounts and a big boot too for all the kiddy clutter. Easily as classy inside as your old Audi too.
Any updates coming for the Volkswagen up!?
How likely is it that the 1.0 TFSI engine from the Audi A1 will feature in the Volkswagen up! in the future do you reckon? Also, are there any rumblings on the grape vine of any facelift for the up!?
Niall Conneely (Galway)Sep 2015 Filed under: future engines
Expert answer
Hi Niall,
It already kinda does - the 1.0 TFSI is a turbocharged version of the 1.0-litre naturally aspirated engine found in the up!. As for the likelihood of the up! getting the turbo version, don't hold your breath. We're still waiting for the sporty up! GT and there's little market interest in Ireland for a small hot hatch no matter how much a small band of enthusiasts might fervently wish for it. There is an update and facelift due but Volkswagen hasn't announced an ETA for it yet.
Should I change my BMW's tyres to improve the steering?
Hi,
I recently traded in my 2001 BMW 318i for a 2011 BMW 318i. The main difference I discovered between the two models was the steering. The older car's steering was lighter and more responsive while the newer model feels that bit heavier. If I did not know better I would think I was driving a car with front-wheel drive. The car has Run Flat Tyres, and my question is, do you think its the tyres that is causing this experience and if so would it be worth my time to replace them?
Regards,
Hugh McGarr, Dublin
Hugh McGarr (Dublin)Sep 2015 Filed under: tyres
Expert answer
Hi Hugh,
OK, first off - well done. You obviously have sensitive driving senses. Most people probably wouldn't have noticed. Secondly, BMW's steering has gotten noticeably heavier over the years - basically as a way of adding more "sporty feeling" (inverted commas author's own) to the car as less and less real road feel is transmitted. So it's partially built in to the design of the car.
As for changing the tyres. It might help - changing the tyre, especially if you change the brand of the tyre, can have an effect on steering effort and it's possible that a switch to low rolling resistance tyres may lighten the steering a bit. But it won't make an enormous difference, and I'd seriously advise you not to change from runflats to conventional tyres - the car was designed around runflats and you could be setting yourself up for an evening on a wet hard shoulder, with no spare wheel, if you swap out the runflats.
BMW 218i or 218d for low mileage coupé?
BMW 2 Series Coupé question: a friend is looking and there is a few thousand of a difference between the 218i petrol and 218d M Sport versions. Car would be a manual. Majority of driving would be city centre with a bit of a drive nothing more than 50km at the weekends and possibly once a month doing a round trip of 600km. Unable to get a test drive of the 218i as there doesn't seem to be any in the country. Have tried to get a test drive of the 118i but again none. I know the engine is the 1.5 turbo three-cylinder that's also used in the new versions of the MINI of which reviews were good.
Any help appreciated.
Simon MacMahon (Dublin)Sep 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Simon,
The only potential fly in the ointment here might be resale value, but we honestly don't think it'll be as big a factor on the 2 Series Coupé as it would on a 'normal' car, such as a 3 Series Saloon or a Ford Focus, for example. There is an element of risk on that, though not if the buyer is going for finance with a guaranteed future minimum value...
All that aside, we'd wholeheartedly recommend the 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. It's astoundingly good in the MINI, marrying ok economy and low runnings costs with cracking performance and bags of personality. Admittedly, we've not had a chance to drive the 218i for ourselves and though the rear-drive chassis should be a hoot with that engine, it's worth noting that the 218i M Sport is about 300kg heavier than a MINI Cooper. In an ideal world your friend would get to try it out first to make sure they're happy with the performance.
As an aside, with such low mileage, and most of it in the city, a petrol car would be best in the long run for your friend to prevent DPF clog-ups and the like.