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Showing 111 - 120 results (out of a total of 321) found for "automatic" in Ask Us Anything

Have you reviewed this Fiat Panda auto?

Have you reviewed the Fiat panda Easy 0.9 TwinAir automatic (Dualogic)? I'm considering this car.

Vera Mccready (Derry)

Mar 2016 Filed under: automatic

Expert answer

Hi Vera,

 

We’ve never actually road-tested a Panda Dualogic, but there is a recurring fault on the gearboxes, which involved the actuator mechanism. Basically, if the gear change feels anything less than prompt and swift, especially on up-shifts, then the actuator is on the way out and it can be a very expensive part to replace.

As for the rest of it, the Panda’s a fantastic little car – surprisingly roomy inside, fun to drive and actually really quite well built and reliable. The TwinAir engine is a delight to drive, but actually you’d be better off, overall, with the older 1.2 petrol when it comes to economy.


Which auto petrol mobility car makes sense?

A relation is looking for a Fiat Qubo size mobility car, but only petrol and automatic. As the Qubo is only available with diesel, can you suggest any mobility car this size or one that can be converted to take a small disability scooter and have a swivel passanger seat? Failing that, could you suggest a car that could be adapted?

Frank D (Dublin)

Mar 2016 Filed under: miscellaneous

Expert answer

Hi F D,

To be honest, we're not really the experts where wheelchair-accessible cars are concerned, so I think you'd be better off asking the experts at Motability Ireland, who you can find here: http://www.motabilityireland.com/advsearchresults.asp


Is a 2009 Kia Rio auto a good idea?

Is it a good idea to buy a 2009 Kia Rio automatic? It is NCT'ed until April 2017. I am a little worried about the parts availability and the cost involved after the purchase. May I know what is your opinion?

Ram N (Dublin)

Mar 2016 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Ram,

Should be fine. Kia has a good operation here with plenty of dealers so parts shouldn't be a problem and the car will only be finishing its original manufacturer's warranty this year. As long as it has a full service history you should be fine. 


What new petrol SUVs cost less than €40k?

I hope to change my Kia Sportage soon. I do less than 10,000 kilometres a year so I may go for petrol and an automatic. Give us some SUV options south of €40k.

Thanks

Eamonn

Eamonn McAndrew (Mayo)

Feb 2016 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Eamonn,

Auto petrol SUVs are hard to find in most manufacturers' ranges, but there are a few you can have a look at - Skoda Yeti 1.2 TSI DSG, Nissan Qashqai 1.2 DIG CVT or Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI DSG, for example. All frugal, good to drive and well under €40k even with options.


Lexus IS 300h or BMW 330e hybrids?

Hi there,

I need to make the move back to petrol from diesel as I am not doing the mileage and concerned about reliability of a modern diesel with DPF blockages. I would like a small comfortable automatic saloon. I don't have options to charge an EV car at work or at home. Should I go with the Lexus IS 300h over the BMW 330e?

John, Dublin.

John Cronin (Dublin)

Feb 2016 Filed under: hybrid

Expert answer

Hi John,

The BMW 330e is, I have to say, a hugely impressive car and based on a recent drive you can squeeze as much as 65mpg from it. You can charge it from a domestic socket if that's any help, but if you're put off by the charging thing then the Lexus IS a great choice. Aside from the occasionally irritating CVT gearbox it's delightful to drive and, with a bit of practice, you can get decent economy from it. It should be staggeringly reliable too. Here are our reviews to help you choose:

BMW 330e Saloon review

Lexus IS 300h review


Which auto for a low mileage driver?

I do 3,200km per year.

Any comment on the type of vehicle I should look for? Must be automatic and nearly new.

Stan Quinn (Dublin)

Feb 2016 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Stan,

Are you sure you mean 3,200? That's incredibly low mileage so I'd be suggesting something small such as a Volkswagen up! or a Hyundai i10.

If you mean 32,000km then I'd say you need a compact diesel. A SEAT Leon 1.6 TDI DSG would seem to fit the bill.


Which is the smoothest automatic model?

Which is the smoothest automatic model under 1.5 litres?

Sally Mulford (Greystones)

Feb 2016 Filed under: automatic

Expert answer

Hi Sally,

Generally speaking, automatics and small engines don't go well together, but there are a few good ones. Any Volkswagen Group cars using a combo of either 1.2 TSI or 1.4 TSI petrol with the DSG gearbox should be pretty smooth and there are some Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4D diesels around with self-shifters. The Auris, while not exciting, is certainly smooth and comfy.

Actually, your best option could be to go hybrid or electric. The Honda Insight has a 1.3-litre hybrid powertrain and is an automatic and is surprisingly good to drive. Or what about the Nissan Leaf? If the roughly 160km electric range suits your lifestyle, there's nothing smoother than an electric motor.


I am looking for an automatic four-door.

I am looking for an automatic four-door, not too old, in the South Dublin area.

Stan Quinn (Dublin)

Feb 2016 Filed under: automatic

Expert answer

Hi Stan,

That's quite specific and we don't offer a car finding service I'm afraid, but we'd highly recommend spending some time refining searches on Carzone.ie.

Best of luck


Which auto is best for nervous drivers?

Which is the best automatic car with hill assistance to buy for a nervous driver?

Jean Doyle (Laois)

Jan 2016 Filed under: automatic

Expert answer

Hi Jean,

You've kind of answered your own question there - cars with automatic gearboxes won't roll back on a hill, or at least no more than a foot or two. As long as the gearbox is in D and you apply a little power, you'll start going forwards.


What will I replace my Kia Soul with?

I had a 1998 Honda CRV auto. I changed it in 2014 as it was costing so much to run. To this day I still pine for my Honda. Its reliability was incredible. I got a Kia Soul diesel 1.6 but find it noisy and bumpy on country roads. Also, the boot is too small for country living. Everything I look at is too big and bulky. I want something in a similar size to my Honda, diesel, 1.6 engine, automatic with low tax. I need height as I have bad back issues.

Many thanks. Margaret

Margaret Devereux (Louisburgh, County Mayo)

Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Margaret,

I know what you mean. The Honda bug is a hard one to shift once it's bitten you. The good news is that Honda has a new car on the market, the HR-V, which is more compact than a CR-V, but still pretty spacious. It's high-riding, so good for your back, and can be had with Honda's terrific 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engine. Looks nice too. Prices start from €23,995 or on a PCP deal from €255 a month and I'd say it's well worth checking out.

Read our Honda HR-V review here


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