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Showing 201 - 210 results (out of a total of 321) found for "automatic" in Ask Us Anything

Why does my Audi stop-start not always work?

Why is the stop-start on my Audi not working properly?

Tom Riordan (Loughrea)

Feb 2014 Filed under: fuel economy and emissions

Expert answer

Hi Tom,

If the stop-start system is not working ever then it's probably worth a trip to your Audi dealer to have it looked at, but bear in mind that there are plenty of conditions in which it will not operate and it may not be immediately obvious why. Here's Audi's official stance on it:

"The system is automatically activated when the ignition is switched on. If the driver doesn't want to use it, it can simply be switched off at the touch of a button.

"This is how it works: brake the car down to a standstill, shift into neutral and release the clutch. The system now switches off the engine and signals this via an indicator lamp. Depress the clutch before continuing the journey - the engine now starts automatically and the indicator lamp goes out again.

The start-stop function only works when...

  • the driver's door and the bonnet are closed
  • the driver is wearing a seat belt
  • the vehicle has been driven at faster than 4km/h before stopping
  • the vehicle is not pulling a trailer

In some cases the engine will not be switched off, for instance when...

  • the engine temperature is still too low
  • the difference between the interior temperature and the temperature selected via the air conditioning system is still too great
  • the outside temperature is very high or very low
  • the windscreen is being de-iced
  • the optional parking aid or the optional park assist is activated
  • the battery charge is too low
  • the steering wheel is at a sharp angle or is being turned
  • reverse gear is engaged
  • the road is steep

The engine is started automatically by the system when...

  • the vehicle rolls forward
  • the windscreen is being de-iced
  • there is a large difference between the interior temperature and the temperature selected via the air conditioning system
  • the brake pedal has been depressed several times in succession
  • the battery charge is too low


What should I look for on a Discovery 3?

Anything I should be aware of when buying a 2007 Land Rover Discovery 3 TDV6 from a garage with 120,000 miles on the clock?

Craig Brunker (Dublin)

Feb 2014 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Craig,

Thankfully, not as much as Land Rovers of old. It seems that, bar the occasional 'Friday afternoon car' the Disco 3 is a well-made, mostly reliable product. Check carefully though for any electrical gremlins (literally push every button and make sure that what it's supposed to control responds as it should) and check for any leaks or uneven sitting from the air suspension - could be a sign that the compressor is on its way out. Make sure that the automatic gearbox (few were sold as manuals) shifts crisply and cleanly too - the Disco 3 doesn't have the same reputation for chewing transmissions as its predecessor, but it can still be a weak point. And, as with any big off-roader, check carefully to see if it's been abused or worked hard as a builder's mate.


What is the best automatic crossover?

What is the best automatic SUV/CUV/crossover?

Mary O'Sullivan (Cork)

Feb 2014 Filed under: automatic

Expert answer

Hi Mary,

You wouldn't go wrong with a Skoda Yeti 2.0 TDI DSG. Cracking car, great gearbox.


What automatic car would you recommend for my budget?

Hi, with a budget of €1,500 I'm looking for a reliable automatic car keeping in the low tax bracket of 1,400cc-  to 1,500cc. I'm thinking about a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. Can you recommend another possible candidate?

Thanks

Aidan Molloy (Dublin)

Feb 2014 Filed under: automatic

Expert answer

Hi Aidan,

To be honest, the hard part is going to be finding an automatic car that's within your budget. I'd say hold out for a Honda, purely on reliability, but any of the usual Focus-Golf-Astra-Corolla types should be fine as long as you get something with decent history.

Hope that helps


Should I stay away from the Espace and this older Discovery?

I need a second hand seven seater. Have seen a 2005 Renault Grand Espace automatic petrol, 95k miles, leather priced at €3,850. Fallen in love with a 2004 Land Rover Discovery 2.5-litre, auto, diesel, leather, 150k miles too. Price €5,250. Would I be crazy to go for Land Rover? Difference in tax isn't too big. Two trustworthy mechanics told me Renault give expensive problems but didn't ask about Land Rover!

Susan Ryan (Dublin IRL)

Feb 2014 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Susan,

Wow, you're a glutton for punishment aren't you? You pretty much couldn't have picked two less reliable cars. The Discovery is best avoided. If you could afford to trade up to a third-generation model I'd say that's worth a go, as Land Rover was starting to get on top of its quality issues by then, but the old Series II is just bad news. Gearboxes go, electrics go and even the suspension can fail. I know what you mean about falling in love - it's happened to me too with old Land Rovers, but you're looking at a very high-maintenance partner there.

The Espace is a little better, but not by much. The diesel engines are very fragile - check for smoke, check for oil levels and if there are any signs of overheating, run don't walk away. Check anything with an electrical wire coming out the back of it too as it can all go wrong, although the electronic parking brake and electric windows are especially prone to wrongness. Also, keep an eye on the tyres. Espaces go through them like butter and 20,000km is about as much as you'll get out of a set.

If you really want a seven-seater that works properly, can I suggest either a Mitsubishi Pajero or Toyota Land Cruiser? Not as cool as the Discovery, but they won't let you down.


Would an automatic Hyundai Sante Fe suit my needs?

I'm thinking of buying a 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe (100,000 miles). Is this a good buy? I have two teens and a toddler so want the option of seven seats. Is four-wheel drive more expensive to run than two-wheel drive? Also, any advantage in getting an automatic?

Thanks, Andrea

Andrea McLean (Leopardstown, D18)

Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Andrea,

Yes, it's a cracking idea. While the old Santa Fe isn't as sophisticated as the current one (hardly surprisingly) it's still an excellent used buy, very reliable and nice to drive. 

A figure of 100,000 miles on the clock shouldn't be a significant hurdle as long as the service history is all up to date. The basic rule of thumb is that four-wheel drive and automatic gearboxes always add to the fuel consumption. The auto box on that generation Santa Fe wasn't the greatest so I'd say stick with a manual and 4wd is down to where you live - if you regularly need rough road or slippery surface capability it's worthwhile, if you live in town then not much.

Let us know how you get on


Where will I try to sell a classic Mercedes-Benz?

Hi, where is the best place or website to advertise to sell a classic car? It's a Mercedes-Benz 190e (1989 saloon) 2.0 petrol engine automatic in excellent condition. I have it on donedeal for six weeks now and not one phone call! My asking price is €1,350.

Regards Thomas Ryan

Thomas Ryan (Dublin 12)

Jan 2014 Filed under: used car values

Expert answer

Hi Thomas,

Normally we'd recommend Carzone.ie, but selling any second hand car of that age can be tricky. Have you tried something more local? If you have a good local newspaper that's worth a try or even putting a card in your local supermarket. Local solutions are often the best.


Pros and cons of the Hyundai Tucson?

2007 Hyundai Tuscon automatic diesel 1.9 - pros and cons?

Clo O'Leary (Dublin 12)

Jan 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Clo,

Nothing to worry about on the reliability front anyway - we've been trawling the web for Tuscon owners ranting about problems and there just don't seem to be any. The only concern is over the fuel economy, not that it's bad, but it does seem to be inconsistent and it's not helped by the fact that the Tuscon's trip computer is apparently calibrated for US gallons, which can make for inaccurate read-outs. There's also the fact that the Tuscon was designed and built when Hyundai was just on the cusp of its transformation from budget brand to major player, so things like cabin quality and refinement are merely OK, rather than the excellent ratings we tend to give the current Hyundai range.

Hope that helps


Will an automatic Nissan Micra suit me?

Hi, can you tell me is a 2007 Nissan Micra Sport 1.2-litre automatic good for long journeys? I go to visit my mother twice a week she lives 50 miles away; the rest of the days are just normal school runs etc.

Thank you, Paula

Paula Fanning (Dublin)

Jan 2014 Filed under: automatic

Expert answer

Hi Paula,

Yup, you're onto a winner there. A lot of motoring writers get a bit sniffy about the Nissan Micra, but actually it's a car with which there is very little wrong. That third generation model that you're talking about is actually probably the best one of all, with a nice, comfy, spacious interior, a peppy little 1.2-litre engine and a chassis that's actually more entertaining to drive than you would think. Of course, the automatic gearbox will sap a little bit of power, but as long as you're not entering any traffic light Grands Prix, you'll be fine. Reliability simply shouldn't be an issue as the Micra has always been conspicuously well built. Just check carefully to make sure it's been serviced regularly and that the oil for the automatic gearbox has been changed regularly too.

Let us know how you get on


How economical is the latest Toyota Corolla?

What mpg is the new Toyota Corolla doing?

William Fallon (Mayo)

Jan 2014 Filed under: fuel economy and emissions

Expert answer

Hi William,

There are three engines available in the latest Corolla, and though we assume you mean the 1.4-litre diesel, here are all the official figures for completion:

1.33-litre petrol model: 50.4mpg (5.6 litres/100km)

1.4-litre diesel model in Terra grade: 74.3mpg (3.8 litres/100km)

1.4-litre diesel model in Aura or Luna grade: 72.4mpg (3.9 litres/100km)

1.6-litre petrol with automatic gearbox: 50.4mpg (5.6 litres/100km)

Note that these figures are all official 'combined cycle' results and don't usually reflect what drivers achieve themselves. 


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