How economical is the automatic Toyota Yaris?
What is official mpg of the latest Toyota Yaris Auto?
T S C MARTIN (Wexford)Expert answer
Hi there,
The only automatic Yaris sold is the 1.33-litre petrol model with the 'Multidrive' gearbox. On the official combined cycle it returns 55.4mpg - or 5.1 litres/100km.
Hope that helps.
Help me choose the right BMW X3...
What concerns should I have with buying a BMW X3 manual as opposed to automatic? What would you consider pluses and minuses to be of the X3 two-wheel drive?
Dermot Walsh (Dublin)Jan 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Dermot,
Does the Hyundai i40 have enough power?
Does the Hyundai i40 have enough power?
Brendan Ryan (Cork)Jan 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
We didn't find it lacking. The saloon offered here has just 115hp in manual guise, but it has 260Nm of torque from as low as 1,250rpm so it doesn't feel particularly slow. The automatic model produces 136hp.
Best thing to do is go get a test drive to make up your own mind.
Let us know how you get on
Which auto car for just €2,500?
I only have €2,500 to spend on a car. What kind of car should I get for that price with an automatic gearbox and an economical engine?
Thanks
Fiona Foley (Bray)Jan 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Fiona,
Is the new Golf Plus available now in Ireland?
Is the new Volkswagen Golf Plus available now in Ireland?
GEORGE FORD (KINSALE. CO. CORK)Jan 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi George,
We spoke to Volkswagen Ireland and it confirmed that yes, it is. Prices start at €23,175 for the Golf Plus Trendline 1.2 TSI 85 and rise to €29,355 for the Life 1.6 TDI 105 DSG version.
Engines are 1.2 TSI petrol in 85- and 105hp guises or 1.6 TDI diesel in 90- and 105hp outputs. DSG automatic available with both 105hp engines. Trim levels are Trendline or Life.
Hope that helps
Does the Toyota Corolla Verso have gearbox problems?
Is there a problem with the gearbox in the Toyota Corolla Verso?
Alan Cullen (Dublin)Jan 2013 Filed under: gearbox
Expert answer
Hi Alan,
There are widespread problems with the MMT semi-automatic gearbox and it's sometimes expensive to fix so we'd advise buyers to stay away from cars with that transmission. Somewhat surprisingly we've heard of isolated problems with the manual gearbox too, though they're few and far between.
Hope that's of help.
What's the official fuel consumption of the Hyundai Santa Fe?
What is the fuel consumption of the Hyundai Sante Fe 2.2?
Davy Lambe (Tullamore)Expert answer
Hi Davy,
There are four versions of the Santa Fe sold in Ireland, all with the 2.2-litre diesel engine. Here are the figures:
- Comfort 2WD manual: 5.9 litres/100km (48mpg)
- Executive 4WD manual: 6.1 litres/100km (46mpg)
- Executive 4WD automatic: 6.7 litres/100km (42mpg)
- Premium 4WD automatic: 6.8 litres/100km (41.5mpg)
If it was the older model you're interested in please come back to us.
What's the 2006 Toyota Verso like?
Any issues with any of the Toyota Versos from 2006? How are the automatics in this range?
John Byrne (Mullingar)Jan 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi John,
Well, it depends — do you mean the Avensis Verso or the Corolla Verso? Both are very good from the point of view of reliability, although as we’re talking about a 12-year-old car, there are limits to that. You’ll need to check carefully to make sure everything’s working properly, and if there are gaps in the service history, walk away. The Corolla Verso was always a very decent car — compact, but very spacious inside, and not at all bad to drive. The Avensis Verso was much bigger, of course, but really felt it — they’re very roly-poly in the corners. Automatics are fine, but you’ll have to expect slightly higher fuel consumption than you would with a manual of that era.
How do I check a MINI that's in Dublin?
I want to buy an automatic MINI in Dublin, but I am in Cork. How do I get it checked? I do not have any paper work, only the registration
Tom Odonoghue (Cork)Nov 2012 Filed under: history
Expert answer
Hi Tom,
First thing to do is pop along to Cartell.ie and pay for a full history check, as this will tell you a lot. Then, ask the seller to scan or photograph all the documentation for you so you can check it before you go any further.
After that, you either make the journey to Dublin to test the car or you pay an independent assessor (the AA provides such a service) to do it for you.
What's better in a small car? Trad auto or new DSG?
Which type of automatic gearbox is better in a small car? We're considering a conventional automatic in the Ford Fiesta or a DSG dual-clutch system in rival model.
Frank Dodd (Dublin)Nov 2012 Filed under: automatic
Expert answer
Hi F D,
As discussed via email, the dual-clutch transmissions are usually far more efficient, resulting in lower emissions and fuel consumption. They also offer a more 'engaging' driving experience if that's what the driver wants. However, they can also be jerkier to drive than an old-school automatic, so we'd always recommend buyers to drive both to form an opinion of their own.
Hope that helps with the buying decision.
