Does the automatic MINI have no stop-start?
My 2013 MINI Ccooper S Clubman does not have auto engine stop; is this because it is automatic or was it an option when new?
Alan Seary (ABERDEEN)Jul 2017 Filed under: optional extras
Expert answer
Hi Alan,
We checked with the good folk at MINI HQ about this, and the response is that “At the time, the automatic start-stop function was not available with the optional automatic six-speed gearbox.”
Which small car meets my needs?
I would like a small car with the following: automatic gearbox, leather seats, glass roof and four or five doors. What makes or models are available?
Thanks, Kathleen
Kathleen Barry (Dublin)Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Kathleen,
I think your best bet would be a MINI Cooper. Have a shop around and you’ll definitely find one with the auto gearbox, the panoramic roof and the leather seats option and you can, of course, now buy a MINI with five doors if you fancy. Not cheap, but they’re well made, reliable and fun to drive too. Here's a relevant review:
Will our broken Nissan be ok for scrappage?
Hi... our automatic gearbox has gone on our 2013 Nissan Note. Instead of spending money getting it fixed will dealers accept it for a scrappage deal against a new car?
Dwayne Reck (Wexford)Jun 2017 Filed under: scrappage
Expert answer
Hi Dwayne,
It will depend on the dealer and the small print in their 'scrappage' deal. The current deals actually aren't scrappage at all, as in the car being traded in isn't usually actually scrapped, so they tend to be a touch more fussy about condition. Usually, the car has to be taxed, insured and driven onto the forecourt under its own power, but have a chat with the dealer in question first and see what they can do for you.
Current value of a 2012 Opel Insignia?
Current value of a 2012 Opel Insignia Elite 2.0-litre diesel automatic with 70,000km in very good condition?
Barry O'Gorman (Monaghan)May 2017 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Barry,
As a trade-in, it’s going to be worth in the region of €8-10,000.
Thinking of buying a SEAT Ateca 1.4...
Hi guys,
Thinking of buying a 1.4 TSI petrol SEAT Ateca and trying to find a report on the engine configuration. I recently had a test drive in one and at one stage the engine indicated on the dash '2-cylinder mode' - not sure how that works!
Any direction on understanding this would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Robert
Robert Smyth (Wicklow)May 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Robert,
Great choice. We published our Irish road test of that very car only last week and it's a good option for those that don't need diesel. The 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine features something called Active Cylinder Technology (ACT), which automatically shuts down two of the engine's four cylinders when the car is cruising or the engine is on light load. This saves fuel and is nothing to worry about in the least. By displaying when the engine switches into that mode it educates the driver as to when the car is being driven in its most efficient mode.
Anything else specific you need to know, just shout.
Keep or sell our diesel BMW X1?
I have a 2011 BMW X1 xDrive automatic with 85k kilometres on the clock. When purchased it was for longer drives but now journeys are short and local, less than 10 miles, with the occasional 50-mile motorway trip. We are trying to decide if we keep it and take the hit on preventive maintenance on timing chain, EGR and maybe DPF or trade in on a petrol or hybrid SUV. Trade in values seem low - €13k. What would be your opinion - keep or sell?
Thanks!
Ciara Collins (Dublin)May 2017 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Ciara,
It’s always tempting to trade in a car that’s starting to look expensive, but for the most part, it’s almost always more economical to keep an existing car going, even if it does need regular servicing. In fact, that regular servicing is the key to all of this — keep it looked after and there’s no reason why it shouldn’t provide years of service yet. As you point out, the diesel filter needs longer journeys to keep it from clogging up, but a regular circa 20-30km run at motorway or main road speeds should be enough.
Is an auto Jap import Nissan less frugal?
Nissan Note 1.5 petrol with automatic transmission: this vehicle is a Japanese import. Would the transmission make a difference to the car's economy?
John Delaney (Mountmellick)Expert answer
Hi John,
We don’t have precise fuel economy figures for that model, as it was never sold here so never got put through the EU NEDC fuel economy test. Generally, an automatic car will be a little more thirsty than a manual version, but on a car as small as the Note, it probably won’t make a huge difference.
Can I get an automatic Dacia Duster?
I am looking for a Dacia Duster automatic. Is it possible to get one new or second hand?
Jim Mcsweeney (Limerickj)Mar 2017 Filed under: automatic
Expert answer
Hi Jim,
No, it's not. The Duster hasn't yet been offered with an automatic option in Ireland. It is available in Europe, so you could think about importing a left-hand-drive one, or wait and hope it arrives here soon.
I'm looking for a high-up diesel auto...
Currently driving a Peugeot 2008 diesel automatic. Love it, but need a slightly higher car again - still diesel automatic. My passenger has a disability and needs easier access. Don't need larger car just higher car. I like the Ford EcoSport, but the diesel version is not automatic. It appears slightly higher than the 2008. Something along that line and price bracket would suit me if it were available. Otherwise I will have to return to a Peugeot 3008 diesel automatic, which I had some years ago, but felt it was too large. Did not have to take disabled passenger at that stage.
Yvonne O'Dwyer (Kilkenny)Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Yvonne,
It’s going to be very hard to find a car that’s taller but not bigger overall. Most car makers cluster around the same size and dimensions within a given class, so unless you go for a larger car altogether, you’re unlikely to find anything else that is more than a few millimetres different either way.
Your best bet might be to have a look at the Opel Mokka X, which is similarly sized to the 2008, but a little bit higher in its ride height. Why not go and check out out and see if it suits?
Relevant reviews:
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: