Looking for used automatic car...
Hi, I am looking for a used automatic hatchback petrol car for my wife. She's a learner and would prefer a small automatic hatchback. Would you mind helping me to find the best automatic car from year 2015 to 2017? We went through your reviews and made a list of cars thatsuits our needs. They are Hyundai i10, Skoda Citigo, Kia Picanto, Toyota Yaris, SEAT Ibiza, SEAT Mii, Opel Corsa, Peugeot 108 and Renault Clio etc. I was wondering if you could suggest me the best option?
Nithin Mathew (New Ross, Wexford)Apr 2020 Filed under: automatic
Expert answer
Hi Nithin,
You’re kind of shopping in two separate segments of the market, there — small city cars (such as the Up and the i10) and larger superminis (such as the Yaris and Clio). If it’s one of the small ones you want, then the decision is kind of made for you. The Up is one of our favourites, but there’s no automatic option, so the Hyundai it has to be. No bad thing — it’s an excellent car.
If you fancy something a little larger and roomier, then I’d suggest going for the Toyota Yaris Hybrid — it gets you the automatic transmission you want, plus you’re future-proofing yourself a little with the hybrid powertrain.
Ford Fiesta Active or new Puma?
I am looking at getting a new car, something easy to get into. I have aFord Fiesta automatic (disabled driver) so was looking at an Active model or saving up a bit and going for the Puma (which I like the look of). Both will have to be automatic. Am looking at Fords first before I look at options.
Emmet K (Westmeath)Mar 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Emmet,
To be honest, the difference in height between the Fiesta and the Fiesta Active is pretty minimal and so it’s probably not worth the trade-up. The Puma, though, is a different story entirely. Again, in terms of height, the difference isn’t huge, but the Puma’s interior and boot are much larger than that of the Fiesta, and added to which it’s even more entertaining to drive. In fact, it’s one of our favourite cars of the year thus far, so we’d say go for it. Well worth also considering the likes of the new Renault Captur, the Peugeot 2008 and the Skoda Kamiq too.
Checking correct lane at a roundabout...
Hi ,
If I'm travelling in the left lane on a two lane road and come up to a roundabout and don't take the first exit off the roundabout but go on to the second or third, do I have priority over a car that is traveling in the right lane? What if the car in the right lane wants to come off on the second exit and I'm continuing on to the third while staying in the left lane? What is the position if the car in the right hits me as it seeks to make a turn? Note: I'm not asking which lane I should be in, just what is the position if I stick to the left lane.
Thanks
Philip
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Mar 2020 Filed under: miscellaneous
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
I don't have a full picture of the design of the roundabout you mean, but, the RSA suggests a golden rule that covers most where the roundabout is seen like a clock, with you entering the roundabout at the 6 o'clock position. For any exits between there and 12 o'clock (inclusive) you should be in the left lane. For the exits after that, you should be in the right lane.
Now, there are grey areas; where a roundabout is on a dual carriageway, for example, it's often acceptable for both lanes to be used for straight on (usually the second exit). However, it would be incorrect for the person in the left-hand lane to continue around the roundabout in that scenario, regardless of indicating, to the third or subsequent exits.
There are loads of exceptions to this golden rule of the RSA's of course, and most unusual roundabouts have some kind of markings to follow.
We actually did a guide on the mad design of the Walkinstown Roundabout in Dublin if you're interested.
Which nearly-new crossover to get?
I am in the market for a compact SUV (small town SUV). My 17-year-old daughter wants to learn to drive in it also so I need a manual. I think a 1.0- or 1.2-litre petrol engine would be the sort of thing. I've driven a Captur, Juke, T-Cross, Kona, Crossland X, ix20 and a Toyota C-HR. The Toyota drove really well but it's pricier and longer. What would you recommend as a 2017/2018 vehicle based on drive and value for money and a learner driver?
Anne Marie O'Byrne (Wexford)Mar 2020 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Anne Marie.
Well, normally for a learner driver and for mostly in-town driving, we’d recommend a hatchback, rather than an SUV or crossover, but if your heart is set on one… Of the list you’ve given us below, the Toyota is the best, although arguably as a 1.2-litre petrol, you’re not getting the best C-HR (which is the hybrid, but then that’s an automatic). The Volkswagen T-Cross would be an excellent choice, has a brilliant little 1.0-litre engine and is a bit more upright and square than the others, so is a bit easier to see out of, which might be helpful for your daughter while she’s learning. The Kona would also be an excellent choice, but we’d also add the Suzuki Vitara to your list as its a solid and rugged choice - and hugely reliable.
Read our Renault Captur reviews
Read our Volkswagen T-Cross reviews
Hyundai i30 or Opel Astra?
Hi,
I'm looking at buying a diesel 131 Hyundai i30, but also have my eye on a diesel 162 Opel Astra; which car would I be better off buying?
Maria Coen (Tipperary)Feb 2020 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Maria,
Both are very good. We’d rate the Hyundai for its reliability, neat styling and roomy cabin, and the Astra for its peachy chassis and steering. Worth considering the turbocharged petrol versions of both, too, as they make more sense overall than diesel, unless you’re doing mega-miles every week.
My F-150's auto stop isn't working...
I have a 2015 Ford F-150 and the auto stop just stopped working.
Andres Rios (Edinburg)Feb 2020 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Andres,
Stop-start systems regularly stop working. So much so that we've written a guide on the subject: Why won't my car's stop-start system work?
Can I get classic car motor tax?
Hello.
Is there cheaper motor tax for a classic car that's 20 years old?
Stasys Padomcikas (Drumkonrath)Feb 2020 Filed under: classic cars
Expert answer
Hi Stasys,
Cheaper motor tax is available for classic cars, but it starts when they are over 30 years old. Read this for more information: Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained
Should I buy a BMW 220d Gran Coupe?
Hi,
I'm thinking of buying the new BMW 220d Gran Coupe; am I mad buying a car with such a niche market? Are insurance companies likely to hammer me premium wise? I'm 61 with a completely clear record. How would the resale value be?
I enjoy your articles and would appreciate your views.
Many thanks
Pat Hagen, Dublin
PAT HAGEN (DUBLIN)Feb 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Pat,
To be fair to the 2 Series Gran Coupe, it’s a coupé in name only — really it’s a 1 Series saloon and is likely to be treated as such by the trade. The conceptually similar Mercedes CLA has solid residuals so we wouldn’t be too worried in that respect.
As far as insurance is concerned, Irish insurers will always find a way to hammer you, but the combination of the relatively mild engine and your own age should ensure that you don’t get hit too hard. And, of course, shop around for other quotes if you do get a big bill.
Of course the right 2 Series to buy is the gorgeous little, rear-drive two-door actual coupe, but perhaps that’s a discussion for another day...
Is now the right time to go electric for me?
I'm currently driving up to 25,000km per year. Mostly motorway commuting, approx 90km daily, Mon-Fri. I'm upgrading my 2013 Hyundai ix35 diesel with 93,000 miles. I'd love to go electric and I'm sure I could manage it by charging every night, but I'm not sure if it's the right time to make the move. Should I take the plunge or go with another diesel?
Thanks!
Julie Aherne (Kilpedder, Co Wicklow)Feb 2020 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi Julie,
In many ways, diesel would be the safe bet, but with your 90km per day driving pattern, I’d suggest that you’re potentially an ideal candidate for switching to electric. Certainly, a current Kia e-Niro or Hyundai Kona Electric would do your five-day daily commute on almost one charge (although realistically you’d probably top it up much more regularly than that). As long as you have a driveway where you can install a home charging point (and a charging point at work would be helpful too), then I’d say it’s well worth looking at electric. The savings on fuel alone will help to balance out the cost of purchase.
What's up with my Fabia's stop-start?
I bought a Skoda Fabia and the stop-start doesn't work, plus it says low volt battery. I've been back to the dealer and he hasn't got a clue.
Please help
Sue Williams (Craven Arms )Jan 2020 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Sue,
Sounds to us that the battery could be in poor condition. Lots of cars develop issues with their stop-start systems. We get so many questions about it that we wrote a feature about it all - Why won't my car's stop-start system work?