Motor tax on a 2007 Skoda Octavia?
Car tax on 2007 Skoda Octavia 1.4?
Sam Strahan (Dunleer)Nov 2018 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Sam,
If you take a look at our Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained article, you'll see that your car falls into the older motor tax system, categorised by engine size. A 2007 Skoda Octavia 1.4's engine measures 1,390cc, so its annual rate of tax is €385.
Outlander PHEV or Volvo XC40?
Hi,
We are in the process of moving from an S60 Volvo to a SUV type of vehicle. We have narrowed it down to the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV S-Edition or Volvo XC40. Is there any major positive or negative aspects of either that isn’t obvious to the ordinary punter? Help much appreciated in making the final decision.
Ann McDermott (Galway)Oct 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Ann,
The XC40 is a really likeable car, but you’ll probably find that it’s neither as refined, nor quite as comfortable to drive as the S60 (the ride quality just isn’t as good). It’s also less roomy in the boot. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a very clever vehicle, but to make the most of it, you need to have a driveway and a charging point, and be covering most of your mileage around town. The battery pack, on a full charge, should get you around 35km of electric-only driving, but if you head out on the motorway a lot, you’ll run the battery down very quickly and then fuel consumption will hover at around the 30mpg mark.
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Tiguan, SEAT Ateca or Peugeot 3008?
Which automatic SUV do you recommend: Volkswagen Tiguan, SEAT Ateca or Peugeot 3008?
Thanks
Brian McCarthy
Brian McCarthy (Listowel )Oct 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Brian,
The Tiguan and the Ateca are, essentially, the same car, so you may as well get the SEAT, as it’ll be the cheaper of the two. There’s virtually no difference in terms of the way it drives nor the interior space and quality. The 3008 is an interesting alternative though — arguably more stylish inside and out, but it feels subjectively less roomy, and it may not be as solidly reliable in the longer term. Worth taking into consideration though.
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Which small car for infrequent use?
Can you recommend the best car for infrequent use? I currently own a 2010 1.6 SEAT Leon, but as I now bus it to work I don't need a diesel engine and it's gathering dust in the driveway weekdays. I just need something for pottering around at the weekend and any holidays. I'm thinking Nissan Micra, Hyundai i10/i20, Ford Fiesta. Don't need a huge car as there's only two of us. Not looking for something massively pricey, but with trade-in perhaps a 151 or 161 model.
Stephen Ridgeway (Dublin)Oct 2018 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Stephen,
BMW 520d diesel or 530e hybrid for me?
Hi,
I’m in a quandary; I do 80,000km per annum driving. I cover the whole country and am wondering hybrid or diesel. I drive a 2017 BMX X3 at present. Thinking of 530e or 520d.
Declan Mcevoy (Portlaoise)Sep 2018 Filed under:
Expert answer
Hi Declan,
With that high mileage, I'd suggest that you're still better off sticking with diesel, as you'll get far better fuel economy and, as you'll be changing your car frequently, the mileage is going to have a bigger effect on resale values that what powers it. That balance might change in a few years time, but today, in 2018, diesel definitely makes most sense for you. The 520d is an excellent car. As is the 530e, I might add, but the diesel still has the edge for long-distance driving, as you need to plug the 530e in regularly to get the best economy from it.
What's up with my car's stop-start?!
My start-stop doesn’t work then randomly when I’m driving the lights on the dash come on and the car loses power; do you know why?
Tracy Edwards (West Sussex)Sep 2018 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Tracy,
I'm afraid without knowing exactly which car you have, this is impossible to diagnose. You should bring the car to a good mechanic or auto-electrician.
There are many reasons for a stop-start system to not always work. Read this question and answer on that subject for instance.
My Peugeot's stop-start system doesn't work...
My 2017 Peugeot 308 stop-start system does not work.
Anna O'Dwyer (New Ross)Aug 2018 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Anna,
There are plenty of reasons why a stop-start system won't work in certain circumstances. It's different for every car, but it's well worth reading this other reader question for a general overview, even if it doesn't specifically apply to your car.
If none of that helps, then pop along to your Peugeot dealer, as the car is still under warranty.
Which car finance route to go, please?
Hello,
I would like to buy a car I'm used to second hand cars as I have a very limited budget. I'm still confused about the PCP option, scrappage trade ins and hire purchase. My normal route is to get a loan from my credit union, but the older my car is the more I end up paying for repairs. Could you help me in finding my best option because I'm a bit lost with it all?
Thank you
Anita
Anita O' Brien (Cork)Aug 2018 Filed under: finance
Expert answer
Hi Anita,
A Credit Union loan is still, to be honest, a very good idea. As long as you’re getting a decent interest rate and the repayments are comfortable, it allows you to go into the dealership, cash in hand, and argue a better deal for yourself. You will need to do your research ahead of time to make sure that you’ll be able to get the specification you want. PCP is a good option for keeping monthly repayments lower, as it defers part of the repayment to a ‘bubble’ payment, theoretically covered by the value left in the car, at the end of the deal. PCP is really only good for you, though, if you want to go back in every 2-3 years to change your car for a new one. If you’re intending on keeping the car for longer, then Hire Purchase or the good old Credit Union makes more sense.
How does the VW Polo 1.0 MPI perform?
I want to know about the performance of the Volkswagen Polo 1.0-litre MPI...
Kushal Goon (Guwahati, Assam)Jul 2018 Filed under: performance
Expert answer
Hi Kushal,
Do you mean the current model? If so, then it’s not too bad, but equally not a ball of fire. The most basic 65hp model is… well, it’s not quick, but it’s sure not as glacially slow as the old 55hp version was. Put your foot down hard and you’ll have a wait a bit for momentum to build, but it’s not terrible. Happily, the 75hp version is much better again, and actually feels quite peppy in the lower gears.
Petrol Audi A3, BMW 318i or Honda Civic?
Hi,
I'm planning on buying a brand new 2018 Audi A3 1.0-litre TFSI S line Saloon or 2017 BMW 318i M Sport or 2018 Honda Civic 1.0-litre Turbo. Please help me with the questions below since I have no way getting a test drive:
1. Which one is more fun to drive?
2. Are these cars fast?
3. What is more reliable and costs less to maintain?
4. What is the overall best car?
Thanks, Arjun
Arjun De Silva (Kandy)Jul 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Arjun,
OK, let’s take these questions in order.
1: The BMW. The Honda runs it surprisingly close, but you just can’t beat the steering and rear-wheel-drive balance of the BMW.
2: How do you mean fast? They’re not performance models, but thanks to turbocharged engines with decent torque curves, they feel brisk enough in everyday driving. As long as you’re not planning to take on any Ferraris at the traffic lights, they’ll do.
3 & 4 together: The Honda. Nothing is as reliable as a Honda, not even a Toyota, and of the three cars here, while it may lack the premium badge, it also has the roomiest interior, will have slightly lower servicing and maintenance costs and, in the long term, should be more reliable than either of the German cars.
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