Tell me about the Hyundai Tucson's economy...
Is there much of a difference in economy between the 2WD and 4WD Hyundai Tucsons?
Mark Callanan (Templeglantine)Expert answer
Hi Mark,
Yes, a little. The Tucson is only available with a 2.0-litre diesel if you want four-wheel drive, and the rated economy for the 2WD 2.0-litre version is 58.9mpg combined, versus 54.3mpg for the 4WD version. And both of them are thirster than the 61mpg 1.7 CRDi 2WD model.
Help me find something interesting for €5,000.
Oh noble and all knowing oracles, whose driving gloves I am not fit to clean, I beseech thee. How best can I spend my €5k credit union loan to replace the daily hack, given I have many motorway miles to go each morning, and miles to go before I sleep? How much hybrid can I get; are they all knackered by now? Or am I consigned to TDI/HDi/diesel ownership, with the vagaries of DMF grenades and DPF clogginess to contend with? Is there a smart petrol alternative I've missed? It doesn't need to be big, just clever... and frugal, and reliable, and appealing to the lady-folk, and not a complete joyless, soul-sucking experience to drive. I'm not asking for much, am I?
Cian, Ha! (35 1/2)
Cian Hanrahan (Ennis)Jun 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
FULL DISCLOSURE: Cian is known to us at CompleteCar.ie through the medium of Twitter. Friend of the show, you might say...
Hi Cian,
Given that we know you I'm half-tempted to steer you into some hilariously disastrous classic car cul-de-sac, then sit back and watch the carnage unfold. However, I know you've already been there and done that so I won't.
Instead, I'm going to go out on a major limb, put my journalistic reputation to the test and recommend an Alfa Romeo. Yup, an Alfa. Your budget should get you into a 2007 or 2008 159 1.8-litre petrol MPI version. The 159 was always a ruggedly built car and while it's still occasionally prone to the classic Alfa electrical glitches, it's also probably the most all-round reliable car ever to come out of Milan.
It's also utterly gorgeous. reasonably spacious and really very good to drive. True, the 1.9 diesel would be more economical but it doesn't sound as good as the petrol. Enjoy, and let us know if anything goes explosively pop!
Should I go for the Renault Scenic with €3,000 to spend?
Hi, I am looking to buy a Renault Scenic with around €3k of budget. Getting vehicles of mostly 2005 and 2006 with around 100k to 130k on the odometer for this price range. Please advise if I can go with it.
Aparesh Chatterjee (Dublin)May 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Aparesh,
You know what? I wouldn't. Renaults from that era are not the most reliable things and your budget could be as easily eaten up fixing a catalogue of minor problems. Your budget though should be able to get you into a Toyota Corolla Verso - one of the most reliable cars around and a firm favourite in CompleteCar Towers when it comes to affordable, reliable family transport.
How much does it cost to replace a Volvo V70 timing belt?
How much does it cost to replace a Volvo V70 timing belt?
Joe Murray (Dublin)May 2014 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
We asked Volvo Ireland this, but it can't give a figure without your registration or chassis number. Send that onto us in private using this contact form and we'll find out - we won't publish the details on the site of course.
What's the Mazda3 like?
What's the Mazda3 like?
Marie Simpson (Waterford)Jan 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Marie,
Do you mean the current one? Really nice actually – the cabin can be a bit plain to look at, depending on how you spec it, but it’s lovely to drive, very well made, has a sweet little 1.5 diesel engine and should be hugely reliable. Here are our reviews:
Is black more for the Dacia Duster?
Is the bottom of the range of Dacia Duster 1.5 diesel the same price in black as in white?
Shaun Brady (Monaghan)Jan 2014 Filed under: paintwork
Expert answer
Hi Shaun,
No. White is the only colour that comes as standard on a Duster. Black (and metallic ‘Pearl Black’ is the only available version) costs an extra €520.
What does the Ford B-Max look like?
What does the Ford B-Max look like?
Ron Waller (Torrance)Jan 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
What do you think of the Dacia Duster?
Hi,
I have an 02 Audi A6 1.8T converted to LPG; my problem is when it rains, the floor behind the driver's seat gets soaked; where is water getting in?
Also, I'm considering buying a Dacia Duster; what's your opinon on them?
Chris Mcguirk (Meath)Oct 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Chris,
Well, the simplest answer to your rain problem is that it sounds as if the door or window seals are gone, or it could possibly be a leak from the air conditioning system. A quick trip to the garage should sort that out. As for the Duster, it’s a fine car for the money — they’re reasonably nice to drive, certainly rugged and reliable and very practical too, but you’re going to have to put up with seats that are less than stellar on longer journeys, and a dashboard made of the lowest-grade plastics around.
2016 Dacia Duster review (post-facelift)
How do I bring my English car into Ireland?
We are moving to Ballyshannon and bringing our English registered car with us; what do we have to do by law?
Karen MURPHY (COVENTRY)Sep 2013 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Karen,
You’ll need to, within seven days of arriving in the country, inform the Revenue Commissioners that the car is here, and book an appointment at your nearest NCT (equivalent of MOT) centre for an inspection. If you’ve owned the car for more than six months, and can provide proof of both previous tax and insurance, and change of address, then you will only have to pay a nominal administration fee to re-register the car here, and not the dreaded VRT import tax.
Read our guide to importing a car from the UK
Do I pay VAT on importing a car from NI?
Hi,
I'm thinking of purchasing a car in Northern Ireland and then importing it to the south. I understand about the VRT procedure, but can you explain what the story with paying the VAT is? When? Where? Etc.
AnnMarie Tunney (Galway)Sep 2013 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Ann Marie,
You’ll only have to pay VAT if the car is younger than six months, or has less than 6,000km on the clock. If you have to pay VAT, you’ll be told the amount during the VRT inspection process.
Read our guide to importing a car from the UK