How does this Audi A4 sound?
Hi,
I am interested in a Audi A4 automatic 2.0-litre 177hp. The car is a 2015 model with about 72,000 miles on the clock. It is on sale at a garage in a town near by. The sales man is looking for €17,500 for the car. Is this a fair price and is 72,000 miles high for a car of that type? Wexford town is six miles from my home.
Kind regards,
Martin Sheehan.
Martin Sheehan (Wexford)Aug 2019 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
The price looks reasonable — about in the middle of the road for a 2015 A4, so the true value will depend on the car’s specification and its overall condition. A figure of 72,000 is a very reasonable mileage if it’s in miles (and if it is in miles check to see if the car was imported from the UK — that’s not necessarily a problem but you’d want to be a little more wary about its history if it is an import) and exceptionally low if it’s in kilometres. If it is 72,000 kilometres, rather than miles, I’d actually be slightly suspicious of that figure, as it may have had the clock turned back.
Audis are well-made, and generally very reliable and that 2.0-litre TDI engine is solid, but make sure that it’s had its software recalibrated to reduce its pollutants (the changes that were mandated after the diesel scandal became public) and make sure that it has a full and complete service history — these are complex cars that need looking after, so if there are any gaps in the service record, I’d walk away; there are plenty of other A4s out there.
My S-Max is less economical than it was...
Hi,
My 2007 Ford S-Max 1.8 diesel has just had the timing belt changed and now has a massive increase in fuel consumption. Instead of 570 miles per tank it's only 400. Any ideas?
Cheers
Roger
Roger Sharp (Kenley)Aug 2019 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Roger,
That is a significant change, leading us to suspect something may have been altered during the belt change. The tensioner could be too tight, for example, or the fuel pump timing might be out. Well worth bringing the car back to the garage and asking them to check all of this before it potentially causes problems with the engine.
Which head-turning SUV to go for?
Selfishly, I would like a head-turning vehicle, that's a comfortable ride and stylish. Unselfishly, I need to consider older parents that can get into the vehicle fairly easily and be comfortable in the back. Prepared to pay for the luxury but looking for right choice. Don't drive many miles a year, with a mix of motorway and urban. Petrol or hybrid seems sensible option. Have looked at SUVs briefly including Macan and Maserati, but not sure these are best buys? Looking for recommendations for a nice sized vehicle for up to four people.
Michelle Morgan (Bromley)Aug 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Michelle,
Well, a Porsche Macan or Maserati Levante would certainly be fun choices, but possibly not the best from the point of view of your parents… One potentially very good option could be the Volvo XC60 T8 Polestar — a plug-in hybrid with serious performance and excellent handing, but loads of space in the back and really comfy seats. Audi’s new SQ5 diesel is another good choice (really comfy and plenty roomy), as would be the mighty V8 diesel Audi SQ7. To be honest, though, if you want to spend big on a luxurious SUV that’s also fun to drive, it’s pretty hard to look past a Range Rover...
A little reading to help you decide:
Thinking of buying a Jaguar X-Type...
Hello,
I'm interested in buying an X-Type Jaguar 2.0-litre diesel circa 2009 (facelift model). So far I've been hearing mostly good reviews, but was wondering are they expensive to maintain for servicing, parts etc. and if there's any electrical or diagnostic problems I could be fleeced for?
Barry Hennessy (Donard)Aug 2019 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Barry,
Actually, the X-Type diesel was beset with a long list of issues. Most of them are relatively inexpensive to fix, but there are loads of known electrical problems and generally poor build quality as well. A 2009 car would at least, but late in the model's life cycle, so it may be better than early examples, but it's not a car that we'd highly recommend in terms of reliability and cost of maintenance.
Could I afford to insure a 1.9 diesel?
Hi,
I am looking to buy myself a new car soon enough. I am simply waiting to have a full year on my insurance. I got insured on a 1.6-litre petrol Audi A3 Sportback, as my first car, with Axa insurance. The quote was around €3,700. I am looking for a diesel this time and I am wondering what kind of quotes I could be expecting if I try to get insured on a 1.9 diesel this time? There aren't many 1.6 diesel cars around that I would like to get.
Thanks!
Kris M (Dublin)Jul 2019 Filed under: insurance
Expert answer
Hi Kris,
The problem is that Irish insurers are a bit blunt-force when it comes to deciding their rates, and generally speaking (and completely erroneously) they simply tend to go by engine size. So even though there are plenty of older 1.9-2.0-litre diesel engines with similar power outputs to a more modern 1.6, they’ll probably quote you more just because it’s a bigger engine. Stupid, but then that pretty much sums up the insurance industry in Ireland. All I can suggest is either biting the bullet and getting a 1.6 that maybe you’re not as keen on, or finding a really good local broker who can help you track down quotes that us mere mortals can’t find.
Most economical 1.4-litre cars?
What is the most economical 1.4 petrol or diesel car in Ireland, max 2015?
Ed Burke (Cork)Expert answer
Hi Ed,
That is an answer that will vary massively depending on which model of car you’re talking about. There are some Hyundai i30s and Kia Ceeds from around that era that came with a 1.4 diesel engine that would be hugely economical. You might be able to track down some Peugeot or Citroen models (a 2008 would be a good choice) with a 1.4 HDi diesel engine that’s good on juice, too. There’s also the Toyota Corolla or Auris D-4D, or if you don’t fancy diesel, the same cars with the 1.33-litre VVTi petrol engine, which was not too thirsty.
How often to change my 2012 Fiesta's belt?
How often should I change the timing belt on my 2012 Ford Fiesta?
Betty Bernard (Charlottetown )Jul 2019 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Betty,
It depends on the engine:
1.25/1.4/1.6-litre petrol: every 160,000km/8 years
1.4/1.6-litre diesel:
- to July 2011: 140,000km/10 years
- after that: 180,000km/10 years
Should I buy a new Tesla Model 3?
Hi,
I’ve been doing a lot of research into buying a car lately, specifically would love a Tesla Model 3 - Standard range plus. I’ve been looking at price from GB compared to Ireland and it’s around €5k cheaper (around £38k v €48k). I also understand I would be in receipt of €5,000 SEAI grant, but I cannot seem to calculate the VRT.
1. Can I buy in the UK and ultimately would I save money doing so vs Ireland?
2. I live in Dublin and I get the DART to work everyday (roughy €100 per month). I also currently drive home roughy three nights per week to Monaghan (roughly costs me €325 in petrol and tolls). I have a free parking space in work. (Quicker to drive than DART to work) Would I be naive in thinking that I would almost eradicate all of that €425 with an EV? Aside from electricity costs, also what would you estimate those to be?
The alternative for me was to buy an 15/16 Audi A5 or BMW 4 Series in around the €20k mark, but still be subject to aforementioned €425 monthly costs on top.
Am I trying to convince myself that a Model 3 is my best option or is it my best option? NB: I want something that I actually want, i.e. I don’t want a Nissan Leaf; if I’m going EV it would be Tesla or equivalent.
Brendan Traynor (Dublin)Jul 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
We do love a bit of car-related man-maths around the CompleteCar.ie office. Yes, in theory, you could save that €425 per week travelling cost with a Tesla Model 3, once we make a couple of assumptions, and bearing in mind that a Model 3 is not free — a basic Standard Range Plus model is quoted at €625 per month in repayments on Tesla’s Irish website. With a claimed one-charge range of 409km, your theoretical Model 3 should be able to get from Dublin to Monaghan and back in one charge, with a little left over for safety (assuming it’s around 135km door-to-door). If you can charge at home and charge in Monaghan, then each full charge will cost you around €8-10, depending on your electricity tariff and how low the battery gets before you plug it in. That should put a significant dent in your travelling costs. It would also be helpful if you could charge up at work, but that’s more for ensuring you have a full charge in case you need it — the shorter intra-Dublin commute wouldn’t put much strain on your battery.
So, that’s all good. Buying in the UK, though? Not worth it. We ran the maths on this a while back and working off the base model prices — £38,500 in the UK and €48,900 here, a quick conversion at today’s rates shows that the equivalent Euro price of a new Tesla Model 3 would be €45,069. A saving? No — although the VRT would cost you nothing at the point of import (thanks to the €5,000 rebate), you would have to pay VAT on entry, as it’s a new car, and so the price would go up by €10,350. You’re better off buying local in this instance.
My Passat's engine takes a while to start...
I run a 2015 VW Passat SE Business Diesel and every time I try to start it up it's like the engine will have to turn a few time before it runs; what is the reason and can it be sorted?
Daniele Fabi (Grantham )Jul 2019 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Daniele,
Lots of things can cause slow starting of a modern diesel engine, including issues with the fuel system or glow plugs, or indeed the battery. You'll need to get your car along to a good mechanic to have it checked over.
My Ford EcoSport cuts out...
I have a Ford EcoSport. The stop/start system, when I switch it off, at times, still makes the car judder a bit. When I've stopped, at traffic lights, then the engine switches off. I've not put it in neutral or took my foot off the clutch. This will only happen a few times, then the car runs fine, with the stop /start off. I don't understand why it still cuts off, when system is off?
Debbie Ashdown (Barrow In Furness)Jun 2019 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Debbie,
It doesn't sound to us as if this is anything to do with the stop-start system, but actually an issue with the engine itself that needs looking at by a good mechanic. You've not told us which generation of EcoSport you have, nor which engine it has, but the 1.5-litre TDCi diesel has a known issue with the turbocharger wastegate valve that could cause engine running issues. It might be worth mentioning to the mechanic when you bring it to be checked.
Best of luck