Does my Hyundai ix35 have a belt or chain?
Does my 2010 Hyundai ix35 have a timing belt or chain?
Tony Hansell (Newcastle Upon Tyne)Aug 2018 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Tony,
All petrol and diesel versions of the Hyundai ix35 used a timing chain.
How much to tax a 2.2 Toyota Verso?
How much to tax a 2.2 Toyota Verso for one year?
John Hamilton (Donegal )Aug 2018 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi John,
It will depend on the year and the model, but as an example, a 2010 2.2 diesel Verso, with the 140hp engine and a manual gearbox, has emissions of 164g/km and so motor tax of €570 per year.
Belt or chain on my 2.0 diesel Ford?
Does my 2010 Duratorq 2.0-litre diesel engine have a timing chain or a belt?
Andrew Brown (Whitstable)Jul 2018 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Andrew,
That engine has a timing belt, which should be changed every 200,000km at least, or every 10 years.
VRT and motor tax on a Mercedes camper?
Hi,
I was just wondering if I bought a 1991 Mercedes-Benz 308 diesel camper from the UK, what would the VRT estimate be and how much to tax it? The engine capacity is 3.0-litre. It has 74,456 miles on the clock.
Raymond Flynn (Athlone, Co. Westmeath)Jul 2018 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Raymond,
Pretty good news all-round, here. Camper vans qualify for the lowest rate of VRT, the same as vans, so it’s 13.3 per cent of the estimated Irish market value. It might be a bit hard to find a solid Irish market value for your Mercedes, but at 13.3 per cent, the VRT is never going to be too bad. Motor tax is even better — camper vans qualify for a flat-rate of €102 a year.
Best version of Skoda Octavia for €9,000?
What is the best used year and model of Skoda Octavia to buy? Is it better to buy from North for value or are northern roads worse and more salt used? Budget is €9,000.
Thank you
Shane C (Clon)Jul 2018 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Shane,
Which family car for €25-30k? An A6 Avant?
My budget is €25-30k for a family car (we have three kids). Considering a 2014-15 Audi A6 Avant. I keep cars for a long time, planning at least 5-8 years. Current mileage is very low (10,000km a year). What other cars would you consider - based on my desire for an A6? Is paying over the odds for a diesel sheer lunacy based on my mileage, and considering that diesels MAY be worthless by the time I go to trade in?
Andy FitzPat (Clon)Jul 2018 Filed under: family car
Expert answer
Hi Andy,
While I don’t think a diesel car is going to be worthless by the time you trade it in, it might well be worth less, if you see the distinction. That said, with your mileage, I’d say you should be looking at petrol or hybrid all the way. A 2.0 TFSI A6 Avant sounds ideal if you can find one and assuming that you’re already happy that all three kids can fit safely and comfortably in the back. A BMW 520i Touring would be the most obvious alternative (and a darned fine one at that) and a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate even better again (assuming you can find one with a petrol engine) and you can find them with seven seats. Volvo’s old-shape V70 is also worth a look, not least from the safety point of view. That said, make absolutely sure you check out a current-shape Skoda Superb Combi estate too — they’re actually roomier inside than any of the premium-badge stuff, and very comfortable too.
Should I worry about a 171 diesel BMW?
Hi,
I need some help with a decision please. I’m thinking of buying a 2.0-litre sDrive BMW X5. Probably a 171 model. I know there’s a new model coming very soon, but I don’t mind about that. I’m a little worried about the N47 engine that I think this car has. Should I be worried and is there anything else I should worry about?
Thanks.
Joan O Connor (Cork)Jul 2018 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Joan,
The N47 engine, BMW’s mainstay 2.0-litre turbodiesel, did indeed give terrible trouble early in its life, mostly with the timing chain that was supposedly maintenance-free, but turned out to be nothing of the sort. Now, theoretically, the issue has been long since dealt with (any N47 from 2007 onwards should, emphasis on the should, not suffer from this issue), but it’s wise to be at least a little cautious. I’d recommend buying from a main BMW dealer, as the car will then come with the full two-year warranty, which will cover any potential issues. Make sure you keep it serviced with a main BMW dealer in future too, as if there are any problems, you will have some chance of getting them to stand over the engine.
Should I go for a hybrid next?
Hi,
I am considering purchasing a second hand family size hybrid such as the Lexus IS 300h, as I am trying to save on running costs. I currently drive a 131 Vauxhall Insignia SRi 2.0 diesel, which is lovely to drive and decently economical. I am changing job, and will be communiting about 100km a day, mainly on motorway (although the M50 is like a car park at rush hour so I don't expect to be getting over 60km/h). This will be our only family car so need decent boot space for the baby and buggy etc. I have about €20-25k to spend, looking for a 151 model. I have read mixed advice about whether to go hybrid, or to stick with diesel for the size of car and amount of mileage I will be doing. Your advice and thoughts are much appreciated.
Many thanks, Emma
Emma Tong (Skerries)Jul 2018 Filed under: hybrid
Expert answer
Hi Emma,
I think a hybrid could well suit you, and with your M50-heavy driving (especially in stop-start traffic) it could prove ideal. The IS 300h is indeed a lovely car — beautifully built and good to drive, but you might find that the cabin and boot are on the small side for your family needs. It could be worth looking at the larger GS 300h (same engine, similar real-world economy) or maybe the NX 300h crossover. If you fancy something a bit cheaper, the Prius is always a good choice, as is Kia’s really rather good Niro hybrid.
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Timing belt change in 2011 Ford Fiesta?
When does the timing belt on a 2011 Ford Fiesta Zetec diesel need replacing please?
Samie Husseini (Brisbane)Jun 2018 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Samie,
It depends which engine exactly you have in your Fiesta and when it was manufactured. For both the 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre TDCi engines, there was a changeover in schedule that occurred for cars made later in 2010. Before that, the timing belts in the diesel engines were scheduled to be changed every 200,000 kilometres or every 10 years, but after that, for a brief period of manufacture, it changed to 140,000km (still 10 years) and later again back up to 180,000 kilometres.
We always encourage readers to err on the side of caution with timing belts, so would advise you to consider the 140,000km interval as applicable to your car.
Should we get a second EV for towing?
Hi, a question about a second car. What would be a good choice for a second car for travelling to work that does small mileage (10-20 miles) daily? Our main car is a Nissan Leaf, which we use for the majority of our driving. A car that can tow a small trailer would be ideal, something with low tax and running costs. Budget is about 6-7 thousand euro, with the intention of trading in the car in a few years time for a newer model. Have thought of buying another electric car, but not sure about having two electric cars in household until longer range cars are available or charging network improves.
Thank you for your help.
Barry
Barry Slye (Cork)Jun 2018 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi Barry,
The problem with electric cars is that, generally, they’re not rated for towing (I think that the new Nissan Leaf is one of the first with a towing rating), so you’re probably going to have to switch back to petrol or diesel for this one. Probably your best bet is to go for something very conventional, such as VW Golf or Ford Focus, and maybe go for the estate version of one of those to give yourself a little extra versatility. A Toyota Auris Hybird would also work well, and would at least keep you going on half-electric power. Plenty of them around in your price range.