Can I do over 200,000km in my new Merc GLC?
I own a new Mercedes-Benz GLC 220 diesel. Can I expect to exceed 200,000km if I take care of it? Or must I admit to lower mileage lifespan?
Thanks
Angus McMichael (Geneva )Dec 2016 Filed under: mileage
Expert answer
Hi Angus,
Well, most car makers 'life' major components to around 600,000km so as long as you stick to the servicing schedule and keep using original parts, you should be fine.
Advice on buying new automatic diesel?
Any advice on buying a new automatic diesel... say Ford Mondeo or Audi or BMW?
Fergal Reidy (Celbridge)Dec 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Fergal,
Well, it depends on which model you're looking at. In general buying an automatic these days doesn't have the fuel consumption (and CO2) penalties of old, although it's fair to say that not all automatics are equal. They can be very expensive up front though (BMW asks €2,500 for an auto) and, depending on the car, you won't always make that back at resale time. Certainly on a Ford you might struggle with automatic resale, but a BMW or Audi should do better as people expect the auto in those.
Is the Opel Astra 1.7 diesel any good?
Opel Astra 1.7 CDTi Estate: are they good?
Gerry Cluskey (Drogheda)Dec 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Gerry,
They’re generally fine, but that 1.7 diesel is a rough old thing, and not the most reliable engine around. You can do better.
Is the Renault Megane 1.5 diesel a good car?
Is the Renault Megane 1.5 diesel a good car?
They seem to be cheaper than other similar makes. The version I'm looking at is a 2010 model.
Colm Nagle.
Colm Nagle (Kerry Ireland )Dec 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Colm,
They’re not bad, but there’s a reason that they’re cheap. Nonetheless, the Megane is a decent and solid car and reliability and quality are far, far better than was once the case with Renault.
I would be very wary of buying without a complete and full service history though, and with the 1.5 dCi diesel engine you need to keep an eye out for a blown turbo (symptoms include black or blue smoke, sluggish power delivery) or engine management system issues (surging or uneven running).
The real reason that they’re cheap though is because, in 2009-2010, Renault Ireland pursued an aggressive strategy of heavy discounting to try and grab as big a slice of the market as possible. It was the classic stack them high sell them cheap idea, and while it racked up some impressive sales figures, it did some terrible damage to residual values. At this stage, the worst of the depreciation will have been and gone, but remember if you’re buying it cheap today, you’ll be trading it in cheap when you’re finished with it.
is the new Hyundai i20 a good car?
Hi, I would like to know if the Hyundai i20 is a good car to buy in 1.2 petrol guise (new), or should I stick to the Fiesta, Corsa, Polo etc? My commute is 21km dual carriageway. Would the petrol be ok or should I look at the diesel?
Peter O'Shea (Mallow, Cork)Dec 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
With a short commute like that, you’re definitely better off with petrol and the Hyundai i20 is a fine car – roomy and well made and quite good to drive. Here are some of our reviews to help you decide:
Next-gen Nissan X-Trail or Skoda Kodiaq?
Hi guys,
Regarding the Nissan X-Trail and its new 2.0-litre diesel engine, will it be introduced into the current X-Trail series or are we going to see the updated X-Trail (as per US/Austrailia) hit Ireland in 2017 with an updated engine range? Really appreciate any comment you have, as I'm looking at something in the Skoda Kodiaq/X-Trail range.
Colin H (Kildare)Dec 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Colin,
We’ve checked with Nissan on this and have been told that the 2.0-litre diesel X-Trail will be coming here, but not until October 2017. With that much of a time gap, we’d expect the X-Trail to have had its mid-life facelift by then, as you suggest, and it will more than likely follow the Australian and US update pretty closely in terms of styling and interior upgrades. As for how it will compare to the new Skoda Kodiaq, well – that sounds like a twin test to us...
Market value of a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe?
What is the market value of a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe 1.9 diesel with 134,000km on the clock?
Dervla Carroll (Birr)Nov 2016 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Dervla,
It should be worth somewhere in the region of €2,500.
Ford Mondeo, Skoda Superb or Kia Optima?
Hi,
Looking to change car for 2017. Looking at Ford Mondeo Titanium+ five-door 1.5 TDCi diesel, a Skoda Superb +Business Pack 1.6 TDI or a Kia Optima SW (estate) EX 1.7D. I would like something very comfortable and practical (hence the Kia estate, which, to my eyes, does not look like a hearse! - but no other estates need apply), but also something that is very reliable - so something with a long warranty that I don't end up using because reliability issues is not what I'm looking for.
I do 25,000km per year, all 'extra urban' and I'm not a badge snob. Currently drive a Honda CR-V, but would like to go back to a D-segment car again. All the above are well specified as such - of the three what would be your opinion? Great web site!
Many thanks,
John
John Fleming (Killarney)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi John,
I think given the criteria you’ve given us it has to be the Kia. It’s good looking and nice to drive, roomy, comfy and well equipped and above all it has the longest warranty by far. The Ford is great looking and good to drive but the quality isn’t as good as it was on the last Mondeo and while we love the Skoda Superb, it sounds like the Kia would suit you better.
Here are our reviews to help you decide:
What do you think of the Volkswagen Tiguan?
Any thoughts/advice on the Volkswagen Tiguan 115bhp diesel?
Martin (Meath)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
Nice car and the 115hp TDI engine can handle the strain (although the 150hp 2.0 TDI makes life a little easier). Great quality and lots of space. However, if you're shopping for the cheapest Tiguan, have a look at the new SEAT Ateca - it's mechanically the same but much better value for money. Our reviews:
Which comfortable new SUV should I go for?
Hi.
I'm looking at getting an SUV for medical reasons. I drive country roads 90 per cent of the time so I need something comfortable and reliable. I'm looking at the Range Rover Evoque and Audi Q5. Which one would you recommend? I also need to take running costs and servicing costs into account. As well as road tax etc. Or is there another one I should consider? I did test drive the Volvo XC60 but found it very heavy.
Thanks.
Marie G (Galway)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Marie,
If it's running costs that concern you, you should probably consider coming down in price and, a little, in size a bit. Both the Evoque and the Q5 are premium-badge SUVs and while neither is excessively thirsty, both will be expensive to run and service.
I'd suggest, instead, checking out a Honda CR-V - tonnes of space, hugely reliable, comfortable and with the 1.6 I-DTEC diesel engine and four-wheel drive, both frugal and ideal for country roads. Good to drive too.
Other good options are the Mazda CX-5, the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Santa Fe, Volkswagen Tiguan or Toyota RAV4. Here are our reviews to help you decide: