How much VRT on a Mercedes CLA import?
What VRT or tax in Ireland would I pay on a Mercedes Benz CLA 220 Sport auto diesel coming from England?
Fidelis MannionNov 2016 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Fidelis,
Well, it depends on the year, but assuming you mean a 2014 model, you’ll pay around €5,300 in VRT.
Should I replace by Qashqai with a Tucson?
Hi guys,
I see the Hyundai Tucson everywhere. Would it be a good replacement for my Nissan Qashqai next year? Hoping to get finance and use the Nissan as a deposit.
Thanks
Daniel Corbett (Athlone)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Daniel,
Yes, it certainly would. The Tucson hasn’t become Ireland’s best selling new car this year for nothing. It’s handsome, roomy, well-made, well-equipped and well-priced. On the flip side, it’s not especially inspiring to drive and it’s worth considering an upgrade to the 2.0-litre diesel engine as the 1.7 CRDi unit is quite underpowered. Oh, and also consider a Kia Sportage as it’s basically the same as the Hyundai, mechanically, but comes with the longer seven-year warranty. Here are a few reviews to give you more information:
Hyundai Tucson 1.7 CRDi review
Can a learner get insurance on a 1.6 diesel?
Can a learner driver get insured on a 1.6 diesel or does it have to be below a 1.4?
Liz ONeill (Donegal)Oct 2016 Filed under: insurance
Expert answer
Hi Liz,
It will depend on your insurance company, but the sad fact is that insurers in Ireland are still wrong-headedly welded to the idea that a bigger engine automatically makes you a higher insurance risk.
Best new auto diesel family car with power?
What is the best automatic diesel family car with a bit of poke in Ireland please? I will be trading in an Opel Astra 1.7 diesel saloon - 131.
Thank you.
Donal Finn (Cork)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Donal,
The best compromise of value and oomph is probably to be found somewhere in the Volkswagen Group. I'd say if you want to mix a decent 2.0 diesel engine with low emissions and an auto box try out a SEAT Leon FR, preferably in very handsome ST estate form. It makes 150hp, but has Band A4 emissions.
Which 3.0 diesel to replace my Audi A6 with?
I'm replacing my Audi A6 in Jan. Hoping to upgrade to new 3.0 diesel from my 2.0 TDI S line model. Any other cars you'd recommend checking out instead?
Anthony Quinn (Ratoath)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Anthony,
It depends on the year of your current A6, but while there's not a huge jump in emissions by going for the V6 TDI, there is a big jump in price so it's certainly not going to be cheap. Others well worth considering are the incoming new BMW 5 Series with the 530d engine (or consider arguing yourself a good deal on a runout current shape model), the excellent new-shape Mercedes-Benz E 350 d or the Jaguar XF 3.0 V6 D. Test drives below to tease you further...
2013 Ford Mondeo: timing belt change time?
At what mileage should I get the timing belt done at on my 2013 Ford Mondeo diesel hatchback?
Linda Ryan (Limerick)Oct 2016 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Linda,
Assuming it's the 2.0 TDCi, then it's every 200,000km or every ten years, whichever is sooner.
Is there something up with the Opel Insignia?
Why is the engine in the Opel Insignia giving so much trouble? And reviews don't seem too good on them.
Bridie Dollard (Portlaois)Oct 2016 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Bridie,
It depends what you mean by ‘the engine’, but we’ll assume for now that you mean the most commonly-sold Insignia, the 2.0-litre CDTi. As far as our research goes, these are reasonably robust units and only have three common areas for faults – the diesel particulate filter, which, as with any diesel engine, can get clogged up if you don’t do regular long journeys; the turbocharger, which can fail; and the dual-mass flywheel, which can also fail.
Now, fair enough, turbo or dual-mass flywheel problems can be very expensive, but the Insignia is far from alone in suffering from those issues, and it doesn’t seem to be that the problems are endemic, nor even all that common.
When you say reviews, do you mean comments on internet articles? Not the same thing I’m afraid – someone who can be bothered to comment online generally already has a problem with their car, so you don’t get to hear from those who’ve had faultless miles of service. It’s called confirmation bias.
Instead of ruling out a given make/model, it's best to take a close look at examples that are offered for sale.
Passat GTE or BMW 330e suitable for me?
I do about 12,000km a year in and around Dublin, using the M50 a bit. Would a hybrid like the Passat GTE or BMW 330e suit me or should I go for diesel? Buying a new car in the new year!
Michael Quin (Sandyford)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
I’d suggest that a Passat GTE or 330e would be about perfect with that kind of mileage and usage. It will help, of course, if you have a driveway where you can fit a charging point, but once the batteries have drained and you’re running on normal hybrid power, both of those cars will average better than 40mpg. Here are our reviews:
Audi A5 Sportback or BMW 4 Series Coupe?
I really like the look of the new Audi A5 Sportback. Would you have it over the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe? Thinking 2.0-litre diesel for a '171' plate.
Peter Boyle (Dublin 4)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
Sounds like an excellent choice. Our Editor, Shane, has driven the Sportback on its international launch recently and rates it. The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is a little sharper to drive, but the new A5 has caught up some in the dynamic stakes, added to which it's truly gorgeous inside and out. Here are links to his test drives:
Petrol or diesel for the Ford Mondeo?
What is your view on the Ford Mondeo diesel vs. Mondeo petrol?
Cyril Gleeson (Birdhill, Co. Tipperary)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Cyril,
Actually, the current 1.5 EcoBoost petrol model is rather a nice thing. It’s a very smooth, quiet engine and has just about enough poke to shift that big body around, and actually ends up feeling slightly sweeter than the diesel to drive. Economy works out at around 40mpg in most conditions, so it’s not too thirsty and if you’re not doing really big mileage every year, it’s definitely worth considering.