Should I go for this new Toyota RAV4?
Hi, could I have your opinion please? I'm thinking of buying a Toyota RAV4 2.0 diesel 2wd Luna. Dealer has said can be on the road for €31,500. Price includes trade-in of my 1995 RAV4 that is in in good condition apart from corrosion underneath and is around 130k mileage.
Thanks, Breda Ryan, Limerick
Breda Ryan (Limerick)Apr 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Breda,
Sounds like a good one to me. The new RAV4 is an especially nice car - comfy, spacious and good to drive and that price looks decently sharp too.
Relevant reviews:
Should I consider a higher-powered Audi A4?
I'm considering buying an Audi A4, 2009-ish. In everyday driving terms, what's the difference between 118bhp versus 136bhp/143bhp?
Dave
Dave L (Limerick)Apr 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Dave,
Quite a bit actually - that 120hp diesel is pretty underpowered in a car as bulky as the A4 and you'll probably notice it most in fuel consumption. You'll have to work it so hard to keep up with traffic that you'll find it quite thirsty. Upgrade to the 140hp if you can.
Relevant reviews:
Audi A4 2.0 TDI 140 review (quattro model)
Should I be worried about buying a Vauxhall Insignia import?
I'm thinking of buying a 2009 Vauxhall Insignia diesel 2.0-litre, a UK import. Having read about the Service Update from Opel that relates to 2009 diesel Opel Insignias re: power pressure pipes that may crack and leak... should I be worried?
Lorraine O'Toole (Kildare)Apr 2015 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Lorraine,
It shouldn't be a problem. A 'Service Update' is just a nice way of saying 'Recall' so the work should have been carried out by the previous owner, free of charge. Check the service history to see if it's been done, and maybe call the garage that worked on it to make sure. If it hasn't been done, it's still no problem - any Opel dealer should carry out the work free of charge.
Also, for UK imports in particular, we'd always recommend that you get a Cartell.ie car history check to ensure the mileage and history are legit and that there is no finance outstanding on the car.
How much to tax a diesel Ford Focus?
What is motor tax on 1.6-litre diesel Ford Focus 141 please?
Thank you
Eileen
Eileen Bergin (Cork )Apr 2015 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Eileen,
The Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi hatchback emits 95g/km, putting it in Band A3 for tax, which currently costs €190 per annum.
Volkswagen Golf diesel: 1.6 or 1.9 TDI?
Looking at getting a Golf diesel, 2008 onwards as my next car, but I'm not sure whether to go for a the 1.6 or 1.9? What would the difference in cost of diesel be too, thanks?
Daniel Wathen (Cork)Mar 2015 Filed under: diesel
Expert answer
Hi Daniel,
Definitely go for the 1.6. It's a much more modern unit than the 1.9 and is quieter and more frugal. I'd estimate that in real-world terms you should get around 5-10mpg more out of the 1.6 compared to the 1.9.
Should I go petrol or diesel on a new BMW 3 Series?
Hi, I'm considering purchasing a new BMW 3 Series Saloon (no trade-in involved). There appears to be a €5.5k approx price differential between the 316i ES and 318d SE (basic models of both fuel types). I drive approx 25,000km pa. What's your opinion on these two models and what is the rationale for paying €5.5k extra for the basic diesel version even when taking into account the lower cost of diesel fuel etc? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
JAMES RIORDAN (Galway)Mar 2015 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi James,
I'd normally say that at the 20-25k mark you're on the cusp of needing diesel but with that big a price gap between the two I'm minded to say go with petrol.
The only caveat to that is what kind of mileage you're doing. If that's 25k of endless motorway miles then diesel could still be worth a look as a 318d will easily hit 60mpg on a long run while a 320i will struggle to get above 50mpg.
Is the Skoda Octavia TSI a good option for me?
Finally time to change my 2004 1.8 TDCi Ford Focus Estate. With 233,000 miles done, I think it has earned its keep. But what to replace it with? I only do about 20,000km now a year so dont really need the diesel though the torque is good for overtaking. I do need a decent boot as I fill it most weekends. Budget max €13,000. Interested in Skoda Octavia 1.2 TSI in hatch or estate. Is this a reliable engine and does it have enough power for overtaking? Generally only me in car and occasional towing of 500kg trailer also done.
David Doran (Galway)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi David,
I'd say you've already picked out the ideal car - that Octavia 1.2 TSI is magic. Plenty of oomph, very economical and should have enough grunt to haul that trailer. One thing though - at 500kg, that trailer is getting on for the maximum braked towing weight of 610kg, so if it's an unbraked one it might be worth trading it for a braked version, just to keep some margin for safety.
What is the market value of a Peugeot 407 in Ireland?
What is the market value of a seven-year old Peugeot 407 in Ireland?
Teresa N (Galway)Mar 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Teresa,
There's a pretty broad spread of values for 407s of that age - it depends on the engine, trim and above all condition and history. The ballpark is from €5,500 to €8,500. A diesel model will be worth considerably more than a petrol one and a full service history is essential.
Where does Suzuki source the engine for the new Vitara?
Where does Suzuki source the 1.6 DDIS engine for the new Vitara and are there any known issues with this engine? I had the third generation Suzuki Vitara with the 1.9 diesel engine before: nice car but the engine was a disaster!
Many thanks,
John Fleming
John Fleming (Killarney)Mar 2015 Filed under: diesel
Expert answer
Hi John,
Suzuki buys that 1.6 diesel engine in from Fiat, but before you go running for the hills, as far as we are aware there are no major issues with it.
Have you read our review of the new Suzuki Vitara?
Multitronic or S-Tronic for an Audi A6 TDI?
Hello, I am interested in buying an Audi A6 2.0-litre TDI diesel. The thing is I need some advice on if I should go for the 142 reg with the Multitronic auto box or the 151 reg with the S-Tronic auto box. I've heard some bad stories about the Multitronic gearbox and would be wary of some big bills down the line. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Mary Walsh (Cork)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
I'd tread carefully where the Multitronic box is concerned. While the serious issues that plagued it pre-2006 have been mostly sorted, it's still not trouble free. Oil changes are needed at regular intervals if it's to be kept in good order.
I do reckon, if funds allow, you'd better off going for the S-Tronic gearbox, which seems to have a much stronger reliability record.