Which of these diesel cars should I import from the UK?
I plan on going to the UK to buy a car soon. Thinking of a 2010/2011 diesel, a Qashqai, Passat, Sportage or Octavia. If I got a Kia it would still have warranty. Any other make with warranty like this? Can you give me advice?
John O Callaghan (Rosscarbery)Dec 2014 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi John,
The only other brand with a comparable warranty back in 2010 or 2011 would be Hyundai, which has (and had) a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty. Of the cars you've mentioned, in descending order of preference, we'd go for Octavia, Passat, Sportage and Qashqai. If it's out of warranty, you can always get an aftermarket one.
What do you think?
What family car for three kids do you recommend?
What car would suit me? I want a family car with room for three kids in three car seats. I need a large boot and preferably 1.6 diesel.
Deirdre Ryan (Tipperary)Dec 2014 Filed under: family car
Expert answer
Hi Deirdre,
You realistically need to be looking at an MPV. How about a Peugeot 5008? It fits all your requirements, there are plenty out there, they're nice to drive and reasonably affordable to buy and run.
What €12,000 estate should I go for?
I am thinking of buying an estate car as I need the extra space. Seems to be a lot of Astras out there, but want to get something fairly good with a budget of €12k-ish. Recommend anything in particular?
Jonny Jackson (Tallaght)Dec 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Jonny,
The Astra is not a bad choice and the current Ford Focus Estate is simply massive inside too. But, to be honest, if it's a compact estate you're after then there are really only two serious games in town - the Kia cee'd SW and the Skoda Octavia Combi. Both are terrifically well made, reliable and, if you get the 1.6 diesel engine in either, very frugal. And both have absolutely enormous boots - more than 500 litres each. Cracking cars both, so simply take your pick. The Kia has the better warranty, the Skoda is perhaps slightly nicer inside.
Let us know which way you go with it
Ford Mondeo or Volkswagen Passat?
Hoping to buy a 2.0-litre diesel estate and need to decide between 2010 Passat (high spec) and 2011 Mondeo (lower spec). Similar mileage and price. I spend a lot of time on the road.
Any suggestions?
Diarmuid Crowley (Limerick)Dec 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Diarmuid,
It's a close run thing, but I'd go for the Passat. I reckon it'll work out just a little more economical than the Mondeo, and it has a nicer, comfier, more 'premium' edition. Mind you, I'm basing that on the assumption that you're going to be on the motorway a lot. If it's twisty roads, then it's Mondeo all the way...
Is the diesel Hyundai Tucson 4x4 more economical?
How economical is the diesel 4x4 Hyundai Tucson compared to a petrol one?
Karen Hyland (Meath)Expert answer
Hi Karen,
The official claimed figures (and I'm assuming you mean the two-wheel-drive variants here) are 35mpg for the petrol model and 40mpg for the diesel. That sounds like a close run thing, but it depends on your driving. If you're doing mostly short, around-town hops, then the petrol will do better. For lots of long journeys, get the diesel.
My Toyota Avensis won't start. What to do?
My 2008 Toyota Avensis diesel has just 75,000 miles on the clock, is fully serviced and running well until a week ago. It now will not start and my mechanic cannot get into the diagnostics to find fault.
What now?
Joseph Mcgowan (Donegal)Nov 2014 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Joseph,
It's impossible to diagnose such a thing from afar I'm afraid. Any decent mechanic should be able to try several things without having to resort to diagnostics. I'd suggest you take it to another if your current one is giving up...
How to clean out milk from a Touran's seats?
How do I take out the interior foam from the third row seats of my Volkswagen Touran 1.6 diesel BlueMotion? Milk was spilled on the very back seats that fold into the boot floor. I was told to try and remove the interior foam and wash it to get the smell out.
Please help!
Tony
Tony Kane (Belfast)Nov 2014 Filed under: cleaning
Expert answer
Hi Tony,
There should be either a zip-off seat cover or a pull-out panel on the upholstery that will allow you to get into the body of the seat and get at the cushion. It might mean unbolting the seat from its mounts to do it though, so you may need to seek some professional help.
What diesel family car can I get for €5,000?
Can you recommend a good family car for two adults and two kids and all the bits and pieces? I do a lot of driving so I need a diesel. I only have around €5,000 to spend. Keep up the good work!
Ashleigh O Connor (Virginia)Nov 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Ashleigh,
How about a Mazda3 1.6 diesel? Sharp looking, sharp to drive, impressively economical and given Mazda's reputation it should stand up to years of family rough and tumble. We found on on Carzone.ie for under €5k from a dealer in Carlow as well.
BMW X3 or Audi Q5?
Which is a better compact diesel SUV: the Mercedes-Benz GLK 250, BMW X3 or the Audi Q3/5?
Sunil Khemani (Surrey)Nov 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Sunil,
I'd say the Audi Q5. The GLK is still left-hand drive only (or did you mean the smaller GLA?) and pretty ugly. While the BMW X3 has evolved into a really nice car, for my money, the latest round of updates to the Q5 have just nudged it in front. Slick to look at, slick to drive and very comfy inside. It's a belter.
Why is my battery going flat?
Hello there. I bought myself a few months ago a 2005 Opel Astra 1.3 diesel six-gear manual model. Three times it has happened that the battery is flat and needed a help to start the car. Any ideas what can be the possible problem for that and solutions?
Ragnar Arnason (Kaupanger)Nov 2014 Filed under: electrics
Expert answer
Hi Ragnar,
Several things can cause that, so you need to take the car to an auto-electrician to ascertain which. Possibilities:
1) The battery itself needs to be replaced, but don't do that until you're sure it's none of these other things.
2) The alternator isn't charging the battery properly. Check for loose leads and/or the alternator belt itself before paying an auto-electrician to check it.
3) Something may be staying on to drain the battery when you turn the car off. It could be a light in the boot or glovebox or the alarm or stereo or something else entirely. Will need a little investigation.
Best of luck with it - let us know how you get on.