What's the 1.2 petrol Qashqai like?
I am looking at the 1.2 N Connecta Nissan Qashqai from 2017 and was wondering what you thought of the engine? Is the car relatively big for a smallish engine?
Lee Thompson (Gloucester)Jul 2019 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Lee,
It depends on what sort of driving you’re doing. If you’re a low-mileage driver, and doing mostly short hops in and around town, then it’s about perfect. If you’re into doing longer journeys, then it’s not quite so good as it can get a little thirsty on motorway runs.
Can I privately run a Nissan Navara?
Hello,
I work as a care assistant, I do not have a company; can I buy a 2016 Nissan Navara 2.3 automatic and transfer insurance from private car to the Navara and pay tax to CO2 emission and pay €750?
David A (Youghal)Jul 2019 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi David,
If you are using the Navara strictly for business work, and not for social, domestic or pleasure use, then you can tax it as a commercial vehicle for €333 a year. If you are using it for any personal driving, then you have to transfer it back to the old by-engine-capacity tax system and, with a 2.3-litre engine, that’s going to work out at a hefty €994 a year, I’m afraid.
Is the BMW Z4's wind deflector standard?
Does the 2019 BMW Z4 sDrive20i come with the wind deflector as standard? If not, what is the cost of this accessory and do you consider it necessary?
Myles Kelleher (Youghal)Jun 2019 Filed under: optional extras
Expert answer
Hi Myles,
It is not standard, unfortunately - it is only sold as part of the Comfort Pack. If you plan on driving your Z4 at higher speeds with the roof down, then it is definitely necessary. And of course the car will be easier to sell on later with a deflector than without, so bear that in mind, too.
Volkswagen Polo or Toyota Auris Hybrid?
Not sure which car to go for. Previously had 2016 Toyota Auris Hybrid and found it very economical and a comfortable drive. Unfortunately it was stolen. However, I'm driving a rental 191 Volkswagen Polo and liking the drive. Which car would you recommend: another 2016 Auris Hybrid or 2018 petrol Volkswagen Polo?
Thanks
Antoinette Kiely (Dublin)Jun 2019 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Antoinette,
The thing is that they’re two very different cars — the Polo is a significantly smaller vehicle than the Auris. So, if you need the space, and you like the hybrid aspect, then definitely go for another Auris. If you’re happy with the space in the Polo, and you can live without the hybrid bit, then the Polo is a very fine car.
Looking for a new estate car...
Hi,
I am looking for a new estate car and would like to hear your opinion. I have been driving an Octavia Combi (1.6-litre TDI diesel, Ambition) for the past six years. I do approx. 25,000km per year, not many of those on the motorway. I really like the Skoda but would prefer something with a little more power and spec. I am thinking a 2.0-litre diesel in a high spec and have my eye on a one-to -two-year-old Superb or Passat. Any advice when choosing between those two? Also, I see if I go maybe one year older I could get an Audi A4 Avant. Would the A4 be a better option for comfort/spec over the other two?
Interested to hear your opinion.
Thanks.
M Lowe (Carrick On Shannon)May 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi there,
The A4 would be a little better in terms of comfort, but not in terms of space or practicality, and to be honest the benefits are pretty marginal. Either the Passat or the Superb make fantastic estate cars. The Superb has an edge on luggage capacity (around 60 litres extra), but the Passat is a little sharper to drive, and has arguably a nicer interior. A marginal decision then, but we’d probably go for the Superb on balance. Or, just to throw a spanner in the works, have a look at the excellent Mazda6 Tourer before deciding…
A few reviews to help you decide:
Can I tax a small van privately?
Hi,
Can I insure a small van (Ford Fiesta) commercially and tax it privately?
Thanks.
Trevor Byrne (Portlaoise)May 2019 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Trevor,
No, not really. If you’re insuring your car (or van) one way and driving it another, then technically you’re not being honest with your insurers and if you do need to make a claim, and they investigate the circumstances, you could be caught rotten and find yourself unable to get a payout. Just be honest, it’s always the best policy.
Thoughts on semi-autonomous systems?
Hi,
I'm interested in one of these semi-autonomous driving systems, where, as long as you keep your hands on the steering wheel, the car will keep within the white lines and possibly include changing lanes. I'm thinking of it in the context of driving long distances on continental motorways. There seems to be any number of systems out there - some more in the line of adaptive cruise control (keeping a set distance from the car in front) - to something more autonomous along the lines above allowing lane changes. While they are at different price points I was wondering if you have had the opportunity to try the Pro Pilot on the Nissan Qashqai and the Drive Pilot by Volvo and if you are in a position to comment on their relative merits.
Thanks
Philip
Philip Donegan (Ballina)May 2019 Filed under: optional extras
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
Yes, we have tried them and in both cases they work fine, but please don’t go thinking of them as truly autonomous driving systems — they’ve very far from that, far even from semi-autonomous. In both cases (in fact in all current cases, no matter what some car makers would have you believe) these systems are just glorified cruise control, with a radar to keep you a safe distance from the car in front, and cameras and sensors to detect the lines on the road and keep you steering more or less straight. They’re not fully active, though, and you still need to drive the car, keep your eyes up and on the road and be in control at all times. They do reduce fatigue on long journeys right enough, but only be a small amount to be honest, and they’re not to be relied upon.
What will I replace my VW Golf R with?
I recently had my 182 VW Golf R stolen. They broke into my home to take the keys, which terrified us all, most especially my kids. Now I need to buy a replacement car. I have no clue what to buy due to the rapidly changing pace of cars from diesel to electric and I cannot hold out until the autumn for the launch of newer cars. What I would like is something no smaller than a Golf, up to any size. It cannot be a flashy car or a targeted car like my Golf R, but not as boring as the typical taxi car either. Believe it or not I would like something as fuel efficient as possible without compromising on build or ride quality. I mainly drive country roads and motorways, with city driving maybe once a week. I find cars like hatchbacks great for getting more stuff in when the seats are down. I would also like the car to keep with the times for the next three years so not diesel.
Hope you can help
Joe Lyons (Dundalk)Apr 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
I think a good bet here, if you want to buy new, is the new Mazda3 2.0 M-Hybrid. It’s only a mild-hybrid, but it’ll be good on fuel, yet it has decently punchy performance and is really enjoyable and engaging to drive. Looks great too, but not as tempting to the criminal fraternity as a Golf R. If you fancy something with a bit more grunt, but still understated styling, how about a Skoda Octavia RS? Quick and agile, and not too shabby when it comes to economy.
Just moved to Ireland - need car insurance...
Hello,
I've just moved to Ireland and I will be staying here for about two years, which means I will have to apply for an Irish driving licence. I have a clean Malaysian driving licence, which is five years old. I am 36 years old and female, and I have a car insured in Malaysia that has never gone through any accident claim (knock on wood). I had driven in Malaysia for one year before moving to UK between 2015-2018, and in all those years I only drove when I went home for long holidays.
I have my eyes on a second hand 2012 Ford Focus 1.6 petrol (automatic). I live in a house with two large parking spaces. How much should I expect for first insurance? Or should I just settle on a 2010 1.0 Yaris instead? If I have a budget of €1,200 for first insurance, what's the best car I can get?
Thanks in advance!
Zura Adnan (Cork)Apr 2019 Filed under: insurance
Expert answer
Hi Zura,
OK, the good news is that you’ve got a clean record and a decent budget. The bad news, I’m afraid, is that an Irish insurer just won’t care about any of that. As far as they’re concerned, you’re starting with a blank slate. Sorry to have to tell you that, but the sad fact is that Irish insurers are incredibly hard to deal with and incredibly expensive on top.
I would think that €1,200 should be enough to cover a Focus 1.6 (especially given that you’re in your mid-thirties, which is considered a safe age), but it could be a safer bet to go for the Yaris, as insurers prefer a 1.0-litre engine (it’s an outdated view, but there you go). It would definitely be worth getting in touch with a good local insurance broker, though. They can often find better deals than are available through the usual websites etc. so definitely worth having a chat with.
What's up with my stop-start feature?
Hi
Regarding the stop-start feature, I was told that I needed to recharge my battery by going on a 20-minute journey driving over 50mph. I have done two 125-mile journeys in the last month and it still is not working; this was done with no radio, heaters or devices charging. I was also told that engine will only stop start for so many times, and is there I a way of resetting this?
Clare Constable (NOTTINGHAM)Mar 2019 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Clare,
Stop-start systems are a source of annoyance for a lot of people. We get so many queries about them that we wrote this feature you may want to read: Why won't my car's stop-start system work?
Saying all that, the point of a stop-start system is to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, so it's seriously pointless to go on a drive specifically to charge up the battery to make it work. It could be that your battery needs to be replaced completely.