When do you review the Volvo S90?
Hi,
When do you estimate that you will have a review of the new Volvo S90 on your website?
James Murphy (Cork)Apr 2016 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi James,
We are driving the new Volvo S90 and V90 on 16-17 June and the review will be live on the Car Reviews page shortly after.
How can I compare all the electric cars?
Hi,
Is there anywhere one can see all currently available electric cars compared, not just under the usual headings of driving range, charging times, 0 to 100km/h time and overall drivability and practicality, but also the overall running costs (electricity charges, road tax etc.), which can vary when you include battery lease models like the Renault Zoe?
Donal M
Donal Murphy (Cork)Apr 2016 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi Donal,
Short answer – no. That’s partially down to the fact that such in-depth comparisons have to take into account the type of mileage you do, the electricity tariff you’re on and more. The best I can suggest is that you have a good long look through our various electric car reviews and then use the cost calculators on both the ESB and SEAI websites to further refine your research:
What's the new automatic Tiguan like?
New Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 diesel automatic: what are they like?
Larry Loughnane (Clonmel Co Tipperary )Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Larry,
The seven-speed DSG automatic works very well with the 2.0-litre TDI engine. Around town and in traffic is makes driving relaxed and easy while the long top gear means the engine revs remain low on longer motorway journeys. In fact, the noise insulation in the new Tiguan is very good and you'd almost forget that you're driving a diesel.
I also drove the manual version, and to be fair it drive very well too. If you can afford the price jump to get the DSG automatic though I would recommend it.
Can I trade my damaged Santa Fe in?
Hi,
My 2004 Hyundai Sante Fe was just written off by the insurance company. Car is still driving, with only some medium bumper damage. It has a bull bar up front and a tow bar out back. Another car rear-ended me. My car was up to date with tax, insurance and NCT all good. Will I qualify for a scrappage scheme? I'm thinking of getting a new Berlingo or Peugeot van.
Thank you
Stephen Larkin (Galway)Apr 2016 Filed under: scrappage
Expert answer
Hi Stephen,
You should do - Peugeot has a 'scrappage' scheme (actually just a trade-in booster really) in place against its commercial vehicle range, but you may have to get the Hyundai patched up enough to drive it there. Most schemes have a requirement that the vehicle be taxed and insured when you trade it in.
Thinking of buying a high-mileage Mondeo.
Thinking of purchasing an 09 Ford Mondeo diesel diesel with 184,000km on the clock. Should I be worried about the mileage? Is there a better saloon car that you would recommend for long distance driving?
Laura Brown (Dublin)Apr 2016 Filed under: mileage
Expert answer
Hi Laura,
No, the mileage isn’t an issue in and of itself. It all depends how well the car has been cared for. If it comes with a full service history and a stack of paperwork showing how much care and attention the previous owner has lavished on it, then the mileage simply isn’t a worry. If it comes with a sparsely stamped service book and no paperwork, walk away.
What do you think of the new Toyota RAV4?
What do you think of the new RAV4 from Toyota (the diesel) and what about alternatives?
Thanks
Martin Smythe (Roscommon )Mar 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
A really impressive car, although it is looking a touch expensive compared to the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe or Ford Kuga now. It's good to drive, with surprisingly sharp steering and lots of space in the back, plus the promise of rugged Toyota reliability. The Hybrid version is perhaps not as satisfying as the diesel (and is even more expensive again), but is perhaps worth considering if you live and do most of your driving in town. Rivals worth considering are the aforementioned Ford and Hyundai, and also Honda, both HR-V and CR-V, and the Mazda CX-5.
I've added links to our reviews of all these cars above so hopefully that's of help.
I want to insure my three classic cars...
Hi,
I want to insure my three classic cars: a 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190e 2.0-litre petrol, a 1994 BMW 520 2.0-litre petrol and a 1996 Peugeot 306 XAD van, a 1.9 diesel. Can you tell me the best insurance company to try (not a broker) and also if you could give me a value on the three cars?
Regards
Thomas
Thomas Ryan (Dublin 12)Mar 2016 Filed under: insurance
Expert answer
Hi Thomas,
Well, for a start, you're not going to be able to insure any of the three as classics, as none has passed the 30-year mark yet. If your intention is to use them for 'classic-style' driving (only bringing them out for events or days out etc.) then you might be able to get a limited mileage policy that will reduce your costs a bit.
The next problem is that Irish insurers are conducting something of a war against cars of that sort of age – they reckon that older cars are at higher risk of claims so the premiums are being loaded out of all proportion. Most of the major insurers will do a multi-car policy, but with their ages I think you might struggle to find an affordable quote.
As for value, if they're all in exceptional condition then I'd say the Mercedes and BMW could be worth as much as €5-7,000 each (they really would have to be exceptional though) and the Peugeot van probably about €3,000 (again – if in exceptional condition).
Volkswagen Passat CC or Volvo S60?
Hi,
I am considering two cars at the moment: 1) 2011 Volkswagen Passat CC 2.0-litre diesel (140hp) with 62,000 miles, €18,950; 2) 2011 Volvo S60 D3-R 2.0-litre diesel (163hp) with 41,500 miles, cost €17,950. Which would you consider the best car in terms of reliability, fun driving, value and resale value? The Passat has a slightly better trim (brown leather heated seats, satnav...), but I liked the extra power of the Volvo!
Thanks
Barry
Barry Gilbert (Dublin)Mar 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Barry,
Tough choice - both really good but quite different cars. The CC is arguably more stylish and slightly the sharper to drive, the S60 has that wonderfully reassuring Volvo safety and a really gorgeous cabin. Personally, I'd say the Volvo just shades it but it's a close run thing and you won't go far wrong with either.
Would a small new estate suit us?
We have two small kids. We live in the city but like to go camping in the summer. Can you recommend a car suitable for city driving but still with enough room to carry camping equipment? We currently have a Mazda5 diesel, but the DPF gives us trouble due to us doing mainly short journeys. I was thinking of a petrol estate such as Fabia Combi or a petrol Corolla. Any suggestions please ?
Ray Mehigan (Limerick)Feb 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Ray,
The new Fabia Combi might well be worth looking at as the boot is absolutely enormous, but you may find the back seats a little tight as the kids get bigger. A Toyota Auris Touring Sports estate would certainly make a good buy - roomy and hugely reliable and Toyota's old 1.4-litre petrol engine has always been a good unit. Also worth looking at the Kia cee'd Sportwagon or Skoda Octavia Combi.
Relevant reviews:
Is the Qashqai's 1.5-litre engine enough?
Is the Qashqai's 1.5-litre engine powerful enough or does the 1.6 make for a better alternative to the Hyundai Tucson or the Toyota RAV4? My driving is a mix of rural roads, motorways and urban.
P. J. Hynes (Dublin)Feb 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi PJ,
It's a slight oddity that the Qashqai has two different engines so close in capacity. The 1.6 is actually a replacement for the old 130hp 1.9-litre engine while the slightly older 1.5 has 110hp and is a direct competitor for most rivals' 1.6-litre engines. Confused? Don't worry - the basic answer is that the Qashqai's 1.5 is indeed competitive and should suit your driving just about perfectly. There's plenty of poke in it and it's still very economical.