I have up to €7,000 to buy a car with low costs.
Hi,
I am planning to buy a used car manufactured in 2008 or 2009 and my budget for this is between €6,000 and €7,000. Please suggest a good sedan that is worth driving for a period of six to eight years from now. I am not a person who commutes long distances in my day to day life. Probably I may travel 25,000-30,000km per year. I am looking forward to buying a car with low maintenance cost and fuel economy.
Thanks. Sebastian J.
Sebastian J (Galway)Jun 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Sebastian,
OK, you have a few choices here. I’d say with that mileage you’re on the cusp of needing to buy a diesel to maximise your fuel economy, but your budget is a bit tight for most diesel saloons of that age. So, how about a BMW 318i? It’s petrol but the good news is that it’s quite economical (you should get 40mpg easily enough) and more reliable than the diesel 3 Series. Or you could try a Honda Civic IMA Hybrid saloon. There are quite a few of those around in your price range and if most of your miles are done in town, it would be ideal.
How do the various VAG 4WD systems work?
Hi,
I am wondering what the difference is between the quattro four-wheel drive systems Audi use and the 4Motion system Volkswagen uses on its cars and SUVs. Also is there any difference between the four-wheel drive system used by Skoda and the two above? As they are manufactured by the Volkswagen Group I am interested to see if there are any differences other than marketing terminology.
Thanks, David (County Kildare)
David Carney (Moone)May 2016 Filed under: gearbox
Expert answer
Hi David,
Yes, they are different, but it’s not a simple difference. Basically, the ‘classical’ Audi quattro system uses a centre differential, supplied by Torsen, to deliver engine torque to both the front and rear wheels. The system has been hugely updated and altered over the years, both to improve efficiency and to allow for more torque to be sent to the rear wheels (the current version can send as much as 85 per cent of the engine’s power to the back).
The Volkswagen 4Motion system (which is also used on four-wheel drive Skoda models) is a simpler and lighter Haldex system that uses a differential and a series of clutches to send power to the rear wheels. It can disable power to the rears in order to reduce mechanical losses, friction and therefore improve fuel economy. This system has become markedly more sophisticated over the years, but it’s still primarily a front-wheel drive layout that can send power to the rear, while the Audi quattro system is a classic all-wheel drive setup that is always powering all four wheels.
Now, there’s a catch. Some Audi models, mostly the A3, Q3 and A1, use a modified version of the Haldex 4Motion setup, although it’s still badged as a quattro. And there’s a new 'quattro ultra' system coming shortly, which Audi says gives the benefit of all-wheel drive, but with less drag and better fuel economy.
So basically, yes, they are different, but the overall effect – extra traction in poor conditions – is more or less the same. A really keen and sensitive driver will be able to tell the difference between the two in terms of feel and handling, but for the rest of us mortals, they’re effectively the same.
How do you improve emissions from your car?
How do you improve emissions from your car?
Cyril Malone (Dublin 11)Apr 2016 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Cyril,
There are a few advertised ‘trick' fuel additives such as STP or Dipetane that promise to reduce the emissions from the engine, but these are at best unproven and at worst utter snake oil. Your best bet is simply to get the car thoroughly serviced and tuned up and make sure it’s running on high-quality petrol or diesel bought from a reputable source.
Which of these cabriolets to go for?
Hi,
I'm looking at three secondhand folding roof hard top coupes for my partner (Ford Focus CC, Astra cabriolet and Volkswagen Eos). Leaning towards an Eos. Can you advise of any potential pitfalls to this regarding reliability or known issues, insurance costs etc? Plus, which in your opinion is the more usable vehicle for everyday use? Also as a curve ball can you suggest an alternative to the above?
Cheers, Alan
Alan Burke (Dublin 11)Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Alan,
All are, in general, pretty solidly reliable cars as you would expect, but the issues come with the added weight and complexity of those folding hard-tops. All three can suffer roof failure (often at the point of being half way up or down) and all three suffer equally from increased tyre and suspension wear relative to their hatchback cousins, not to mention higher fuel consumption. None, to be honest, are especially pleasant to drive.
Of the three, I’d say the Eos is the best built, the Focus by a slim margin the best to drive and the Astra fractionally the roomier in the back seat. As an alternative, what about an Audi A4 Cabriolet? You’d have to go for an older one to match the price, but it’s a better car and a better convertible than any of these. Alternatively, if you don’t need the back seats, get a Mazda MX-5 – literally the only small convertible that’s actually worth buying.
Looking at a 2003-2009 Toyota Avensis.
Hi there, I was thinking of buying a 2009 Toyota Avensis diesel hatchback with 67k miles from the UK. It is the old 2003-2009 shape. Has satnav, don't see any reversing sensors, full Toyota service history. Are they a good car or would you say 2009 version is better?
Thanks,
Walter
Walter Johnston (Ratoath)Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Walter,
Well, the 2009-on Avensis is obviously a more modern design and a bit more fuel efficient and better to drive, but the older model is still a solid bet - hugely reliable and very spacious.
Can I force a Skoda dealer to buy my car back?
I have a Skoda Superb that is subject to the emissions scandal. Can I force the dealer to buy it back for a reasonable price?
Thanks
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Mar 2016 Filed under: recall
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
No. During this year you will be written to by Skoda and Volkswagen inviting you to bring your car in for a recall, at which time the engine will be modified to bring it into line with the emissions regulations. Volkswagen has thus far assured us that the modifications will not lead to any degradation in drivability or fuel consumption, but I guess we’ll have to wait and see on that score.
At this point, there’s no legal way you can force the dealer to buy the car back, but it is of course your legal right to take a case against them selling you the car under false pretences. That, I would say, is unlikely to go anywhere as the dealer is highly unlikely to have known what was happening within Volkswagen at the time of selling you the car so really your only legal recourse is to take a case against Volkswagen itself. And in that instance, it’s a case of get in line, because there’s a lot of people ahead of you…
Is the Volkswagen Caddy the best van?
Hello, I am looking to buy a small van, and I have being told that I should only be thinking of the Volkswagen Caddy. Are Caddys so reliable that it's my only choice? I would also like to know what are the common issues with Caddys.
Kind regards
Kaara
Kaara Zadeh (Ballina)Mar 2016 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Kaara,
Caddys are really good, no question and one of them should definitely be top of your shopping list. It's also well worth looking at a Citroen Berlingo, Renault Kangoo and Ford Transit Connect too though.
As for common Caddy problems? Look out for fuel injection and air mass sensor problems on older models and make sure anything you're looking at comes with a full service history.
Which folding hardtop convertible to go for?
I'm looking at hardtop convertibles and have narrowed my choice to a BMW 3 Series post-2007 or a Volvo C70. Then saw a 2001 SC430 Lexus - what's your opinion as regards tax/running/repair costs if I'm not a rich kid? Well-old kid really!
Liz
Liz Mitchell Mannion (Galway)Feb 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Liz,
Get the BMW or Volvo – they’re practical, good to drive and at least reasonably economical. The Lexus would be, generally, more reliable than either, but the SC430 was an abomination of a car – big, heavy, not at all sporting and really awful to drive. Plus it has a 4.3-litre V8 engine so tax and fuel costs are extortionate.
Is the 1.0-litre engine enough for the Astra?
Hi,
I'm considering buying the new 1.0 litre petrol Opel Astra. I live in West Cork and most trips would be local most days between five miles and fifteen miles and a trip to Cork (50 miles) every couple of weeks. My present car is a 1.6 diesel Golf, but I want to move away from diesel. Do you think the small engine of the Astra would be enough for my needs?
Thanks.
Mark Kearney (Cork)Feb 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
Based on personal experience (and as someone who grew up in West Cork) I'd say yes - the Astra 1.0 is really sweet to drive and should easily crack 45mpg in daily driving. The only thing to watch for is the small fuel tank, which means you'll be filling up on those journeys back from Cork.
What is the best hybrid car to buy?
What is the best hybrid car to buy?
Kathleen Cleary (Thurles)Feb 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Kathleen,
The new Toyota Prius looks to be rather impressive, and with just 70g/km of CO2 it'll certainly be cheap to tax. We reckon you should probably look beyond the Prius though, to the new generation of plugin hybrids that can offer significantly longer electric-only range (as much as 50km) and which still have a petrol engine and a decent fuel tank for longer journeys. Have a look at the Volkswagen Golf GTE or Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV for example.