Thinking of down-sizing to a Suzuki SX4.
Thinking of downsizing to a second hand Suzuki SX4. Any thoughts on fuel consumption/reliability or other things to look out for? Looking at a 2008-2010 model.
Thanks, Tom
Tom Tyner (Cork)Feb 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Tom,
A really good car the SX4 - it's hugely reliable and if you can track down a 1.9 diesel 4x4, you'll find it has genuine go-anywhere capability.
The more common 1.6 petrol is a bit thirstier though, with official economy of 42mpg and you'll struggle to match that in daily driving. The boot is also a bit on the small side. Worth looking for deals on the current SX4 S-Cross - a really good and very underrated car.
My Opel Corsa is losing power...
My 2008 Opel Corsa is losing power while driving. I had everything checked two weeks ago and have NCT this Thursday and I need help.
Robert McMahon
Robert McMahon (Kingscourt)Feb 2016 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Robert,
I'm afraid it's impossible to assess such a thing from afar. You say you had everything checked, but did you actually hook the car up to a diagnostic tool to see if the engine control unit has any error codes to report? That would be the first port of call. After that, it boils down to fuel, air and, if it's petrol, spark, so you need to check all the sub-systems.
It'll only fail the NCT if the problem is having an effect on the pollutants coming out of the exhaust, by the way.
Petrol or diesel for a new Volkswagen Golf?
I am hoping to buy a new Volkswagen Golf, but I am not sure which of the three engines below to select:
1 - petrol 1.2 (110hp)
2 - petrol 1.4 (150hp)
3 - diesel 1.6 (110hp)
I am originally from Kerry, but living in Dublin. I cycle to work every day, so I would only use the car to go to the shops, the gym or meet friends during the week or the weekends. I go home to Kerry at least once or twice a month and I also go to Cork every now and then as I have family down there. So pretty much every second or third weekend I am on the motorway. Dublin - Kerry - Dublin is around 600km, and Dublin - Cork - Dublin is around 530km.
Would love your advice.
Bryan Walsh (Tralee)Feb 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Bryan,
Go for the petrol 1.2 TSI. If most of your mileage is short hops then, even with a regular motorway run, you're not going to get the benefit from diesel. And a 1.2, driven with reasonable care, should get close to 50mpg on the motorway anyway. Plus, you'll save a good chunk of money at purchase time, which will easily outweigh any potential diesel fuel savings.
Diesel Focus or petrol Golf? Help!
I'm looking at a 2014 Ford Focus 1.6 diesel Titanium or a 2013 Volkswagen Golf 1.2 turbo petrol. What should I buy? I don't do a lot of miles, just drive around town. So confused.
Catriona Kelly (Wexford)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Catriona,
Go for the petrol Golf. It's a hugely economical engine anyway, but if you're doing short hops and low mileage then there's just no point in buying a diesel. You'll never make back the extra purchase price in fuel savings and you'll run into problems with clogged diesel particulate filters, etc.
What to buy with up to €5,000?
I am looking for a medium size second hand car. My budget is €3,000 - €5,000. Which make/model is the most economical for road tax and fuel?
Sinéad O Sullivan (Tralee)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Sinead,
How about a Honda Civic? Your budget should get you into a 2007 model with the 1.4-litre V-TEC petrol engine. Frugal, reliable and spacious.
I'd like a newer seven-seat people carrier.
Hi,
I have a 2002 3.3-litre petrol Chrysler Grand Voyager with 100k miles on the clock in great condition and never giving any trouble. But it costs €1,800 a year to tax and is not fuel efficient, though small mileage is done annually about town (Dublin). Am considering a newer seven-seater say 2008 with lower tax and better fuel consumption, but that brings possible depreciation costs. Maybe a smaller seven-seater.
Would welcome advice
Denis Gallagher (Dublin)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Denis,
Best to stick with a Toyota Verso (neé Corolla Verso) or a Volkswagen Touran so - both have space for seven, and big boots if you leave the rear seats folded down. Both should be endlessly reliable too. Honda's FR-V also worth a look if six seats (in two rows of three) would work for you.
When to change my Mondeo's timing belt?
Hi,
I have a 2008 Ford Mondeo 2.0-litre flex-fuel. When do I change the timing belt?
Alan Doolan (Dublin)Dec 2015 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Alan,
Actually, our information is that your car should have a timing chain, not a belt, which has no scheduled maintenance interval. To check this, call a service department of any Ford dealer with your registration number and they'll tell you for sure.
How economical is the new Ford Mustang?
Do you know, roughly, what the real world fuel economy of both the 5.0-litre and 2.3-litre new Ford Mustang is?
Thanks
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Expert answer
Hi Philip,
You might just break 30mpg with the 2.3 if you're reasonably careful. You'll be lucky to see 20mpg in the V8...
Advice needed on Hyundai Santa Fe...
Advice needed on Hyundai Santa Fe. I'm currently changing my Audi A4 and trying to make a decision between the Hyundai Santa Fe (131 reg) and a BMW 520d (12 reg). It's going to be the family car and I currently drive approx 25k a year. So looking for something that running costs (i.e diesel costs) are at their minimum. In your opinion what would be the better choice?
Pamela Griffin (Fethard)Expert answer
Hi Pamela,
Unless you actually need the seven-seat layout of the Hyundai, I'd go for the BMW. It'll be much more affordable to run in terms of fuel costs (close to 60mpg versus more like 45mpg in the Hyundai) and cheaper to tax too. The only concern might be that the Hyundai would be more reliable than the BMW, pound for pound. If you're buying the Beemer with a full service history and a warranty though there shouldn't be any problems.
Should I go ahead with Audi A6 order?
Any advice about buying a new Audi A6 diesel in view of the current emissions scandal? Dealers are vague and evasive with answers.
Many thanks
PAT HIGGINS (ROSCOMMON)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Pat,
The dealers are, in fairness, being evasive because they don't have the full picture yet. None of us do, to be honest. However, there's no really good reason for not buying an A6. It's an excellent car, very frugal and lovely to drive, and beautifully built too. If it does turn out to be one of the cars on which the CO2 emissions and fuel consumption has been under-estimated, then you will be compensated for any gap - Volkswagen Group has promised that customers will not be out of pocket as a result of all this. So I'd say go ahead - cracking car.