Is the Hyundai Tucson a good reliable car?
Is the Hyundai Tucson a good reliable car?
Tara Walsh (Kells Co Meath )Apr 2015 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Tara,
Yes, absolutely. Only major problems seem to be iffy radios and infotainment systems, and a fuel economy readout that's a bare-faced liar, mostly because it's still set to US gallons, not imperial ones.
Should I consider a higher-powered Audi A4?
I'm considering buying an Audi A4, 2009-ish. In everyday driving terms, what's the difference between 118bhp versus 136bhp/143bhp?
Dave
Dave L (Kells Co Meath )Apr 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Dave,
Quite a bit actually - that 120hp diesel is pretty underpowered in a car as bulky as the A4 and you'll probably notice it most in fuel consumption. You'll have to work it so hard to keep up with traffic that you'll find it quite thirsty. Upgrade to the 140hp if you can.
Relevant reviews:
Audi A4 2.0 TDI 140 review (quattro model)
How many miles should a Ford Mondeo do?
How many miles should a 2005 Ford Mondeo Zetec 1.8 petrol do?
David O MAhoney (Dungarvan)Expert answer
Hi David,
Do you mean in terms of fuel consumption? Then I'd say about 35- to 40mpg depending on your driving style. If you mean total miles, well it depends how you look after it and how it's been looked after. Cars are generally 'lifed' for between 250,000 miles (400,000km) and 300,000 miles. If you service it and care for it properly, you could potentially get even more...
What tyre pressure should my Kia Rio be at?
What is the correct tyre air pressure for a Kia Rio 1.4 petrol?
Josephine Dooley (Dublin)Mar 2015 Filed under: tyres
Expert answer
Hi Josephine,
Our database shows that, if your car is fitted with 195/55 R15 V 85 sized tyres then the correct average pressure is 2.1 bar or 31 PSI.
This information should be displayed on your car somewhere - either inside the fuel filler flap or on the door frame when you open the door.
Hope that helps
Should I go petrol or diesel on a new BMW 3 Series?
Hi, I'm considering purchasing a new BMW 3 Series Saloon (no trade-in involved). There appears to be a €5.5k approx price differential between the 316i ES and 318d SE (basic models of both fuel types). I drive approx 25,000km pa. What's your opinion on these two models and what is the rationale for paying €5.5k extra for the basic diesel version even when taking into account the lower cost of diesel fuel etc? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
JAMES RIORDAN (Galway)Mar 2015 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi James,
I'd normally say that at the 20-25k mark you're on the cusp of needing diesel but with that big a price gap between the two I'm minded to say go with petrol.
The only caveat to that is what kind of mileage you're doing. If that's 25k of endless motorway miles then diesel could still be worth a look as a 318d will easily hit 60mpg on a long run while a 320i will struggle to get above 50mpg.
Should I go petrol or diesel Toyota Verso?
Is there any issues with the 2007 petrol Toyota Verso or am I better going with a newer 2009 diesel with the 2.0-litre engine? Don't do much miles - about 10,000 a year.
James Brett (Charlestown)Mar 2015 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi James,
No, if you're doing that kind of mileage then you probably don't need a diesel - you'll be a long, long time getting back the cost of purchase in fuel savings at any rate. Nothing much wrong with the 07 Verso - they're as solid as you get.
Should I repair or replace my trusty Golf?
I have a 2007 Golf that needs replacement fuel injectors. Obviously that's expensive. Previously the car gave me no problems, however I'm wondering is this the start of issues. Is it time to replace or should I repair?
Colette McCann (Dublin)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Colette,
It shouldn't be. The MkV Golf was really well made and in fact actually had to be redesigned so that it cost Volkswagen less to build. Generally speaking, cost of repair is always less than cost of change but if you're getting spooked that the car is about to start running up big bills, have a word with your local Volkswagen dealer and get them to give the car the once-over. They'll either be able to reassure you or give you a good deal on a trade-in.
Have you tested the new Ford Mustang 2.3?
Will you be testing the Ford Mustang Ecoboost 2.3-litre automatic? If so, when? I am interested in the handling, performance of the engine, road tax, fuel economy and insurance costs.
Sean Cotter (Newtownmountkennedy)Mar 2015 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Sean,
We are driving the new European-spec Ford Mustang next month so keep an eye on our reviews page for the full lowdown.
I put dodgy diesel in my SEAT Ibiza...
Dodgy diesel was put into a 1.2 SEAT Ibiza, which stopped on the road. The car was towed to a garage where the diesel tank was cleaned out, but the car would not start so next step is to get a pump. Would it be a bad idea to get a second hand pump instead of a new one and in your opinion should this solve the problem?
Sandra Campbell (Dundalk)Mar 2015 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Sandra,
Dodgy diesel can do a lot worse than just damage the fuel pump. I reckon, and sorry to be the bearer of bad news, you either need a complete strip-down and rebuild or possibly a complete replacement engine. That laundered diesel (and petrol) is nasty stuff, so avoid any fuel seller that appears to be even slightly less than kosher, especially in the areas around the North/South border. Sticking to the big brands may cost a few more cent per litre, but a new engine is a heck of a lot more expensive than that.
Will a diesel Nissan Qashqai be suitable for low mileage?
I want to buy a 2011 Nissan Qashqai 1.5 diesel, but I only do short journrys. Can these newer diesels handle the short journeys?
Aisling Finnegan (Kildare)Feb 2015 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Aisling,
Yes they can, but they may not be the most cost-effective. If you're worrying about the diesel particulate filter in the exhaust getting clogged with soot and causing an expensive failure (and that can happen) then don't worry - a quick spin up and back the nearest motorway in a low-ish gear will heat the system up enough to let it burn off the soot and all will be well. Do it once a week for 30 minutes or so and you'll be fine.
The other issue is simple one of cost though. You will spend more money to buy a diesel car than you will a petrol and when you're only doing low mileage it's hard to generate the savings from fuel burn to make up the extra you've spent up front. That's why petrol makes so much sense for lower mileage drivers.
The thing is that the Qashqai can be had with a petrol engine, but it suffers much harsher depreciation when you buy it - so you're in a bit of a catch 22. Petrol is better for your driving profile, but worse for retaining value in this particular model. You may need to expand your search out to some other cars to make your sums add up.