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Showing 391 - 400 results (out of a total of 503) found for "fuel" in Ask Us Anything

Help me choose the right BMW X3...

What concerns should I have with buying a BMW X3 manual as opposed to automatic? What would you consider pluses and minuses to be of the X3 two-wheel drive?

Dermot Walsh (Dublin)

Jan 2013 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Dermot,

Well, the plus and minus of having a two-wheel-drive X3 is: why are you buying an X3 if it has two-wheel drive? If you need an SUV, surely it should have all-wheel drive?  If not, you’re much better off in a more affordable, and more fuel efficient 5 Series or 3 Series Touring. As for the manual/auto question, we’d go with auto in this case. That eight-speed automatic gearbox actually pulls the X3's CO2 emissions down a little, and it’ll definitely help you sell the car on again as buyers in the premium sphere are increasingly looking for autos.


Is the Opel Astra estate a good buy?

Is the Opel Astra estate a good buy, and is it economical?

Laura McMahon (Dublin)

Jan 2013 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Laura,

It kind of depends which Astra estate you mean. Assuming you mean the current one then the answers are yes (good looking, lots of space, lovely to drive and a really well-made cabin), and yes (either the 1.0 petrol turbo or 1.6 diesel are very economical, but you might notice that the fuel tank is a bit on the small side on longer journeys).


Ok to buy a 2008 Mondeo 1.8 TDCi?

Hi,

I am considering buying a 2008 Ford Mondeo 1.8 TDCi Zetec with 200,000km on the clock for €8,500. Just wondering are they generally a reliable car and are there any common issues to watch for?

Regards Joseph

Joseph Gallagher (Galway)

Jan 2013 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Joseph,

Yes, generally very reliable, but that 1.8 TDCi engine did have some issues with the fuel injection system, the dual mass flywheel and the turbo, so if you could instead track down one of the 2.0 TDCi models, you’ll be getting a slightly better, more robust car. That said, with this one being ten years old already, you’ll need to carefully check everything and don’t buy unless it comes with a full service history.


Thoughts on the 2008 Kia Sportage?

What fuel consumption would a 2008 Kia Sportage get, and have you heard of any problems with this vehicle? Would you reccommend this vehicle above a Hyundai Tucson?

Teresa Glynn (Ennis)

Jan 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Teresa,

A 2008 Kia Sportage, with the 2.0 CRDi diesel engine, had official fuel consumption of 7.1 litres per 100km, or 39mpg. We’d expect one, now, to get around 30-35mpg in daily driving. As for choosing one over a Hyundai Tucson, well mechanically they’re identical, but we always slightly preferred the cleaner styling of that generation of Sportage. 


Can you help me find a new SUV?

What is the most economical new mid-range SUV on the market for a budget of €28,000?

Martina Mcinerney (Limerick)

Jan 2013 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Martina,

At that budget your main choices, sticking with diesel for fuel economy reasons, are the Hyundai ix35, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi ASX, Opel Mokka and Skoda Yeti.

We're assuming you don't need four-wheel drive (correct me if I'm wrong), as the front-wheel drive versions of each car are always the most economical.

Here's the most economical version of each:

- Hyundai ix35 1.7 diesel 2WD: 5.3 litres/100km (53.3mpg): from €26,495

- Kia Sportage 1.7 diesel 2WD: 5.3 litres/100km (53.3mpg): from €26,590

- Mitsubishi ASX 1.8 diesel: 5.7 litres/100km (49.6mpg): from €25,950

- Opel Mokka 1.7 diesel 2WD: 4.7 litres/100km (60.1mpg): from €24,695

- Skoda Yeti 1.6 TDI Greenline: 4.6 litres/100km (61.4mpg): from €25,320

We've left out smaller options as you specifically asked for mid-size.

The Skoda Yeti turns out to be the most economical of that lot and for us it would be between that and the Kia Sportage.

Best thing to do is go and test drive as many alternatives as you like the look of as it will come down to personal preference.

Let us know how you get on and come back to us if you need anything else.


Most efficient MPVs on the market?

What is the best MPV for tax and fuel efficiency?

Brian McEntee (Limerick)

Jan 2013 Filed under: fuel economy and emissions

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

It depends where you’re doing most of your driving. The Toyota Prius+ has CO2 emissions of just 106g/km, and can get 60mpg if driven very, very gently, but it’ll be way too thirsty if you’re doing lots of motorway miles. The best diesel-engined MPVs are probably the 1.6 TDI VW Touran, the 1.6 HDi Citroen C3 Picasso, or the 1.5 dCi Renault Scenic.


How economical is the 2007 Honda Accord?

What is the official fuel consumption for the 2007 Honda Accord 2.0-litres?

Martin Daly (Limerick)

Jan 2013 Filed under: fuel economy and emissions

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

The 2007 2.0-litre petrol saloon returns 35.3mpg or 8.0 litres/100km officially. The average driver won't get those figures, but they're a guide to compare with other models.

Hope that helps


Mazda3 Sport or Toyota Auris diesel?

Hi, I'm changing my car and can't decide between a new Mazda3 Sport or Toyota Auris - both diesel. What would you recommend for the best fuel efficency?

I have a 2010 Mazda3 to trade in.

Caroline Gleeson (Ennis)

Jan 2013 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Caroline,

As discussed via email, the new Auris is more refined and a little more economical than the Mazda, as it has a 1.4-litre diesel engine to the Mazda's 1.6-litre unit.

However, as you've discovered, you're likely to get a better deal on trade-in with a Mazda dealer and that is likely to decide things.

By all means test drive both and shop around with different Toyota and Mazda dealers. By any normal measure both cars are incredibly fuel efficient.

Let us know how you get on.


What car will I replace my Volkswagen Scirocco with?

Having recently been a victim of a car theft (they took my Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TDI), I am in the market for a new car. I am completely confused as to what to buy though; fuel economy is a major factor in my decision - the Scirocco was quite economical when driven correctly. I have been looking at Honda, both Accord and Civic though I am worried about the 2.2-litre engine size. Style is also a major factor and I have also viewed a Volvo C30 R-Design and Ford Focus 'WRC'.

Have a love of stylish hatches but not opposed to a change! Please help.

The insurance company will only give me €15,000 so that's my budget for now. I do about 30,000 kilometres a year so need something pretty economical, though I am single so practicality is not really a consideration.

Daniel English (Navan)

Jan 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Daniel,

Sorry to hear about the Scirocco - that 2.0 TDI version is great.

A quick browse of Carzone.ie with your budget and needs in mind brought up a few interesting options:

- Audi A3 2.0 TDI 140 - in Sport or S Line guises for maximum style - loads around
- BMW 118d M Sport - quite rare, but great to drive
- BMW 320d Coupé - you'd have to go pre-2008 with your budget, but current style at least
- Honda Civic Type S - 2.2 diesel is great and post-2008 is taxed according to emissions
- MINI Cooper D - loads around in all different colours at your budget

I've picked out the cars I reckon you'll like and I've left out things like the Volkswagen Golf and regular Ford Focus (among others).

What do you think?

Come back to us and let us know if we're on the right track.


What's the official fuel consumption of the Hyundai Santa Fe?

What is the fuel consumption of the Hyundai Sante Fe 2.2?

Davy Lambe (Tullamore)

Jan 2013 Filed under: fuel economy and emissions

Expert answer

Hi Davy,

There are four versions of the Santa Fe sold in Ireland, all with the 2.2-litre diesel engine. Here are the figures:

- Comfort 2WD manual: 5.9 litres/100km (48mpg)

- Executive 4WD manual: 6.1 litres/100km (46mpg)

- Executive 4WD automatic: 6.7 litres/100km (42mpg)

- Premium 4WD automatic: 6.8 litres/100km (41.5mpg)

If it was the older model you're interested in please come back to us.


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