Porsche Cayman GTS or Jaguar F-Type Coupé
How does the Porsche Cayman GTS compare to the Jaguar F-Type Coupé?
Thanks
Philip Donegan (Ballina)May 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
We put this to Kyle Fortune, one of our UK-based writers, as he's the only one of the team that has driven both cars:
"The Jaguar will undoubtedly feel like more of an event initially, the V6's engine and exhaust note are superb, though in some ways it's extrovert sound does promise more than the engine ultimately delivers. It's agile, fast and easy to drive, with an edge that makes it fun, too. The Cayman GTS is a different proposition; it's mid- rather than front-engined, which immediately makes it feel more exotic, even if familiarity - there are lots of Boxsters and Caymans out there, and less F-Types - does lessen its impact. Neither will disappoint, but the Porsche is the more engaging, more polished drive. It's arguably the best sports car you can buy, though the Jag runs it close. Clincher for me would be that the Cayman GTS is available as a manual, the Jag only an automatic."
Hope that's of interest!
How much is the road tax on a 2009 Toyota RAV4?
How much is the road tax on a 2009 Toyota RAV4?
Graham Lawler Ryan (Wexford)May 2014 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Graham,
It depends which model you are referring to. Our records show the following:
- RAV4 2.0 VVT-i (petrol) automatic: 212g/km - Band F, €1,200 per annum
- RAV4 2.0 VVT-i (petrol) manual: 202g/km - Band F, €1,200 per annum
- RAV4 2.2 D-4D (diesel) manual: 173g/km - Band E, €750 per annum
Come back to us if it's something else and we'll look into it.
Can you let me know what you think of the BMW X5?
Hi there,
I was looking at a 2003 BMW X5 Sport diesel with 255,879km on the clock and an asking price of €5,900 or a 2004 BMW X5 3.0d with 252,660km. Are they any good compared to other SUVs and are the asking prices ok (will be negotiating)? Does it make it difference if manual or automatic? How's the fuel efficiency and performance of X5s? Are there any negative aspects I should worry about before considering the X5?
Thanks a mill once again in advance for your help, advice and response.
Best regards,
Tanya
Tanya Goon (Dublin)Mar 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Tanya,
Actually, both cars have exactly the same engine - BMW's long-serving 3.0-litre straight-six diesel. The first generation X5 is little short of excellent, with terrific handling and a gorgeous, comfortable cabin. Reliability isn't the best though. The engines have occasional problems with fuel injectors and developing cracks in the inlet manifold, while steering and suspension are also prone to damage and wear. X5s are also notorious for chewing through tyres at a ferocious rate. The engine's air mass sensor can also fail, leading to poor acceleration although you'll spot that easily enough on a test drive.
Basically, it's worth getting any potential purchase checked over by the AA for any faults, and just ignore anything that doesn't come with a full service history. Oh, and it's better to go for the 2004 one - that should have the newer six-speed automatic gearbox (ignore manuals - they'll be worth much less come trade-in time) that improves fuel economy to just over 30mpg.
How costly is the 2.4-litre Volvo S60 to run?
What are the running costs associate with the Volvo S60 2.4 diesel?
Joe Murray (Dublin)Mar 2014 Filed under: running costs
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
The last-generation S60 got a bit unfairly hit by various Irish tax regimes (it never had an engine under 2.0 litres for instance), but it's actually a cracking car - well built and superbly comfy, as Volvos tend to be. Keep an eye out for minor electronic glitches (the cruise control and electric windows seem to be vulnerable points) and if the engine is 'lumpy' when you're switching it off, you're looking at injector issues - expensive ones.
In terms of day-to-day running costs, it should do 44mpg with a manual gearbox (a little less with the optional automatic) and emissions of 175g/km mean you can tax it for €750 a year. That's pricey, but better than buying a pre-2008 model (2008-2009 was the last full year of production) when the engine capacity would land you with a €1,034 tax bill. One running cost to keep an eye on is front tyres. The S60 is quite nose-heavy and has a massive turning circle, things that tend to banjax the front boots. Check any potential purchase for worn rubber and budget for at least a new set every year.
What is semi automatic?
What is semi automatic?
Teresa Payne (Dromahair)Feb 2014 Filed under: automatic
Expert answer
Hi Teresa,
In general it's used to describe an automatic gearbox that can also be switched into a mode where the driver takes control of the gear changes. There's no clutch operation needed. Most of the time, what is referred to as a semi automatic transmission uses the same components as a manual gearbox, but the clutch operation is done by electro hydraulic means. Some people refer to the latest generation of dual-clutch gearboxes as semi automatics too.
In summary, it's an automatic, but with extra functionality. Note that they're not usually as smooth to drive as conventional automatics.
Come back to us if you need more information.
How economical is the new Edition C Merc C-Class?
What is the economy like on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Edition C? Manual vs. automatic?
Colm Fahy (Portumna)Expert answer
Hi Colm,
Taking the C 200 CDI as a baseline, the official figures are 58mpg for the manual, 55mpg for the automatic. Did you read our road test of the car?
What's the road tax on the MINI Clubman?
What's the road tax on the MINI Clubman?
Carmel Obrien (Cork)Feb 2014 Filed under: road tax
Expert answer
Hi Carmel,
There were many versions of the Clubman sold here though we suspect you're talking about one of the diesels. Also, to be clear, these figures are for the 'R55' model, discontinued in 2013.
Diesels:
- MINI One D Clubman (manual): 103g/km - Band A3 - €190 per year
- MINI Cooper D Clubman (auto): 138g/km - Band B2 - €280 per year
- MINI Cooper D Clubman (manual): 103g/km - Band A3 - €190 per year
- MINI Cooper SD Clubman (auto): 141g/km - Band C - €390 per year
- MINI Cooper SD Clubman (manual): 115g/km - Band A4 - €200 per year
Petrols:
- MINI Cooper Clubman (manual): 129g/km - Band B1 - €270 per year
- MINI Cooper Clubman (auto): 152g/km - Band C - €390 per year
- MINI Cooper S Clubman (auto): 150g/km - Band C - €390 per year
- MINI Cooper S Clubman (manual): 137g/km - Band B2 - €280 per year
- MINI John Cooper Works Clubman (manual): 167g/km - Band D - €570 per year
- MINI One Clubman (auto): 152g/km - Band C - €390 per year
- MINI One Clubman (manual): 129g/km - Band B1 - €270 per year
What should I look for on a Discovery 3?
Anything I should be aware of when buying a 2007 Land Rover Discovery 3 TDV6 from a garage with 120,000 miles on the clock?
Craig Brunker (Dublin)Feb 2014 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Craig,
Thankfully, not as much as Land Rovers of old. It seems that, bar the occasional 'Friday afternoon car' the Disco 3 is a well-made, mostly reliable product. Check carefully though for any electrical gremlins (literally push every button and make sure that what it's supposed to control responds as it should) and check for any leaks or uneven sitting from the air suspension - could be a sign that the compressor is on its way out. Make sure that the automatic gearbox (few were sold as manuals) shifts crisply and cleanly too - the Disco 3 doesn't have the same reputation for chewing transmissions as its predecessor, but it can still be a weak point. And, as with any big off-roader, check carefully to see if it's been abused or worked hard as a builder's mate.
Should I go for this Mazda6 I've found?
Hi, I am looking at purchasing an 08 Mazda6 2.0 diesel. I did a history check and I can see it appears to have a full service record. It is originally a UK import. There is about 85,000 miles on the car. I am now deciding between a Mondeo, Volvo S40 and this Mazda6. I still have to find a Volvo in the same price range of the Mazda. Is it worth paying out on average €1,000 more for an S40 or is the Mazda6 just as reliable and considered a good purchase? Any particular known issues with this car?
Mike
Michael Campion (Tipperary)Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
I'd go for the Mazda above the Volvo every time in this case. The old S40 is much smaller and less spacious than the Mazda6 and the Japanese car is also excellent to drive.
Mazdas are generally exceptionally reliable, but on the 2.0 diesel just watch for low oil pressure and a sticky manual gearshift. Both can be fixed but they are recurring problems. Check the air conditioning system for leaks too.
Would an automatic Hyundai Sante Fe suit my needs?
I'm thinking of buying a 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe (100,000 miles). Is this a good buy? I have two teens and a toddler so want the option of seven seats. Is four-wheel drive more expensive to run than two-wheel drive? Also, any advantage in getting an automatic?
Thanks, Andrea
Andrea McLean (Leopardstown, D18)Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Andrea,
Yes, it's a cracking idea. While the old Santa Fe isn't as sophisticated as the current one (hardly surprisingly) it's still an excellent used buy, very reliable and nice to drive.
A figure of 100,000 miles on the clock shouldn't be a significant hurdle as long as the service history is all up to date. The basic rule of thumb is that four-wheel drive and automatic gearboxes always add to the fuel consumption. The auto box on that generation Santa Fe wasn't the greatest so I'd say stick with a manual and 4wd is down to where you live - if you regularly need rough road or slippery surface capability it's worthwhile, if you live in town then not much.
Let us know how you get on