My Insignia's stop-start system is faulty.
I have a 2015 Insignia 1.6 CDTi Ecoflex. The stop-start system only works when the battery is charged manually and then stops after a few days. New battery fitted by dealer six months ago.
Brian LochrieJun 2020 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Brian,
We get so many queries about stop-start systems (in all makes and models) that we wrote a feature about it: Why won't my car's stop-start system work?
However, in your case, perhaps there's something up with the alternator that prevents it from charging up the battery fully.
It may be worth getting an auto-electrician to check it out.
How much to tax a 2015 Ford Focus diesel?
Just bought a 2015 Ford Focus 1.6 diesel car. How much do I need to tax it for the year please?
Michael Laffan (Dublin City)Jun 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
Assuming that it’s the 105hp version of the Focus 1.6 TDCi, and uses a manual gearbox, then it has CO2 emissions of 88g/km, which means tax of €180 per year.
My Fiat 500C's stop-start is playing up...
Hi,
I have a 2012 Fiat 500c manual. Over the past year, the stop-start has intermittently stopped working, warning light comes on saying stop-start not available and a yellow triangle. The last few months is has been happening more often, now warning light on constantly. I had the battery checked and it was 80 per cent. Charged battery and today warning light was on constantly for six miles, drove again and stop-start worked or at least no warning light for about a mile, then on again, tried quickly turning key in ignition 6 to 10 times and warning light stayed off for another 1/2 mile or so then back on, had a hose replaced in February from radiator and it started to say unavailable about middle of March. It's not affecting driving any other way just really annoying, don't know if a new battery will fix it. Fiat dealers are closed at the moment due to COVID-19 or I would have taken it for a diagnostic test.
Hope I've made sense.
Wendy Armson (Brierley Hill)Apr 2020 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Wendy,
We get a lot of queries from people with cars that have stop-start issues. We've published this article to help: Why won't my car's stop-start system work?
Saying all that, we also know that the Fiat 500's engine can develop a couple of issues that may be relevant to you, including a problem with the alternator belt tension (and hence battery recharging when on the move) and another with the engine control unit.
Sadly, unless you're comfortable with checking the alternator belt for yourself, these items will have to be checked by a mechanic.
How to change to imperial in my Peugeot?
How to change from Metric to Imperial units in my Peugeot 3008 SUV?
Robert Bease (Kirkcaldy)Mar 2020 Filed under: miscellaneous
Expert answer
Hi Robert,
Just go to the system settings menu (have a look at your owner's manual) and change the selection from Metric to Imperial.
Which nearly-new crossover to get?
I am in the market for a compact SUV (small town SUV). My 17-year-old daughter wants to learn to drive in it also so I need a manual. I think a 1.0- or 1.2-litre petrol engine would be the sort of thing. I've driven a Captur, Juke, T-Cross, Kona, Crossland X, ix20 and a Toyota C-HR. The Toyota drove really well but it's pricier and longer. What would you recommend as a 2017/2018 vehicle based on drive and value for money and a learner driver?
Anne Marie O'Byrne (Wexford)Mar 2020 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Anne Marie.
Well, normally for a learner driver and for mostly in-town driving, we’d recommend a hatchback, rather than an SUV or crossover, but if your heart is set on one… Of the list you’ve given us below, the Toyota is the best, although arguably as a 1.2-litre petrol, you’re not getting the best C-HR (which is the hybrid, but then that’s an automatic). The Volkswagen T-Cross would be an excellent choice, has a brilliant little 1.0-litre engine and is a bit more upright and square than the others, so is a bit easier to see out of, which might be helpful for your daughter while she’s learning. The Kona would also be an excellent choice, but we’d also add the Suzuki Vitara to your list as its a solid and rugged choice - and hugely reliable.
Read our Renault Captur reviews
Read our Volkswagen T-Cross reviews
Is VRT €200 on importing some vans?
Hi,
I plan to import a 2018 VW Transporter van from the UK. This van has front seats only with bulkhead (not a Kombi). It's a standard, SWB, manual 2.0-litre van. Am I right in thinking that the VRT on these vans is €200?
Thanks
Colm Griffin (Castlebar)Mar 2020 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Colm,
It depends — for the most part, all vans are charged VRT at a rate of 13.3 per cent of the Irish market selling price, but some N1 vans qualify for a basic charge of €200 if, according to Revenue, they have always had fewer than four seats, and at any time a laden mass greater than 130 per cent of the mass in service. Better check with the local motor tax office to find out which category your Transporter fits into...
Weights of the Astra, Megane and Corolla?
Empty car weight for 2020 examples of the Opel Astra, Renault Megane and Toyota Corolla?
Wafaa H (Castlebar)Feb 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Wafaa,
Well, obviously vehicle weight will vary according to engine and equipment, but let’s take the best-case scenario in all cases: petrol engine and a manual gearbox (except in the case of the Toyota, which is only available as a hybrid). The officially quoted kerb weights are: Opel Astra 1.2 Turbo - 1,205kg. Renault Megane 1.3 TCe - 1,231kg. Toyota Corolla 1.8 Hybrid CVT - 1,345kg
Cracked grille an issue for the NCT?
Can a crack on the front grille of a car cause it to fail an NCT?
Conor Byrne (Sligo )Jan 2020 Filed under: NCT
Expert answer
Hi Conor,
There is no specific mention of such a thing in the NCT testers' manual, but it does reference the bodywork and if anything is deemed to be dangerous to others, or even just potentially dangerous, it could get classed as a minor defect. I suspect a simple crack won't cause you a problem, but testers wouldn't be happy passing a car with bits hanging off it either, so you need to make a call on that.
Why different tax for these Zafiras?
Hi!
I can't understand something. How come my Opel Zafira 161 is in the €570 tax band and a 141 is in the €280 tax band? The two cars are identical.
Tamas Giran (Enniscorthy)Dec 2019 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Tamas,
Well, it depends on which version of Zafira each one is. From the detail you’ve given there on the tax costs, I’d suspect that the 141 car has the 2.0 CDTi diesel engine, the 129g/km of CO2 emissions of which would put it in Band B2 for a €280 tax cost. Is the 161 car a 1.4 turbo petrol? Because that version’s 156g/km emissions put it just into the €570 Band D. Or the discrepancy could be down to one having an automatic gearbox, instead of a manual. Without more details, I’m afraid, we can’t be sure.
How much VRT on a Lamborghini Gallardo?
Hi, I was wondering would you have any idea on the VRT of the following car:
Year: 2005
Mileage: 67191
Seats: 2
Colour: Silver
Drive Side: Right-hand drive
Transmission: Manual
Power: 520
Fuel: Petrol
Engine Size: 4,961cc
Manufacturer: Lamborghini
Metallic Paint: Yes
Model: Gallardo
Safety Features: Driver Airbag, Passenger Airbag, Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Immobiliser, Safety Belt Pretensioners, Xenon headlights, Four Wheel Drive, Alarm
Body Type: Coupe
Interior/Comfort Options: Air Conditioning, Climate Control, Central Locking, Leather Seats, Electric Adjustable Seats, Electric heated seats, Electric Windows, Power-assisted Steering (PAS), Tilt Steering Wheel
Doors: 2
In-Car Audio: AM/FM Stereo, CD Player, Navigation System
Nov 2019 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
Basically, rocking up to an inspection with a Lamborghini is a licence for Revenue to charge you whatever it fancies… I wouldn’t be surprised to see a VRT bill of more than €30-40,000 for this one.