Explain the Honda Civic Tourer's suspension.
Can you explain the Honda Civic Tourer's suspension system?
Cormac Mac Carthy (Dublin)Jun 2015 Filed under: optional extras
Expert answer
Hi Cormac,
It's a bit of an odd system actually. In basic form, the Civic Tourer comes with a torsion bar suspension (old-fashioned and not very sophisticated, but space-efficient and cheap to make) and 'passive' dampers and springs. Spec it up though, and it comes with adaptive electronically controlled dampers, supplied by suspension expert Sachs. These can be switched between Comfort, Normal and Sport modes that basically translates as Soft, Medium and Firm. You won't notice a huge difference between the three modes, to be honest, but you will notice that an adaptive damper-equipped Civic does feel better balanced to drive, and rides more comfortably, than the standard car. That's because the rear dampers are constantly adjusting their stiffness and reaction rates to cope with the road. The odd part is that the adaptive dampers are only on the rear suspension, not on the front. Presumably this is for cost reasons, but it does lead to the occasionally odd sensation that the car is somehow hinged at the rear...
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake or Nissan X-Trail?
Trying to decide between new Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake and new Nissan X-Trail diesel. What would you go for? Or are there any new cars coming next Jan that could compete? Budget max €38,000.
Caroline Conroy (Limerick)May 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Caroline,
Wow, you really couldn't get two more different cars. The CLA Shooting Brake is a really nice car, probably the best of the A-Class spin offs and very nice to drive. But it's not especially practical, so if that's what you're looking for then it's not the right car.
The current X-Trail is a very good car, with lots of space. It's well made and nice to drive, but if you're shopping in and around the €38k mark have a really good look at a Kia Sorento or Honda CR-V - those are the two joint best mid-size SUVs around at the moment for my money.
Worth looking at a spacious estate too. Mazda's just-updated 6 is utterly lovely and well-specced and the Mondeo Estate and Passat Estate are both well worth a look too.
Relevant reviews:
I need a bit of help with my tyre pressures...
Hi guys,
My tyre pressure is usually 30psi all round and car is almost always empty and without passengers. I've to do a drive of about 350km round trip soon with three passengers and a fully loaded boot. Mostly motorway. Should I up the tyre pressures all round and to what, please?
Also, after a recent puncture the garage told me I should keep the spare at 50psi. This sounds ridiculously high and potentially dangerous if you needed to put the spare tyre on in an emergency where you couldn't check the pressure. Would be glad of any tips, thanks.
Elaine Edwards (Navan)May 2015 Filed under: tyres
Expert answer
Hi Elaine,
We'd suggest you up your tyre pressures all round by 2psi if you're going to be carrying that many more people, but as we don't know what type of car you have it's best to follow the manufacturer advice. There's usually a diagram showing the correct ratings either inside the fuel filler flap or on one of the front door frames - visible with the door open only.
It's not unusual for tyre fitters to recommend putting a higher pressure in your spare, but really we'd say that's too high. Stick to 40psi if it's a spare that's not easily accessible and checked often, as it will likely lose pressure over time. If, however, it's easy to get at, keep it at the right pressure and check it monthly.
Hope that all helps
Is it worth paying for keyless entry?
Has keyless entry/ignition any real practical benefits? Is it worth specifying on a new Passat/Audi, or could I spend the money on a more beneficial extra?
John S. (Navan)May 2015 Filed under: optional extras
Expert answer
Hi John,
I guess it's down to personal taste really. Keyless entry/ignition adds to the premium feel of a car and makes it a little easier to get in and out when your hands are full, but there are no other benefits that we can think of. Perhaps it'll help with selling the car on later?
Personally, I'd not pay extra for it and would put the money to use on something else. Keep in mind future resale when choosing and what extras are likely to grab attention.
Hope that helps you
Help me choose a €20,000 family car.
I'm currently driving a 2010 Renault Grand Mégane and wondering what type of car would serve us well over the next three to five years. Do I stick with estate or look at SUV? There's two back seat passengers aged five and two, but would like something that can seat additional passengers from time to time - grandparents, other kids etc. Ideally would like something up to two years old and have budget of €18,000 to €20,000.
Gerry Connolly (Skerries, Dublin)May 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Gerry,
OK, lots of options here. Seven-seat SUVs are the coming thing and Hyundai's Santa Fe is one of the best. Lots and lots around for that kind of money so be choosy and buy the most recent one you can, so as to make the most of that five-year warranty.
The rear seats are a little tight though, so maybe look at a Ford S-Max. Big, spacious and really good to drive, you'll probably get a good deal on a nearly-new one at the moment as there's an all-new version about the be launched.
Or you could go all-out and get a Land Rover Discovery, which is a wonderful car but don't say I didn't warn you when it comes to running costs, and you won't find a two-year old one for that money.
Relevant reviews:
BMW 3 Series or Volkswagen Passat?
2008 Volkswagen Passat 1.4 petrol or 2008 BMW 3 Series 2.0-litre diesel?
Bobin Joy (Balbriggan)Apr 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Bobin,
Depends on where and how much you drive. Low miles and mostly in town? Get the Passat. Long journeys and motorway miles? BMW. The Passat is more likely to be more reliable though - some of those 2.0 BMW diesels have timing chain and turbo problems.
Will a Volkswagen Passat's alloys fit a Golf?
Will 16-inch alloys from a 2008 Volkswagen Passat fit onto an 08 Golf?
Anthony Torpey (Limerick)Apr 2015 Filed under: aftermarket
Expert answer
Hi Anthony,
It’s unlikely we think. The Passat wheel hubs are actually shared with the Audi A4 and not the Golf, so the spacing of the wheel studs is slightly different. One can always try, of course...
What is the market value of a 2007 Volkswagen Passat?
What is the market value of a 2007 Volkswagen Passat, 165,000km, 1.9 TDI. two years' NCT, full service history, four new tyres, new battery?
Niall O'keeffe (Nenagh)Apr 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Niall,
Probably around €8k retail or €6,500 - €7,000 as a trade-in.
What do I do with a converted Land Rover Discovery?
Folks, I am looking to buy a 2002 Land Rover Discovery commercial. The previous owner had it as a passenger vehicle and converted it to commercial - but left seats in it. How can I formalise this, and is there an online calculator for this?
Niall Staunton (Ballina)Mar 2015 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Niall,
I think you'd have to talk directly to Revenue about that - they have very strict rules about what does and does not count as a commercial vehicle (it depends largely on the boot space) and your business may well have a bearing on whether or not you're allowed to run it as a commercial.
Help me spend €24,000 on a new car!
Hi, I bought my present car, a Mitsubishi Space Star 1.3 GLX petrol new 15 years ago, so it's long overdue replacing. Trouble is I haven't got a clue about choosing a new car and I need your advice.
The max price I wish to pay is €24,000 so I'm also chasing the best scrappage deal. I had a drive in the Hyundai ix35 and I like it but it has its drawbacks. However, the Nissan Qashqai is a non-contender for me as it has only an emergency spare wheel and the fifth passenger has to sit like riding a donkey with the big centre console protruding from the front.
What do you think I should go for? I'm thinking of looking at the Kia Sportage and Kia cee'd, but also the Nissan Pulsar and Peugeot 3008. I would be grateful for your advice.
Kind regards, Anto.
Anthony Kavanagh (Kilkenny)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Anthony,
The Pulsar or the cee'd would be the most sensible choices and both fall well within your budget. Both are reliable and decent to drive, and the Kia's not bad looking either. In fact, I reckon you should go for the estate version of the cee'd - it's one of the nicest, comfiest and most practical cars around.
Further reading to help you decide: