Will the new Mercedes CLA get more power?
Hi guys,
Re the new Mercedes CLA, will Mercedes be bringing the higher powered diesel models to the market? Currently it looks like the only offering is the 1.5-litre 116hp model.
Colin H (Kildare)May 2019 Filed under: future engines
Expert answer
Hi Colin,
Yup, Mercedes will be bringing the CLA 220 and CLA 250 diesel models, with their 2.0-litre engines, to the market in due course, but the CLA is launching initially in Ireland with the lower-power petrol and diesel versions. The rest will follow over the next few months.
How much to replace a Micra's head gasket?
How much to replace the head gasket on a 2008 Nissan March provided no further damage to engine?
Francis Caffrey (Dunleer)May 2019 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Francis,
The cost of the parts and the labour will vary considerably depending on where you get the work done and where the parts are bought from. We can tell you that the work, on the 1.2-litre petrol engine, should take about five hours in total.
How much to convert Jaguar X300 to electric?
Hello
Just a query for my uncle please. How much roughly would it be to change a Jaguar X300 3.2 from petrol to electric please?
Regards
Jackie
Jackie Daly (Glenageary)Apr 2019 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi Jackie,
There is no simple answer to that one I'm afraid. I assume this query comes off the back of this news story. That Ferrari cost close to €200,000 to convert, but every car is different - and the owner has a lot of input into the conversion, which can alter the price.
Needless to say it is an expensive project to undertake by any measure.
Can I insure an electric Morris Minor?
I am converting a 1964 Morris Minor to electric, but can't find an insurance company to provide cover. I can get insurance if I leave the car with the petrol engine, but as soon as I mention conversion I get a negative response.
Can you help?
Brian Palfrey
Brian Palfrey (Dublin)Apr 2019 Filed under: insurance
Expert answer
Hi Brian,
OK, we’ve had a look around on this one and we think we’ve found a possible solution. It’s true that the Irish insurance industry isn’t as up to speed as some others when it comes to conversions such as this, but the nice people at insuremycars.ie said that they’d be willing to take a look. They told us that: "The main concern would be who is doing the work – is it a professional firm or a bit of a DIY? An engineer's report would be required too, and it may have to be an engineer on the insurer's panel and this could be at the client's cost.” So there are a few hoops to jump through but it’s not a no.
Just moved to Ireland - need car insurance...
Hello,
I've just moved to Ireland and I will be staying here for about two years, which means I will have to apply for an Irish driving licence. I have a clean Malaysian driving licence, which is five years old. I am 36 years old and female, and I have a car insured in Malaysia that has never gone through any accident claim (knock on wood). I had driven in Malaysia for one year before moving to UK between 2015-2018, and in all those years I only drove when I went home for long holidays.
I have my eyes on a second hand 2012 Ford Focus 1.6 petrol (automatic). I live in a house with two large parking spaces. How much should I expect for first insurance? Or should I just settle on a 2010 1.0 Yaris instead? If I have a budget of €1,200 for first insurance, what's the best car I can get?
Thanks in advance!
Zura Adnan (Cork)Apr 2019 Filed under: insurance
Expert answer
Hi Zura,
OK, the good news is that you’ve got a clean record and a decent budget. The bad news, I’m afraid, is that an Irish insurer just won’t care about any of that. As far as they’re concerned, you’re starting with a blank slate. Sorry to have to tell you that, but the sad fact is that Irish insurers are incredibly hard to deal with and incredibly expensive on top.
I would think that €1,200 should be enough to cover a Focus 1.6 (especially given that you’re in your mid-thirties, which is considered a safe age), but it could be a safer bet to go for the Yaris, as insurers prefer a 1.0-litre engine (it’s an outdated view, but there you go). It would definitely be worth getting in touch with a good local insurance broker, though. They can often find better deals than are available through the usual websites etc. so definitely worth having a chat with.
What's up with my BMW X3's fuel economy?
My 2004 BMW X3 has a serious problem of high fuel consumption; it uses one litre to drive a four-kilometre distance; what could be the cause?
Sinani Simba (Dar Es Salaam)Expert answer
Hi Sinani,
That is indeed very poor fuel consumption. Lots of things could cause that, though one known issue in the early 2.5-litre petrol X3 is a cracked intake manifold. If that is your problem, then it will require replacement.
Best bet is to have the car looked at by a good mechanic.
Which new hybrid SUV to go for?
I am a disabled driver and use hand controls for the brake and accelerator. For the last 12 years I have driven a Honda Accord 2.0 petrol automatic. It has been a fantastic car and now has 260k km on the clock. I am looking for a higher vehicle, an SUV, and am looking at the Honda CR-V Hybrid, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and the Volkswagen Tiguan (I could wait for the hybrid later in the year). I live in rural Ireland and handling on twisty roads is important and accelerating to pass slower moving cars on those all too few straight stretches of road. Is this a good shortlist, and if so, which would you recommend?
Robert Joyce (Clifden)Mar 2019 Filed under: hybrid
Expert answer
Hi Robert,
Yes, it’s a very solid shortlist, although obviously we can’t comment either way on the Tiguan plug-in hybrid as we’ve not driven one yet. As for the Honda and the Toyota, the Honda is roomier and rather more engaging to drive (better for all those twisty roads) so is probably the one we’d go for. The new RAV4 is well worth looking at, though, and it has impressive performance, so it’s good for all that overtaking. Links to our reviews below:
How to dispose of my Audi A3?
My 2006 Audi A3 petrol has failed its NCT on emissions and my mechanic said it will need a new engine to fix the problem. Will I be able to trade it in anywhere? It's a great car in good condition; would be a shame to scrap it.
Karla Devenney (Dublin)Mar 2019 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Karla,
Your best bet is to use it as a trade-in against your next purchase. A dealer may offer you more than it's worth to sweeten the deal.
Looking for a spacious family car...
Looking for recommendations for a family car for a two-year old and a newborn. Petrol, good legroom and boot size, affordable and doesn't feel 'huge' to drive or difficult to park. Already checked out Skoda Octavia and Nissan Qashqai so any advice on these? We weren't looking to buy a brand new car but they both seem to have good scrappage deals...
Orla Greaney (Dublin)Mar 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Orla,
Get the Skoda. Trust me, as the father of two growing boys a Qashqai is just not big enough inside. The Octavia, on the other hand, has lots of rear legroom (crucial for people in rear-facing child seats or boosters) and a massive boot, especially if you go for the very practical Combi estate version. If you’re looking for other alternatives, stick within the mid-size estate market — they’re much more practical for families than a compact SUV, and usually cheaper too run too. Oh, and they’re not much bigger than the hatchbacks they’re based on, so parking etc. is still a doddle.
Good alternatives to the Skoda are the Ford Focus Estate, the Kia Ceed Sportswagon, the Hyundai i30 Tourer and the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports. Click on those links to read our reviews of each.
Cam belt or chain on the Ford Kuga 1.6?
Hi,
Does the Ford Kuga 1.6 have a cam belt or chain?
Marc Luke (Alrode)Mar 2019 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Marc,
The only 1.6 Kuga we know if is the 2013-2015 Ford Kuga 1.6 EcoBoost petrol. It uses a timing belt - change it at least every 200,000 kilometres or every 10 years, whichever comes first.