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Do you have prices for the new BMW 3 Series?

Do you have prices for the new BMW 3 Series, due in the New Year?

Shane Hickey (Dalkey Co Dublin)

Dec 2011 Filed under: pricing

Expert answer

Hi Shane,

We have a preliminary price list:

BMW 316d: €34,180

BMW 318d: €37,160

BMW 320d: €38,710 (320d EfficientDynamics the same price)

BMW 320i: €37,710

BMW 328i: €42,450

BMW 335i: €56,800

Note that those are RRP prices, not on-the-road and it's 'from' in all cases. There'll be SE, ES, M Sport, Modern, Sport and Luxury trim levels.

Click here to read our first drive of the new BMW 320d.


Do self driven cars break the speed limit?

Do self driven cars break the speed limit?

Sadhbh Farrell (Dalkey Co Dublin)

Nov 2011 Filed under: future cars

Expert answer

Hi Sadhbh,

Autonomous cars are programmed to keep within the speed limits at all times. The driver cannot change that, though of course they can take control and do whatever they want themselves at any time.

Bear in mind that there is no self-driven car on sale as yet.

Here's our article on the experience of being driven by one on the public road.


What city car will fit my driveway and has ISOFIX?

Hi,

We have a very narrow driveway (1,800mm at the widest) and are looking for a four-door city car that will fit. On top of that, we're expecting a baby so are looking for an ISOFIX system and space for a buggy. Any suggestions?

Thanks

Deb S (Dublin)

Oct 2011 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Deb,

There are loads of four-door city cars that would fit in that space that have ISOFIX, but the problem then is fitting a big travel system buggy into them! I myself have two kids so I understand the challenges...

Some good city cars to consider include the funky new SEAT Mii/Skoda Citigo/Volkswagen up! triplets and the Fiat Panda. They're as narrow as you get really.

Just so happens I have a Mii on test this week and our Quinny Buzz buggy folds in - with no space to spare of course.

Hope that helps.


Would a petrol Mazda6 be a good buy?

Hi,

Due to an economical write-off I'm being forced into a car change. Moving from a solid 1.8 Opel Vectra Comfort (Petrol)2003. My budget is €10k plus pre-accident value, approx €2.5 - 3K. Took a Mazda6 2.0 Diesel Exec. 2008 for a test drive and really like it. The mileage is high and I've been reading of a lot of problems with the engine in general. Not doing a lot of mileage these days so would consider a Petrol. Given the low value of Petrol cars at the moment and the problems with Diesel version, would a Mazda6 1.8 Petrol be a good buy?

Dee Kennedy (Cork)

Oct 2011 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Dee,

We have seen a lot written abotu problems with the diesel Mazda6 and some of it founded and some of it is plain fiction. What we would say is that like most modern diesel cars, when the mileage is high the cost of changing something called the Diesel Particulate Filter can be quite high and this is what is being reported quite a lot about the Mazda6. We get asked a lot about going back to petrol cars. We love petrol cars here and the simple fact is that if your mileage is pretty low it won't cost you all that much more to run it and there are massive savings to be made. These days, don't expect it to be worth much in a few years though, because most people are turning their back on larger petrol cars for good. But if you intended to get proper use out of it then it could be a super buy. 


Which should i buy. Volkswagen Passat or New Ford Mondeo?

Which should i buy. Volkswagen Passat or New Ford Mondeo?

Kunaselan Muthiah (Selangor Malaysia)

Sep 2011 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

If it was my money I'd have the Passat, especially the CC if your budget allows it. The Passat feels like a much more upmarket car than the Ford Mondeo. The latest Mondeo is very good, but I'd be drawn to the look and feel of the Passat everytime.


How safe is the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen?

How safe is the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen?

Adi Greenberg (Los Angeles)

Sep 2011 Filed under: safety

Expert answer

Hi Adi,

Our usual point of reference is the Euro NCAP safety tests, but the G-Wagen has not been subjected to them. Our second source of data would be the US NHTSA tests, but again it looks like the Merc was not tested by that organisation.

The latest version of the G-Wagen comes with plenty of electronic driving aids to help with stability and traction, plus airbags, but it's not at the cutting edge of safety in terms of construction.

Sorry to not be able to give a more definitive answer.


How economical is the Toyota Corolla?

What is the combined fuel economy of the Toyota Corolla?

Gerard Goggin (Waterford)

Sep 2011 Filed under: fuel economy and emissions

Expert answer

Hi Gerard,

You didn't specify if you're interested in a new Corolla or a used one, but here are the figures for the latest model:

  • Toyota Corolla 1.3 Dual VVT-i (petrol): 5.8 litres/100km (48.7mpg)
  • Toyota Corolla 1.4 D-4D 90 (diesel): 4.7 litres/100km (60.1mpg)

Come back to us if this doesn't answer your query.


What is the best seven-seat MPV on the market?

What is the best seven-seat car on the market, in terms of value for money and reliability?

John Does (Waterford)

Sep 2011 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi John,

There are several excellent seven-seat MPVs on the market right now. The Ford S-MAX/Galaxy twins are right up there for instance, as is the Volkswagen Sharan, but the car that stands out for us is the SEAT Alhambra. It's essentially a rebadged VW Sharan, but it's priced lower. It's just as impressive in every other way.

I had this car on test recently if you want to know anything specific about it.


Which Volkswagen Golf will I buy?

Hey, i'm looking to change my car at the minute and am thinking of the VW Golf 1.2 as i like the look of it and it will be cheap to insure, tax and run but as myself and my wife have a baby on the way i'm worried this won't be big enough. I don't do enough mileage to justify the extra cost of a 1.6 diesel and would like to stick to a max of 1.4. Do you think i should go ahead and get the Golf or is there anything else i should consider? My budget is 20k but i don't want a car older that 2010.

Brendan Cullen (Dublin)

Sep 2011 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

Having just come out of a Volkswagen Golf long-term test car I feel like I can speak with some authority on the car. For a start, it really depends on where you are driving and how far, when it comes to your engine choice.

The 1.6-litre TDi diesel is really good, but it probably isn't worth the extra cost unless you commute is quite long. Otherwise the 1.2 TSi is fine and while it isn't a rocket, it is perky enough. In terms of the the car being big enough, well yes it is. The Golf is fine for one baby and the boot is big enough to take the truly obnoxious buggy I put into it. 

With your budget of €20,000, you would really have your choice of petrol or diesel models so it is really down to what you prefer. I really like this one. And although it is over your budget you would probably come in under as a cash buyer. 


What value is my 2006 Ford C-Max?

I'm looking for valuation on a 2006 Ford Focus C-Max with 87k car is in excellent condition and full service history - looking to trade up to a Peugeot 5008

Annemarie Lawlor (Dublin)

Aug 2011 Filed under: used car values

Expert answer

Hi Annemarie, 

We would always say look at the cost to change, but I'd expect that you will be offered around €5,000 for your C-Max, which might translate into €6,000 against a new Peugeot 5008. The 5008 is a good choice too, you can read our review of it here.