Can you explain the thinking behind the APMP categories?
Who designated the categories for the APMP awards? Specifically, how did the Audi A3 end up as "family" car? What size family is that supposed to hold? How did the Mercedes-Benz C-Class end up as a "large" car? If that's large, what's the E-Class or S-Class? And how did the Outlander end up as "large" SUV? What does that make Land Cruiser, Land Rover Discovery/Sport/Range Rover, Audi Q7, BMW X5 etc?
Peter G (Virginia)Oct 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
As I guess you already know, Shane, Dave, Paul and myself from CompleteCar.ie are all on the APMP voting jury for Car of the Year, so we'll take this point by point if that's OK.
The Audi A3 Saloon was the model specifically being looked at, and while it's certainly at the pricey end of things for many families, more and more family buyers are being tempted in by the attractive repayments and resale figures offered by the German 'Big Three' premium brands. As for cabin and boot space, the A3 sits roughly between, for instance, a Golf and a Passat in this instance, and isn't far off the cabin space of the current Audi A4. As a father of two, I've had my family out and about in various A3 models and can confirm that they're perfectly acceptably spacious.
It's a similar case for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Size-wise, it's pretty much spot on a rival for the Passat or Mondeo. Perhaps it's a little tighter inside, but not by much, and that's the price paid for a less space-efficient rear-wheel drive platform. Again, while it's at the expensive end of things for a family purchase, there are plenty out there defecting from the more traditional 'mass-market' brands such as Ford, Opel and Toyota to get themselves a slice of the premium action. Once again, it's often down to the tempting finance packages on offer.
As for the Outlander, it is, strictly in size terms, somewhat in-between things. Taking the BMW X5 as an example, it's slightly shorter (200mm) overall, but has a similar wheelbase measurement and it's slightly larger than the next BMW down, the X3. We judged that, given its overall exterior dimensions, its large boot space and the availability of a seven-seat version when specified with the diesel engine, that Large SUV was the best fit. A perfect fit? Perhaps not, but given the continual fracturing of the car market into ever smaller and more narrowly defined niches, it is close to impossible to find a perfect market segment for every car on sale without having an award 'for everyone on the audience'. We put the Outlander PHEV into the Large SUV category because we felt it would compete strongly there. Seeing as it took two awards home on the night (its PHEV drivetrain took the APMP Innovation Award) it looks like we were right.
The categorisation was discussed long and hard by the membership and somebody somewhere will always disagree.
Why do fuel prices not follow Brent oil prices?
Hi,
Why is the price of petrol and diesel still the same at the pumps when Brent Crude Oil has dropped from $115 in June to $97 in September?
Kevin Caulfield (Kildysart)Sep 2014 Filed under: fuel prices
Expert answer
Hi Kevin,
Because, unfortunately, there is always a lag between the price of crude oil falling and the price coming down at the pump. It’s rarely the case going in the other direction of course, but before you go blaming rapacious fuel companies remember that the actual wholesale price of oil represents only a tiny fraction of the price of a litre of pump fuel – most of it is fuel duty and VAT. In fact, according to the AA, the price is on the way down. The average price for a litre of unleaded has fallen by 5c since June, and the average price for a litre of diesel has fallen by 3c.
Is there something wrong with my Volkswagen Polo?
Hi, I have a 2002 Volkswagen Polo Comfortline 1.2-litre. I bought it a few weeks ago and I have taken it for short journeys about two or three miles. It got its NCT five days before purchase, but I noticed the needle on the petrol gauge going down slowly, but on a two or three mile journey I didn't expect it to move at all? This is my first car so I'm panicking.
Thank you!
Bryan Barrett (Limerick)Jul 2014 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Bryan,
The fuel gauge should not visibly go down over such a short drive, no matter how fast you're going! If there's a fuel leak then it's a big one to cause that, so start up the car in neutral with the handbrake on in a safe location (in the dry preferably) and get out and look underneath for any signs. If there is one we recommend turning off the car and having it towed to a garage for a repair.
However, it may well be that the gauge or the sender unit in the fuel tank are themselves faulty and it could be an inexpensive fix. Either way you should bring the car back to where you bought it (assuming it was a trade sale and not a private one) and insist they accompany you on a drive so you can demonstrate the problem. If there's a warranty in place this kind of thing should be covered.
Let us know how you get on
Can you give us used car sales data for 2013?
How many used cars were sold in 2013? And how many of those through dealers vs. private sale?
Mark Spring (Limerick)Jul 2014 Filed under: miscellaneous
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
Apparently those figures aren't so easy to come by... We asked Cartell.ie, the vehicle records experts, for a little help. The most recent indication we have, based on results for the first four months of 2014, compared to the first four months of 2013, shows all non-trade sales are up 14.4%, all transactions into trade up 26.4%, all transactions out of trade up 22.9%, all import transactions up 24.5%, and trade to trade transactions are up 28.1%. The total increase all transactions for the period of 19.2%.
More information on that data can be found in this news story
Is this Audi A3 Sportback too cheap?
Is €19,500 too inexpensive for 2012 Audi A3 automatic Sportback with 95,000km on it?
Paul Cafferkey (Westport)Jun 2014 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
That seems slightly low alright, but it depends on where you're buying it from. If it's a private sale, then it's probably on the money. If it's from a dealer, then it's about €2k underpriced and you might need to be a bit cautious. Ask if you can get an AA inspection of the car done (also a good idea if it's a private sale). If the vendor baulks or tries to come up with some excuse, then walk away.
Should I be suspicious of this Astra's low price?
I've been offered a 2009 Opel Astra saloon with 18,000km on the clock for just €7,700. Should I be suspicious or get it checked by a mechanic?
Gabriel Lawless (Westport)May 2014 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Gabriel,
Well, it depends on two things - who's doing the offering and what kind of history comes with the car. If it has a full service history and is in good nick, and the vendor is someone you can trust, then it could be a good buy - Astras are generally robust and quite pleasant to drive too. If you have even the slightest doubts though, get an AA inspection. It's not expensive, and it could save you a bundle of cash and hassle in the long term. Any reputable vendor, even a private one, who's selling a decent car should have no objections to the AA calling round to check the car out. If they do, you know it's a bad 'un so can walk away.
How much VRT do you think I'll pay on this BMW?
I am thinking of importing a new BMW 320d M Sport with about £2,000 of optional extras. I can't find the exact car on the ROS website; can you tell me please how much you reckon the VRT would be on this type of car?
Many thanks lads: great website!
Ian Brodigan (Dundalk)May 2014 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Ian,
It's a rough calculation but I reckon you're looking in the region of €7,000 of VRT. Of course, if it's a new car you may have to pay the VAT as well, but the best thing to do is contact your local Revenue office and talk it through. They're pretty helpful, generally.
Let us know how you get on
How much does it cost to replace a Volvo V70 timing belt?
How much does it cost to replace a Volvo V70 timing belt?
Joe Murray (Dublin)May 2014 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
We asked Volvo Ireland this, but it can't give a figure without your registration or chassis number. Send that onto us in private using this contact form and we'll find out - we won't publish the details on the site of course.
Should I swap my Kia Sorento for a BMW 5 Series?
Hi,
I have a 2007 Kia Sorento 2.5 GSE diesel in Dublin and I am thinking of buying a BMW 5 Series, the 535d.
i) How much will I get for my Kia?
ii) Is it worth changing? I read a great review of the BMW 5 Series.
iii) If I am trading in how much should I pay for the BMW?
iv) Is it safe to buy the BMW from a dealer (SIMI/non SIMI) or should I only go for BMW showrooms?
Many many thanks in advance for your response
Best regards
Tanya
Tanya Goon (Dublin)Mar 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Tanya,
OK, prices for a 2007 Kia Sorento range from as little as €6,000 for a commercial model to as much as €15,000, which seems a bit hopeful to me. Let's play reasonably safe and suggest that you should get about €9,000 to €10,000 on trade-in.
Now, the 5 Series. The E60 5 Series that ran from 2002 to 2010 is one of our all time favourite cars and the 535d is one of the very best. Powerful, smooth, reasonably economical and able to spin the rear wheels in third gear. Ahem.
It's worth considering other models though. The 535d is a twin-turbo version of the same 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine that you'll find, in single turbo form, in the 530d. You won't save any money in terms of tax (it's the same capacity), but the 530d will be better on fuel and cheaper to insure. If you really want to save some money, look for the ever-popular 520d, which is almost ridiculously cheap to run and far more powerful than you might expect.
As for things to look for, the suspension is the 5's weak point so if there are any nasty clonking noises or if the car feels unstable on the road, or the steering feels inaccurate, walk away. The iDrive infotainment system has also been known to give bother so check and make sure that it is working and, as with any prestige car, make sure it has a full service history.
With a car like this, I'd never advise buying privately or from an unfranchised dealer. SIMI membership should be at least the bottom line and you'll get a better deal from a BMW main dealer than you might expect, especially if the car is part of their approved used programme.
A 2005 530d or 535d seems to hover around a similar asking price to your Kia so you'll just have to negotiate carefully to get the best price.
Let us know how you get on.
Which is the best car for €6,000?
Which is the best car for €6,000?
Jason Doyle (Dublin)Mar 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Jason,
Depends what you mean by 'best' really. I'm going to assume, though, that what you mean is the best all-round; something that's fun to drive and good to look at, but also spacious, reliable and practical with an eye on fuel economy, right?
In that case, and at that budget, you're looking at three main cars: Honda Civic, Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus. All three are reliable and well made (the Civic the best in that sense), all three are good to drive (the Focus is the best to drive) and all three are economical (few cars are as good, real-world, on fuel as a diesel-engined Golf). Shop around, because there are loads of each one out there and your €6,000 will go a long way. Insist on a full service history and make sure you do a background check on the car if you're buying privately (we recommend Cartell.ie). Beware of silly boy-racer mods (especially on the Golf, but the other two are prone to such things too) and try to find something that hasn't been used and abused by a legion of crisp-munching kids.
Let us know how you get on