Hyundai Santa Fe or Chevrolet Captiva?
Hi,
I am in need of a seven-seater, was thinking of a Chevrolet Captiva or Hyundai Santa Fe. To explain fully I am a childminder, I average less than 20 miles a day and this will be a second car so looking to keep costs low. Was thinking of an 08 Captiva or a 06/07 Hyundai. I know the tax is high on the Hyundai, but I need a reliable car. I like the Chevrolet looks wise, but any input would be great.
Thank you!
Sheila Newton (Galway)Jul 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Sheila,
Both should be reliable, with the Hyundai just edging it in that regard. As you say, neither will be cheap to run, but with your mileage your only major cost is going to be motor tax and at least you can budget for that. Do plan to take at least one longish spin a week though to allow the diesel engines to warm through properly or you'll be looking at big repair bills.
On balance I'd go for the Hyundai, but it would be well worth looking at something like a Ford S-Max or SEAT Alhambra, which have even more space and generally lower running costs.
Should I buy this Audi A7?
Hi,
I am buying an Audi A7 3.0 TDI 245 quattro S tronic version (2011) with 71k miles on the clock. The seller told me that he replaced the complete transmission last year in December from Audi South Dublin and has showed me the invoice as well. I know that Audi parts comes with a two-year warranty so this new transmission will have its warranty valid until 2017.
My question is, shall I go ahead and buy this car? I am wondering if the old transmission would have done any damage to other parts of the car such as turbocharger or engine, torque converter etc. What other things should I look for before finalising this deal?
Looking forward to your reply.
PS: I drove this car last weekend and it is absolutely fine without any issue in gear change etc.
Thanks and regards
Raj
Rajat Parihar (Dublin)Jul 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Raj,
Generally, I wouldn't think that a gearbox issue would damage an engine - it's usually the other way around, and if there were a gearbox issue, the engine management system should pick up on it and adjust things accordingly.
But... Audi gearboxes are usually pretty robust so the fact that this one has failed could be an indication that the car has been abused or not cared for properly. Fair enough, it could be a genuine 'just one of those things' failures, but it might be worth getting the car inspected by an independent engineer such as the AA to allay any fears.
Worth buying the new long-range Nissan Leaf?
Is the new 2016 electric Nissan Leaf worth buying with range of 115 miles for €25,000? Is it worth waiting for the 2018 model that might have a range of 200 miles?
John Feely (Dublin)May 2016 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi John,
Yes, I'd say it's worth getting the bigger battery. It perhaps doesn't make quite as much of a difference as you'd think but it keeps the range anxiety at bay for a while longer on main roads and around town you'd probably only have to charge up once or twice a week, thanks to excellent regenerative braking.
My Audi A6 was rear-ended. Help...
Repair or replace?! I was rear ended in my Audi A6 and it needs a new bumper as quoted by an Audi dealer. Insurance company that is dealing with the claim has made the judgement that a repair will do, but I want a new bumper. What can I do?
Marc Sutton (Dublin)May 2016 Filed under: insurance
Expert answer
Hi Marc,
Dealing with insurance companies is like trying to teach a Labrador the entire works of Shakespeare – you can do it, but it’s frustrating and rarely results in the outcome you were hoping for. I think in the first instance, get a letter from your Audi dealer (and make sure it’s the garage YOU want to deal with, not one your insurer is suggesting) and get a letter from them that you can show to your insurer saying that a replacement is the best option. Then prepare to spend a LOT of time on the phone and on email reiterating this to various claim adjusters and customer service bods for probably weeks on end. Eventually, you may get somewhere, but to be honest, the path of least resistance looks pretty tempting here…
What'll I buy as my first car, for €10,000?
Hi folks,
I'll be buying my first car in a few weeks. Ideally I'd like to find something under €10,000. Just something reliable to get me to and from work, preferably in a low tax band and will keep insurance costs as low as possible (22-year old male). Any advice?
Also, if I'm paying in cash can I expect to get a discount on the asking price in a dealership? If so, roughly what percentage could I hope for?
Thanks in advance, Rob
Rob Henry (Dublin)May 2016 Filed under: learner
Expert answer
Hi Rob,
Well, as far as discounts go, most dealers operate on about an eight per cent margin, so if you're asking for more than a seven per cent discount you're asking for a below cost price. You should get a decent discount for cash right enough, but explore the credit options too - dealers often get bonuses for selling a credit plan so if you can get a good one (at zero per cent interest obviously) and pay it off from your lump sum, it may give the dealer a bit more wiggle room for a discount.
As for the model, with a starter car and the current cost of insurance you need to be looking at no more than a 1.0-litre engine. Happily your budget will easily get you into a Volkswagen up! 1.0, one of the best small cars around (or equally you could go for a mechanically identical SEAT Mii or Skoda Citigo). Can't go wrong really, although if you're looking for other options you could try an Opel Karl (plain but decent), a Renault Twingo (fun but not as well made as the up!) or the Fiat 500 TwinAir (fabulous car, but get an insurance quote first).
Here are reviews of all of those to help you decide:
Changing company car with €40k to spend...
Hi guys,
Just changing company car, ballpark of €40k ish to spend, but could push if needed more for correct car. Have two children and baby en route. Was thinking seven-seater, but afraid we will loose driving style and enjoyment because of this. Finally, live in country and the idea of 4x4 even in car just seems like right thing to look for, but am I just being crazy?
Any advive would be great, need to make decision this week as soon as possible to get car ordered.
Thanks
Dan
Dan Duffy (Louth)Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Dan,
Easy answer to this… Ford S-Max. Lots of space for you and the kids, not at all bad looking and, crucially, fun and engaging to drive so you’re not having to hand in your youthful driving exuberance at the MPV door.
Why no AMG badge on Merc SLC 43's engine?
Why does the new Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 not have the AMG badge on the engine?
Alex Hunking (Woking)Apr 2016 Filed under: miscellaneous
Expert answer
Hi Alex, and very well spotted.
I had a chance to ask someone from AMG powertrain this last week and it's because the '43' engine isn't built at Affalterbach by AMG to its 'one man, one engine' philosophy. It was developed by AMG, but the production numbers are too high for it to be manufactured in that way.
Should I buy a new diesel or petrol Golf?
Looking out for a new car, in particular the Volkswagen Golf. I travel Cork to Dublin on a weekly basis - would you recommend the Golf Highline 150hp TSI DSG petrol or 150hp TDI DSG?
Aidan Mackey (Blarney)Mar 2016 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Aidan,
I think with a weekly Cork-Dublin run you should probably go for the diesel. Much better long-run economy.
I'm struggling with buying a petrol car...
Hi,
Trying to buy a replacement for my 1999 Avensis and the scarcity of petrols and abundance of diesels on the market baffles me. I don't think it wise to buy diesel for my standard drive of eight miles to work and home and same six days a week with road trip round 300 miles just six times a year.
This is supposedly "economical" and "green driving" even though in London it costs more for a permit going into city with diesel car and trends in London have historically impacted directly on us in three to five years. I would love to know of a diesel car 2008-2011 (for cheap tax) with no necessary DPF that I have to worry about, or will I stick to petrol believing that in five years time petrol is a more saleable/popular engine than diesel is? Then there might be a hybrid to suit. Volkswagen, Japanese or any good 1.4+ hatch or saloon suggestions?
Thanks,
Pauline.
Pauline Anne Connor (Galway)Feb 2016 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Pauline,
You're absolutely 100 per cent dead right - diesel is not for everyone and especially not for those with overall low mileages and short commutes. And as the recent emissions scandal has shown us, diesel exhaust can be staggeringly bad for your health.
As for finding a diesel without a DPF filter, I'm not sure you'll be able to. In order to meet the particulate emissions legislation under EuroV and EuroVI regulations you pretty much had to have one. Some people have, of course, removed the DPF to avoid maintenance issues, but then you're just spewing out a plume of highly carcinogenic soot particles as you drive...
So, I think your best bet is to go for a compact turbocharged petrol engine or, just maybe, a hybrid. The Toyota Prius would potentially be ideal for your daily drive, but could be a bit of an over-thirsty pain on that six-time-a-year longer journey. Try instead a car fitted with the Volkswagen Group's excellent 1.2-litre TSI turbo petrol engine (Golf or Skoda Octavia are the best ones), a Ford Focus with the 1.0 EcoBoost engine or maybe an Opel Astra 1.4 Turbo. Here are a few relevant reviews for you to consult:
Is the 1.0-litre engine enough for the Astra?
Hi,
I'm considering buying the new 1.0 litre petrol Opel Astra. I live in West Cork and most trips would be local most days between five miles and fifteen miles and a trip to Cork (50 miles) every couple of weeks. My present car is a 1.6 diesel Golf, but I want to move away from diesel. Do you think the small engine of the Astra would be enough for my needs?
Thanks.
Mark Kearney (Cork)Feb 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
Based on personal experience (and as someone who grew up in West Cork) I'd say yes - the Astra 1.0 is really sweet to drive and should easily crack 45mpg in daily driving. The only thing to watch for is the small fuel tank, which means you'll be filling up on those journeys back from Cork.