CompleteCar
Search Ask Us Anything
Showing 101 - 110 results (out of a total of 245) found for "week" in Ask Us Anything

Have you pricing for the Skoda Kodiaq yet?

When will the prices and trim specifications be announced for the new Skoda Kodiaq?

Colin H (Kildare)

Nov 2016 Filed under: pricing

Expert answer

Hi Colin,

Very shortly. We'd expect to see a full price list and standard specifications within the next few weeks. We are driving it next week so keep an eye out for the full test drive on the Car Reviews page.


New Land Rover Discovery or BMW X5 for 171?

Do you think the new Discovery will be worth waiting for? It's that or a new BMW X5, but I'd like to get the car for the 171 plate

Jake Murphy (Naas)

Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Jake,

It's a little hard for us to tell as we haven't driven it yet. It sure looks good and Land Rover's on a roll of good product lately. We'll be getting an early test drive in a few weeks so hang in there and we'll be able to tell you more then. In the mean time, here are a few articles that might interest you:

BMW X5 xDrive30d review

BMW X5 xDrive40e review

2017 Land Rover Discovery revealed in full


Which classic cars make sound investment?

I have just retired, with a bit of spare cash available and as returns on invested money are so poor at the moment, I was wondering if an investment in a vintage or classic car would be a wise alternative. And if so what make/model would you suggest?

Regards, PD.

Patrick Devery (Blackrock, Dublin)

Oct 2016 Filed under: classic cars

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

Classic cars are, currently, an exceptionally good investment, but I would exercise a touch of caution – back in the eighties, the same was true and values seemed to quadruple every week, but then came a massive crash in classic prices, which saw more than a few investors get their fingers (and in some cases hands, wrists and elbows) burned.

There are a few specific models and makes to focus on, but first off don’t assume that you can buy an old wreck, restore it and make a profit. Sometimes you can, but proper restorations cost enormous amounts of time and money and many restored cars are actually sold at a loss.

There are some cars that are pretty safe bets though (albeit that comes with the caveat that values can fall as well as rise). The best car for investments seems to be the Mercedes-Benz SL, of pretty much any generation. Mid-sixties ‘Pagoda Roof’ SLs are probably at the peak of their values now, but the later ‘Bobby Ewing’ models still have some viable investment room. The better bet, though, could be to get in on the ground floor of the R129 SL model, built from 1989 to 2002. They’re still relatively affordable, and if the values of their predecessors are anything to go buy, you could be looking at a serious rise in values in the next few years.

Obviously almost any Ferrari is a viable investment tool, although you will need to seek out specialist advice on that one, and it’s getting harder to find affordable ones that have a chance of a good rise in value. Porsches, especially early-model 911s, are a good bet too, with original RS and RSR versions being a solid investment.

Beyond that, anything rare, interesting or, better still, with a celebrity name on the logbook, is worth a look, but as with all investments I’d engage the services of a professional financial advisor before committing to anything.


Would diesel, hybrid or PHEV suit my needs?

Diesel, hybrid or PHEV? I do a 200km round trip commute most days. A mix of 140km motorway and 60km small rural roads and stop-start city traffic. Other days I could do 300/400km of which 25 per cent would be city type traffic. Is diesel still my better option? For a PHEV I could plug in at home or at my destination most times.

Declan Brady (Cavan)

Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Declan,

It’s a tough one. Generally I’d say for the moment, diesel is still best for that kind of mileage, especially day-to-day. A model with a good stop-start system should help keep the consumption down in heavy traffic (Mazda’s system on the 6 2.2 diesel is especially good) and those long motorway miles are just what diesel was designed for. A plugin hybrid is really for those doing short urban journeys most days, with only an occasional long trip, so I don’t think any would be really suitable for you. It would be worth looking at a new-shape Toyota Prius hybrid though – we managed to average 60mpg in one recently over the course of a week, including several long motorway runs, so it’s worth thinking about.


What warranty for on my Volkswagen CC?

Hi, I'm going over to buy a 2013 Volkswagen CC in England at the weekend. There's 66,000 miles on it. I'm looking at buying a private warranty for it that gives me some cover when it's back in Ireland. Would you be able to recommend a private warranty company? I'm getting mixed messages about Mapfre and Carprotect.ie.

Many thanks

Eoin Kelly (Naas)

Sep 2016 Filed under: warranty

Expert answer

Hi Eoin,

Mapfre and Carprotect provide decent cover, but, as always with these things, you need to make sure you read all of the small print, and we mean ALL of it, to ensure you know exactly what’s covered and what’s not and in what circumstances. Basically, rather like accident insurance, aftermarket warranties are there to cover utter disasters, not replacement of day-to-day items.


I need a huge car for my dogs and kids please!

Hi,

I'm looking for a recommendation. I have six big dogs (four labradors, two St Bernard) that need to fit in. A van is no good as I need seats for my two kids too. Currently driving an old Volvo 740 estate, but is getting too old/problematic now. Budget of max €15,000, fuel efficient diesel preferred as I average 700km a week. Two of the dogs are getting old so high up (off roaders) not really suitable. New Volvo V70 just not big enough.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Jennifer Rafter

Jennifer Rafter (Dublin 16)

Aug 2016 Filed under: family car

Expert answer

Hi Jennifer,

You could try a Skoda Superb Combi, but I think that many big dogs would overwhelm even that car’s massive boot. Perhaps you need to go down the road of a van-based MPV. Maybe try a Citroen Berlingo or Volkswagen Caddy Life? Seats for the kids and (hopefully) enough space for the dogs, plus their tailgates aren’t too high off the ground so the older dogs shouldn’t have too much trouble getting in and out.


With up to €5,000 to spend, what will I get?

Hi,  I'm starting a new job and will be travelling about 700km per week. I have €3-5k to spend and really need to keep costs down in relation to fuel costs. What would you recommend?

Thanks

Chris Dunne (Westmeath)

Aug 2016 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Chris,

You’re going to need something comfortable as well, doing that kind of mileage, so I’d suggest a MINI One D. There are a few around at your budget,  they’re exceptionally frugal, have good seats and are fun to drive into the bargain.


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. 

Read our Nissan Leaf 30kWh review here