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My car doesn't have the options it's supposed to have. Help!

I recently bought a new Citroen C4 Picasso (semi-automatic). I informed the dealer a number of weeks ago that the car I bought did not have the rear parking sensors, which my model was supposed to have. The dealer has not responded to me on this issue but has informed me that he no longer has the dealership for Citroen. I would appreciate any advice on my way forward here in relation to who should I contact about this matter and how and in what way my warranty will be honoured.

GERARD O CONNOR (LIMERICK)

Mar 2014 Filed under: optional extras

Expert answer

Hi Gerard,

OK, it's basic consumer law at work here. Assuming your contract was made with the dealer when he was still a Citroen main dealer, then he must honour the original deal that was made. If not, you've been supplied with the car either as a mistake or under false pretences. It doesn't matter that he doesn't have the Citroen franchise any more - he can still order a car from them under the EU's block exemption rules. If he tries to fob you off saying that his new franchisee won't let him, don't buy it - he must still fulfil the original contract. If there's still no joy, contact Citroen Ireland directly - they're located in Airside Retail Park, Swords, Co. Dublin and explain your situation.

Do let us know how you get on.


Which insurable starter car should I go for with €3,000?

Hi, I have about €3,000 to spend on a starter car. Most of my driving would be on the weekends sight-seeing. Insurance would be a factor with the engine size. The 1.4 petrol Golf seems to the most reasonable with insurance.

Thanks

Gary Fitz (Dublin)

Mar 2014 Filed under: insurance

Expert answer

Hi Gary,

Very, very hard to go wrong with a Golf for your starter car. Cheap to buy and maintain, but if you get a nice one, clean it and care for it, it'll look every bit as classy and desirable as a brand new one. The 1.4 has all the performance of a slow moving glacier, but that's probably why the insurance is so cheap. It's also worth having a look for a nice 1.4-litre MINI One, if only for the sheer fun of the thing, or if you wanted to be really, really sensible (and shave even more off the insurance) you could track down a 1.0-litre Toyota Yaris.

Let us know how you get on


Help me choose a small, reliable, economical car to run.

Help! I'm looking at buying a new car - I currently have a 1.0-litre petrol Nissan Micra and I have a 110km round trip commute to work five days a week. I am looking for a small, reliable, economical car to run.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Elaine Henry (Sligo)

Mar 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Elaine,

If you want to stay with a small car then can I suggest tracking down a nice Ford Fiesta? Your €8k budget won't quite stretch to a new EcoBoost model, but the older 1.25 petrol engine is still a sweet, economical and reliable unit.

If it's maximum economy you're after then you need to think of a small diesel. How about a Peugeot 207 1.4 HDi? Hard to track down but 65mpg is easy.

Better yet, you could trade up altogether. €8k should get you into a nice 2008 SEAT Leon 1.9 TDI - hugely reliable, spacious, economical and really good to drive.

Let us know what you think


I'm thinking of buying a 2006 Hyundai Tucson.

I'm thinking of buying a 2006 Hyundai Tucson 2.0 diesel with 90k on the clock and NCT to March 2016. I drive from Kildare to Wicklow a few times a week and need something reliable. Know anything about them?

Swill Rey (Wicklow)

Mar 2014 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Swill,

They're largely excellent. The Tucson has very few reported recurring problems - in fact it has virtually none. Two things to watch for: the miles per gallon readout on the dashboard is configured in US miles per gallon, not European so there can be a confusing variance between what mileage the car says you're getting and what you're actually getting. Secondly, the Tuscon, while a fine car, comes from the last generation of Hyundais before the really, really good modern ones came along. So, it's still a nice enough car to drive but it can't match the refinement, handling or interior quality of its replacement, the ix35.


Is my BMW worth anything as scrap?

Hi, I have 2000 BMW 316 that passed the NCT two weeks ago, has new tyres and is in great condition, but ran out of oil on the motorway to Dublin last week and the engine seized. Now it's not really worth repairing I don't think so wondering what options I would have. Is it worth anything for scrappage? I got quoted €150 max.

Thanks, Scott

Scott Kitteringham (COrk)

Mar 2014 Filed under: scrappage

Expert answer

Hi Scott,

Scrappage isn't worth much these days, sadly, but it might be worth having a ring around local breakers' yards and spare parts experts. Often the value in a car can lie in its components rather than the whole, so if things like the body and interior are in good nick, then you may get some value out of selling those off separately.

Let us know how you get on


How much VRT would I pay on a nearly new Morgan?

Hello, can you tell me how much VRT would be due on a 2013 Morgan 4/4 with CO2 emissions of 143g/km and 4,000 miles on the clock? UK price is £31,000. I can't find anything on the VRT calculator and Revenue haven't as yet gotten back to me - asked them three weeks ago!!

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Mark Tiernan (Limerick)

Feb 2014 Filed under: VRT

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

As you say, the Revenue.ie VRT calculator doesn't have a listing for Morgan, which makes this all rather difficult, but based on the very small sample of other Morgans in the country, I'm going to stick a finger in the air and say your car is going to be valued at an MSRP of around €45,000. Combine that with the 23 per cent VRT rate for cars emitting over 140g/km of CO2 and you get a total VRT bill of €10,350.

Pricey, but then it does get you a Morgan, so it's probably worth it.


How would you rate the Nissan Juke?

How would you rate the Nissan Juke?

John Brea (Limerick)

Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi John,

Not bad, but a car that's somewhat feeling its age now. Hardly surprising, as it's due for a mid-life facelift - something that was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show this week. The 1.5 dCi diesel engine is decent, but the petrol version somewhat less so and the least said about the Nismo version the better. Quality is excellent and it rides and drives well, but I'd either wait for the new one, or save up and get a more capable Qashqai.


What hatchback should I buy and should I stick with a petrol car?

Looking to upgrade my trusty 2000 petrol Toyota Corolla Liftback. I am considering the new model Toyota Auris or Hyundai i30 or a similar hatchback. My annual mileage is 10,000 miles with mostly short runs ranging in distances of between less than 10 miles and 2 miles urban and town driving with longer spins at the weekend. Which engine type should I go for? Also considering that at weekends I will be carrying two adults and two teenagers.

Dan Lyons (Cork)

Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Dan,

Hmmm. Generally for your mileage I would recommend a petrol car, but the bad news is that in your size bracket, petrol engines are a little thin on the ground. You could go for either a straight replacement for your Corolla by getting a Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4D, which is a very fine car, or you could, as you suggest, branch out and snap up a Hyundai i30 1.6 diesel - again a very fine car and with that five-year warranty, a very tempting buy. 

But, with your mileage profile, I would suggest taking a good long look at petrol alternatives. The Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost is a terrific car with a great engine and well worth a look. That said it's a little tight in the back seats for two teenagers so I'd say the best all round bet is a Skoda Octavia 1.2 TSI. It's more affordable than the diesel version, damn near as economical and has a big boot and lots of space in the back seats for those teenager-filled weekend runs. Great quality and reliability too.


What should we do about replacing our Volvo S40?

I was thinking about changing my Volvo S40 1.6d for a crossover for ease of access as we are pushing on age wise. What would you recommend that is comfortable, reliable and economical bearing in mind our annual mileage is approx 20,000km? We don't need a big vehicle as our family are reared. Also, how much is our own car worth? Is it better to sell it privately or use it as a trade in?

Thank you.

John Kennedy (Dublin)

Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi John,

I'm afraid without knowing the year of your S40 it's impossible to give you an idea of the value but I would suggest trading it in rather than trying to sell it yourself - it saves an awful lot of hassle and heartache. As for what to get, try either a Skoda Yeti or a Nissan Qashqai. Both are as reliable as they come, comfy and with a higher (but not too high) seating position. And both are spacious enough that when those reared kids start dropping off the grandkids for a weekend, you'll have room in the back...


What's a crashed Nissan Sunny worth?

Hi, what value and what scrap company will give the best price for a damaged 1994 Nissan Sunny Pulsar model with a new clutch fitted six weeks ago? The damage is the driver's door hanging off, the dash ripped off and front supension damaged.

Regards Thomas Ryan

Thomas Ryan (Dublin 12)

Jan 2014 Filed under: crashed cars

Expert answer

Hi Thomas,

If you get €500 I'd say you'd be doing well.


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