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Previously answered questions

Do I need xDrive 4x4 in a BMW X5?

Hi I currently drive a BMW 520d and am interested in buying a 172/171 BMW X5 2.0-litre diesel. There is a good price difference between the sDrive and the xDrive models. If I do buy the X5 I wouldn't be going off-road driving and wouldn't be using it for towing either. I would just be using it for normal on-road driving. I do about 20,000 miles/32,000km a year. I would like to know if you think that the sDrive model would be enough or would I need the xDrive for added stability for driving on wet or icy roads in the winter. I've never had trouble in my 5 Series, but then the X5 is bigger and taller.

Thank you.

Jane Walsh (Cork)

Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing new car

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Do I buy petrol or diesel in a new car?

I want to buy a new car but I am confused - do I buy petrol or diesel?

Taranpreet Singh (Jalandhar)

Jul 2017 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel

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Any advice on a BMW 7 Series?

Hi guys,

I've been looking at a 2007 BMW 730Ld for chauffeur work. One owner from new who is also a chauffeur, all timing chains replaced and gaskets and seals and full auto transmission service done. There's 160k miles on the clock.

Any advice on this model BMW please?

Cheers,

Kev

Kev Dillon (Dublin )

Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing used car

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How much is tax on a 1997 BMW 520i?

How much is road tax on a 1997 July-registered BMW 520i?

David Conway (Cork)

Jul 2017 Filed under: taxation

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Which of these Toyota Avensis to go for?

Thinking of buying one of the two cars mentioned below:

2009 2.0-litre Toyota Avensis D-4D Luna four-door with 145,000km on the odometer or 2010 2.0-litre Toyota Avensis Strata with 87,000km on the odometer. The 2010 model is €995 dearer, but with a difference of 58,000km on the odometer it might be a better buy? Both are diesel. Other than a lower mileage, do you have an opinion which is better? Also what is the max mileage one can expect to get over the lifetime of this car

Many thanks. Marlen

Marlen Carvalho (Wicklow)

Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing used car

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Is this 2014 Opel Astra too good to be true?

Thinking of buying a 2014 Opel Astra (1.4 petrol) for circa €7,000. NCT'd to 2019, but highish mileage at 177,000km. Too good to be true?

Patrick Trehy (Donaghmede)

Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing used car

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Which new seven-seat SUV for 2018?

Hi,

I currently drive a Land Rover Discovery Sport, five-seater diesel and I am thinking about changing in 2018. We would ideally like to stay in the SUV market, but our new car will need to have seven seats. The Discovery Sport does come as a seven-seater, but  wondering what other options are out there for a total budget of €50k approx either in or out of the SUV bracket?

Thanks

Enda Daly (Galway)

Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing new car

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Should I replace my Zafira with a Volvo V60?

Hi.,

Looking at a 2016 (162) Volvo V60 D6 Hybrid AWD, with less than 6K miles, (9.5k kilometres) on the clock. It is a demo model. Reviews tell me that I should avoid this car, primarily because of price. With a cash price tag of €36K on this car from a dealership I am inclined to think that the value is more acceptable. Does this price raise your two-star rating?  With three children approaching teenage, they have outgrown the Opel Zafira and so other options I am considering include the XC60.

All advice appreciated.

Padraig Coffey (Killarney)

Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing used car

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Belt or chain in 2014 Opel Insignia?

2014 Opel Insignia 170hp Elite: can you tell me if it's a timing chain or timing belt? If it's a belt, what is the mileage or age to replace?

Noel Murphy (Kilkenny)

Jul 2017 Filed under: servicing

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How reliable is the Mercedes C-Class?

How reliable is the Mercedes-Benz C 220 CDI SE Executive?

Seamus O'Callaghan (Raheen)

Jul 2017 Filed under: reliability

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4,949 Irish motoring queries answered to date

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