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Previously answered questions

How can I tell if the mileage is legit on an import?

Thinking of buying a UK import in Dublin. I'm a bit suss about the mileage as apparently the car has only done 2,000 miles in last year... Is there any way to find out if the mileage is legit?

Brian O'Donoghue (Dublin)

Apr 2014 Filed under: importing

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How do I cure my BMW's overheating?

Hi, I have a BMW 320 Convertible, which had a reconditioned engine with new radiator about eight months ago, but it now keeps losing water! Sometimes I fill it and it will be fine for weeks; other times it empties in days. Now the temperature gauge is shooting straight into the red even when filled up with water.

What do I do?

Leah Johnson (Berkshire)

Mar 2014 Filed under: fault

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We want to move back to an MPV, but which one?!

For years my husband drove Renault Mégane Scenics, and then about six months ago he took a whim and got a Mitsubishi ASX (not the 4WD model). It was a 2013 demo. The good price, the long warranty and the fact that it was diesel all enticed him. It is much cheaper to run and a nice drive, but the interface (is that the word?) is crude compared to the Renault. No 'intelligent' wipers, lights or windows; and the sound system controls are not on the wheel. Plus, the storage space is poor, and the boot is smaller, etc. etc. The main problem, though, is the appearance of the thing. After years of avoiding SUVs, he has somehow acquired a machine that looks like - oops! - an SUV.

We won't dwell on the reasons for not wanting to drive an SUV, or how he managed to actually buy something that looks like the one thing he doesn't want to drive. But, let's just say that he is unhappy enough that he really wants to change it for a (preferably) 2013 or 2014 (demo model) of something less 'assertive'-looking. If we have to pay to change, we will, although obviously we'd prefer not to. We are looking at another Renault Scenic, but are wondering if there might be another MPV-type car that you'd recommend in the same price bracket?

Our requirements are diesel, five doors, a large boot (for work equipment and for dogs), and preferably a highish car (not an ordinary estate).

Thank you!

Desperate in Dublin

J P (Dublin)

Mar 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

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Will I replace my Mazda3 with a Nissan Qashqai+2?

Which would you reccomend for a high mileage driver with two small children? I wish to trade in a 2007 Mazda3 1.6 petrol for a diesel. Cars I was looking at include the Volkswagen Jetta, Ford Focus saloon, Toyota Corolla and Nissan Qashqai +2. I like the look of the Nissan Qashqai + 2 and I think the two extra seats may be useful for kids' friends etc, but are running costs high?

In general are MPVs less fuel efficient? Would the Toyota 1.4 diesel be a lower powered car then the one I currently have? How reliable are Volkwagen Jettas? I was hoping to go for something one or two years old with low mileage as I will be doing a lot of miles. I have had quotes of €3,500-4,500 for my own on trade-in as there are 175,000km on the clock.

What would you reccomend?

Alanna Mangan (Newbridge)

Mar 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

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Is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class a reliable car?

Is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class a reliable car?

Tony Pierce (Wicklow)

Mar 2014 Filed under: reliability

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Can you let me know what you think of the BMW X5?

Hi there,

I was looking at a 2003 BMW X5 Sport diesel with 255,879km on the clock and an asking price of €5,900 or a 2004 BMW X5 3.0d with 252,660km. Are they any good compared to other SUVs and are the asking prices ok (will be negotiating)? Does it make it difference if manual or automatic? How's the fuel efficiency and performance of X5s? Are there any negative aspects I should worry about before considering the X5?

Thanks a mill once again in advance for your help, advice and response.

Best regards,

Tanya

Tanya Goon (Dublin)

Mar 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

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Will my Zafira lose value because it was crashed?

I have a 12 D Opel Zafira. It was crashed from the side when a car ran into my driver front wheel. Opel said there was no structural damage. Will I lose money selling it? A new drive shaft, new wing and bumper were all fitted.

Michael Martin (Dublin)

Mar 2014 Filed under: crashed cars

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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

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How much road tax will I pay for a 2007 BMW 520d?

How much road tax will I pay for a 2007 BMW 520d?

Sean Poutch (Dublin)

Mar 2014 Filed under: taxation

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What is the cost of road tax on a 4.2-litre Audi R8?

What is the cost of road tax on a 4.2-litre Audi R8?

Glenn Hh (Lime)

Mar 2014 Filed under: taxation

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4,944 Irish motoring queries answered to date

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