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Previously answered questions
New Focus or used BMW/Audi?
I'm changing my car for a diesel one early next year. I'm undecided between a new Ford Focus Zetec saloon or a 2008 BMW 320d/Audi A4. My main concerns are fuel economy, reliability and running costs. Any advice on what to go for?
Tony O'Leary
Sep 2011 Filed under: choosing new car
What have I done wrong in changing my brakes?
I just changed my front brakes and had a tough time with the passenger side. Everything came off easy but when I tried to install the new pads my caliper wouldn't fit right. When I got it on, the caliper bracket the opposite side of the rotor went crooked and had about half an inch that needed to be pushed back (only on one side). I put the tyre on anyway and doing so pushed the rotor to where it's supposed to be but now it takes a lot of effort to drive and without using the brakes it stops very quickly. What do I need to do to fix the problem?
Blake Greiner (Lansing)
Sep 2011 Filed under: brakes
Should I buy my BMW from a main dealer?
Hi. I would like to buy a 2010 BMW 5 Series in 2012. I would like to know if I should buy from a BMW dealer or would it be ok to buy from a SIMI-registered dealer, as there is a three-year warranty with BMW.
Thanks
Tom Higgins (Cork)
Sep 2011 Filed under: warranty
Am I better off buying a car in the UK and then importing it?
I have been researching replacing a Ford S-MAX (hence my questions to you alreadu!) and have been struck by the spec difference between the new model SEAT Alhambra here and in the UK. Most cars nowadays seem to be the same in the two countries, but with this model it appears to me that there is a huge difference.
We do not have the option of the more powerful diesels and the SE Lux in the UK comes with absolutely everything. The Irish spec is very basic in comparison with all the gizmos and leather etc. extra. Do you know why this might be? Based on my initial rough calculations I think I could buy a brand new model in the UK, pay the VAT/VRT and get a higher spec car for less.
What do you think?
Andrew Kelly (Limerick)
Sep 2011 Filed under: importing
What do you think of the VW Golf 1.6 TDI?
Hi lads,
What is your impression of the 2011 VW Golf 1.6 TDI 105bhp?
Thanks again
Jim Cotter (Limerick)
Sep 2011 Filed under: choosing new car
What is the best seven-seat MPV on the market?
What is the best seven-seat car on the market, in terms of value for money and reliability?
John Does
Sep 2011 Filed under: choosing new car
Does my Kia Sorento have suspension problems?
Hi, I recently bought a 2008 Kia Sorento (30k miles) privately and really like it. Everything has been great so far except for when I hit bumps in the road. The bang you get from going over bumps is quite hard and travels through your body. I did research on Sorentos before buying it but now going back I see there are suspension problems reported on Kias. Do you think if I replace the shocks it should ease the suspension problem and do you know if there is a type of shock that I should get a garage to install to try and dampen down the bang I get from bumps in the road?
Thanks Ciaran.
Ciaran Browne (Dublin)
Aug 2011 Filed under: fault
How economical is the Toyota Corolla?
What is the combined fuel economy of the Toyota Corolla?
Gerard Goggin (Waterford)
Sep 2011 Filed under: fuel economy and emissions
Should I buy a Toyota Levin?
I'd like to buy a sporty second hand car for around €3,000 but would go up to €4500. I have my heart set on a Toyota Levin. Is this a good choice & do they have any common faults to look out for? Any other good suggestions would be appreciated.
Ciaran Mc Cashin (Drogheda)
Sep 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Can I fit steel wheels to a BMW 116?
Hello the better half has a 2005 BMW 116, which has 16-inch alloy wheels. These are very badly buckled and have run flat tyres. Is it possible to fit ordinary 16-inch steel wheels and ordinary tyres on it and would any 16-inch wheel do the job i.e. VW Golf steel wheels?
Thanking you.
Ruairi Mc Carthy (Mullagh Co Cavan)
Sep 2011 Filed under: tyres
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