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Previously answered questions
Are hybrids as environmentally friendly as manufacturers claim?
I'm becoming environmentally conscious in my old age. I am fortunate to have come in to a few bob and now have a budget of around €40,000 to spend on a new car. Are hybrids as environmentally friendly as the manufacturers claim or would I be better off spending my money on something like a Mercedes-Benz C 200 CDI and keeping it for 10 years?
Martin Kinsella (Mayo)
May 2010 Filed under: hybrid
Lower rev limit on diesel Focus?
I recently purchased a 2006 diesel Ford Focus and have noticed on a couple of occasions that the engine cuts out when I exceed a certain engine speed. This happened to me this morning as I was overtaking. As you can imagine, it was quite an unnerving experience. I understand that changing gear a bit earlier avoids the problem but I was wondering if this was normal behaviour or what might be causing it. It's happened three times and each time I'd estimate about 3,000rpm in second gear. On each occasion the engine cut out. Most recently was yesterday morning pulling out of the Maxwell Motors slip road in Blackrock heading south. I let the car glide to a halt and I restarted the engine.
Paul Reilly (Blackrock, Cork)
May 2010 Filed under: fault
Servicing before the NCT?
My NCT is coming up soon? Is it best to get the car serviced before the NCT or to go ahead with the test, then have identified faults repaired and return to the NCT centre? Which is most cost effective?
Hi Stephen. We would always echo the words of the manufacturers when it comes to servicing intervals. They are there for a reason so it is usually best to stick with them.
However, from personal experience - albeit with a much older car - the NCT can sometimes uncover things that you didn't know was a problem. If it isn't too long to the NCT, I personally would wait until the NCT and then get a retest if it fails because 9 times out of 10 this works out as a cheaper option rather than getting a service then having to go back to a dealer and get more work done at a later stage if the NCT uncovers anything. At least by having the NCT first you can get the car serviced and also get any faults identified by the test repaired in one go.
However, if your NCT is a long time away and your car is well overdue a service, I would get the service done first as you could end up causing your car some problems which could cost you a lot more to put right.
Stephen Duffy (Abbeyleix)
May 2010 Filed under: servicing
How safe is a Range Rover?
I recently had a baby, which has inevitably given me a different perspective on various aspects of my life such as the safety credentials of my car. I've convinced myself that my Range Rover is one of the safest cars on the road, but I don't know if its NCAP rating backs this up? I often hear that large SUVs are more likely to turn over in an accident compared to the standard car but I don't know if this is true or just scaremongering?
Phillip Cawley (Avoca, Wicklow)
May 2010 Filed under: safety
What car would you recommend to replace my Passat?
I'm in the market for a new car. I drive a Passat at the moment and can't imagine I will have any problem selling it on as it's a diesel with a service record. Some one told me that SEAT has a new car coming out similar to the Passat or Skoda Superb. Can you tell me if they are any good?
Derek O'Mahony (Galway)
May 2010 Filed under: choosing new car
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