CompleteCar
Ask Us Anything

To help readers get the most out of this free service, we ask those that wish to submit a question to first register their details using the registration form.

Thank you



Previously answered questions

Should I buy an Opel Corsa-e before 2021?

I was going to switch to an EV in the New Year. Should I now bring this forward? Was looking at an Opel Corsa-e. I get that the VRT will reduce from 14% to 7%, but this will be outweighed by the loss of the €5,000 VRT rebate? And what of the €5,000 SEAI grant? Will that still be in the equation in the New Year?

Many thanks for your guidance.

Paul, Galway

Paul Greenstreet (Clifden)

Oct 2020 Filed under: choosing new car

Read our answer...


How much to buy and tax a new Audi A6?

What will a new Audi A6 cost and how much to tax come 2021?

Terry Fitzpatrick (Carlow)

Oct 2020 Filed under: choosing new car

Read our answer...


Will it be cheaper to buy a VW Tiguan now?

We want to buy a new Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace as our family is growing in the New Year. Would it be cheaper to get one now or will we see much difference if we order one for January 2021?

Dorothy Humphreys (Athlone )

Oct 2020 Filed under: choosing new car

Read our answer...


Is the facelifted Mercedes-AMG E 53 here?

Hi there,

Is the new facelifted Mercedes-AMG E 53 going to come to Ireland? What will be the estimated cost if so?

Thanks

Xiaoming He (Dublin)

Jul 2020 Filed under: choosing new car

Read our answer...


Should I wait for the BMW 128ti?

Hi,

I have a question regarding the new BMW 128ti. Having recently ordered a BMW M Sport 118i auto, I am now in a quandary due to the announcement of the 128ti. I have spent a long time driving many cars and ended up making my decision to purchase the BMW 118i. Preferably the car would have had a little more performance (and economy for the level of performance), I waited around a year in the hope that a petrol 120i would become available (diesels are not an option for me), but nothing has yet been announced even though they exist in other markets.

Before placing my order I tried the M135i and, other than the raw power difference I far preferred the driver engagement of the 118i M Sport. I can only put this down to the 200kg or so weight difference? I live in a rural area and most of my driving is on small twisty, hilly lanes with some nice back roads, I rarely drive on main roads or motorways. So suspension compliance and driver engagement are important to me. My BMW dealer has immediately suggested I could change my order to the 128ti once it becomes possible, but it's early days with no hard facts on cost or a test drive available - I have already sold my car so it's a push bike and motorcycle only at the moment.

I would be very appreciative if you could spare some time to consider my position and would value your thoughts on the 128ti versus my ordered car. Having read your account of your experience with the 128ti, i thought you would be the best person to help.

Very best wishes

Tim

Tim Williams (Dartmouth)

Oct 2020 Filed under: choosing new car

Read our answer...


Thinking of buying a Volvo hybrid...

Hi.

I'm thinking of changing my Volvo. Can I ask how the XC40 and the XC60 plug-in hybrid models are set up? Am I correct in understanding that the electric motor and the petrol engine in the PHEV XC40 both drive the front wheels whereas in the XC60 the electric motor drives the rear wheels, so that four-wheel drive would be available when the electric and petrol engines are used in combination? Also, can I ask a separate question about "self driving". In the modern Volvos, they just talk of a lane keeping aid. Does this function in the same way as what was labelled Pilot Assist in models of a couple of years ago?

Thank you

Philip

Philip Donegan (Ballina)

Oct 2020 Filed under: choosing new car

Read our answer...


Can you help me select my next car?

Hi there guys.

Can you help me with selecting my next car? Currently have a 161 BMW 420d Gran Coupe with 50k km on the clock (GB import bought from a main dealer in Dublin). Do 10k km per annum. City center living, on street parking. Very happy with the car - love the drive experience but now it’s a bit small in the back for toddler passenger and all our baggage etc. Looking to change in next couple of months, with a hybrid in mind.

Disappointing range of options though for any of the estate/MPV cars I fancy, e.g. BMW Touring or Volvo XC60. Looks are important but driving experience and space are key. As is easy parking into tight spaces! Did drive a Skoda Superb wagon recently and loved all the gadgets, but felt the ride was spongey. Budget is €45k including trade in/private sale. Open to going the import route again as choice and range much better for hybrids.

Any insight would be really appreciated.

Thanks.

Daragh O’Reilly (Dublin)

Sep 2020 Filed under: choosing new car

Read our answer...


MINI Countryman hybrid or Toyota RAV4?

Hi,

I love MINIs and I wanted to trade my 2019 T-Roc 1.5 for a Countryman SE All4, the new facelifted one and the reason is I want to get better fuel economy and the joy of driving. But then my wife suggested I look at the Toyota RAV4 hybrid, which is much more practical, especially as we have an 18-month-old girl and soon another boy coming on the 20th of November. So, can you compare the RAV4 to the Countryman: which will be the best on fuel consumption? My average T-Roc consumption is 7.1 litres/100km.

Thank you so much.

Chee Yin Ng (Dublin)

Aug 2020 Filed under: choosing new car

Read our answer...


Looking for a car to cover all bases...

We are a senior couple living in a long country lane in Ireland. We drive four long journeys per year. Our nearest large town is 15km away. We would like a car that is comfortable, good on long journeys and short journeys, low on fuel costs, tax and maintenance. And fit at least three grandchildren for school runs.

Marietta O Dowd (Cavan)

Jul 2020 Filed under: choosing new car

Read our answer...


Is the DS brand on sale in Ireland?

Hi,

Just wondering is the DS brand no longer on sale in Ireland now? No website and doesn't seem to be any sales for the brand on official motor stats.

Thanks

Mark

Mark Donnelly (Portlaoise)

Jul 2020 Filed under: choosing new car

Read our answer...


4,967 Irish motoring queries answered to date

On CompleteCar.ie there is no such thing as a silly question. No matter how small or complicated an issue seems, we'll do our best to help. Our experts will quickly answer your queries in a friendly and jargon-free manner.

Please remember that we offer advice, not gospel. We cannot be held responsible for recalls, a second hand car's history, 'acts of God', changes in car pricing or Government policy. We are here to help and offer independent, impartial and free advice. What you do with it is entirely up to you.

By submitting a question you are agreeing to this statement. Thank you.

CompleteCar.ie aims to be compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), implemented on 25 May, 2018. At no stage shall we contact you without your express permission (by entering your email address, you are consenting for us to send you emails relating directly to your question).

Your data will never be shared with a third party and it is kept in a secure database on our servers, with limited personnel access.

You have the right to have your data deleted at any time and also to get a copy of your data on file. For any related queries, please send us a message using the form on the Who we are page.