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Previously answered questions
Issues with stop-start!
What's happening with stop-start? On my current and previous brand-new cars - Ford Focus and now a VW Golf - the start-stop system stopped working after about three weeks. On the Focus it worked for about another two weeks with a battery charge.
Eventually we paid for a new battery at the garage's suggestion. It wasn't covered by warranty according to Ford head office whom we had it out with. That also worked only for a few weeks. I drove it without for nearly all of the two years I had it.
Same is happening now with the Golf after three weeks. It should work. It's part of the car specs and it's good with my DSG gearbox. Have I the right to insist this be fixed or am I nitpicking? The car is four weeks old.
I'm also getting conflicting information on whether to put the car in neutral or drive on short stops at lights etc. when start-stop isn't working.
This is doing my head in and I'd really appreciate your help.
Thanks.
Teresa O'Donnell (Ennis)
Apr 2022 Filed under: fault
Can a Mercedes GLC 300 de tow?
Hi,
Can you please advise if a tow bar can be fitted to a 2020 Mercedes GLC 300 de plug-in hybrid? I am getting conflicting information from various tow bar supplier/installers.
Thanks
Mark Toman (Cahir)
Apr 2022 Filed under: towing
Thoughts on Japanese imports?
Hi all,
I’m currently in the market for a used car and it’s my understanding that the Irish market is being flooded by cars imported from Japan as it’s cheaper to import from there than the UK. By that I mean ‘Grey’ imports so Japanese versions of BMW, Audi etc.
Would you recommend buying one or steer well clear? Even though they have low mileage I’m concerned over spare parts and unexpected anomalies due to the cars being specced for the Japanese market. What are your thoughts please?
Martin Smith (Dublin)
Mar 2022 Filed under: importing
Lexus RX vs Toyota RAV4?
Hi folks.
Reading your review of the NX 450h, I'm wondering how it compares to the RAV4 PHEV? The NX is marginally, possibly insignificantly bigger and substantially dearer but they both have (as far as I can see) similar powerplants. Both with Toyota's reliability. Anyway, I'd be interested in hearing how you would compare them.
Thank you
Philip
Philip Donegan (Ballina)
Mar 2022 Filed under: choosing new car
Costs to import a BMW 420d from England?
I want to buy a BMW 420d M Sport Coupe in from England, the list price is £12K, but can you tell me the total with customs, VAT, VRT, NOx and god knows what else?
Keif Wynne (Loughrea)
Jan 2022 Filed under: importing
What do I do with a commercial Discovery?
I'm getting a Land Rover Discovery 4 very soon and it's registered as a commercial vehicle. I don't have the usual things to prove I'm using it as a work vehicle. What can I do or if not how do I go about declaring it private?
Charlie O Donnell (Athy)
Feb 2022 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Timing belt or chain in a 2006 Peugeot 407?
Does my Peugeot 407 HDI executive from 2006 have a timing belt or a chain?
Sergiu Lungeanu (Belfast)
Mar 2022 Filed under: servicing
Can I switch to electric for €450 a month?
Hi.
What are the costs of running an EV per 100km? I'm thinking of buying the new Hyundai Kona or Ioniq 5. I spend an average of €450 per month and maybe I can replace this costs with monthly payment on a new car. Also what would be the costs of buying and installing a charging station at home. Kind regards Nelson
Nelson Lopes (Ballinasloe)
Mar 2022 Filed under: electric cars
Trade-in value of my BMW X1?
I have a 171 BMW X1 18d xLine manual, with about 90k on the clock. It’s in good condition, no known faults/issues, full main dealer BMW service history, sunroof and metallic paint. If I was to trade in with the same dealer I bought it from and service it with, against a BMW i4, what trade in value should I be aiming for?
Martin Moroney (Dublin)
Mar 2022 Filed under: used car values
Electric or hybrid for my 100km commute?
Hi,
I am currently driving from Limerick to Kilarney five days a week for work and driving a diesel BMW 5 Series. I am looking at the option of electric or hybrid and would really appreciate any advice on which may be a better option for these type of journeys.
Brian Lawlor (Limerick)
Mar 2022 Filed under: choosing new car
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