BMW 3 Series E46 1998-2005

Class:       Junior Executive
Rivals:      Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class, Ford Mondeo, Lexus IS
Variants:   2 Door Coupe,2 Door Convertible, 4 Door Saloon, 5 Door Touring (Estate), M3
Engines:    Petrol, 1.6i, 1.8i, 2.0i, 2.3i, 2.5i, 2.8i, 3.0i, 3.2i, 4.0V8
                Diesel 2.0td, 2.5td, 3.0td
Gearbox:  5 speed manual, 6 speed seq manual, 6 speed automatic

We were lucky enough to be able to test drive 2 different models from the E46 range, the 318i and the amazing 325ci!  You'll find that we will mainly test drive diesel cars of this size on the blog, but for two mid range cars, they were not that heavy on petrol.  Our recommended BMW 3 Series E46 to go for is with out doubt the 150bhp 320d, but lets talk about out two test models.

The 2003 318i 4 Door Saloon was no slouch pumping nearly 143bhp to the rear wheel drive system.  This car is very comfortable with its handling tending a little toward understeer but not enough to scare you.  I drove this car for a week around Dublin and with mixed and city driving, I was averaging approx 35-40 mpg, which was not bad as I didn't spare the throttle when ever I had a chance to stretch the legs a little.  I love the dash and the cabin lay out of the E46, the dash is easy to read and understand, and the stereo and Air Conditioning Controls are all within easy reach.  The E46 318i is not known for too many faults so just make sure and give the car a good going over with your mechanic before you buy.

The 2003 325ci is as BMW proclaim, the Ultimate Driving Experience!!!
Our test car came with electric leather seats, air-con, 6cd changer, auto-dim mirrors, M3 wing mirrors and 192bhp pushing you along!  As with the 318i, this car is planted at speed with a slight tendency towards understeer which isn't bad for a rear wheel drive car.
When you first drive the car, make sure to keep a good eye on the speedo and this car nearly landed me an overnight stay in a welsh prison courtesy of a heavy foot and a keen eyed policeman!

The 318i should cost from €2,500 up to €6,000 or €7,000. It will cost €593 to tax and is a BMW so it will be quite expensive to service and repair.
The 325ci can be bought for as little as €4,000 and will cost €935 a year to tax.

The BMW 3 Series, E46 range has scored a 5 star rating from the Euro Ncap Crash Tests.

Although these cars are fun to drive, the rising costs of petrol compared to diesel really means they are very under valued for the sheer quality of car you get in return.
Expect to pay more for a 320d, which at approx 50mpg is definitely the car to go for!

Gary

Toyota Avensis 2.0 D4D 1997-Present

Class:       Large Family Car

Rivals:      Opel Vectra/Insignia, Ford Mondeo, VW Passat, Mazda 6

Variants:  Saloon, Hatchback, Estate

Engines:   Petrol, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0

               Diesel, 2.0, 2.2

Gearbox: 5 speed manual, 6speed manual, 5 speed Automatic

Awards:  Semperit Irish Car of the Year 2004

First introduced in 1997 as a replacement to the Carina E, the Avensis proved itself by continuing on Toyota's reputation for reliability! Smooth and refined on country roads as well as long journeys, and a decent list of "as standard" extras, the Avensis proved to be a big seller, but offered very little in terms of excitement!

The cabin is comfortable and plenty of space.  The handling is as with any Japanese car, neutral, and with a fairly soft suspension is very comfortable on the most arduous of roads.

The early model 2.0td engines suffered largely from turbo lag, and up to the new model introduction in 2003, failure of the dual mass flywheel was common place.

The new model launched in 2004 came with updated engines including Toyota's Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and updated diesels lead to a much improved and involved drive.

The newer model had a few set backs with suspensions and steering problems but nothing too serious.

The 2004- present Avensis scored a 5 star rating from the Euro Ncap Crash Tests.

We recommend you go for the 2.0 D4D Avensis.  Its €614 to tax up to 2008 and €156 after. It will return on average 50mpg mixed driving.

The new 2010 model is a french designed car and as well as all the previous models, is built in Derbyshire in the Uk.

For a nice clean 05/06 avensis you can pay up to €5000, early models can be picked up for next to nothing and the new Model can go for up to €25,000 for an ex demo.

Gary

Audi A6 2.0TDI 140bhp 2004-2011

Class:        Executive

Rivals:       Mercedes E Class, BMW 5series, Lexus GS, Volvo V70,

Variants:   Saloon, Avant, Allroad, S6, RS6

Engines:    Petrol 2.0l, 2.4l, 2.8l, 3.2l, 4.2 V8

                Diesel 2.0tdi, 2.7tdi, 3.0tdi

Gearbox:  6 speed manual, 6 speed automatic, 7 speed CVT Tiptronic

Awards:   World Car of the Year 2005

Ever since I started this blog I have been dying to feature this car.  The car we tested was the 2010 A6 S-Line Avant 3.0TDI V6 Quattro 7 Speed Tiptronic and my word what a car!  We had the perfect drive from Frankfurt, through Luxembourg and into the Lorraine Region of France on which we had German Motorway Driving, tight and twisty mountain passes as well as City Driving and the car handled beautifully on each.

Now if your thinking that after 3 car reviews we have gone all Top Gear already, don't forget this car has been around since 2004 and the Irish model to go for is the 2.0TDI Avant.  Our Rental Car is the last in the current line for the C6 chassis as a new model on the new C7 chassis to set for launch in 2011.

Now I'm not a huge fan of the Quattro system, in the A4 I found it takes a lot of horsepower to drive and will sometimes just give you a twitch when your really leaning into a corner as the rear wheels receive more power to keep you straight, especially in any car less than 200bhp! But, in the 225bhp 3.0TDI V6 version, its a different animal!  To drive, the car feels very similar to the 333bhp S4, you can push hard along the autobahn or just for cruising from A to B. The cabin is unreal, the Multi-Media Interface (MMI) is spot on, every button is exactly where it should be without having to stretch for it.  There is more than enough space in the rear for 3 6ft plus passengers.  The Tiptronic gearbox is smooth in auto-mode, but in sports mode is useless at cruising speed, but floor it and it comes into its own!  Its a big car without feeling cumbersome on the road.

All Variants of the A6 come with a 5 star rating from the Euro Ncap Crash Tests.

When looking at a car to buy 2nd hand, we recommend you go for the 2.0TDI 6 speed manual.  At 140bhp its no slouch.  Like with any Audi, check for signs of clocking, you can contact your local Audi Dealer for help on this aspect.  When looking at the engine bay, make sure there are no signs of any major oil leaks and no excessive smoke from the exhausts!  In some rare examples, the dual-mass Flywheel can cause problems so if you feel any strange vibration through the car on the test drive you may as well leave it there because this is a very expensive problem to fix.

Up to 2008, this car is €614 to tax and after its only €302 per year to tax.  A standard service should be running at about €150 including oil.  You're looking at about 55mpg mixed driving.

There is no doubt that there are some bargains to be picked up in the UK, but make sure and check the VRT before you import as it can be extortionate.  You are looking at somewhere between €5,000 for a 04 model, all the way up to €60,000 for a new model!!!! On average for a nice clean 05/06 car with a good service history you should only be paying about €8,000 to €10,000

Here at Allparts, we want this car! 

Gary



Volkswagen Golf Mk IV 1.4i 16v 1999-2005

Class: Small Hatch
Rivals: Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, Ford Focus, Nissan Micra, Alfa Romeo 147, Peugeot 206
Sister Cars: Audi A3, Audi TT, Skoda Fabia, Seat Ibiza, VW Bora, New Beetle,
Variants: Hatchback, Cabriolet, Station Wagon, Van
Engines: Petrol 1.4 16v, 1.6, 1.8 20v, 2.0, 2.3 V5, 2.8VR6, 2.8VR6 24v, 3.2VR6 24v
Diesel: 1.9 tdi (80bhp-150bhp)
Gearbox: 5 speed manual, 5 speed automatic
Awards:
1998 What Car? Best Small Hatch
1998 Top Gear Magazine Best Small Family Car

I have decided to separate the Golf variants to talk about them because otherwise well be here all day! You will notice that we didn't put the Bora down as a variant, even though its often called the Golf saloon, it only shares the chassis and the front door panels with its Golf sister.
There is so much that car be said about the Golf through out its 33 year history, so we will start with the 1.4 16v.

In our opinion, this is the ideal starter car, its a car that crosses the generations as well as the sexes! it can never be called a girls car or never a lads car either! The spotty nosed teen or the old age pensioner never looks out of place in the drivers seat!
This car is so easy to drive with is neutral handling and comfortable driving position, it make the driver, no matter how nervous they are, feel in complete control of the vehicle.
It doesn't feel like a small car to sit in, there is ample room for 4 adults and the solid drive makes you feel like your in a car twice its size.

The CL spec is the definite car to go for with its all around electric windows, lighting kit and comfort line seats.

The 1.416v engine at 75bhp is no slouch. It will not scare the pants off you but is as good on a motorway as it is on the tight country lanes. On high mileage units you need to look out for a creamy discharge on the underside of the oil cap and the dip stick. They can also be difficult to pass the NCT emissions test but this is normally down to either a faulty Lambda sensor or the Catalytic Converter, both of which are easy to repair.

The 1.4 16v only cost €333 a year to put road tax on, about €70 to service and for a petrol car is very economical on fuel, averaging approximately 35-45mpg mixed driving.
It is very easy to source parts, and with all the on line forums dedicated to the Mk IV, it is very easy to access any information on the car.

The 1.4 16v is the cheapest of the model range to buy, you should be looking at between €1200 up to €2,500 and for a low mileage late model you can pay up to €4,000. There are bargains to be had to keep a good look out, if you have any mechanical experience you can even pick up a nice car for less than a thousand euros! Be careful of aftermarket extras as these don't add to the value of the car.

Most people who ever own a golf will never own anything else, this says a lot about this car!

Gary

Vauxhall/Opel Vectra B 2.0dti 1996-2002

Class: Family Saloon
Rivals: Ford Focus, Alfa Romeo 155, Nissan Primera, Toyota Avensis
Variants: Saloon, Hatchback, Estate
Engines: Petrol 1.6, 2.0, 2.2, 2.5 V6
Diesel 1.7td, 2.0dti, 2.2dti
Gearbox: Manual 5 speed
Automatic 5speed

I never knew exactly why but I always prefered the Vauxhall to the Opel Vectra, even though they were both built in the same factory in Luton, the Vauxhall always seems to be a tighter built and higher spec-ed car!! The face lift model from '99 onwards is definitely the car to go for with its single piece headlamps, color coded bumpers and modified back end, and somewhat improved handling!
The Vectra will never be known for its sportiness, its understeers at speed and its in no way intended for high speed cornering! But as a motorway cruiser, a from A to B car its hard beat!
At motorway speeds the cabin noise is low and you feel in control of the car, not push on past this limit and your opinion of the car will start to waine!! But, on rough and bumpy roads, the Vectra B will give you a relatively comfortable ride compared to some of its more illustrious German rivals.
The Hatch back would also be the recommended buy, with the extra boot space and fold down seat there isn't much that you will fail to carry. There is plenty of room in the cabin for up to 5 average adults.

The 2.0dti is the best car in the class, although it runs at €614 road tax per year, its actually quite an economical car, normally returning an average of 50mpg providing the engine is kept well serviced! When looking at the engine, watch out for any leaks, especially around the turbo and rocker cover, check the fluid levels, dip the oil several times to check an accurate level and check the color of the coolant in the bottle after the car has been driven. Anything other than the color of antifreeze and your as well to walk away. Also check all the water pipes and hoses for any sign of corrosion as the car is that age where these pipes just start to wear out.

The Vectra B only have a 2 star rating for the Euro NCAP Crash and Safety tests. From driving the car I never liked the ABS system in place, I always found it kicked in far too early and from searching for parts in scrapyards, its evident on how hard it is to find parts for the front of the car. But parts are easily sourced new and not an expensive car to service or maintain.

Price wise for a very clean car with low mileage and a good service history you could be looking at anywhere up to €3,250, but on average you should pay around €2,400 for a decent car.

This is a nice comfortable and relatively reliable car for your ever day day to day driving. It will never set the word alight but it will get you there!

Gary

Audi A4 1.9tdi 130bhp 2000-2005

Class: Junior Executive
Rivals: BMW 3series, Mercedes C220, Ford Mondeo, Opel/Vauxhall Vectra
Variants: Saloon, Avant (Estate), Cabriolet
Engines: Petrol 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 2.4, 3.0, 4.2
Diesel 1.9tdi (105bhp, 115bhp, 130bhp), 2.5tdi, 3.0tdi
Gearbox: Manual 5 or 6 speed
Automatic (CVT, Multitronic) 5 or 6 speed

The 2002 Audi A4 is one of my favourite run of the mill standard road cars, one of which I actually owned. A mixture of horsepower and fuel economy made it a firm favourite with who ever drove one. The 1.9tdi 130bhp is arguably the best and most popular of the production line, although the RS4 is with out doubt some car with 420bhp, the 1.9tdi had followed its sporting pedigree with its responsive chassis and classy looks.

The 6 speed manual gear box is definitely the best buy even though 1st through 3rd gears are fairly short, you can cruise at 100kph at less than 2000rpms where as the 5 speed box will reach 100kph at 2300rpm saving approx 5mpg!!

The engine is fantastic, torquey and has a lovely rumble at high revs. Its tried and tested as its many variants have been best sellers for the Volkswagen/Audi group over many car generations. A good engine will be clean to look at with out looking polished, the odd slight oil weep but nothing dirty or dripping. There should be no smoke and should rev out smoothly.

This is a real drivers car, mixed with impressive good looks, easy to source new or 2nd hand parts, easy to insure and although it will cost €582 a year in road tax, for anyone who is doing over 100 miles a week will reap the benefit in fuel savings! It has good road handling, very tight with no rattles or squeaks, a nice roomy cabin with little road noise.

All models of the A4 come with a 4star rating from the Euro NCAP safety and crash tests which is very impressive for a 10year old design.

If thinking of making a purchase, make sure to get the a high specification model because believe it or not, the lower spec cars may not even come with folding rear seats!

As regard to prices, about €7,500 for an extremely clean example with low mileage but on average you will be looking at a nice reliable car with modest mileage for between €3,500 to €4,500. Beware of clocked models, any Audi dealership should help with verification on mileage.
For the best examples you might be better off looking at the UK for a bargain!

This is a fine example of a good strong reliable German diesel car, yes it will cost slightly more to service than your average japanese saloon, it more than makes up for it in class!

Gary

Welcome!

Hi and welcome to the Allparts.ie car and tractor review blog!

Due to my intense interest in car and tractors I often get asked my opinion on what cars to buy, what tractor to suit a farmer or contractor and more often than not, will this car suit me!!? So that's why I have decided to start this car review blog.

A car should be an extension of personality, something fun as well as practical as budget should have no bearing as there is something to suit everyone at every level.

After spending many years watching and reading car reviews, it gets quite tiresome listening to opinions on cars the average person will never get to see nevermind own!! I can't remember the last time I saw a Pagani Zonda F on the M50 or a Ferrari F50 on the N4. This is a real time blog for today's motorist!

The tractor side of things comes from my own farm upbringing! The joy of being flatout for the summer months and my own mechanical and sales experience!

At Allparts.ie, we will endeavour to provide clear, concise and accurate information, we will do our best to offer an honest opinion on new and 2nd hand vehicles and any thing you don't see here on our blog, please feel free to contact us through the http://www.allparts.ie/ website.

Gary

P.S
We promise not to offend Mexico!!!