Tips for Buying a Used Convertible

Posted by Suzanne Keane on Nov 7, 2018

Sometimes getting a good deal simply depends on the what time of the year you are buying. Convertibles tend to be more expensive during the summer months but Winter is a great time to snap up a bargain, before you take the plunge we have some buying tips writes Suzanne Keane 1) Buying a used convertible is like buying any other car, but with a convertible pay particular attention to the roof and its operation particularly the seal. So double check it before you part with any money that there are no leaks . 2) While the roof is up, check around the windscreen header rail for any signs of poor sealing, and around the side windows to make sure they seal against the roof when raised. 3) Raise and lower the roof to check the mechanism works as intended and when it is folded and stowed away check that no water can get in. 4) Ensure also that the roof hardware, the clips and fasteners, securely snap into place. If the roof is damaged, or doesn’t raise or lower smoothly, walk away. Replacing it can be expensive. 5) Finding a used convertible is easy, but make sure it’s a good buy, the lure of owning one can often blind buyers to potential problems. Insist on a full service history and get a mechanic to check it out otherwise the rain may be the least of your worries. Suzanne Keane 7th November 2018...

Nov05

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Get your car ready for Winter!

Posted by Suzanne Keane on Nov 5, 2018

Get your car ready for Winter!

The temperature is gradually dropping and winter is on its way writes Suzanne Keane Here are some tips to prepare you and your car for the winter 1. Anti-freeze It’s called anti-freeze for a good reason! You may remember from science class (all those years ago) that when water freezes it expands. Therefore if you have lots of water (and not much antifreeze) in your cooling system if/when it freezes it can do damage to hoses, seals and your engine. It might be a good time of year to flush out the system and dilute the antifreeze according to the instructions on the bottle for winter. 2. Ice Scraper They are cheap and easy to use and you can bring them everywhere. Pouring water on the windscreen might seem like the easy solution but when it’s cold enough that water will just freeze again before you have a chance to move! Most importantly, if you park in the same place every night that excess water could freeze on the ground again and turn your path to the car into an ice rink! However, if you insist on taking the easy “water” option, DON’T USE HOT WATER!! A cracked windscreen could be a costly mistake. 3. Salt I recommend buying 2 packets of the cheapest salt in the supermarket. Keep one inside your front door and the other in the car. Before you leave the house in the morning sprinkle a pathway towards the drivers door (and other doors if you will...

Nov01

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First Drive: BMW M850i

Posted by Geraldine Herbert on Nov 1, 2018

First Drive: BMW M850i

The 8 Series returns after a 20-year absence – and heralds BMW’s future direction writes Geraldine Herbert What is it? .It’s been almost 20 years since the last BMW 8 Series; the two-door coupe traces its history to the Frankfurt Motor show in 1989 and was BMW’s technology showpiece of its time. Dubbed the ‘E31’, it was powered by 5.0-litre V-12 that produced 300 horsepower. Over its lifetime it sold just over 30,000 and...

Oct30

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The wrong fuel in your car

Posted by Geraldine Herbert on Oct 30, 2018

The wrong fuel in your car

What happens if you put the wrong fuel into your car? It’s easier then you think in fact some 10% of Irish Motorists accidentally make the mistake of putting the wrong fuel into their cars writes Geraldine Herbert The damage you do to your car essentially depends on the type of engine you have and how much of the wrong fuel you have put in Petrol in a diesel engine? Diesel is not only...