How many miles should a Ford Mondeo do?
How many miles should a 2005 Ford Mondeo Zetec 1.8 petrol do?
David O MAhoney (Dungarvan)Expert answer
Hi David,
Do you mean in terms of fuel consumption? Then I'd say about 35- to 40mpg depending on your driving style. If you mean total miles, well it depends how you look after it and how it's been looked after. Cars are generally 'lifed' for between 250,000 miles (400,000km) and 300,000 miles. If you service it and care for it properly, you could potentially get even more...
Can you advise me on buying an older Mazda MX-5?
I'm looking out for a Mazda MX-5, an old one, to have as an open top / second car for the summer (I'm a weather optimist!). What issues if any should I watch out for? Is there a major difference between the 'regular' MX-5 and the Jap import versions?
Peter Mack (Dublin)Apr 2015 Filed under: classic cars
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
OK, first off the MX-5 is the go-to choice for an affordable convertible. Lots of them out there to choose from, they are reliable and solidly built, so there are few major problem areas to worry about.
Actually, the problems that do occur are usually more to do with maintenance than anything else. Check the convertible hood first for tears, splits, shrinking or mildew and mould. If there are any leaks, check for damage from water getting into the cabin, especially the electrical system - electric windows can easily pack up if the switches get leaked on to too much.
Check the alloys for corrosion and check that the rear-window demister is working - if there has been work done on the hood it can often be left disconnected. If the steering feels anything less than laser-precise and brilliant, suspect worn bushes, but it's not a big or expensive job.
Check also for accident damage - MX-5s can be tricky in the wet for anyone not used to rear-drive and any prangs need careful attention and work to make sure that the structure of the car remains sound. Also, avoid anything modified or tinkered with like the plague.
As for differences between the Japanese market cars and our ones, they're in the details more than anything else. The basic mechanical stuff is the same, but JDM cars often came with things like proper mechanical limited slip differentials when European cars had viscous couplings, and equipment levels in Japan were usually higher. If you're thinking of buying a Eunos Roadster (the Japanese name for the MX-5) then it would probably be a good idea to get in touch with the MX-5 Owners' club who can help you out with details of individual models and special editions, and on parts availability. You can get them on http://www.mx5ireland.com
Best of luck and let us know how you get on
Opel Insignia or Volkswagen Jetta - both 2009?
Which is better: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 1.9 TDI or 2009 Opel Insignia 2.0?
Sharon Joyce (Galway)Apr 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Sharon,
Quite different cars - the Insignia is bigger and plusher and feels, as it should, a lot more sophisticated. That said, the Jetta is comfy and has a massive boot, and is ruggedly reliable too. That old 1.9 TDI is a rattly old thing though. If they're similar on price, spec, history and condition, I'd say the Insignia shades it.
What is a reasonable discount on a new car?
What discounts are dealers typically offering for cash buyers on new cars? I'm looking at getting a hot hatch and wondering what (if any) discount is reasonable?
Gary Murray (Dublin)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Gary,
There's a thing with discounts and it's that most car dealers work to a margin of eight per cent - a margin that doesn't leave a lot of wiggle room.
So, go in with realistic expectations. If you're asking for a ten per cent deposit right off the bat, then the dealer is already taking a two per cent loss so that's not going to work.
Instead, box clever. Ask for a better deal on your trade-in or on your finance package. Or better yet, try and track down something that's been used as a pre-reg or demo. Or a model that's up for replacement shortly. That's where the real discounts are.
What small new car should I go for?
I am thinking of trading in my 2011 Nissan Micra (it has an NCT until 2017) for either a new (152) car or a 142 model. The shortlist of cars are: Hyundai i10, Peugeot 208, Renault Clio and maybe the Toyata Yaris or Skoda Fabia. However, the new bigger Ford Ka is due by December 2015 in the UK and 2016 here. Should I wait for the Ka?
Jacqueline Lynch (Dublin)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Jacqueline,
I wouldn't wait for the Ka. It's being designed primarily for Asian and low-cost markets, so it probably won't be the most refined, comfortable or high-tech. That's perhaps jumping the gun on the review a bit, but it's certainly likely to be the case. Of the cars you've listed I'd say the Hyundai i10 and Skoda Fabia are the standouts. They're quite different cars (the i10 is significantly smaller than the Skoda), but both are excellent to drive, well-made, reliable and offer excellent value. Have a try of both, and see which one suits your needs, size-wise, better.
Further reading:
What are the pros and cons of the Audi A4 Avant?
Hi, I am thinking of buying a 2005 Audi A4 Avant 2.0-litre TDI. What are the pros and cons with these cars? It has 160k kilometres on the clock and a full service history.
Many thanks,
Aidan.
William Ellis (Limerick)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi William,
They're generally very solid cars, A4s, and the fact that this one comes with a full service history bodes well. The weak points are the electrics (so check to make sure that everything with a button or a wire works properly) and the cooling system (so try and go for a good long test drive and let the engine heat up properly to see if the radiator is doing its job).
On the dynamic front, there's no doubt that a BMW 3 Series is a more engaging drive, but the Audi's robustness and practicality make it a very sensible second hand buy.
Kia Picanto or Hyundai i10?
I am looking at a 2009 Hyundai i10 and a 2010 Kia Picanto. The Hyundai has 8,000 less mileage than the Picanto but then the Picanto is a year younger. Mileage on both is low. There is two years' warranty left on the Picanto, which is a plus. Is there anything that I should be aware of in connection with these two cars?
Martina McCarthy (Co Cork)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Martina,
Neither car suffers from any major recurring mechanical maladies, although both can develop minor electrical system issues, especially with the stereos.
Being as they're basically the same car, it's entirely down to personal preference as to which one you should go for. As the Kia still has warranty left to run, that would be a good bet but check with the Hyundai's seller - there may be a warranty option there too.
Any issues with nearly new Mazda6s?
Are you aware of any issues with the Mazda6? I am thinking of getting a Platinum model , but am a little worried as there are a good number for sale (six- to nine-month old cars being disposed of so soon). Are the salesmen holding something back?
Many thanks
Sean in Limerick
Sean English (Limerick)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Sean,
Certainly nothing we've heard of - Mazda generally has an enviable reputation for reliability and solidity so we'd be very surprised if a large number of 6s were being offloaded because of a fault. It's more likely to be the result of a major fleet or car hire deal.
Should I replace my BMW 520d with an Audi A6?
I would like to know if you think the Audi A6 2.0-litre diesel 2014 model is a good car. I am in the market for this kind of car and currently drive a BMW 520d, but I don't know if I should go for the same again as I'm a bit worried about rear-wheel drive in the winter and because Audi is more competitive on price at the moment. I've driven an Audi and liked it but are there any problems I should know about?
Thanks.
Mike Ross (Dublin)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mike,
The A6 is a cracking choice - reliable, frugal, stylish and hugely comfy, but it's not as sweet to drive as the 5 Series. That said, it is more spacious and if you can track down an Avant estate you'll have one of the best looking cars around.
If you're concerned about driving on snow and ice there are two avenues you should explore, no matter which car you go for. One is to look into fitting either winter tyres (which you'll need to swap back over to normal tyres in the spring) or all-season tyres, such as the new 'CrossClimate' one from Michelin. Better again, go on a winter driving techniques course. BMW runs one at Rally School Ireland in Monaghan and the skills you'll learn there would get you through even the worst blizzard, no matter which set of your car's wheels are driven.
Further reading:
Help me spend €24,000 on a new car!
Hi, I bought my present car, a Mitsubishi Space Star 1.3 GLX petrol new 15 years ago, so it's long overdue replacing. Trouble is I haven't got a clue about choosing a new car and I need your advice.
The max price I wish to pay is €24,000 so I'm also chasing the best scrappage deal. I had a drive in the Hyundai ix35 and I like it but it has its drawbacks. However, the Nissan Qashqai is a non-contender for me as it has only an emergency spare wheel and the fifth passenger has to sit like riding a donkey with the big centre console protruding from the front.
What do you think I should go for? I'm thinking of looking at the Kia Sportage and Kia cee'd, but also the Nissan Pulsar and Peugeot 3008. I would be grateful for your advice.
Kind regards, Anto.
Anthony Kavanagh (Kilkenny)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Anthony,
The Pulsar or the cee'd would be the most sensible choices and both fall well within your budget. Both are reliable and decent to drive, and the Kia's not bad looking either. In fact, I reckon you should go for the estate version of the cee'd - it's one of the nicest, comfiest and most practical cars around.
Further reading to help you decide: