Any oil problems with Mazda's diesels?
I was wondering if there is an issue with Mazda's new SkyActiv diesel engines? I have heard there may be an issue with the oil levels.
Thanks
Eamonn McDermott (Limerick)Sep 2013 Filed under: diesel
Expert answer
Hi Eamonn,
Not that we’re aware of. Like any modern engine, the SkyActiv 2.2 diesel is built to very fine tolerances, and needs regular care and attention. That doesn’t mean it’s fragile, just that it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the oil level, and make sure that the car is serviced, properly, according to schedule. The old days of using and abusing engines is gone.
What's the Ford S-Max like?
Which Ford S-Max is the best value for money and has the best features when it comes to comparing tax,insurance and year?
Ian Ridpath (Dublin)Sep 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Ian,
There are really only two options when it comes to S-Max engines and those are the 125hp 1.8 TDCi diesel and the 2.0-litre TDCi diesel in 140hp form. There was a 163hp version as well, but they're pretty thin on the ground and forget about the rarer than hen's molars 2.5-litre 212hp petrol version with the engine from the Focus ST; it was fantastic fun but nobody bought one as far as we can tell.
Now, originally both the 1.8- and 2.0-litre engines shared the same 164g/km CO2 rating, which makes road tax a bit on the pricey side (€570 a year), but in 2010, Ford facelifted the S-Max, dropped the 1.8 TDCi and introduced an updated 2.0 diesel with emissions of 143g/km, making for a much more palatable €390 a year tax bill. So, that's the one we'd advise you go for and as long as you get either a Zetec or Titanium spec version, you'll get a reasonable amount of toys to keep you happy in the cabin.
Cracking car, the S-Max actually. Spacious but terrific to drive. Let us know how you get on.
Does the BMW 2.0-litre diesel engine have a problem?
I read recently on a site that specialised in information on car engines, that the current 2.0-litre BMW diesel engine had a weakness in the timing chain area, and that getting this fixed was pricey. The site also said that BMW refuses to recognise that the problem exists. As I am considering purchasing a second hand 520d in the future, this piece of news is disquieting, as the engine seems to be good - powerful, frugal, and great when matched to the eight-speed auto. Have you heard of any problems with the timing chains of this engine?
Tony Mulhare (Dublin)Sep 2013 Filed under: diesel
Expert answer
Hi Tony,
OK, there are a couple of issues here. One is that a trawl of the Internet forums, especially in the UK, seems to indicate that there is a common problem on the N47 2.0-litre diesel engine whereby the timing chain can either fail or jump its sprockets. Either way, you're looking at an engine failure and a need for replacement. Not a trivial matter.
However, BMW has not issued a recall or any specific advice in this area, which may indicate that there has not been a significant level of these incidents. It's easy to accuse a car company of ignoring a major problem but actually that's rarer than you'd think and it's all to easy to get into a froth of indignation from just reading complaints on the internet.
That being the case, we'd simply advise caution. There are some very good independent BMW specialists out there (such as http://www.bloomfieldgarage.ie/) and it might be worth getting in touch with them for more detailed advice.
Also, insist on full service history with these cars, paying particular attention to oil change intervals.
Common faults with the Audi A6 estate?
What are the common faults with the 2009 Audi A6 Avant estate?
Heino Kass (Swords)Aug 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Heino,
Check for vibration from the dual-mass flywheel on the 2.0-litre engines, and that the drain at the bottom of the windscreen has not become clogged with road debris and leaves. If it’s the 2.0-litre TDI and it’s smoking a lot, then the turbo is probably gone or about to go, and that engine needs a cam belt change at 120,000km.
Check the rear brake discs for excessive wear or scoring marks too — the electronic handbrake can stick on and damage the disc. Check everything electrical carefully in general for a car of that age, and don’t buy without a full and complete service history.
What's the new SEAT Exeo like?
What is the new SEAT Exeo like? Does anyone have any experience with this car?
Patrick Trautt (Lanesboro)Aug 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
We have a lot of experience with this car actually. Both Neil and I ran Exeo saloons as long term test cars for a while, and I also had the ST estate for nearly a year.
I definitely preferred the estate in terms of looks and though it had more space in the boot, the Exeo saloon isn't bad at all in that regard. You probably know that it's essentially a previous generation Audi A4, down to the interior switchgear and engines. That's no bad thing of course, as the Audi was a premium model at the time, though it does mean that the Exeo feels dated in places.
Nonetheless, it is solidly built and everything works well. The TDI diesel engines are well-proven and particularly satisfying when specified in conjunction with the CVT automatic gearbox. They're not the most refined engines on the market, but good performers and pretty economical too.
Note that rear legroom isn't all that great, though it was improved in the latest versions.
Overall, if you can get the Exeo for a good price then you're buying a dependable car that is below most people's radar.
Can you tell me the pros and cons of the Peugeot 407?
Can you tell me the pros and cons of the Peugeot 407, as a family car?
Stephen Lawlor (Portarlington)Aug 2013 Filed under: family car
Expert answer
Hi Stephen,
Pros: handsome, very good to drive, comfortable, excellent diesel engines, spacious boot, safety levels, well equipped as standard.
Cons: build quality and reliability not as good as, say, a Mondeo and definitely not as good as an Avensis in that regard. Rear seat space quite right. Mediocre petrol engines. Lots of fiddly buttons in the cabin.
Help me choose the right Volkswagen Passat
Hi, was just wondering could anybody help me. I am looking to buy a Volkswagen Passat, but don't know too much about cars. I am looking to buy a 2003 or 2004 Passat, but what kind of engine is better? The likes of a 100hp or 130hp? Which would be better on fuel? And which would be better: a five- or six-speed gearbox?
Sean Ryan (Laoise)Aug 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Sean,
As far as the gearbox is concerned, more is always better, so a six-speeder should help keep your fuel consumption down a bit, especially if you do lots of cruising in top gear.
As for engines, the 100hp one you refer to is a 1.6 petrol, while the 130hp unit is a 1.9 diesel. Obviously the diesel will be more economical, as the 1.6 struggles with the weight of the Passat and also suffers from problems with its driveshafts.
Buy carefully though, as Passats of that age have often been abused by careless owners. There's plenty about however, so you can afford to be picky.
Is the Fiat Punto a reliable car?
Is the Fiat Punto a reliable car?
Gary Hughes (Malihide,co Dublin)Aug 2013 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Gary,
The surprising answer is, kinda, yes. If you're talking about the first and second generation Puntos, they are actually surprisingly robust. As with any Italian cars, watch all the electrical items like a hawk, but these cars pre-date the massive explosion in in-car gadgetry, so there are fewer things to go wrong. Engines, especially the 1.2 FIRE, are almost unburstable (just make sure the timing belt is changed regularly) and the bodies are strong and not prone to rust.
What family car suits our needs for €9,000?
I need advice on which car to buy. I have one child in a car seat, and am planning to have two more children pretty quickly, so I need a car that can accomodate two car seats and a booster seat, that also has plently of boot space for buggies and shopping. Fuel economy is really important for me, as is annual tax charges, as I don't have a lot of spare cash every month. So I have been looking at 1.5 diesels. I have about €9,000 to spend. I love the Nissan Qashqais, I think they are gorgeous, and am really considering buying a 2007 model. However I have been told that they are very hard on fuel, is that true? Do you have any idea what mpg I can expect? My second and third choices are Citroen Xsara Picasso or a Renault Mégane (2009 hatchback). Do you have any advice for me, or any suggestions of a car that would suit my needs?
Thanks in advance.
Dawn Higgins (Edenderry)Aug 2013 Filed under: family car
Expert answer
Hi Dawn,
The problem here is that you need space for three child seats across the back, and it's getting harder and harder to find a car that can accommodate that. The Qashqai is a fab car, no doubt, but yes, unless it's the 1.5 dCi diesel model you're talking about, they can indeed be hard on petrol. Besides, it will also fall down on the three-across-the-back test. The Xsara Picasso should be able to manage three across though, so is the best suggestion out of the ones you've been looking at, but here's another possibility: if you're looking for space on a budget, try going for a van-based MPV such as a Citroen Berlingo or Renault Kangoo. They're surprisingly nice to drive, have masses of space both in the back and boot, and both can be found with 1.4-litre petrol or 1.5- or 1.6-litre diesel engines so tax and, generally, fuel economy shouldn't be an issue. Also, being van-based, they're often more reliable and ruggedly built than their car cousins.
Can I expect lots of problems if I buy a Range Rover?
Will I expect lots of problems if I buy a 2003-06 Range Rover?
Sophie Dee (Kildare)Aug 2013 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Sophie,
It's a bit tricky to say. There's no question that the 2002-2012 Range Rover was a massive improvement over its dreadful predecessor when it came to reliability and solidity but there are legions of potential problems - everything from minor electrical niggles to full-on major component failure. Fragile areas seem to be the gearbox (perennially a Land Rover weak spot) and the air suspension. The engines and bodies are solid as rocks though. Make utterly sure there's a full LR service history.