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Pros and cons of the Kia cee'd estate?

I'm looking at a 2008 Kia cee'd diesel estate: any info on the pros and cons of this car please?

Darren Thompson (Leixlip)

Aug 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Darren,

There are very few cons, and mostly pros. The first thing to check for is a full service history, because without that, it’s just not worth looking at. Modern diesel engines need careful servicing and attention to stay reliable, so make certain this one has been cared for. The only cons really are on the inside where the cabin can get very rattly and squeaky, and sadly there’s not a lot you can do to fix that. The rest is all good, though — the Kia cee'd is reliable, nice to drive, roomy and comfortable.


What's the best car around for just €1,500?

What's the best, cheapest and most economical car today for €1,500?

Anthony Gilmartin (KILRUSH)

Jul 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Anthony,

Right, I've had a long, hard think about this. You've not specified which type of car you're particularly looking for, so if you're after a seven-seat MPV or some kind of 4x4; sorry, I haven't even considered that. 

Oddly, I've also discounted diesel as, at that price level, and with the likely age range, you're looking at older tech engines that didn't have as clear a consumption advantage over their petrol brethren.

You've said cheapest and then specified a price, which suggests to me you mean cheapest to run, which really means reliable and with low tax.

So my best recommendation to you is to track down a 2000-2001 Honda Civic 1.4. Built like a bank vault, spacious and good to drive, economical and the 1.4 capacity means you won't get taken to the cleaners every time you need a new tax disc. Plenty around and most will be within your price range.

What do you think?


How reliable is the 2004 Renault Clio?

How reliable is the 2004 Renault Clio?

Mark Nolan (Dublin )

Jul 2013 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

The most common fault with that generation Clio was with the bonnet catch that could fail and allow the bonnet to fly open when driving! Worrying that, and it never triggered a full recall, although Renault did offer to inspect and repair cars for free - make sure the one you're looking at has had that done. Engines are pretty solid, but watch for electrical issues with the windows, the CD player and the engine immobiliser. There are reports of cold starting problems, usually because of a faulty air pressure sensor and the cable-operated gear shift can give problems too. If you have difficulty selecting a gear, then the gearbox is on its way out. Cabin trim is pretty fragile and you need to watch for problems with the brake servos and front suspension arms.


Change interval for Mazda3 timing belt?

How many km before timing belt replacement on a 2009 Mazda3 diesel?

Martin Quigley (Wexford)

Jul 2013 Filed under: servicing

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

The Mazda3 changed generations in 2009, but I'm assuming it's the 2003-2009 version you have. Two diesel engines were offered, a 1.6 and a 2.0. Obviously the 1.6 is the more common. The recommended change interval on that car's timing belt is every 240,000km or ever 10 years, whichever comes first. For reference, the 2.0-litre diesel version has to have its timing belt changed every 120,000km regardless of time.


Can we look at petrol vs. diesel in detail?

Though diesel cars are more expensive to buy, the trade-in value will also be greater, a point that does not seem to be taken into consideration in the diesel vs. petrol debate. The first question a dealer asks is "is it petrol or diesel?", which is generally followed by a turning up of the nose when the answer is petrol.

Practically all motoring correspondents highlight the benefits of diesel without referring to the fact that diesel engines are designed to be driven on long journeys where the engine reaches its optimum temperature, which does not happen on short runs, thereby increasing the potential for engine damage. Thumbs up to you for your very informative question and answer section. How about a full article on diesel-v-petrol taking into account servicing costs and highlighting the potential of engine damage to diesel engines when used only on short journeys?

Michael Corduff (Dublin)

Jul 2013 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

Many thanks for the compliment. You’re right on the trade-in aspect, although that does seem to be shifting now in the wake of the diesel issue, especially in urban areas. As for the servicing aspect, it’s a tough one for us to look at in a comparison sense, as all garages are different, have different charges and servicing is not a constant. All cars will need to be serviced differently, according to how they are driven.

We have done some diesel versus petrol comparison work in the past though. Have a look here.


Does an Opel Vectra have a timing belt?

Does a 2004 Opel Vectra Estate have a timing belt or chain?

Austin McCartney (Dublin)

Jul 2013 Filed under: servicing

Expert answer

Hi Austin,

You didn't specify the engine so here are the possibilities:

1.6 petrol 100hp: has a timing belt, to be changed every 90,000km or six years

1.8 petrol 122hp/110hp or 118hp dual fuel: same as above

1.9 diesel 120hp: has a timing belt, to be changed every 120,000km or six years

1.9 diesel 150hp: has a timing belt, to be changed every 100,000km or ten years

2.0 diesel 100hp: has a timing chain

2.0 turbo petrol 175hp: has a timing chain

2.2 diesel 125hp/117hp: has a timing chain

2.2 petrol: has a timing chain

There were larger engines again in the Vectra, but we doubt you have one of those as they are very rare.


Should I change to Fiat from Fords?

I only ever drove Fords and I saw a Fiat Punto that I like. How reliable are Fiats and how different are they to Fords?

Carrie Conroy (Dublin)

Jul 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Carrie,

Puntos, especially the 2006-on Grande Punto, aren't bad at all when it comes to reliability. The engines are all well-proven Fiat units with few major issues and as long as you keep a wary eye on the electrics, and buy only with a full service history, you should be OK. 

Compared to Fords you have driven, you'll probably find the Fiat has much lighter, more detached steering and a "looser" feeling chassis. But you'll probably also notice that the Punto is unusually spacious and has very eager engines. An underrated car.


How reliable is the 2003 Peugeot 307?

How reliable is the 2003 Peugeot 307? How are their diesel engine models?

David McCartney (Dublin)

Jul 2013 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi David,

There are some issues with this version of the 307, mostly as it uses an older wiring system that was replaced in 2005 by a new, more reliable, multiplex design. Basically it's beware anything electronic, especially the odometer, which can give inaccurate mileage readings. Cabin trim, especially the wiper and indicator stalks, can be very fragile, while any noise from the suspension means you should run, not walk, away. 

On the good side, the engines, especially the 1.6 HDi diesel, are pretty solid and economical.


What do you think about the SsangYong Rodius?

Is the SsangYong Rodius 2.6 diesel a reliable car and roughly how much would I pay for a 2005 model?

Nuala Murtagh (Dublin)

Jul 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Nuala,

Mostly yes, they're fine. The engines and gearboxes are essentially old Mercedes-Benz items and they're pretty long lived and can rack up mega mileages. What you've got to watch for are cabin trim (which is spectacularly fragile and can often come off in your hands) and electrical gremlins. Essentially, if it's on a Rodius and its got a wire in it, it can go wrong, so check carefully to make sure that everything electric is working and budget for running repairs in the future. Expect to pay around €3,500 to €4,000 for a 2005 version, but they're pretty thin on the ground.

Hope that helps


Peugeot 206 CC or Volkswagen Beetle?

Is the Peugeot 206 CC a reliable car? What about the Volkswagen Beetle.

Julie Conlon (Dublin)

Jul 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Julie,

The short answers are; no. And, indeed, no.

The 206 is actually quite mechanically robust, so major things like engines and gearboxes tend to last pretty well, but the roof of the CC model is a disaster. Not only does it tend to leak, but it often gets jammed halfway through folding. The cabin trim is pretty fragile too and switches, important ones like the indicator stalk, often break.

The Volkswagen Beetle isn't much better. It was based on the Mk IV Golf, which is the one with just about the poorest reliability record of the whole Golf family. Engine management issues are the most serious ones, so make sure there's a full and proper service history with any car you're looking at.

Hopet that helps


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