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Timing belt or chain for my Nissan X-Trail?

Has the 2005 Nissan X-Trail 2.2 diesel got a timing belt or chain?

James Doyle (Dublin)

Nov 2013 Filed under: servicing

Expert answer

Hi James,

The Nissan X-Trail has a timing chain, so should be virtually maintenance free.


What's wrong with my 2007 Skoda Octavia?

Hello,

I have a 2007 Skoda Octavia 2007 1.9 TDI that sometimes won't start - the engine will turn over, but won't start. When it does eventually start it runs ok for a while, then it cuts out and won't start any more: fuel pump, pipes, filter and fuses etc, have been checked and all ok. Have a fault code but not sure if related - P1650 data bus powertrain: missing message from instrument cluster ECU.

Thanks

Steve

Steve Daly (Cork)

Nov 2013 Filed under: fault

Expert answer

Hi Steve,

That fault code indicates a wiring issue somewhere that may well be your problem, but would require a good auto electrician to sort out. 

However, before doing that, a known issue with that car causing similar problems is a faulty engine coolant temperature sensor that intermittently sends the wrong signal to the car's brain and causes all kinds of problems. It needs to be replaced and shouldn't cost the earth.


Why do UK dealers offer larger discounts than Irish ones?

I was looking at some UK owner forums while researching new cars and was struck by the level of discount people seen to achieve. Figures of 15% and 17% seemed very achievable with large "dealer contributions" being mentioned, even on high-spec BMWs and Mercedes. I have never been able to get anything close to this in Ireland. Am I a poor negotiator or do Irish dealers not have the margin to do this? What discount levels are possible in your experience?

Andrew Kelly (Limerick)

Nov 2013 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Andrew,

Whether it's a case of giving us the poor mouth or not I'm not sure but Irish dealers by and large operate on a margin of between 8 and 12 per cent. That can vary wildly between brands, of course. Dacia dealers for instance will probably tell you they work on a margin closer to five per cent, so don't go asking for discounts. Premium brand dealers will obviously have broader margins so there is a little more scope for discounting there. 

The UK market has a number of advantages over us when it comes to seeking out bargains. For a start, there's no VRT to pay, whereas anything from 30 to 50 per cent of every Irish dealer's sale goes straight into the tax man's pocket. Competition in the UK is also much more cut-throat and the big dealers have to compete with the likes of car supermarkets, so they're keener to offer discounts.

If you're looking for bargains at the moment in Ireland, the best thing to do is watch for pre-registrations. To meet their market share targets, many importers are pressuring their dealers to register cars that will then be sold as 'nearly new' or 'demo model' at a significant price cut. The best thing to do is shop at the start of the month, as most pre-registering will be done on the last working day of the previous month and dealers will be keen to off-load pre-registered stock.

Hope all that helps


Is a diesel Ford Focus a good buy?

My son wants to purchase a 2009/2010 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi. Any issues with this type of car? Is it economical? I have heard that the engine can be loud in some models. Can you suggest a good diesel engined car if the Focus is not a good buy?

David Kerin (Ennis)

Oct 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi David,

It's actually a very good car, and as long as it has a full service history you shouldn't have too much to worry about. That 1.6 TDCi engine is robust, but just make sure that at each service it has been topped up with the correct grade and type of oil as it's a bit sensitive in that regard. The only regular weak point is the exhaust gas recirculation valve, which can give trouble. Any lack of power or sluggish acceleration is the giveaway. Loud? Not really. Of course, a petrol-engined version would be a touch quieter but the Focus is at least as refined as any of its main rivals. Of course, being a Focus, that means that there's lots around to choose from, so be picky and shop around until you find a really good one.


Can you help me work out Golf spec differences?

What are the differences between the Volkswagen Golf Comfortline Sportspack and the Highline model?

Denise O'Halloran (Cork)

Oct 2013 Filed under: optional extras

Expert answer

Hi Denise,

The minutiae of equipment specs are something of a mystery, but thankfully we know some helpful chaps at Volkswagen Group Ireland and they told us that:

"The Sports Pack adds 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights and tinted windows to the Comfortline.

If a customer was to opt for a standard Highline over the Comfortline with Sports Pack, they would get the following additional standard equipment:

Interior

Leather multi-function steering wheel

Sports seats incl. Alcantara/Global upholstery

"Piano Black Mesh" decorative inserts

Carpet mats, front & rear

Ambient lighting

Exterior

Deep Red tail-light clusters

Electrically folding exterior mirrors

Additional chrome mouldings on front grille

Functional

Auto-dimming rear view mirror

Auto headlight activation

Rain sensor

Fatigue Detection

Please note that tinted windows come within the Comfortline Sports Pack, but are not standard on Highline. These can be added to the Highline as an option individually or as part of the Highline Sports Pack."

Does that help?


What do you think of the Dacia Duster?

Hi,

I have an 02 Audi A6 1.8T converted to LPG; my problem is when it rains, the floor behind the driver's seat gets soaked; where is water getting in?

Also, I'm considering buying a Dacia Duster; what's your opinon on them?

Chris Mcguirk (Meath)

Oct 2013 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Chris,

Well, the simplest answer to your rain problem is that it sounds as if the door or window seals are gone, or it could possibly be a leak from the air conditioning system. A quick trip to the garage should sort that out. As for the Duster, it’s a fine car for the money — they’re reasonably nice to drive, certainly rugged and reliable and very practical too, but you’re going to have to put up with seats that are less than stellar on longer journeys, and a dashboard made of the lowest-grade plastics around.

2016 Dacia Duster review (post-facelift)

2012 Dacia Duster review


What is meant by 'notchy' gears?

What is meant by notchy gears? I met this notchy gears word while reading a report on a Nissan Micra.

Pandurang Nadgauda (Kolhapur)

Oct 2013 Filed under: gearbox

Expert answer

Hi Pandurang,

'Notchy' isn't a real word, which is why I discourage our writers from using it, though most of the large publishers allow it so it has become very commonplace.

It means there's some resistance in the gear change like moving the lever past a notch. In truth some like it and others don't. Best bet is to always test a car for yourself.

Hope that's of help?


What diesel car should I replace our Peugeot 307 with?

Hi all. My girlfriend's Peugeot 307 died a death on the dual carrigeway recently so she is looking for a diesel car around 1.4 to 1.6 with a max price of €6,000. She commutes everyday from Ballylinan in Laois to Tallaght. Any good diesel cars in that range she should be looking at?

Aidan Murphy (Dublin)

Oct 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Aidan,

I'd suggest either a Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi, a Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI or a Kia cee'd 1.6 CRDi. All of them fall into your price bracket, all are well built, reliable and economical and all are comfy for a lengthy daily commute. You won't go wrong with any of them and there are plenty of each available so shop around and be choosy.


I need advice on a 2008-2009 Audi A4...

Hi,

Am looking at replacing my current car with an 08/09 Audi A4 diesel. I was looking for some advice as to things to watch out for on this type of car second hand. Also in terms of spec, is it worth holding out to get an S line model?

Thanks

Derry Lynch (Carrick On Shannon)

Oct 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Derry,

The S line spec on an A4 is nice, especially in styling terms, but it does also include lower, stiffer suspension, so if you value your comfort and refinement, maybe go for an SE instead. As for things to watch for, obviously with any car of that age you need to check pretty much everything very carefully, and don’t buy anything that doesn’t come with a full service history. Check that the MMI infotainment system is all working properly (it’s a major trouble spot), and check the carpets for damp spots as the air conditioning system often leaks. S line models often develop tracking issues, so check the front tyres for uneven wear, and a dull thud from the suspension when going over bumps means the anti-roll bar drop links need replacing, too.


What do you think of the price of this Ford Mondeo?

I've spotted a 2009 Ford Mondeo Ghia priced at €14,750 with 55,000 miles on the clock and it is an automatic. This seems a bit pricey to me. What do you think yourself?

Dave McNamara (Limerick)

Oct 2013 Filed under: used car values

Expert answer

Hi Dave,

Maybe slightly, as I would have expected the auto box to push the resale value down a touch. Still, a cracking car and the Ghia badge has a kind of retro appeal these days. Have a good hard haggle and try and get a few quid off. Or do another search; we found a well specced Mondeo 1.8 TDCi estate for a shade over €13k. Lots out there to choose from so be picky.


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