Does the Citroen C5 diesel make a good second hand car?
Does the Citroen C5 diesel make a good second hand car?
Paddy Lynch (Ramelton)Oct 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Paddy,
Actually, yes it is. There are very few reported regular problems (unlike the first generation Citroen C5) and the only areas you really have to watch for are suspension issues (listen for clionking noises or look for smooth operation from the rare optional hydragas suspension) and electrics (lots of buttons inside - make sure they all work flawlessly). The best engine is probably the 1.6 HDi diesel. It's not quick by any standard, but the relaxed, comfy nature of the C5 matches up well with it, and 55mpg isn't to be sniffed at. Make sure it has a full service history and ensure that the right grade of engine oil has been used at each change - that 1.6 HDi can be sensitive to incorrect lube.
Hope that helps
I want to buy a new MPV in 2014.
I am looking at new MPVs for next year. I could not find the Sharan on the Volkswagen website. Has it dropped this model? What would you recommend to replace a Ford S-Max Titanium possibly with an auto box?
Andrew Kelly (Limerick)Oct 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Andrew,
Hmmm. Well, spotted. The Sharan has indeed disappeared from Volkswagen price lists in Ireland (much as has the S-Max and the Galaxy from Ford's) and we're awaiting a call back from Volkswagen Towers as to its fate. The good news is that SEAT's definitely still selling the identical Alhambra, and that's a crackingly good car. You do need to go for the top spec Exclusive DSG model if you want to get an automatic version though.
Next year, Ford will be launching an all-new S-Max, which might be worth holding on for, while Renault's surprisingly still-good Espace (a touch old school but very, very comfy) is still just about on sale, and there's always the Chrysler Voyager. And then there's the Opel Zafira Tourer, a more direct rival to the S-Max than anything else. There's a 2.0-litre CDTi diesel automatic for €34,495 and it's almost as good as the S-Max to drive.
What do you think?
Update:
Just an addendum to this: Volkswagen Ireland has confirmed that the Sharan is no longer available, not even to individual order.
Presumably, if you really, really want one your local Volkswagen dealer could get hold of one for you, but why go to the hassle when the cheaper, better-equipped Alhambra is there?
What will I replace by old SEAT Leon with?
How much should I get for my 2004 SEAT Leon 1.9 TDI with about 130,000 miles on the clock, in great condition and full service history, new timing belt etc. And what should I replace it with? I do a bit of driving for work. I also love the Leon! Looking for reliable and cost friendly car.
Thanks so much
Au Considine (Ennis)Oct 2013 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Au,
In terms of trade in, you're probably only looking at a value of around €1,500 or so. You might just break the €2,000 barrier if you try and sell it privately, but selling private is never easy. If you love your Leon then can I simply suggest trading up to a newer one? If you go for a 2009-on second generation Leon, with the 1.6 TDI diesel engine, then you'll have a superbly economical car that will cost you only €200 a year to tax. You already know how robust and reliable SEATs are, so I don't need to remind you of that, but it's worth pointing out that the second-gen Leon was better to drive and more spacious than your current car. My dad has had three now and won't have anything else, so that recommendation is as good as it comes.
Mind you, it could be worth holding fire for a week. The Budget's coming up next week, and there's just a chance that the Society of the Irish Motor Industry's (SIMI) 'Swappage' plan, to give those trading in six-year-old-or-older cars €2,000 off the price of a new one could get approved, and if so then it may be worth trading up to an all-new Leon, which is simply one of the best cars out there. It's even, whisper it, a bit nicer than the Volkswagen Golf...
Hyundai i40 Tourer or Skoda Octavia Combi?
Hi guys, I cannot make up my mind between the Hyundai i40 estate or Skoda Octivia estate. Which would you go for?
Paul Mc Mahon (Dublin)Oct 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
You know what? While I'm a big, big fan of the Skoda, especially in estate form, I think I'll recommend the Hyundai. It's more expensive, true enough, but it's also bigger, exceptionally well equipped, frugal and very comfy to drive. And of course it has Hyundai's excellent five-year, unlimited mileage warranty too. It's something of an unsung hero in fact.
Help me choose Peugeot 206 or 207.
Can you advise on the Peugeot 206 and 207? Are these reliable and trouble free? Which is the better car?
Helen Mitchell (Dublin)Oct 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Helen,
Well, obviously, the 207 is a newer and more sophisticated car than the 206, and I reckon you'll find it to be a much more comfortable drive (better seats, especially) than the older 206. That said, the 207 is much, much heavier and the 206 always felt much more fleet of foot and more enjoyable to drive.
The 206 has something of a reputation for unreliability, but the upside is that most of its problems are of the minor, electrical variety. The engines and gearboxes are long-lived and robust, although if you're buying a heaver diesel model, look for excessive wear and tear on the front suspension and brakes.
The 207 has a couple of recurrent niggles as well, the most important of which is the engine's anti-polution monitor, which can go haywire and cause the engine to switch into limp-home mode. Beware also of diesel models that don't quieten down when they're warmed through; check for suspension failure, especially at the front; and as ever beware of electrical gremlins. Make sure every button works properly.
Any major issues with the Land Rover Discovery 3?
Are there any serious mechanical issues with the Land Rover Discovery 3 that a prospective buyer should know about?
Vinny Duggan (Galway)Oct 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Vinny,
Hmmm. Yes and no. Land Rover quality control has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years, and the Disco 3 was one of the first cars to benefit from a new, higher quality regime. Mostly, they're well built and reliable, but a few 'rogue' cars still seem to slip through the net. The main fault is with the air suspension system, and the air compressor that pumps it up, which can fail, so make sure that the car rises and lowers as it should. Earlier cars had a lot of minor electrical glitches - everything from Bluetooth phone hookups to stereos to the electronic handbrake, but most of these should have been ironed out by now.
What do you think of this BMW 1 Series?
I'm interested in this 2009 1 Series BMW on Carzone.ie. Are there any issues of note with this import?
Thanks
Una O'Connor (Dublin)Oct 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Una,
A good, solid car the 1 Series, but there are a few issues to look for. Watch for front tracking problems or even problems with the steering rack itself - excessive front tyre wear is the giveaway. All 1 Series gearboxes feel a bit stiff but one that's especially obstructive could be on the way out. Electric windows can seize (thankfully usually in the shut position) and airbag faults are common, but there'll be a dash warning light for those. Make sure that the traction control is working too, as it can fail and shut down entirely. There were a few recalls, for rear axle problems, seatbelt and pre tensioner issues and for the brake booster so make sure the work has already been done by checking with a dealer.
And for an import, we'd urge you pay for a Cartell.ie history check.
Hope that all helps
Should I go for a high mileage Volvo XC90?
Hi lads. I'm thinking of buying a 2005 Volvo XC90 D5. It has 260,000km on the clock and is getting a service, timing belt and front calipers done with a warranty on the gearbox and engine. What mileage are these good for, what recalls were they subjected to and what service requirements in the future?
Thanks.
Justin McElwee (Galway)Oct 2013 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Justin,
The nice folks at Volvo Car Ireland helped us out with this one, and the advice seems to be very up-front. Here's what they had to say:
"Key areas to look at include the gearbox: make sure it's smooth and pulls correctly in every gear. These can be big money to replace if there are problems. The D5 engine is fairly reliable - it and the XC90 have been around for a long time and any bugs have been ironed out. Service history is essential (Volvo preferably) with these vehicles. Lots of UK imports about so I would advise a history check [we recommend Cartell.ie]. Recalls are specific to the vehicle so can't really comment here although your local Volvo dealer will be happy to look these up with a reg or a VIN number."
Hope that helps
Is the Alfa Romeo 156 a good car?
I'm thinking of buying a 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 Sportiva. Are they a good car?
Mark Haren (Dublin)Oct 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
I'm afraid the news is not great. The Alfa 156 was a cracking car when new, but age has not been kind to them and they suffer significant issues with worn and broken suspension and axles, and the electronics and engines can play merry hell too. If the car has been exceptionally well cared for and looked after, then it might be worth a punt, but if you detect even the slightest signs of abuse or lack of care, walk away. A full service history is essential and if you hear any knocking or clonking noises from the suspension on a test drive, forget it. Likewise, if any warning lights on the dash stay on or any electrical components don't work properly (or at all), do not purchase.
Sorry!
Can you compare a Ford Ka and Citroen C4 in running costs?
Hello. Can you tell me the difference in running costs between a 2000 Ford Ka 1.3 petrol (88k miles) and a 2003 Citroen C4 2.0 diesel (65k miles)?
Cheers
David Daly (Kinnegad)Oct 2013 Filed under: running costs
Expert answer
Hi David,
OK, well the Ka wins in terms of road tax as you'll pay just €358 a year for that, as opposed to €710 for the 2.0-litre Citroen, but after that things start to get a bit more murky. In terms of fuel consumption, it does depend a lot on what kind of driving and mileage you do. If you're a low-mileage person, driving mostly in and around town, then the Ka, even though it uses an aged petrol engine, will probably work out more frugal to run than the Citroen. But if you're doing lots of long motorway miles, then the Citroen will win hands down in economy terms. I'd say you'll average around 40mpg in the Ka, probably 50mpg in the Citroen, depending on your driving style. Beware though; neither of these two cars has the greatest reliability reputation. The Citroen is prone to annoying electrical failures, while the Ka suffers from occasional total engine failure if not cared for.