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How much do you think I could get this Focus for?

I'm looking at the following Ford Focus. I'm a cash buyer. What do you think I could get it for?

Sean Kelleher

Feb 2012 Filed under: used car values

Expert answer

Hi Sean,

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to such things. That looks like a good, desirable car so I wouldn't expect the dealer to have too much difficulty selling it. Hence, they're not likely to discount by very much, perhaps a fraction under €15,000. Still, go in there with an offer of about €14,000 to get the ball rolling. Don't mention you're a cash buyer until the next stage of the negotiation!

Let us know how you get on.


Does the BMW X3 have full-time four-wheel drive?

Hi,

Is the 2005 BMW X3 2.0-litre diesel permanent four-wheel drive or not? If it is would it be very hard on tyres and suspension?

Patrick Ryan (Tipperary)

Feb 2012 Filed under: tyres

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

It does indeed have full-time four-wheel drive. It's called xDrive and in normal use the power is split 68:32 rear to front but this can be varied to as much as 100% rear-wheel drive.

Larger cars like SUVs are always a little harder on tyres, but the X3 is not unusual in that regards. It has a good reputation for reliability with no known suspension problems.

Hope that helps.


Passat or Insignia? Help!

Hi guys

Very close to changing, but caught between 2010 Volkswagen Passat Highline with the 1.6 TDI engine or a very good price on a 2009 Opel Insignia 2.0 diesel CTDi. I have seen your review of the Insignia regards a creeking plastic interior. The Insignia is the better looking car but would Passat be better overall?

Michael Mulvey (Ashbourne)

Feb 2012 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

It sounds like this choice is down to personal opinion. The Passat has a better reputation for reliability, though the Insignia is not too shabby on that front. The creaking interiors affected early cars and you should be able to quickly check for it on a test drive.

We agree that the Insignia is a better looking car, though the Passat Highline has a great specification. Countering all that the Insignia's 2.0-litre engine is more powerful, if louder and less refined.

In summary, we'd probably go for the Passat, but regret it every time we see a good Insignia!

Best of luck - let us know how you get on.


What's a normal price for a 2007 Opel Astra?

What would be the normal price for a 2007 Opel Astra diesel?

Lukas Sabaliauskas (Ballybay Co.monaghan)

Feb 2012 Filed under: used car values

Expert answer

Hi Lukas,

There are many different models of diesel Opel Astra, even for 2007. There were 1.3-, 1.7- and 1.9-litre CDTi engines that year, plus three-door GTC hatch, five-door hatchback and estate. Not to mention different mileages and trim levels.

The latest selection from Carzone.ie suggest a price variation of between €5,000 and €11,000.

Let us know specifics if you'd like us to help some more.


What do you think of the Ford S-MAX?

Hi, we just had our second kid so in the market for a seven-seater. The Ford S-MAX comes highly recommended from friends. We've been offered a 2.0-litre S-MAX Zetec TDCi with 140hp, registered in March 10, with 28k miles on the clock, privacy glass and rear parking sensors for €24,500 in a straight deal (i.e. no trade-in). It has dual-zone climate control and electric windows so is a decent spec and is a UK import. I'd like your opinion on the S-MAX as a family car and on the price?

Thanks

Brian Keane (Dublin 16)

Feb 2012 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Brian,


Congrats on number two! Overall the S-MAX is a great family car. It's good to drive, and the 2.0-litre 140 engine is the pick of the range, being economical and powerful. Sounds like the car you've been offered is well specified too. Seeing as you have 'only' two kids it's unlikely you'll need the third row of seats, which is good, as using them results in a tiny boot. They fold flat into the floor though leaving plenty of space for travel systems and change bags.

In general the S-MAX is pretty reliable, though get its chassis number checked with a dealer, as it has been the subject of a few recalls - just to make sure all the necessary work has already been carried out. Other than that, make sure every single switch works as it should - especially with such a high specification.

When you take it for a test drive listen out for any clonks from the suspension and if you have any doubts get a mechanic to check it over. As it's been brought in from the UK it's probably worth getting a history check through Cartell.ie as well to make sure of the low mileage.

Finally, the price isn't bad, but without a trade-in you should be haggling. Start at €22,750 and see what they say. There are several on the market around the same specification and value so don't be afraid to walk away.

Let us know how you get on.


What's the new Mercedes-Benz M-Class like with the smaller engine?

Hi, I would like to know what you think of the new Mercedes-Benz M-Class with the 2.0-litre diesel engine.

I would also like to know if you have heard anything about BMW bringing out a 2.5-litre diesel version of the X5 in 2014. What do you think in general of both SUVs that are available at the moment and which do you prefer?

Thanks for your help.

Ann Bourke (Limerick)

Feb 2012 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Ann,

Our writer Kyle Fortune drove the new ML 250 CDI so I've passed the question to him for answering. This is what he said:

"The base 250 CDI engine in the ML is actually a 2.1-litre turbodiesel mated to a seven-speed automatic to best make use of the engine's torque and power spread. It works relatively well too, so long as you remember you're shifting quite a lot of bulk without masses of power. That said it's got a sizeable 500Nm of torque generated low in the rev range, so the ML 250 CDI is rapid enough in town traffic. It's only out of town - on a motorway slip road when you push it - that you'll perhaps be a bit underwhelmed by the performance. It's all about expectations though, and really, it's a credible performer.

As to the BMW? It's difficult to comment on a car that doesn't exist, but experience of BMW's small capacity turbodiesels does suggest that they typically over deliver on expectations - the 520d for example feels very rapid given its size and weight. How that will translate to the bigger, weightier X5 is questionable, though BMW is unlikely to release a product that's not at the top of its game. We've not heard anything about a 2.5d X5 (officially or not), but it's quite possible given the prevailing economic climate and the ever tightening quest for economy. Downsizing is common so it stands to reason that BMW might be considering it for the X5."

Feel free to come back to us if you would like to know more.


How do I drift a Jaguar XF?

How do I drift in a Jaguar XF with the traction control turned off?

Abdullah Al-barakat (Oman, Muscat)

Feb 2012 Filed under: miscellaneous

Expert answer

Hi Abdullah,

It's not the usual kind of question we get and obviously you should only do such things on a private piece of land! Assuming you've properly disengaged the traction control (you have to hold down the button for 10 seconds), put the transmission into manual control so you change gears with the paddles behind the steering wheel. Drifting is all about the initiation and without a mechanical handbrake or clutch you'll need a combination of power and momentum (depending on the model you have).

Until you're comfortable with it, it's best to start off slow. Approach the bend, brake so that the weight transfers to the front tyres, release the brakes and start to turn. As soon as you do, get on the throttle and be ready to feather it and add some opposite lock. You will need to be in a low enough gear for the engine's torque to overcome the rear tyres, but not so low that you run out of revs early.

This is only one way of doing it. There's no substitute for practice, so get yourself along to a Mondello Park test day and experiment in a safe environment - and never practise on the public road.

Final word: don't expect to be able to drift for very long if you have a diesel XF. Most diesel cars have a very narrow power band that makes them tricky at the best of times.

Have fun...


New BMW Series: 316d with options or 318d?

Good morning,

I'm intending to buy the new BMW 3 Series (F30), but I don’t know if I should go for a 318d 136hp or a 316d 116hp with a better pack of options. I’m a calm driver, but I’m afraid that this difference of power could make a huge difference concerning the comfort. Could you please advise me?

Kind regards, Fernando.

Fernando Tenorio (Brussels)

Feb 2012 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Fernando,

That's quite an individual choice really and before you make the decision try to drive both versions.

I'd be inclined to say go for the 316d with extra options - and delete the badge on the boot! However, if you regularly carry a lot of people, or you drive on roads where you need to overtake, then it's worth buying the 318d, as the extra performance will be of help.

Come back to us if you need anything else.


How much is my Volkswagen Golf worth?

What trade-in price would I get for my 2006 Volkswagen Golf 1.6 Sport Comfortline with 155k miles on the clock?

Michelle Masterson (Dublin)

Feb 2012 Filed under: used car values

Expert answer

Hi Michelle,

There's no simple answer to such questions. It will depend on the condition of your car, how much the seller of your next car wants the sale, etc. From a dealer's perspective that's quite high mileage. They may offer as low as €4,000. You're likely to get a better price selling it privately.

Best of luck


Is the 1.6 TDI engine man enough for the Volkswagen Passat?

Hi guys,

Looking closely at a 2010 Volkswagen Passat, powered by the 1.6 diesel engine. It's the Highline model with great spec. My only concern is with the 1.6 engine: is it big enough for this car? Will I be dropping the gears to overtake etc?

Thanks

Mick

Michael Mulvey (Ashbourne)

Feb 2012 Filed under: performance

Expert answer

Hi Mick,

The 1.6-litre TDI engine has 105hp, which doesn't sound like much, but it's the engine's torque that matters more in the real world, and this Passat has 250Nm from just 1,500rpm. It's more than enough for the Passat in most circumstances and as all the performance is low down in the rev range you don't really change down to overtake.

Saying all that, if you plan on towing or you drive with a full car regularly you'll appreciate the extra power of the 2.0 TDI engines, but most people will find the 1.6 perfectly acceptable.

Hope that helps.


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