Expert answer

Hi Tia,

We can try to help, but if you've had it checked by an expert then we may not be able to do anything for you and the best bet might be to change car...

So, can you login and then add comments below, telling us if this is a noise from the engine or elsewhere, plus when it happens (at what speed, is the car cold, etc)?

Thank you

Expert answer

Hi Dave,

There is no simple answer to this - but as a rule of thumb, on a new car (average Ford Focus or Golf) you should expect to get around €700-€1,000 off the new price if buying straight. Much more than this is unlikely unless it is a Renault, or a luxury car! Shop around and don't be afraid to look outside of Dublin for the best deal.

Expert answer

Hi Dee,

We have seen a lot written abotu problems with the diesel Mazda6 and some of it founded and some of it is plain fiction. What we would say is that like most modern diesel cars, when the mileage is high the cost of changing something called the Diesel Particulate Filter can be quite high and this is what is being reported quite a lot about the Mazda6. We get asked a lot about going back to petrol cars. We love petrol cars here and the simple fact is that if your mileage is pretty low it won't cost you all that much more to run it and there are massive savings to be made. These days, don't expect it to be worth much in a few years though, because most people are turning their back on larger petrol cars for good. But if you intended to get proper use out of it then it could be a super buy. 

Expert answer

Hi Blake,

Your brakes really shouldn't be sticking having had all those components replaced. Does it feel like they are sticking or is it just a sound? Best bet would be to bring it back to the garage that replaced the parts to give it a once over.

Without seeing the car we couldn't know for sure if there is something else wrong.

Expert answer

Hello Jose,

The Toyota Avensis has been a top seller in Ireland for years because it has always proven to be reliable and good value to run, so you are safe enough to assume that this 2008 model would be the same. Obviously as is the case with any use car purchase we would recommend that you buy from a SIMI-registered dealer or even better, to do a Cartell.ie check on the car's history as this can add peace of mind. Given that you do 12,000km a year, which is well below the average, then the petrol model should be fine for you, as a diesel model would most likely cost you a lot more to buy in the first place. Here is an example of a really good one with low mileage. You would pay around €2,000 more for a diesel and you might not get it back over the course of your time with it.

I hope this helps!

Expert answer

Hi Leeianne,

There are a few things this could be. The simplest, and cheapest to fix, is a stone or something stuck in the brake calliper. It'd take a mechanic five minutes to sort that out for you. However, it could be that your brake pads are worn down to the metal as well, which is more serious. Either way, the sooner you get the wheel off for someone to look at it the better.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Joseph,

Unless you have proper disposal facilities and you have some experience in doing so we'd urge you not to change the oil filter in your car for yourself.

It's normal practice to change the oil at the same time. We'd do the following. Note that these are not exhaustive instructions, it is assumed that the car is safely raised up and that you have an environmentally sound way to dispose of the old oil.

1. Remove oil dipstick and oil filler cap.
2. Remove sump plug and allow old oil to drain into suitable receptacle.
3. If too tight to remove by hand, unscrew old oil filter using oil filter chain/belt tool, ensuring that the rubber seal comes away with it.
4. Lightly rub new oil on seal of new oil filter and tighten up - by hand only.
5. Replace sump plug. It is not unusual to have to replace the sealing washer that goes with this.
6. Lower car to ground and top up oil with recommended grade to correct level on the dipstick.
7. Close dipstick and filler cap and start car.
8. Allow to idle for a few minutes, stop engine and check level again.
   Top up if necessary.
9. Dispose of oil and filter in responsible manner.

Changing the air filter is much easier. Locate the air box under the bonnet. Its lid will be held on either by a series of clips or screws. Gently remove these and move the lid out of your way. Ensure that the replacement filter is an identical shape, replace and then reattach the lid as it was.

Hope that is of some help, though again, I'd discourage anyone from doing the oil and oil filter change unless you have the right facilities and tools.

Expert answer

Hi Blake,

You really shouldn't drive any further with the car in this state. It sounds like the pads have not been fitted correctly and the wheel should be removed and the brakes inspected by a qualified mechanic. We'd like to help, but it really is something that needs to be physically seen.

Good luck with it.

Expert answer

Hi Wayne,

You would probably get offered around €3,800 from a main dealer for your car and you could expect to sell it privately for around €4,300, so you should advertise for around €4,600. Remember if you are trading in then concentrate on the 'cost to change' rather than the value of your car. 

I hope this helps?

Expert answer

Hi Noel, 

You obviously spend a lot of time in your car on a very bad road so the Volvo would probably have been ideal for you. In that case I am recommending that you get something with super comfy suspension and super comfy seats. You have probably extracted all of the value from your Volvo, so you can't really expect to be offered much more than a token gesture of up to €1,000 for  that car, but I imagine that you know this. 

So, with your budget of €15,000 then what should you buy? I would imagine that you keep your cars for a long time so future depreciate probably isn't a major factor for you, but you say that running costs are. 

The first car I have picked is a Saab 9-5. Saab are in a little bit of trouble, but their cars are so comfortable, with great seats. This one has a diesel engine and will be cheap to run. It would be a great car to own long term and is well under your budget. 

We really like the Mazda6 here at CompleteCar.ie and here is a nice one with a diesel engine and low mileage. This is a great car for mega mileage and would be super for your needs.

Another brilliant choice would be the Skoda Superb which is massive, comfy and really well built. This one has low mileage, the right engine and is great value. It is amazing value at under €13,000. I think I would buy this to be honest. 

I hope this helps!