We're looking for a good seven-seater.
Hi, we're looking for a seven-seater where we could potentially fit three car seats across the back seat. We currently have a Nissan Qashqai, which we love. A friend recommended a Volkswagen Touran, but says it feels a bit boxy to drive - but that might be the case with all seven-seaters? Our budget is €30k net of trade in (04 Ford Fiesta).
Happy to buy new or consider up to two years' old.
Thanks
Rosalind O'Brien (Dublin)Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Rosalind,
If you go for the current Touran (which launched two years ago) then no, it's not boxy to drive at all. Rather good in fact. The new Renault Scenic is also quite nice to drive, and if you go up a size, the Ford S-Max is actually slightly nicer to drive than the Mondeo that it's based on. Here are a few reviews for your interest:
My Astra's timing belt has snapped...
The timing belt has snapped on my 1999 Opel Astra 1.4: just put on a new belt or put the car in the bin? Interference or non-interference?
Eamon Mcgowran (Limerick)Jul 2017 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Eamon,
Bad news, I'm afraid - that engine is interference, so it's highly likely that damage will have occurred. Best to have a compression test done on all cylinders before deciding what to do next.
Any advice on a BMW 7 Series?
Hi guys,
I've been looking at a 2007 BMW 730Ld for chauffeur work. One owner from new who is also a chauffeur, all timing chains replaced and gaskets and seals and full auto transmission service done. There's 160k miles on the clock.
Any advice on this model BMW please?
Cheers,
Kev
Kev Dillon (Dublin )Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Kev,
It should be perfect for your work and that 3.0-litre engine is pretty solid. Watch for turbo trouble though and keep an eye on the electrics. If it has a full service history it should be fine.
How much to replace a Transit's clutch?
How much should I pay for a clutch to be installed on a Ford Transit van please? I am getting mad quotes and ranges from €200-€450.
Yvonne Bracken (Tallaght)Jul 2017 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Yvonne,
There are a huge number of different versions of the Transit and you've not told us the model year, so we can't give you any kind of accurate figure, but by way of example, for a pretty common 2006-on front-wheel-drive variant it should take no more than five hours to do the job. It then depends on the hourly rate of a garage, as that can vary considerably. And finally, the price of the parts is not particularly low, but it will vary from say a main dealer to a small motor factor.
A price of €200 sounds way too little for the job unless it's just the labour. I'd suggest that €450 is quite realistic from a decent garage with a good reputation.
What's wrong with our Peugeot 207?
Hi,
Our Peugeot 207 has a problem that the mechanics can't get right. When engage (D) Drive, it loses power even when you step on the accelerator. However, when you engage (R) Reverse, it has all the power.
What could be the problem?
Henry Buwembo (Kampala)Jul 2017 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Henry,
You've not told us which engine your car has, but there are a few known issues with the 207 that it might be:
- The catalytic converter can break up internally, damaging the oxygen sensor, leading to poor performance.
- Engine coolant temperature sensor becomes faulty, causing poor performance, especially when cold.
- Turbocharger failure (on diesel models) due to build-up of sludge in oil supply pipe.
I must admit, I don't think it sounds like any of those, but it does sound like an electrical issue with a failed sensor from your description. It's very difficult to assess such things from afar.
My advice would be to bring the car to a different mechanic as a starting point.
Is this 2014 Opel Astra too good to be true?
Thinking of buying a 2014 Opel Astra (1.4 petrol) for circa €7,000. NCT'd to 2019, but highish mileage at 177,000km. Too good to be true?
Patrick Trehy (Donaghmede)Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
Tough to call. It is the unloved engine, which will hurt resale, and the mileage is about twice the average, but even so €7,000 sounds frighteningly cheap. Does it have a full service history? Have you done a history check with Cartell.ie?
Should I replace my Zafira with a Volvo V60?
Hi.,
Looking at a 2016 (162) Volvo V60 D6 Hybrid AWD, with less than 6K miles, (9.5k kilometres) on the clock. It is a demo model. Reviews tell me that I should avoid this car, primarily because of price. With a cash price tag of €36K on this car from a dealership I am inclined to think that the value is more acceptable. Does this price raise your two-star rating? With three children approaching teenage, they have outgrown the Opel Zafira and so other options I am considering include the XC60.
All advice appreciated.
Padraig Coffey (Killarney)Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Padraig,
Nope, the price doesn't change the fact that it's more thirsty and less practical than the standard V60. If your girls have outgrown a Zafira then neither the back seat nor the boot of the V60 hybrid will be any use to them or you. Better off by far with a standard one, or consider an upgrade to a well-cared for XC90.
Belt or chain in 2014 Opel Insignia?
2014 Opel Insignia 170hp Elite: can you tell me if it's a timing chain or timing belt? If it's a belt, what is the mileage or age to replace?
Noel Murphy (Kilkenny)Jul 2017 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Noel,
It's a belt, not a chain, and while Opel says that it needs changing only every ten years or 160,000km, we'd recommend having it at least inspected more frequently than that.
Looking for something fun and petrol...
Hey guys, looking to upgrade from a 2008 Honda Civic Type S for something a little more comfortable for long journeys but still quite fun and cool. Any advice?
I abhor diesel engines and any help is appreciated!
Peter White (Mayo)Jun 2017 Filed under: performance
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
If you want a mix of fun, comfort and not diesel, it’s kind of hard to beat a Volkswagen Golf GTI. Superb performance, practical and comfy cabin and 45mpg if you drive it gently.
Other good options are a MINI Cooper (a touch noisy on longer journeys, but with very good seats), a Ford Fiesta ST (hands down the best hot hatch currently on sale, but perhaps lacking a little in comfort), or a Peugeot 308 in GT spec with the 130hp 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine.
What fun petrol hatch for €5,000?
I'm a newly full licenced driver at the ripe old age of 30, I haven't owned a car in 10 years so I'm looking at getting a used car for €4-5k, but due to insurance I'm limited to cars 1.6-litre or less. I want a petrol hatchback and would love something fun to drive yet affordable to run and good for motorways on the odd occasion so 1.0-litre shoeboxes would be a no no.
Any suggestions?
John Ward (Galway)Jun 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi John,
OK, lots and lots of options. How about a Fiat 500? Great looking, fun to drive, well made and that 1.2-litre petrol engine is willing enough to tackle motorway work from time to time.
Late 2000s MINIs fall into your budget too, and they're great fun to drive, roomier than the 500 (well, a bit) and solid on longer journeys.
You could be dead sensible and go for an Audi A3 1.6 petrol and there'd be nothing wrong with that - ticks all the boxes.
Or maybe something a bit more left-field? How about a Volkswagen Beetle? An original Mini (we did find one in your budget) or even a Smart ForTwo Brabus?