Petrol Ford Focus or Opel Astra?
Can you compare the Ford Focus EcoBoost Titanium against the Opel Astra 1.4 Elite?
Paul Cleary (Dublin)Nov 2012 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
Do you mean the EcoBoost engine, versus the Astra’s 1.4 Turbo? It’s a very close match, especially if you’re looking at the current models. The Astra is exceptionally good to drive, and that 1.4 Turbo is a good engine too. The Focus’ EcoBoost three-cylinder engine is, theoretically, more economical, but it depends very much on how you drive it. The Focus’ chassis and steering responses are better than those of the Astra, but then the Astra has the nicer interior. Depends where you priorities lie, really...
Are there any known problems in the 2006 Volvo V50?
Are there any known problems in the 2006 Volvo V50?
Tom Ronayne (Dublin)Nov 2012 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Tom,
As the Volvo V50 is based on the Ford Focus it has proven to be quite reliable. The V50 was the subject of two recalls, including a potential fuel leak and an issue with the windscreen bonding. Ensure that any car you're considering has had those items seen to. Isolated issues with the parking brake and the electronic ignition key have been reported too, though you'll soon pick up on that during a test drive.
Owners report that the suspension and electrics give the most problems so test every switch and listen carefully for knocks in the suspension.
Hope that's of some help
Can I replace my tyres with higher profile items?
Hi, my car needs two new front tyres (Ford Focus). I have two very good tyres that I could put on it but they are slightly different. The tyres on the car are 195/50 R15 and the tyres I have are 195/55 R15. Is it possible to put them on the car?
Regards
James Cummins (Co.Dublin)Nov 2012 Filed under: tyres
Expert answer
Hi James,
It's not ideal to do this. It will change the outer circumference, which will alter your car's gearing and put the speedo out. It's not by a huge amount admittedly, but generally not recommended.
Hope that helps
Does the mk1 Ford Focus have glow plugs?
Does a 2002 Ford Focus have glow plugs?
Kevin Marshall (Sheffield)Oct 2012 Filed under: diesel
Expert answer
Hi Kevin,
The mk1 Ford Focus was offered with two different diesel engines over its lifespan: the direct injection TDDi and common rail TDCi. Both systems use glow plugs with reports suggesting that the more modern common-rail unit has marginally more issues particulairly relating to cold starts.
We hope this answers your question. If you require any further information feel free to let us know.
Should we worry about high mileage for a first car?
My 22-year-old daughter is buying her first car with a budget of €3,000. Is this a sufficient budget? We are looking at the usual websites but most cars have high mileage. Should we be overly concerned with high mileage?
Nuala Ryan (Dublin)Oct 2012 Filed under: learner
Expert answer
Hi Nuala,
Mileage alone is no major worry so long as you choose a reliable car in good condition - and preferably with a decent service history. The reality is that your daughter will change her car within a few years anyway. Hence we'd recommend focusing on safety, reliability and efficiency.
Come back to us if you/your daughter have a few specific cars in mind and we'll help you narrow your search if you wish.
Does my 2008 Ford Focus TDCi have a timing belt?
Foes my 2008 Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi have a timing belt? If so, when should it be changed?
Ger Glynn (Clare)Oct 2012 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Ger,
Yes it does have. It should be changed every 201,000km (125,000 miles) - or every ten years apparently. The auxiliary drive belt should be done at the same time.
Hope that helps
Which 2006-2008 hatch is most economical?
Im confused as to what's the best economical hatchback car. I want to buy a used car between the years 2006 and 2008. I'm currently spending €110 a week on petrol in a 1.4-litre For Focus.
Any advice?
Anon Anon (Clare)Expert answer
Hi there,
It depends on your driving style, and on where you do most of your driving. If you’re in town all the time, and stuck in stop-start traffic, then it could be worth tracking down a Toyota Prius or a Honda Insight hybrid, bot of which should sip fuel in such circumstances. If you’re up on main roads and motorways all day long, then diesel is still a good idea. A VW Golf 1.6 TDI BlueMotion would be a solid bet for maximum economy then, although if you fancy something a little more stylish, a MINI Cooper D (with the 1.6 diesel engine) will crack 60mpg on a long run.
How much is my Ford Focus TDCi worth?
How much for 2007 Ford Focus TDCi? Thinking of selling my Focus and wondering how much to ask. It's a 2007 1.8 Style with 97,000 kilometres on the clock, imported from the UK three years ago and has got one year NCT.
KATIE DARCY (GALWAY)Aug 2012 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Katie,
If you're selling it privately we'd suggest go in at €8,495.
Let us know how you get on
What fun car will I replace my Honda Civic with?
I have an 08 2.2 Honda Civic and want to change soon. Budget is €17/18k including trade-in value. Any ideas on what to get? Have seen 2010 Citroen DS3 with extras (nav, leather, etc.) for €17k. Like that it's not the norm e.g. Focus or Golf. Would it be a good buy?
David Lacey (Tipperary)Jul 2012 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi David,
We really like the DS3. It's great to drive and certainly different to the norm. I assume practicality and space in the rear are not a priority, as the Citroen is lacking in those departments.
Going with that, an alternative is the Volkswagen Scirocco. It's great to drive, of even higher quality than the DS3 (which is quite good by the way) and a sure thing when it comes to resale values. Saying that, they're relatively scarce at your price point and the DS3 you've found has more equipment.
Other more interesting cars available at that price that we'd recommend include the Audi A5 Coupé and BMW 320d Coupé.
Come back to us if these are wide of the mark and you'd rather stick to a regular hatchback shape.
Ford Focus Estate or Renault Grand Mégane?
I need to replace my 2001 Ford Focus Estate and have a couple of options to choose from: an 09 Focus Estate (Style) 1.6 with 87,000 kilometres (UK import) or a 2010 Renault Grand Mégane (Royle) with 58,000 kilometres. Both are around the same price (Mégane is only €650 dearer). Which of these would be the most reliable and of better value?
Conal Carr (Dublin)Jul 2012 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Conal,
Over the years the Focus has proven to be considerably more reliable than the Mégane, though this latest one is still relatively new so we wouldn't like to make such predictions. Renault claims to have improved reliability.
Without seeing the actual examples you're considering the Renault should have more equipment for the price, though its resale value may be lower later on, balancing that out.
If you can send us links to the two cars for sale we can give you more advice if that's not enough.