Have you reviewed the Ford Focus Titanium?
I'd like to see reviews of the Ford Focus Titanium.
Rita Sheridan (Claremorrr)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
I want to buy a new Suzuki Vitara...
I want to buy a Suzuki Vitara, but its finance rate is high and there are no scrappage or reduced rate offers. Other brands have great deals; do you think they will launch a finance offer soon?
Thanks
Grace Cantwell (Dublin )Jan 2016 Filed under: finance
Expert answer
Hi Grace,
We asked Suzuki Ireland for a comment and here's what we were told:
"Although Suzuki Ireland does not have a global scrappage scheme, individual dealers are doing their own scrappage offer, for example James Tomkins Suzuki, 053-9420060. Suzuki Ireland has focused on a price led strategy with Vitara and it offers a generous specification level at a low retail price. The current Suzuki finance rate of 6.9% is about two points under what most high street banks are offering today."
2006 Ford Focus: timing belt or chain?
I have a 2006 Ford Focus 1.8 petrol coming up to 63,000 miles. How do I find out if I have a timing belt or chain?
LEE HARDY (SHEFFIELD)Jan 2016 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Lee,
The Focus changed model around then, but if our information is correct, your car has a timing belt and it needs to be changed every 100,000 miles (160,000km) or every 10 years, so we'd recommend you get it done now.
Should I trade in against a new Hyundai?
I have a 2002 Ford Focus Estate diesel with high mileage, but running well. I am wondering whether I would get a better deal by trading in or going as a cash buyer against a Hyundai i30 diesel hatchback or should I get the cash price from dealer and only then offer my trade in?
Tom Costigan (Cratloe)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Tom,
Generally, you'll get slightly more for your car selling it yourself than you will trading it in, but the problem is that selling yourself is an open-ended process; you can't tell how long it will take to sell your car. A dealer may offer you less cash but the deal is done on the day.
So the answer comes down to your personal preference. Do you need a new car now, and want to get the deal done? Or are you happy to wait and try and make a little more cash up front?
Mind you, that's assuming you're trading in against a used Hyundai. If it's a new one, then definitely trade in - Hyundai has some good trade in bonuses going at the moment and that will almost certainly net you more than the trade value of a 14-year old car.
How much to change to a new Ford Focus?
What would it cost me to upgrade from a 131 Focus, five-door hatchback, diesel with 60,000km and 60k service completed to a new similar Focus? Also what is the price of the new Focus five-door hatchback?
John Keating
John Keating (Carrigaline)Dec 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi John,
Your Focus is probably going to be worth about €17,000 as a trade in, maybe a little less. New Focus prices start from €20,295.
Is the Toyota RAV4 worth the price?
Hi,
I want to trade in my 2008 Ford Focus diesel for a new or nearly new car. I really like the SUV style. I drive at least 1,000km per week to and from work so I need something that's reliable, will hold its value and able for big mileage. I really like the Toyota RAV4, but is it worth the price?
What car would you suggest?
Joanne Stafford (Wexford)Dec 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Joanne,
The RAV4 is most definitely worth the price, and it's one of the best cars Toyota currently makes - spacious, reliable and not at all bad to drive. Worth looking at the Nissan Qashqai and Renault Kadjar too, as well as the Skoda Yeti and Mazda CX-5. You won't go wrong with any of those choices, but given your high mileage take a very close look at the Renault and the Nissan - they'll be the most economical overall.
Relevant reviews:
How much would you pay for 2008 Ford Focus?
How much would you pay for a 2008 1.8 diesel Ford Focus with 200,000km on the clock?
John Hughes (Leitrim)Nov 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi John,
In and around the €5,500 mark I would think.
When do I change my Ford Focus timing belt?
When do I need to change the timing belt on my 2010 Ford Focus 2.0 Zetec petrol?
David Chapman (Sydney)Nov 2015 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi David,
Our data tells us that your car should have a timing chain, not a belt, with no scheduled maintenance. If in doubt, ring up your local Ford dealer service department with the registration number and they can confirm for sure.
I am looking at a 2010 Ford Focus Estate...
I am looking at a 2010 Ford Focus Estate 1.6 diesel; it has a full Ford service history but has 130,000 miles on the clock. What is a good price for this car and would I get much longer out of the engine? Am I mad thinking about a car with such high mileage?
Conal Mc Donald (Dublin)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Conal,
You should be paying somewhere in the region of €8,500 for that one and I wouldn't worry about the mileage - as long as the service history is genuine, and as long as you stick to the servicing schedule yourself and always insist on proper, high-quality oil for that 1.6-litre diesel engine, you should be fine.
Is a high-mileage Ford Focus Estate ok?
I'm looking at a 2010 Ford Focus Estate 1.6 diesel with around 130,000 miles on the the clock. How much more do you think I'll get out of the engine? Am I mad buying a car with such high mileage?
Conal Mc Donald (Finglas/B)Nov 2015 Filed under: mileage
Expert answer
Hi Conal,
It should be fine - that kind of mileage is no problem if the car has been properly looked after and the full service history would seem to suggest this. Just check and see what oil has been used at service time. That 1.6 diesel needs the correct oil to avoid issues.