What car will I replace my Volkswagen Scirocco with?
Having recently been a victim of a car theft (they took my Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TDI), I am in the market for a new car. I am completely confused as to what to buy though; fuel economy is a major factor in my decision - the Scirocco was quite economical when driven correctly. I have been looking at Honda, both Accord and Civic though I am worried about the 2.2-litre engine size. Style is also a major factor and I have also viewed a Volvo C30 R-Design and Ford Focus 'WRC'.
Have a love of stylish hatches but not opposed to a change! Please help.
The insurance company will only give me €15,000 so that's my budget for now. I do about 30,000 kilometres a year so need something pretty economical, though I am single so practicality is not really a consideration.
Daniel English (Navan)Jan 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Daniel,
Sorry to hear about the Scirocco - that 2.0 TDI version is great.
A quick browse of Carzone.ie with your budget and needs in mind brought up a few interesting options:
- Audi A3 2.0 TDI 140 - in Sport or S Line guises for maximum style - loads around
- BMW 118d M Sport - quite rare, but great to drive
- BMW 320d Coupé - you'd have to go pre-2008 with your budget, but current style at least
- Honda Civic Type S - 2.2 diesel is great and post-2008 is taxed according to emissions
- MINI Cooper D - loads around in all different colours at your budget
I've picked out the cars I reckon you'll like and I've left out things like the Volkswagen Golf and regular Ford Focus (among others).
What do you think?
Come back to us and let us know if we're on the right track.
My budget is €6,000 - I'd like a reliable and efficient car!
I am looking for a reliable, efficient and economical car within a maximum budget of €6,000. Any ideas?
Not asking for much am I?! :D
Sean Neilon (Navan)Dec 2012 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Sean,
I don't think you're asking for too much actually, so long as you don't mind a car that's a few years old. There's plenty of choice at that price point. You've not told us how big a car you need or how far you drive each year so we're keeping an open mind there, but only shortlisting diesel saloons and hatchbacks. Options include:
- Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCi
- Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi
- Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi
- Nissan Note 1.5 dCi
- Peugeot 407 1.6 HDi (only if it has a full service history)
- Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDI
Come back to us if you need help narrowing things down further.
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.
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
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
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.
How much is a 2002 Ford Focus worth?
What is the market value of a '01 Ford Focus Ghia with 100,000km on the clock?
Denise Hughes (Dublin 22)Jun 2012 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Denise,
Without knowing anything about the condition of that car - or the engine size come to think of it - we'd have to give a very loose estimate. Something along the lines of €2,000 to €2,750 should cover it.
Come back to us with more details if you need more help.