How much is my 2009 Ford Focus worth?
How much is my 2009 Ford Focus 1.8 Ghia with 130,000km on the clock worth?
Declan WrennJul 2019 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Declan,
A lot will depend on condition and history, but it should be worth in the region of €2,500 to €3,500.
What tax for private Ford Ranger?
Hi,
I am looking to purchase a 2016-present Ford Ranger 2.2 TDCi manual for private use as it is a more suitable vehicle for my hobbies. I am aware that to re-register it in Ireland I have to pay the difference in VRT between the fixed commercial rate at circa 13% and the private VRT value (around 31% I believe, depending on CO2). But I am unsure of how the private tax works. Will it be €750 (171g/km with current motor tax system) or €994 (2.2-litre engine with old tax system)?
Any assistance would be much appreciated.
Cheers.
Raymond Gallagher (Ardee)Jul 2019 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Raymond,
Sadly, it’ll be €994. For some arcane reason (which no-one has been able to explain to us in a way that actually makes any sense), if you register a commercial vehicle as a private car, you have to go back onto the old by-engine-capacity tax system.
Which SUV for up to €23,000?
Looking for a mid-size SUV worth up to €23,000, at max two years old. Something stylish inside and out, quick and reliable. What should I go for?
Aaron Joyce (Limerick)Jul 2019 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Aaron,
How about a Ford Kuga? That budget would get you into a nearly-new 191 or 182 1.5 TDCi, and it’s a bit of an underrated car — good to drive, roomy and nicely built. A sum of €23,000 obviously buys you a lot of either the ubiquitous Hyundai Tucson or Nissan Qashqai. How about a Mazda CX-5 instead? Gorgeous to look at, great to drive and with a 150hp engine, it’s not slow either. You could also think of a Peugeot 3008, a SEAT Ateca, a previous-generation Toyota RAV4 (better to drive than you might think), or a Volkswagen T-Roc.
How often to change my 2012 Fiesta's belt?
How often should I change the timing belt on my 2012 Ford Fiesta?
Betty Bernard (Charlottetown )Jul 2019 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Betty,
It depends on the engine:
1.25/1.4/1.6-litre petrol: every 160,000km/8 years
1.4/1.6-litre diesel:
- to July 2011: 140,000km/10 years
- after that: 180,000km/10 years
My Ford EcoSport cuts out...
I have a Ford EcoSport. The stop/start system, when I switch it off, at times, still makes the car judder a bit. When I've stopped, at traffic lights, then the engine switches off. I've not put it in neutral or took my foot off the clutch. This will only happen a few times, then the car runs fine, with the stop /start off. I don't understand why it still cuts off, when system is off?
Debbie Ashdown (Barrow In Furness)Jun 2019 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Debbie,
It doesn't sound to us as if this is anything to do with the stop-start system, but actually an issue with the engine itself that needs looking at by a good mechanic. You've not told us which generation of EcoSport you have, nor which engine it has, but the 1.5-litre TDCi diesel has a known issue with the turbocharger wastegate valve that could cause engine running issues. It might be worth mentioning to the mechanic when you bring it to be checked.
Best of luck
Amarok, Ranger or Navara pick-up?
Hi there, hoping you can guide me in the right direction as I am torn between the VW Amarok, Ranger and the Nissan NP 300. I wont be using it for construction just merely for leisurely use so efficiency will have a part to play in my decision.
Looking for your advice.
Regards,
Ronan
Ronan Scroope (Cork)Jun 2019 Filed under: pick-up
Expert answer
Hi Ronan,
Well, to be honest, if efficiency is your thing, then don’t buy a pick-up truck — they’re all pretty big and thirsty and around 30mpg is the best you’re going to get from any of them. Of the three you’ve mentioned, the VW Amarok is the best — the most space in the cab, the best comfort, the best on-road handling and ride. The Ranger comes in a decent second, the Nissan a little further behind in third.
Relevant reviews:
When to change my Ford Kuga's belt?
Does the 2014 Ford Kuga have a timing belt or chain and at what mileage should it be changed? If so, does it give a warning when it needs to be changed or will it just snap?
Tshegofatso Grace Bathuleng (GABORONE, BOTSWANA )Jun 2019 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Tshegofatso,
The only 1.6-litre Kuga of that age is the petrol model, so we're assuming you mean that. It has a timing belt, which must be changed at least every 200,000 kilometres or 10 years, whichever comes first.
There will be no warning when the belt needs to be changed, so keep an eye on the mileage. If you let it go too far above the suggested change interval, the belt may snap, but that's not a very common occurrence.
Belt or chain in a 2011 Ford Kuga?
Does a 2011 Ford Kuga 2.0 have a timing belt or chain?
Col Wlsh (Cork)Jun 2019 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Col,
That Kuga's engine has a timing belt, which must be changed at least every 200,000 kilometres or 10 years, whichever comes first.
When to change my Mondeo TDCi's belt?
I have a 2016 Ford Mondeo 1.5 TDCi 88kW (engine code: UGCC) with 178,000km on the clock; when do I replace the timing belt?
Martin Hlad (Ruzomberok)Jun 2019 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
Ford recommends changing it every 250,000km or 10 years, whichever comes first.
How often to service a Ford Focus diesel?
How often do you service a Ford Focus saloon 1.6 diesel?
Joseph Kent (Tipperary )Jun 2019 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Joseph,
You've not told us the year, so, taking the 2014-2015 model as an example, it's every 20,000km or 12 months, whichever comes first.