Advice on buying new automatic diesel?
Any advice on buying a new automatic diesel... say Ford Mondeo or Audi or BMW?
Fergal Reidy (Celbridge)Dec 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Fergal,
Well, it depends on which model you're looking at. In general buying an automatic these days doesn't have the fuel consumption (and CO2) penalties of old, although it's fair to say that not all automatics are equal. They can be very expensive up front though (BMW asks €2,500 for an auto) and, depending on the car, you won't always make that back at resale time. Certainly on a Ford you might struggle with automatic resale, but a BMW or Audi should do better as people expect the auto in those.
is the new Hyundai i20 a good car?
Hi, I would like to know if the Hyundai i20 is a good car to buy in 1.2 petrol guise (new), or should I stick to the Fiesta, Corsa, Polo etc? My commute is 21km dual carriageway. Would the petrol be ok or should I look at the diesel?
Peter O'Shea (Mallow, Cork)Dec 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
With a short commute like that, you’re definitely better off with petrol and the Hyundai i20 is a fine car – roomy and well made and quite good to drive. Here are some of our reviews to help you decide:
Ok to drive my Mondeo with its oil light on?
Service oil light came up on display on my 2008 Ford Mondeo; does it need a new oil filter and is it ok to drive until at least tomorrow?
John Mcdonnell (Swords Co Dublin)Nov 2016 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi John,
If it's the oil light that came on, usually a red light with a dripping oil can icon, then you really shouldn't drive anywhere until you get to the bottom of the reason for it. That usually means low oil pressure, so the level may just need topping up.
If it's a service light, then it's recommended to get it seen to as soon as possible, but it should not be urgent. It's always recommended to change the oil filter when you are replacing the oil in a car.
Hope that helps
Ford Fiesta or Renault Clio for reliability?
Hi,
Looking for a reliable small car; thinking of Ford Fiesta or Renault Clio with a petrol engine; which is more durable?
John.
John Scanlon (Dublin)Nov 2016 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi John,
It probably depends what year you’re talking about, but if you mean the current models then I’d say there’s not an awful lot in it in reliability terms. I’d suggest that the Fiesta will just shade the Clio in overall reliability but there won’t be a huge difference. If we’re talking much older versions, then it’s the Fiesta by miles.
Correct tyre pressure for my Ford Fiesta?
What is the correct tyre pressure or a Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCi manufactured in 2004?
Paul Codd (Morden)Nov 2016 Filed under: tyres
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
It depends on the wheels, but assuming you have a 175/65 14-inch tyre, then you need 31psi of pressure on the front tyres and 26psi for the rears.
How best to upgrade to a newer car?
Hi, I am thinking of changing my 2006 Nissan Navara in the next nine months. I was thinking of upgrading to 2011/12 Volkswagen Passat or Ford Mondeo and my budget is about €12,000. The problem is I don't know how to sell my own car. It's seen far better days and the engine isn't in great condition either. Most dealers are offering €3,500 or less and I tried cash4cars and they're not interested. I am hoping to get four grand plus for it but don't have the time to sell it privately. I really don't know what to do with my Navara and was wondering if you would know?
Many thanks, Denis
Mike Connolly (Wicklow Town )Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Mike,
Which is the best new seven-seater around?
Hi, I was looking for a seven-seater; which is the best one? Price, space and technology are important to me. I am looking to buy a new one.
Jinesh Sebastian (Athenry, Galway)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Jinesh,
It depends on what kind of size you need. If it’s a compact seven seater, then the best on the market are the Volkswagen Touran, the Toyota Verso and the Kia Carens, but it’s worth looking at the Citroen C4 Picasso too, and maybe even the new Renault Scenic, which goes on sale in the New Year.
If it’s a larger car you need, then the two best choices, by far, are the Ford S-Max and the SEAT Alhambra.
Here are our reviews to help you decide:
Ford Mondeo, Skoda Superb or Kia Optima?
Hi,
Looking to change car for 2017. Looking at Ford Mondeo Titanium+ five-door 1.5 TDCi diesel, a Skoda Superb +Business Pack 1.6 TDI or a Kia Optima SW (estate) EX 1.7D. I would like something very comfortable and practical (hence the Kia estate, which, to my eyes, does not look like a hearse! - but no other estates need apply), but also something that is very reliable - so something with a long warranty that I don't end up using because reliability issues is not what I'm looking for.
I do 25,000km per year, all 'extra urban' and I'm not a badge snob. Currently drive a Honda CR-V, but would like to go back to a D-segment car again. All the above are well specified as such - of the three what would be your opinion? Great web site!
Many thanks,
John
John Fleming (Killarney)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi John,
I think given the criteria you’ve given us it has to be the Kia. It’s good looking and nice to drive, roomy, comfy and well equipped and above all it has the longest warranty by far. The Ford is great looking and good to drive but the quality isn’t as good as it was on the last Mondeo and while we love the Skoda Superb, it sounds like the Kia would suit you better.
Here are our reviews to help you decide:
I like the look of the new Ford Kuga...
I like the look of the new Ford Kuga. Which version is best and what will it cost? Any other cars I should look at?
Dave Peterson (Dublin)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Dave,
If you find the overall aesthetics of a car matter to you then the Kuga ST Line is the best version of the new line-up to go for. It looks especially good in darker colours. We’re also fans of the Volkswagen Tiguan, though it is at the more expensive end of the market. A similarly good looking car, and more affordable, is the SEAT Ateca. Here are our reviews to help you decide:
Thinking of replacing my Polo with a Fiesta...
Hi, I currently have a 2003 Volkswagen Polo, 1.2 65hp. I am thinking of trading it in and getting a Ford Fiesta. Is it as reliable as the Polo? Also, is the base 1.25 60hp engine enough for a car that is heavier and bigger than my Polo?
Tim Singleton (Banteer, Cork)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Tim,
The Fiesta should be mostly as reliable as the Polo. In extremis, I'd say the Polo will still have a slight edge overall in terms of quality, but as long as you buy a Fiesta with a full service history and look after it properly it should be fine. The base 60hp engine is very slow though, so unless all of your driving is in town, we'd suggest upgrading to the 82hp version.