What SUVs have three Isofix seats?
What SUVs have three Isofix seats in the middle row? Thinking of putting two Maxi Cosi seats in middle and putting buggy in one seat's position if it's down, as I need the back two seats for children ages five and three. Most SUVs won't take buggy in boot space with seven seats in use. Is this idea viable or a non-runner?
Jim Donovan (Mallow)Jun 2016 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Jim,
I think unless you’re going to go for a full-size SUV, such as a Land Rover Discovery, Audi Q7 or Volvo XC90, you’re going to struggle to find an SUV with three Isofix points in the back. Even the family-friendly Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe only have two outer seat Isofix mounts in the middle row. I’d suggest having a look at the Ford S-Max or Galaxy, or a SEAT Alhambra. These would seem to be the only cars that have the necessary Isofix points and the boot volume you’re looking for.
Will a broken boot lock fail the NCT?
I have a 2005 Ford Focus and my electronic key has broke - Initially we thought it just needed a battery but after getting this it still didn't work. We can open the doors manually but cannot find a way to open the boot manually. Do you have any idea how? Also, will this fail an NCT?
Thanks, Karen
Karen Hannon (Limerick )Jun 2016 Filed under: NCT
Expert answer
Hi Karen,
Try 'double turning' the key in the actual door lock to see if it opens the boot. Sounds weird, I know, but works for some Fords. Failing that, bring the car to a Ford dealer for some advice.
There are no specific tests that the boot opens in a car in the NCT, but there is mention of ensuring that the catches are operating properly, to prevent fumes etc. Technically speaking the boot would have to be opened and closed to check that. I'd guess that you may get away with it, but there's a chance you won't as well.
Let us know how you get on
When will the new Ford Kuga be in Ireland?
When will the new facelifted Ford Kuga be available for order in the Republic of Ireland?
James Mc Loughlin (Cork)Jun 2016 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi James,
The big draw for the updated Kuga will be the availability of Ford’s 1.5 TDCi diesel engine, which will bring the Kuga’s running costs down significantly, not least because it will have a 115g/km CO2 emissions rating. It’ll be here in the autumn, once Ford has finished launching the new Edge SUV, but given the nature of the Irish car market, supply will probably be a bit restricted until January 2017.
When to change my Mondeo's timing belt?
Hi guys,
I have a 2009 Ford Mondeo 1.8 TDCi When should I change the timing belt? I have 87k miles on clock. Is the answer the same as for the 2008 model that somebody else asked about?
Cheers
DC
Donncha Cleary (Dublin)Jun 2016 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Donncha,
Yes, it’s the same – Ford recommends a change at 125,000 miles (or 200,000km) or every ten years, but as with any cam belt, we’d suggest having it replaced more frequently than that.
How much is my low-mileage Fiesta worth?
If I was to trade in my 2001 Ford Fiesta with just 29,800 miles on the clock, how much would I get?
Pauline Lennon (Bettystown Co Meath)May 2016 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Pauline,
A really tough question to answer. Normally the price for a Fiesta of that age ranges from as little as €500 to as much as €1,500 so with the incredibly low mileage you should be looking at the upper end of that range.
I just bought a Peugeot 3008...
Hi,
I just bought a Peugeot 3008 Active 1.6 HDi diesel with 35,000km on the clock. Paid €13,800 + trade in of 2005 Ford C-Max with 105,000km on the clock. Do you think I got good value? I've never had a Peugeot before; is there anything I should watch out for?
Is there a timing belt in it and if so when would this need changing?
Can I replace the climate control console with the nicer looking one that's in the Allure model?
Love your website!
Regards
Ben O' Connor
Ben O Connor (Dublin)May 2016 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Ben,
That sounds like a pretty decent deal, and the 3008 – although it’s due for replacement later this year by an all-new model – is still a better than decent car.
As for the timing belt change, officially Peugeot says that the belt should last 10 years, or almost 250,000km, but to be honest we’ve always felt that that sounds way too long. I’d insist on a belt change every 100,000km at the most. Your car should be fine for now, but start thinking about it well ahead of the official schedule and beware – if the oil pump leaks on that engine it leaks onto the belt, potentially damaging it or causing it to slip.
Is 120,000 miles a lot for a diesel car?
Is 120,000 miles a lot for a 2012 Ford Mondeo 1.6 diesel? Or any diesel car with mileage like that?
James Brady (Clonsilla)May 2016 Filed under: mileage
Expert answer
Hi James,
Nope, it's all down to how well it's been cared for. If it has a high mileage but a thick sheaf of service stamps, receipts and paperwork then it's fine. A lower mileage car without history would be far more worrying.
What used car for up to €11,000 to buy?
Currently in the market for a used car. Looking for somethining with an engine size 1.3 to 1.6 that is reliable. Can spend up to €11,000. What is your advice on the best value car at the moment? Last car I had was a 2006 Ford Focus, which cost me a mint in repairs.
Michael D (Clonsilla)May 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
If it’s reliability you’re looking for, then it’s always best to buy Japanese. Your budget and requirements should mean that either a Honda Civic 1.4 or a Toyota Auris 1.33 are just about right. Both are reliable, and the Toyota especially has a hugely impressive engine – smooth, revvy and frugal. Overall, the Honda is sharper to drive though, and has a bigger boot so it’s the one I’d go for.
What family car to buy?
Hi there.
I am looking for some advice regarding cars that fit three children's car seats in one row across the back. I would like to get a seven-seater, but for ease of use would like to be able to put all the children in one row. Isofix is preferable. I rather SUV-like cars, but obviously my budget might restrict me to a people carrier as I know these are more economical. Can you help? I love the look of the Kia Sorento, but don't know if this fits the three seats in the back.
Thank you!!!
Christine O'Mahony (Cork)May 2016 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Christine,
The Kia Sorento should fit three seats across the back, but you should always take along your seats (and preferably your kids too) on the test drive to make sure everything and everyone fits in nicely. Cracking car that Sorento - other good options are the Hyundai Santa Fe or Land Rover Discovery Sport. If you need to go for an MPV the Ford S-Max, SEAT Alhambra or Opel Zafira Tourer are your best bets, but it's worth considering the Volkswagen Touran too - not quite so roomy, but cheaper to run and very pleasant to drive.
Here are our relevant reviews:
What are 2008 Hyundai Santa Fes like?
What are 2008 Hyundai Santa Fes like? We need a seven-seater as we have four young kids. Is the automatic ok?
Garry OSullivan (Skibbereen )May 2016 Filed under: family car
Expert answer
Hi Garry,
It’s a really good car – reliable, roomy and not at all bad to drive. You just need to watch a couple of things – the stereo system can go a bit haywire from time to time (not recognising radio stations, or spitting out CDs, that kind of thing), the third row seats are pretty tight and quite small and the automatic gearbox, although fine to drive, does significantly drive the CO2 emissions rating up, so check and make sure you can afford the annual motor tax first.