What will I replce my Renault Scenic with?
Saw a Ford Fusion for sale. It's on for €2,995. Don't know much about this car. I drive a 2004 Renault Scenic. Had a lot of problems and have to get rid of it. My budget is about €2,500. I would go for another Scenc as I'm used to them, but everyone tells me no. I need some advice as I need an MPV, but know nothing about cars. It's a nightmare for me. But I need to move fast.
Please help
Elaine Harris (Clarehall , Dublin 13)Feb 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Elaine,
I don't think the Fusion is going to be much good to you if you reckon you need an MPV - it's basically a slightly taller Fiesta and not all that roomy. Have a try and see if it'll fit your needs.
As for another Scenic, sad to say they're just not the most reliable things around. Have a look instead for a Toyota Corolla Verso, a Volkswagen Touran, a Kia Carens or a Mazda5. You'll have to look hard to find one within budget but they are out there.
How can I get scrappage for my Hyundai?
Hi, I have a 2004 Hyundai Getz that I'd like to sell for scrappage. How do I get a quote with you? The last place quoted 75 Euro. This seems very low for a good car.
Thanks!
L Morrison
Leni Morrison (Dublin)Feb 2016 Filed under: scrappage
Expert answer
Hi Leni,
We don't do scrappage quotes I'm afraid. We're a website that does the best new car news and reviews.
If you want a scrappage quote, visit your local car dealer. Many of the big brands (including Ford, Nissan, Opel and Hyundai) have scrappage offers in place and you can get as much as €4,500 off the price of a new car.
How often should I service my Ford Fiesta?
How often should I service my 2007 Ford Fiesta 1.2-litre petrol? Confession: I don't think it's had the works since I bought it in 2013!
Catherine Hegarty (Ballincollig)Feb 2016 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Catherine,
It really does depend on your mileage and driving conditions, but a good rule of thumb is at least once a year regardless. We'd recommend every 15,000km on a car like that as well, but even if you don't do that in a year it's best to get the car serviced annually.
It's definitely overdue one!
Which large MPV to go for?
Hi, I'm looking for a seven-seater with a large boot. We have been looking at the Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Life, but don't know too much about them except they seem to fit our needs and price range (3/4 years old). Am I missing any other people carriers because I've been focusing on boot space?
Libby Rice (Kilkenny)Feb 2016 Filed under: family car
Expert answer
Hi Libby,
The Caddy Life is actually a really good choice - hugely versatile and not at all bad to drive, for a car based on a van. It's also worth looking at the Citroen Berlingo (similar, but doesn't have the long wheelbase Maxi Life option) or the Renault Kangoo. If you fancy something a bit more comfy and car-like, have a look at a Ford S-Max or the SEAT Alhambra.
How much to trade in my Ford C-Max?
Hi,
I have a 2007 Ford C-Max with 90,000 miles on the clock. Wondering what would I get to trade it in?
Thanks a mill
Brian
Brian Barry (Limerick)Jan 2016 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Brian,
Somewhere around the €5,000 mark I would think.
Diesel Focus or petrol Golf? Help!
I'm looking at a 2014 Ford Focus 1.6 diesel Titanium or a 2013 Volkswagen Golf 1.2 turbo petrol. What should I buy? I don't do a lot of miles, just drive around town. So confused.
Catriona Kelly (Wexford)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Catriona,
Go for the petrol Golf. It's a hugely economical engine anyway, but if you're doing short hops and low mileage then there's just no point in buying a diesel. You'll never make back the extra purchase price in fuel savings and you'll run into problems with clogged diesel particulate filters, etc.
How much for my 2004 Ford Focus?
Hi,
I have a 2004 Ford Focus 1.8 diesel with 170,000 miles on the clock. Wondering what would I get to trade it in?
Thanks a mill
Declan
Declan Morahan (Dublin )Jan 2016 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Declan,
Probably somewhere in the region of €1,700.
Can you help my buy my first car?
I am in the market to buy my first car. I have looked at a 2007 Volkswagen Polo for €5,500 with 80,000 miles; a 2009 Renault Clio with 50,000 miles for €5,500; and a 2007 Opel Corsa with 110,000 miles for €4,500 (all 1.2). It is important to purchase a car that will help to keep my insurance and maintenance costs low.
Any advice on these cars or others that I should consider would be greatly appreciated. Is the best method of purchasing through a dealership?
Niamh, Limerick
Niamh McCrann (Limerick)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Niamh,
I'd go for the Polo - of the three you're looking at it's the one (all things being equal) that's likely to be the most reliable. One thing though - you'll have to change it again next year as then it will be 10 years old and it's now proving almost impossible to get an affordable quote for a 10-year old car.
Tell me when to change my Mondeo's belt.
Hi,
I have a 2012 Ford Mondeo 1.6 diesel Econetic that has 100,000 miles on the clock. I have read conflicting advice on when the timing belt should be replaced on this vehicle. They range from 100k miles right up to 200k miles. This is quite a massive difference so can you advise what would be the correct time to get this work done on this make of vehicle please?
Many thanks,
Paul
Paul H (Leixlip)Jan 2016 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
It’s best to take the advice of your local Ford dealer on this, but as far as we can tell the correct interval is every 10 years or 210,000km, whichever is soonest. However, it’s one of those things that, if it’s niggling you, you should just get done. Never a good idea to put a timing belt on the long finger.
What's the best supermini right now?
What's the best small family car or supermini of 2016? In terms of value for money, economy, driveability.
Don Naughton (Galway)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Don,
I'd say it's a tied vote between the Honda Jazz (amazingly roomy and reliable, but a bit pricey), the Skoda Fabia (as solid a choice as the day is long) or the Ford Fiesta (brilliant to drive and has a wonderful EcoBoost petrol engine).
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