Ford Galaxy or Citroen Grand Picasso?
Which is a better seven-seater: Ford Galaxy or Citroen Grand Picasso?
Daniel Lenihan (Limerick)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Daniel,
Two very different cars there. The Galaxy is bigger and has seating for full-sized adults in all three rows. The Citroen is considerably smaller and, realistically, you're only going to be able to fit kids, and not very tall ones, into the third row seats. The Citroen will be considerably cheaper to buy and run than the Galaxy, however.
How much would you pay for 2008 Ford Focus?
How much would you pay for a 2008 1.8 diesel Ford Focus with 200,000km on the clock?
John Hughes (Leitrim)Nov 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi John,
In and around the €5,500 mark I would think.
When do I change my Ford Focus timing belt?
When do I need to change the timing belt on my 2010 Ford Focus 2.0 Zetec petrol?
David Chapman (Sydney)Nov 2015 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi David,
Our data tells us that your car should have a timing chain, not a belt, with no scheduled maintenance. If in doubt, ring up your local Ford dealer service department with the registration number and they can confirm for sure.
Advice needed on Hyundai Santa Fe...
Advice needed on Hyundai Santa Fe. I'm currently changing my Audi A4 and trying to make a decision between the Hyundai Santa Fe (131 reg) and a BMW 520d (12 reg). It's going to be the family car and I currently drive approx 25k a year. So looking for something that running costs (i.e diesel costs) are at their minimum. In your opinion what would be the better choice?
Pamela Griffin (Fethard)Expert answer
Hi Pamela,
Unless you actually need the seven-seat layout of the Hyundai, I'd go for the BMW. It'll be much more affordable to run in terms of fuel costs (close to 60mpg versus more like 45mpg in the Hyundai) and cheaper to tax too. The only concern might be that the Hyundai would be more reliable than the BMW, pound for pound. If you're buying the Beemer with a full service history and a warranty though there shouldn't be any problems.
What is with import codes for certain counties?!
How come the import code for Wicklow and Wexford and one other county are the same at 11,000? I don't understand; why over complicate what was always such a simple format. I agree with the 151/152 regs, but the aforementioned is completely stupid!
John Darcy (Wicklow )Nov 2015 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi John,
In short, because some pen-pusher on Kildare Street decreed it should be so...
Ford Mondeo 1.6 TDCi: belt change interval?
When does my timing belt need changing? I have a 2012 Ford Mondeo 1.6 TDCi Edge. Ford recommend 125,000 miles, but I see another question answered for a Titanium model at 140,000km.
Niall Reynlds (Ennis)Nov 2015 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Niall,
Our information is indeed 140,000km or every 10 years (whichever comes first) for the 2012 Mondeo 1.6 TDCi. It doesn't matter what the trim level is. Call up your local Ford dealer service department with your registration number for clarification.
How best to import my car from the UK?
Hi, I'm an EU citizen, I lived 10 years in London, UK. I have my own car on GB plates, a 15 year-old Ford Mondeo 2.5 V6 automatic. I have a long MOT on this car. I have owned this car about four months, I have previous insurance, history, etc. What is the best way to register the car in Ireland? Will the MOT be accepted if I have 11 months left?
Thanks,
Laszlo
Laszlo Szabo (Clonbur)Nov 2015 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Laszlo,
I'm afraid not. When you import the car into Ireland it will have to pass through an NCT (National Car Test - our equivalent of the MOT) before it can be legally registered here. That shouldn't be a problem though - any car that can pass an MOT should also pass an NCT. The problem is that because you have owned the car for less than six months, you'll get caught for Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) when you bring it in to the country - and on a 2.5-litre V6 engine that's going to be 36 per cent of what the Revenue Commissioners judge the vehicle's market value to be. This could get very expensive and you might be better off selling the car before you move and buying something new here.
Ford Kuga: any reviews on it?
Ford Kuga: any reviews on it?
Mary Byrne (Dublin)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Does my Ford Mondeo have a cambelt?
I have a 2005 Ford Mondeo 1.8 year: does it have a cambelt?
Stewart Kemble (Manningtree )Nov 2015 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Stewart,
No, that model should have a timing chain, not a belt, which needs much less maintenance. A good idea to have it inspected by a dealer if you’re concerned though.
I am looking at a 2010 Ford Focus Estate...
I am looking at a 2010 Ford Focus Estate 1.6 diesel; it has a full Ford service history but has 130,000 miles on the clock. What is a good price for this car and would I get much longer out of the engine? Am I mad thinking about a car with such high mileage?
Conal Mc Donald (Dublin)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Conal,
You should be paying somewhere in the region of €8,500 for that one and I wouldn't worry about the mileage - as long as the service history is genuine, and as long as you stick to the servicing schedule yourself and always insist on proper, high-quality oil for that 1.6-litre diesel engine, you should be fine.