Is a high-mileage Ford Focus Estate ok?
I'm looking at a 2010 Ford Focus Estate 1.6 diesel with around 130,000 miles on the the clock. How much more do you think I'll get out of the engine? Am I mad buying a car with such high mileage?
Conal Mc Donald (Finglas/B)Nov 2015 Filed under: mileage
Expert answer
Hi Conal,
It should be fine - that kind of mileage is no problem if the car has been properly looked after and the full service history would seem to suggest this. Just check and see what oil has been used at service time. That 1.6 diesel needs the correct oil to avoid issues.
Should I go diesel on a new car in 2016?
Hi guys,
I currently drive a 2011 1.4 TSI petrol Volkswagen Passat, which I am very happy with. I'm thinking of changing my car in 2016 and wondering if I should consider switching to a diesel Passat. I currently drive 32km every day to work, 16km each way, but this is done on the M50 so do you think it would be in my interests to switch?
Brendan Cullen (Knocklyon)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
Nope, I'd stick with petrol. With that kind of mileage you're just not going to get the benefit from diesel. Check out the new Passat 1.4 TSI or, alternatively, the Ford Mondeo 1.5 EcoBoost, Skoda Superb 1.4 TSI or Mazda6 2.0 SkyActiv-G petrol.
I have a few issues with my Mondeo.
I've been advised my car has a belt and chain system but Ford says only belt; can you confirm? It's a 2012 Mondeo 1.6 TDCi.
Also had issues with engine rattle after a dealer changed injectors. He says they need time to relearn. I have symptoms two weeks later still. Just wondering is this accurate because the dealer didn't mention chain or fuel pump. How long should the ECU take to relearn injectors?
Also, the steering wheel is shaking under braking. Should a dealer replace worn discs six weeks after purchase?
Niall Reynlds (Ennis)Oct 2015 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Niall,
We asked Ford Ireland about this for you. First of all, it was confirmed that your car has a timing belt, not a timing chain.
With regards to the injectors, a longer response was given:
"Mondeo DV6 has a Continental fuel system and the fuel injectors fitted on this system have correction factors on them. What this means is that they have a unique ID number that the engine's PCM need to know so it can operate them. The pump has nothing to do with how the injectors operate and its role is simply to bring the fuel up to the high pressure demanded by the system. When an injector is replaced the PCM needs to know the new number of the injector installed. This is inputted using Ford IDS Diagnostic tool. If the injector is installed and the correction factor is not learned using the Ford Diagnostic tool the vehicle will not run at optimal level and the engine may exhibit excessive noise and emissions."
Finally, with regards to a shaking steering wheel, that could be something as simple as a wheel going out of balance, so check that before you consider changing any brake items. Whether the dealer should replace warped discs after six weeks is not so clear - it really depends on the terms of your warranty.
Will PCP work with higher mileages?
Hi there,
My beloved Alfa 1.9 JTDm 159's gearbox has gone and now needs to be replaced. Considering it is an 06 and has over 242,000 miles on the clock, it will need a clutch and DMF replacement as well. Is it worth it, and what diesel cars would be recommended for someone driving 35,000 miles a year? Are PCP options even feasible at that mileage?
Sad Dave in Kells
David Delaney (Kells)Oct 2015 Filed under: finance
Expert answer
Hi David,
Yes they are - you can negotiate a higher mileage limit on a PCP but it means you'll reduce the guaranteed minimum future value so your monthly repayments will be a bit higher.
Mind you, I'd hate to see a gorgeous Alfa fall by the wayside. Get a quote for a replacement and see how much it is. There's always the new Alfa Giulia coming next year...
If you decide on a replacement though, the best mid-size diesel saloons around at the moment are (in no particular order) the Skoda Superb, the Mazda6, the Volkswagen Passat and the Ford Mondeo.
A few relevant reviews:
Should I switch my Ford Focus for a diesel car?
Petrol or diesel? I am looking to change my 2005 Ford Focus 1.4 petrol to something similar. I am averaging 40,000 miles per year and wonder what would be a good option for me. The budget is approx €10k.
Shirley Mulcahy (Portlaoise)Oct 2015 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Shirley,
I think you need to be looking at diesel with that kind of mileage. A €10k budget would slot you nicely into a 2009 Honda Civic 2.2 i-CDTi (don't worry about the size: it's cheap to tax). It's ood to drive, massively spacious, economical and reliable.
There are also some Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDIs and Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4Ds around for this budget that are well worth looking at.
When does my Mondeo's timing belt have to be changed?
At what mileage interval does the timing belt have to be changed on a 2012 Ford Mondeo 1.6 TDCi Titanium?
Niall Durr (Roscommon)Oct 2015 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Niall,
It's every 140,000km or 10 years, whichever comes first. We would recommend going a little earlier than the recommended intervals on all cars.
Do I need to change my Mondeo's timing belt?
Hi,
Our 2007 Ford Mondeo 2007 just passed its NCT, had a service, got a new battery etc. Just wondering (as I do not have a notion!) when I may need to get timing belt replaced? Seen a similar reply on a Mondeo but unsure if it is the same with our 07 saloon model.
Thanks,
Karen
KAREN MARIA O'MALLEY (DUBLIN 13)Oct 2015 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Karen,
You've not mentioned the engine size, but assuming it's either the 1.8- or 2.2-litre TDCi diesel then the timing belt should be changed every 125,000 miles (just over 200,000km) or every 10 years.
From 2012: Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf?
Which 2012 car is better: Volkswagen Golf or Ford Focus?
Stephen English (Dublin)Oct 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Stephen,
Both pretty good but I'd lean on the side of the Golf - it's roomier and more refined than the Focus, and that 1.2 TSI petrol turbo engine is a cracker. The Volkswagen 1.6 TDI engine is smoother than the Ford's too.
When do I need to replace the timing belt on 2010 Ford Fiesta?
When do I need to replace the timing belt on a 2010 Ford Fiesta?
Ede Osullivan (Dublin)Oct 2015 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Ede,
It depends on which engine your Fiesta is powered by. The 1.4- and 1.6-litre TDCi diesels have change intervals of 10 years or 125,000 miles (just over 201,000km), while the petrol engines (1.25-, 1.4- and 1.6-litre) have timing belts that need to be changed every eight years or 100,000 miles (160,000km).
We'd always advise readers to have the timing belt changed sooner rather than later, especially if the service history of the car is unknown.
Does my Ford Focus have a timing belt or chain?
Does the 2009 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi Zetec have a timing belt or a chain?
Dave Kelly (Dublin)Oct 2015 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Dave,
Our information is that this car has a timing belt. It should be changed at least every 125,000 miles (201,000km) or every 12 years.