Which of these four saloons would you choose?
Hi,
Two weeks ago I was down to three choices for looking at a secondhand 2011-2013 saloon car: Honda Accord i-DTEC 2.2-litre diesel (150hp), Volkswagen Passat TDI 2.0-litre diesel (140hp) or Ford Mondeo TDCi 2.0-litre diesel (163hp). But on Saturday I test drove a very nice 2012 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0-litre diesel (160hp), which was very nice to drive.
Just wondering how would this compare to the three above in terms of reliability, handling and resale value. Which would you choose between these four?
Best regards
Barry
Barry Gilbert (Dublin)Aug 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Barry,
OK, all are good, solid choices and in terms of reliability, I'd rate them as Accord the best, the Volkswagen slightly behind and the Ford and Opel together, slightly behind the Volkswagen. The Ford would be the most fun to drive, the Volkswagen probably had the nicest interior but the Opel is arguably the most handsome and, as you point out, really very good to drive. If it were me, I'd go for the Accord - no question. It'll be the most reliable and that sells it for me.
Can running boards be added to crossovers?
Hi,.
do any of the crossovers have running boards or can they be added?
Con Murphy (Cork)Aug 2015 Filed under: automatic
Expert answer
Hi Con,
Running boards or side steps are usually to be found in the accessories brochures for most SUV and crossover models, but it's worth checking out aftermarket suppliers to, such as Halfords, because you might get something at a better price. Normally, we wouldn't recommend going aftermarket, but for non-mechanical or safety items, it should be fine.
Should the garage change my Ford Focus timing belt?
Hi, I very recently bought a 2008 Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi with 94k miles on the clock. I asked the garage where i purchased it from about the timing belt and for them to replace it. They said I had "30k or 40k miles left" before it needs doing and wouldn't entertain my request to get it changed. Can you give me some information about when it needs doing or about what mileage I should get it checked out at?
Thanks in advance.
Therese Norton (Offaly)Aug 2015 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Therese,
Ford's official guidelines for that car are 125,000 miles or 10 years, so the garage is perfectly in its rights to refuse to do the work. Personally speaking, I'd get it done a little earlier than the manufacturer says, say 115,000 miles or so.
Hope that helps
What's my Land Rover Discovery worth?
What's my Land Rover Discovery 4 3.0 TD V6 five-seat XE auto worth?I t has 40,000 miles on it and I want to sell it privately.
Thanks
Mark, Waterford
Mark Rhys Thomas (Waterford)Aug 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
I'd say you're looking at in and around €45,000 for it.
Ford Focus or Citroen C4?
With a budget of around €3,000, I'm looking to buy a Citroen C4 hatchback or a Ford Focus hatchback around 2006-07 1.6 diesel. Would you recommend one over the other? I heard that the Focus can be troublesome but I can't find a bad review on the C4. I've been told I should go for a better make car 2005 with that budget but how can you tell which ultimately is a better buy? Will there be more problems with an 05 than an 07?
Moza Walsh (Galway)Aug 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Moza,
You won't necessarily get more trouble from an 05 than an 07 - it's all down to the condition and history of the individual car.
You're right to say that there are no major problems with the C4 - it's actually pretty well made - but check it for any electrical gremlins. The 1.6 diesel is shared with the Ford Focus (and several other cars) so any problems are basically identical - water pump and oil 'sludge' are the common issues. I'd say the Focus has a slight edge in terms of reliability and quality but it's a close run thing.
If you want a 'better make' and reliability is your primary concern then you need to be buying either Japanese or Korean. Corolla, Civic, Almera etc.
Ford Focus 1.4 petrol: how good?
Ford Focus 1.4 petrol: how good?
Eamon Duff (Navan)Aug 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Eamon,
Not bad, and there are lots and lots to choose from so be very, very fussy and don't lay down any cash on something that's not absolutely immaculate. Also worth noting that the 1.4 is pretty under powered so you're going to suffer in fuel consumption terms. And, indeed, overtaking terms.
Can I use the same parts on a petrol and diesel Ford Focus?
Would a front panel of a diesel Ford Focus fit a petrol model?
Shaun Lafferty (Creeslough )Jul 2015 Filed under: crashed cars
Expert answer
Hi Shaun,
Yes it would - there is no difference.
Which is the best diesel engine in the Ford Focus?
I am thinking of buying a 2010 Ford Focus diesel; what is the best engine?
John
John Scanlon (Creeslough )Jul 2015 Filed under: diesel
Expert answer
Hi John,
If you're buying an Irish car then you'll be very limited in terms of choice. The vast majority of 2010 Ford Focus on the roads in Ireland are powered by the 1.6-litre TDCi diesel engine, in either 90- or 110hp states of tune). It's not a bad engine with a great performance-to-economy ratio and low road tax. Be aware though, like many engines of this type, it's only really suited to average annual mileage of 20,000km and above - or the majority of its time on a fast-flowing road/motorway. The reason is that its diesel particulate filter (DPF) can clog up and it can be expensive to remedy. There are other components in the engine itself that also gum up if the car is used predominantly for low-speed driving.
Other engines in the 2010 Focus are the 1.8 TDCi diesel and, for low-mileage drivers, the 1.4- and 1.6-litre petrol units. All of these are much rarer. The 1.8 isn't quite as susceptible as the 1.6 diesel to issues, but it's less economical. If you're sure that diesel suits your needs then seek out a 1.6.
Hope that helps
Petrol or diesel for an imported Volvo V40?
I am looking at buying a Volvo V40 import from UK, but want to know should I go for petrol or diesel as I only do between 12,000- and 15,000 miles a year. I love the V40 D2 but probably not practical with the low mileage I do and I think the V40 petrol only comes in a 2.0-litre. would it be economical or would I be better just going for a Ford Focus EcoBoost instead? I know they are complete worlds apart but I don't want to get the V40 petrol if it will be costly to run either.
Mary Boyle (Belturbet)Jul 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Karena,
You're right on the edge for choosing between petrol and diesel. If those miles are mostly on the motorway then diesel may still make sense, but if they're mostly at low speeds then you're right in considering petrol.
Now, the Volvo V40 is a fine choice, but I'm not sure what year you're looking at, as the latest petrol models are powered by a relatively efficient turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine, badged either T2 or T3. The EcoBoost Focus is also a cracking car. Try to get a test drive in a few before you decide and come back to us if you need more assistance.
Do I need an SUV for towing my horsebox on the motorway?
Hi, what SUV would you recommend for pulling a horsebox and also motorway driving? I do about 500 to 600km a week going up and down to Dublin a couple of times a week from the midlands so I need an SUV that is economical on diesel but also able to handle a horsebox.
Many thanks
Louise Fox (Belturbet)Jul 2015 Filed under: towing
Expert answer
Hi Louise,
You don't necessarily need a 4x4 for that - a mid size estate car would do the job just as well. So, have a look at the following and see what you'd like: Mazda6 2.2d, Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi, Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI.
Or, if you really have to have a 4x4, check out the Hyundai Santa Fe, Audi Q5 or Nissan X-Trail.
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