Ford B-Max or Nissan Juke?
Ford B-Max versus Nissan Juke?
Nigel Naughton (Castlebar)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Nigel,
Two totally different cars so they're quite hard to compare. The B-Max is small but spacious, and those sliding side doors make it very handy in tight parking spaces, but it's slow and not much fun to drive. The Juke is far more striking to look at (perhaps even a bit ugly?) and more engaging to drive, but space in the back and boot is really quite poor.
Relevant reviews:
When to change my Mondeo's timing belt?
Hi,
I have a 2008 Ford Mondeo 2.0-litre flex-fuel. When do I change the timing belt?
Alan Doolan (Dublin)Dec 2015 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Alan,
Actually, our information is that your car should have a timing chain, not a belt, which has no scheduled maintenance interval. To check this, call a service department of any Ford dealer with your registration number and they'll tell you for sure.
How economical is the new Ford Mustang?
Do you know, roughly, what the real world fuel economy of both the 5.0-litre and 2.3-litre new Ford Mustang is?
Thanks
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Expert answer
Hi Philip,
You might just break 30mpg with the 2.3 if you're reasonably careful. You'll be lucky to see 20mpg in the V8...
Is the Toyota RAV4 worth the price?
Hi,
I want to trade in my 2008 Ford Focus diesel for a new or nearly new car. I really like the SUV style. I drive at least 1,000km per week to and from work so I need something that's reliable, will hold its value and able for big mileage. I really like the Toyota RAV4, but is it worth the price?
What car would you suggest?
Joanne Stafford (Wexford)Dec 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Joanne,
The RAV4 is most definitely worth the price, and it's one of the best cars Toyota currently makes - spacious, reliable and not at all bad to drive. Worth looking at the Nissan Qashqai and Renault Kadjar too, as well as the Skoda Yeti and Mazda CX-5. You won't go wrong with any of those choices, but given your high mileage take a very close look at the Renault and the Nissan - they'll be the most economical overall.
Relevant reviews:
Can I use a van for Ford scrappage deal?
Will Ford take a van instead of a car in scrappage deal for a new car?
Jim Crockett (Cork.ireland)Dec 2015 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Jim,
Ford's terms and conditions for its 161-plate offers state that "This offer applies to trade-in vehicles aged up to 10 years which are taxed and insured at time of trade-in. Qualifying vehicles must also have a valid NCT certificate at time of trade in." So there's nothing that says you can't trade in a van. It will probably come down to the individual dealer. If one rebuffs you, try another.
What cars fit three child seats in back?
What cars take three full car seats in the back?
Anne Davis (Cork.ireland)Dec 2015 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Anne,
Most MPVs will, so Citroen C4 Picasso, Renault Scenic, Ford C-Max, Peugeot 5008, Kia Carens and so on. The bigger ones too, of course, such as the Ford S-Max and Galaxy and the SEAT Alhambra. If you want something sleeker, such as a saloon, estate or SUV then it comes down to how bulky the child car seats are. Rule of thumb is to always bring the seats (and preferably the kids, even though I know how awkward that is) on a test drive to make sure that they'll all fit in comfortably.
Help me change from Passat to C-Max.
I have a 2008 Volkswagen Passat diesel with 120,000 miles on the clock. I am looking at a 2012 diesel Ford C-Max with 60,000 miles. How much should I expect to pay and would you recommend the Ford?
Many thanks.
Catherine Davis (Louth)Dec 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Catherine,
The Ford's not bad actually, but make sure that it has been fully serviced and that the 1.6 diesel has had a steady diet of high-grade oil.
Your Passat should be worth about €7,000 to €7,500 as a trade-in.
Which new petrol estate should I go for?
Hi guys,
I currently drive a 2011 Volkswagen Passat saloon 1.4 TSI, but am looking to change to an estate. The obvious choice is the Passat Estate 1.4 TSI, but is there any other petrol estate I should consider? My mileage doesn't justify the change to diesel.
Thanks.
Brendan Cullen (Knocklyon)Dec 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
Worth checking out the Mazda6 2.0 SkyActiv-G estate, and the Ford Mondeo 1.5 EcoBoost isn't bad. Also have a look at the Skoda Superb 1.4 TSI although that's only available in Ambition spec.
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.