Mazda3, Skoda Octavia or Toyota Corolla?
Hi guys.
I currently drive a Volkswagen Golf (2007) and am looking to upgrade to accommodate a growing family (two young kids). I've narrowed my selection down to Mazda3 (saloon), Skoda Octavia, or the Toyota Corolla. Space is a main concern.
Any advice?
Cheers, Ronan
Ronan Murphy (Carrigaline)Jun 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Ronan,
Go for the Octavia. The Mazda3 is nice to drive and incredibly reliable and the Corolla is about as reliable and unbreakable as a granite rock, but the Octavia has the best interior space and reliability is generally excellent, so go for that. Case in point: once spent two consecutive weekends hauling my young family from Dublin to Waterford to visit relatives. First weekend with a Ford S-Max, second with an Octavia (this would have been 2006) and the Octavia carried the same amount of luggage as the S-Max...
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Frank Treacy (Limerick)Jun 2015 Filed under: future cars
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Hi Frank,
It just so happens that we will have a first drive of the new Galaxy on the site in the next few days. Prices start at €38,760 and it'll arrive later this year in Ford showrooms.
Why won't my Ford Focus start?
Hi,
I'm having a problem starting my Ford Focus TDCi 1.8. It won't turn over, yet I have all electrical power on my dashboard. Had problem with this some weeks ago and had heater plugs replaced with new ones, which seemed to cure the problem for a week or so but a slow degradation in starting on mornings over the weeks and now nothing. Is this going to be a costly diagnosis?
Thanks in advance.
Stephen Blower (Barnsley)Jun 2015 Filed under: electrics
Expert answer
Hi Stephen,
If it won't turn over at all it sounds like the battery is flat (it takes a lot more charge to turn the engine than to light up the dashboard) or the starting motor has stopped working. As you mentioned slow degradation I'd suspect the battery, and perhaps the alternator isn't working to full efficiency. Best bet is to get a good mechanic or auto electrician to sort it out.
My wife and I are in the market for a new car...
My wife and I are in our mid seventies and are in the market for a new car. We have been driving Saabs for 30 years and are now considering a BMW, a Mercedes-Benz, a Jaguar or a Lexus. I have been looking at 5 Series/E-Class category cars, mainly because I am for the first time in my life able to afford such a car. But I am totally confused by the jargon and the names the different manufacturers give to their options or packages. Please tell me what to buy. The most important feature for us is safety, including things that will stop us doing stupid things behind the wheel. Also good satnav and park assist/camera features.
And should I be looking at cheaper models? Do we really need E-Class or 3 Series to travel in comfort or should we drop down a category? Just tell me what to buy!
Thanks very much.
Peter, Dublin 6
Peter Kelly (Dublin)Jun 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
To be honest, if it's just the two of you, then you don't really need to trade up to an E-Class or 5 Series sized car - a 3 Series would do you just as nicely. That said, there is definitely a slight comfort benefit from going for the bigger model, so I can understand why you might want to.
I'm going to suggest something a little left-field for you but I think it might just work - have a look at a Lexus GS 300h. It's perhaps not as obviously economical as a BMW 520d or Mercedes E 200 CDI, but it's enormously refined and comfortable, and endlessly reliable and solidly built. It's also really nice to drive and I think the quirky elements of the styling and engineering might appeal to a former Saab driver. Have a test drive and let me know what you think.
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Hi Donogh,
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Phil Ber (Bray)May 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Phil,
We put this question to our resident Porsche 911 expert, Kyle Fortune, and this is what he said:
"As a 1998 model I assume you're referring to a 996 series 911 - which is currently the most affordable of all 911s. The first water cooled 911, the 996 has something of a mixed reputation - bargain buy or potential problem... Certainly early cars have a couple of well known engine problems based around he Rear Main Seal (RMS) and intermediate shaft (IMS). Both are potentially difficult and very expensive fixes to undertake, though many cars will have had work already done - ask any potential seller if that's the case. There are many specialists who can do the work with improved parts, so don't rule out a car - at the right price - if you're prepared to have it done.
Google IMS or RMS 996 and you'll find lots of information. Find a good one and you'll not buy anything else for the money that's as useable and enjoyable, so it's worth taking a bit of time and effort to find the best. Do so and you'll have a cracking sports car."
Hope that's of help.
As a first car should I get an Opel Corsa or Toyota Corolla?
Hi, I am just about to buy my first car and I just want to make the right decision. My choices are a 2008 Opel Corsa (1.2 petrol) with 150,000km or a 2006 Toyota Corolla (1.4 petrol) with 100,000km. Both are going for around €4,800. Currently I am leaning towards the Toyota.
Caoimhe Brady (Cavan)May 2015 Filed under: learner
Expert answer
Hi Caoimhe,
Yup, I would too - assuming that you can get a similar quote for insuring the Toyota. That generation of Corolla is actually surprisingly good to drive, and it's far more comfortable and practical than the Corsa, not to mention close to indestructible when it comes to reliability. Plus, I always think it's better to learn to drive on the largest car you can afford to run and insure - it makes things easier when you upgrade in later life.
Opel Zafira or Renault Grand Scenic?
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Regards
Syd from Sandyford, Dublin
Syed Hyder (Sandyford)May 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Syd,
It's a split decision I'm afraid - the Scenic is going to be much comfier and more refined, but the Opel will be the more reliable one. You'll have to make your own call based on what you prioritise most.
Can I put Ford Kuga wheels on my S-Max?
Can I fit 18-inch alloys from a Ford Kuga (7.5J x 18) to my Ford S-Max (7J x 17)? I know that my friend's Ford S-Max 1.6 TDCi has 18-inch wheels from Ford, and it's a 2013 S-Max, which is the same shape as my 2011 model.
Matt Graves (Yanworth)May 2015 Filed under: tyres
Expert answer
Hi Matt,
We asked Ford for an official adjudication on this, and here is the response:
"Each vehicle/wheel has a specific offset and wheel width regardless of tyre size. The 7.5J x 18 referenced for the Kuga wheel means that that wheel is 7.5 inches in width and the S-MAX referenced is running 7J x 17 meaning the wheels originally fitted were seven inches in width. Therefore, the answer from Ford is no - we would only recommend like for like replacements."