When do I need to replace the timing belt in my Mondeo?
I have a 2009 1.8 diesel Ford Mondeo. When do I need to replace the timing belt?
Anna Hughes (Kildare)May 2015 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Anna,
Ford recommends intervals of no more than 125,000 miles (about 210,000km) or 10 years. We'd suggest you err on the side of caution, however.
Can you advise me on a new small van?
I am seeking advice on small vsn. I like the look of the commercial versions of the Ford Focus, Fiesta, Golf, etc.
Fergal Reidy (Celbridge)May 2015 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Fergal,
Bear in mind that the Fiesta is much smaller inside than the Golf or Focus, so if you're carrying big loads, that needs to be taken into account. Personally, I reckon if you're going for a small van, you're better off getting something that was purpose-built to be a van in the first place, so have a look at the likes of a Fiat Qubo, Opel Combo or Peugeot Bipper.
My Ford Focus has to be full of diesel to start!
I have a 2009 Ford Focus. If I don't keep it full with diesel it won't start. Could it be the pump in the tank or one of the injectors?
Martina Houlihan (Co Mayo Ireland)May 2015 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Martina,
That model Ford Focus TDCi has no pump in the tank, so it can't be that. The only thing that we can think is an issue with the fuel filter or its housing, perhaps letting in air. I'm afraid the only thing for it is to bring the car to a good mechanic to assess. Best of luck,
What is the market value for a 2006 Ford Focus 1.6 diesel?
What is the market value for a 2006 Ford Focus 1.6 diesel (for insurance purposes)?
Anna Murphy (Dublin)May 2015 Filed under: insurance
Expert answer
Hi Anna,
Ballpark figure is €5,800 but it's hugely dependent on condition, history and mileage.
Can you advise me on buying an imported Ford Mondeo?
Hi, I am considering buying a Ford Mondeo 1.6 from a private garage. It is high spec, 2012, but an English import. I would appreciate your advice regarding English imports and should I get the car checked by a mechanic?
Regards,
Siobhan in Dublin
Siobhan Anderson (Dublin)May 2015 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Siobhan,
There's nothing wrong with buying a UK import but you do need to keep your wits about you. Make sure you get a proper history check from Cartell.ie to make sure that it's not being sold with outstanding finance owing, or that it was written off or that it has been clocked. Then make sure that it has a full and complete service history. Then make sure that the dealer has re-registered the car and paid the Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT). There are strict time limits on doing so, so it's their responsibility and don't be fobbed off with any excuses on that score. Is it worth getting a mechanical inspection? Yes, definitely but maybe try the AA rather than just a mechanic friend.
Help me choose a €20,000 family car.
I'm currently driving a 2010 Renault Grand Mégane and wondering what type of car would serve us well over the next three to five years. Do I stick with estate or look at SUV? There's two back seat passengers aged five and two, but would like something that can seat additional passengers from time to time - grandparents, other kids etc. Ideally would like something up to two years old and have budget of €18,000 to €20,000.
Gerry Connolly (Skerries, Dublin)May 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Gerry,
OK, lots of options here. Seven-seat SUVs are the coming thing and Hyundai's Santa Fe is one of the best. Lots and lots around for that kind of money so be choosy and buy the most recent one you can, so as to make the most of that five-year warranty.
The rear seats are a little tight though, so maybe look at a Ford S-Max. Big, spacious and really good to drive, you'll probably get a good deal on a nearly-new one at the moment as there's an all-new version about the be launched.
Or you could go all-out and get a Land Rover Discovery, which is a wonderful car but don't say I didn't warn you when it comes to running costs, and you won't find a two-year old one for that money.
Relevant reviews:
Is the Volkswagen Golf Highline 1.2 a good car?
I'm looking for a mid-sized family car and have looked at the Golf Highline 1.2 TSI; Volkswagen finance options are good so am considering buying new. Can you please advise if this is a good family car and any alternatives you would suggest?
Thanks, Karen
Karen Golden (Dublin 6)May 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Karen,
Yup, it’s a cracker - well made, nice to drive and that 1.2 TSI is super-econmical. Good alternatives would be the Skoda Octavia with the same engine, a Ford Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost 125hp, or a Peugeot 308 with the new 1.2-litre PureTech petrol turbo engine.
Relevant reviews:
Volkswagen Golf review (2.0 TDI Highline)
Skoda Octavia review (1.2 TSI)
Peugeot 308 review (new 1.2 PureTech)
Is the Ford Fiesta TDCi more economical than the Audi A1?
Which car is the most fuel efficient: the Audi A1 1.4 Sport petrol or the Ford Fiesta Zetec 1.6 TDCi?
Elizabeth Evans (Llanwrtyd Wells)Expert answer
Hi Elizabeth,
Ok, there's a simple answer and a not-so-simple answer. The simple answer is that the Fiesta is more economical. Going by the official figures, you'll get 78mpg on the combined cycle from the Fiesta (and that's for a model without the stop-start system fitted) and 57mpg from the Audi (that's the 125hp engine with a manual gearbox and 16-inch wheels).
Now, the not-so-simple bit. It depends on how and where you drive. If you drive mostly short journeys and mostly in town, then the diesel is not going to give its best, and that 78mpg figure is pure fiction anyway. I'd say in daily driving you'll probably get closer to 55mpg. The Audi, if driven with a bit of care and attention, should easily get 40mpg, even around town. So there's a gap, but it's not so big as you'd think.
The reverse is true if you're doing lots of long journeys at a steady motorway cruise. The Fiesta would come into its own and you''d probably squeeze 60mpg, maybe 65mpg from it. The Audi probably wouldn't get much above 45mpg, maybe a bit less, doing such journeys.
When do I change my Ford Focus timing belt?
When is the timing belt to be changed on a 2010 Ford Focus Zetec 1.6 TDCi diesel?
Kevin Vivash Burke (Llanwrtyd Wells)Apr 2015 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Kevin,
Official guidelines are 125,000 miles (201,000km) or every 10 years. We'd recommend being more cautious than that.
Looking for a small to medium reliable family car.
Looking for a small to medium reliable family car. Comfort, fuel efficient, and low tax a consideration.
Mai Murphy (Cork)Apr 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mai,
OK, lots to choose from here. Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Toyota Auris are all ever popular and all with very good reason. They're reliable (the Toyota scoring best here), beautifully made (the Golf come out top in this category) and nice to drive (the Focus wins here). Lots of all three about so you can afford to be picky. Fancy something a bit different? Try a Honda Civic, especially the 1.6 i-DTEC diesel version, which is possibly the best compact diesel engine around.
Also well worth a look are the Kia cee'd (especially the handsome and practical estate version) and the current model of the Peugeot 308 (ditto on the estate version there).
Relevant reviews: