What is the best crossover to buy?
What is the best crossover to buy?
Eamonn Carter (Gorey)Apr 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Eamonn,
Do you mean big or small? Actually, the new Fiat 500x we've just driven could be a good shout for a small crossover, or if you don't fancy that, take a look at the MINI Countryman.
Something more medium? There are only two players really - Skoda Yeti or Nissan Qashqai. Ford Kuga is also worth a look, but only the current model, not the old one.
Bigger than that? Honda's CR-V is always a good one, or if you're buying new have a long, hard look at the latest Kia Sorento.
Relevant reviews:
How many miles should a Ford Mondeo do?
How many miles should a 2005 Ford Mondeo Zetec 1.8 petrol do?
David O MAhoney (Dungarvan)Expert answer
Hi David,
Do you mean in terms of fuel consumption? Then I'd say about 35- to 40mpg depending on your driving style. If you mean total miles, well it depends how you look after it and how it's been looked after. Cars are generally 'lifed' for between 250,000 miles (400,000km) and 300,000 miles. If you service it and care for it properly, you could potentially get even more...
A few questions on the UK Ford Focus for you...
Is 82,000 miles a lot on a 2011 Ford Focus 1.6? It's an English car and the SD card that comes with the Focus has English maps - how do you change to Irish maps? What would be the value of this car?
Thank you.
Ollie Keohan (Waterford)Apr 2015 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Ollie,
A total of 82,000 miles is a slightly high mileage but it depends on the miles and it depends on the car. If it's got a full service history and has been well cared for then it's not a problem.
As for the SD card, these are available from Ford dealers but have a proper look through the navigation system - UK & Ireland maps tend to come bundled as a pair so it may just be a matter of changing a country setting.
It should be worth, in Irish terms, about €14,000.
How much to tax a diesel Ford Focus?
What is motor tax on 1.6-litre diesel Ford Focus 141 please?
Thank you
Eileen
Eileen Bergin (Cork )Apr 2015 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Eileen,
The Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi hatchback emits 95g/km, putting it in Band A3 for tax, which currently costs €190 per annum.
Can you advise me on buying an older Mazda MX-5?
I'm looking out for a Mazda MX-5, an old one, to have as an open top / second car for the summer (I'm a weather optimist!). What issues if any should I watch out for? Is there a major difference between the 'regular' MX-5 and the Jap import versions?
Peter Mack (Dublin)Apr 2015 Filed under: classic cars
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
OK, first off the MX-5 is the go-to choice for an affordable convertible. Lots of them out there to choose from, they are reliable and solidly built, so there are few major problem areas to worry about.
Actually, the problems that do occur are usually more to do with maintenance than anything else. Check the convertible hood first for tears, splits, shrinking or mildew and mould. If there are any leaks, check for damage from water getting into the cabin, especially the electrical system - electric windows can easily pack up if the switches get leaked on to too much.
Check the alloys for corrosion and check that the rear-window demister is working - if there has been work done on the hood it can often be left disconnected. If the steering feels anything less than laser-precise and brilliant, suspect worn bushes, but it's not a big or expensive job.
Check also for accident damage - MX-5s can be tricky in the wet for anyone not used to rear-drive and any prangs need careful attention and work to make sure that the structure of the car remains sound. Also, avoid anything modified or tinkered with like the plague.
As for differences between the Japanese market cars and our ones, they're in the details more than anything else. The basic mechanical stuff is the same, but JDM cars often came with things like proper mechanical limited slip differentials when European cars had viscous couplings, and equipment levels in Japan were usually higher. If you're thinking of buying a Eunos Roadster (the Japanese name for the MX-5) then it would probably be a good idea to get in touch with the MX-5 Owners' club who can help you out with details of individual models and special editions, and on parts availability. You can get them on http://www.mx5ireland.com
Best of luck and let us know how you get on
Newer or older Ford Focus?
Is it better to buy a 2009 Ford Focus with 56,000km or a 2011 Ford Focus with 119,000km?
Sandra Kelly (Dublin)Apr 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Sandra,
The rule of thumb is to never buy on year and mileage but always on condition and history. If one has a full service history, every receipt, stamp and cert in a neat little folder, go for that one.
My Ford Focus smells of burning oil...
My 1.8 TDCi Ford Focus smells of burning oil...
Craig Isherwood (Trs4 3hg)Apr 2015 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Craig,
Best to get it along to a mechanic pronto, though before you do, check the oil level and top it up if it's low before you drive anywhere. It's likely there's an oil leak within the engine bay, though it could well be leaking oil into the cylinders too if there are larger issues so best to have it checked by a professional.
Is the Skoda Octavia TSI a good option for me?
Finally time to change my 2004 1.8 TDCi Ford Focus Estate. With 233,000 miles done, I think it has earned its keep. But what to replace it with? I only do about 20,000km now a year so dont really need the diesel though the torque is good for overtaking. I do need a decent boot as I fill it most weekends. Budget max €13,000. Interested in Skoda Octavia 1.2 TSI in hatch or estate. Is this a reliable engine and does it have enough power for overtaking? Generally only me in car and occasional towing of 500kg trailer also done.
David Doran (Trs4 3hg)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi David,
I'd say you've already picked out the ideal car - that Octavia 1.2 TSI is magic. Plenty of oomph, very economical and should have enough grunt to haul that trailer. One thing though - at 500kg, that trailer is getting on for the maximum braked towing weight of 610kg, so if it's an unbraked one it might be worth trading it for a braked version, just to keep some margin for safety.
Ford Kuga or Kia Sportage?
I am buying a new car and I'm undecided between a 131 Ford Kuga or a 142 Kia Sportage. Have test driven the Kuga and it is gorgeous but the seven-year warranty with the Sportage is seriously tempting.
Neasa Macnamara (Limerick)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Neasa,
I know what you mean, although it's worth pointing out that the Kuga can be had with a five-year warranty right now. I actually think that the Kuga is a very underrated car - it's spacious, handsome and really good to drive. The Kia still looks good but in terms of its cabin, engine and chassis you can sense that it's ageing a bit now, and a new model is due next year.
Incidentally, don't make a final decision until you try a 1.6 i-DTEC Honda CR-V. Cracking car - slightly more expensive than the Ford or Kia, but worth a look for its high quality, reliability and cabin space.
Further reading:
What small new car should I go for?
I am thinking of trading in my 2011 Nissan Micra (it has an NCT until 2017) for either a new (152) car or a 142 model. The shortlist of cars are: Hyundai i10, Peugeot 208, Renault Clio and maybe the Toyata Yaris or Skoda Fabia. However, the new bigger Ford Ka is due by December 2015 in the UK and 2016 here. Should I wait for the Ka?
Jacqueline Lynch (Dublin)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Jacqueline,
I wouldn't wait for the Ka. It's being designed primarily for Asian and low-cost markets, so it probably won't be the most refined, comfortable or high-tech. That's perhaps jumping the gun on the review a bit, but it's certainly likely to be the case. Of the cars you've listed I'd say the Hyundai i10 and Skoda Fabia are the standouts. They're quite different cars (the i10 is significantly smaller than the Skoda), but both are excellent to drive, well-made, reliable and offer excellent value. Have a try of both, and see which one suits your needs, size-wise, better.
Further reading: