Expert answer

Hi Mossie,

Assuming you mean the 1.25-litre petrol model, then yes, it has a timing belt and Ford recommends you change it every 100,000 miles (160,000km) or every 10 years.

Expert answer

Hi Aoife,

I'd say you're just on the cusp of needing the diesel. It's probably down to what kind of mileage you do. If most of that 15,000km is driven on motorways or main roads then you could be just as well sticking with diesel. If you're mostly in town and suburbs, then it could be worth having a look at petrol.

Further reading:

Ford Fiesta review (1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol)

Expert answer

Hi Helen,

If you mean the current model, with the 2.0-litre 140hp TDCi engine, then that has emissions of 139g/km of CO₂, putting it into Band B2 for motor tax, which has a six-month cost of €155.

Expert answer

Hi Aisling,

You won't go far wrong with the Octavia. Get the 1.6 TDI and you've got a potential 55mpg car with lots of space and terrific build quality and reliability. If you're looking for alternatives, then there's always the Volkswagen Golf (mechanically the same as the Skoda but less spacious inside) or the Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi (terrific to drive and good value but poor standard equipment and they're tight in the back).

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

Yes, and it'll be here in the summer. Mostly it'll come with the 314hp 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder engine, but the proper 5.0-litre V8 will be available for those who managed to marry themselves to an oil refinery heiress. We haven't had a chance to drive it yet, but early reports have been nothing but good. As for it versus an A5, well it'll be about the same price (give or take) and the Audi is arguably the more sensible choice, but come on! This is a Mustang - Steve McQueen never drove an A5...

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

There's a serious, serious issue at the moment in the chasm between what the car makers claim you will get in economy terms from a car and what you actually get in real-world driving. There are changes to the official testing regime coming down the pipe, but the car makers are resisting that with all their lobbying might as it means that their CO₂ ratings will go up too.

In the meantime, and this is based purely on personal experience, a Golf BlueMotion should get close to 60mpg in daily driving, and you may even crack the 65mpg mark, though 70mpg is probably not going to happen, being realistic.

Further reading:

Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion review

Expert answer

Hi Mossy,

All good choices, three cars that it's very difficult to separate. I guess the best thing to do is to use the classic car-buying technique - go for the one in the best condition and with the fullest history file - the more receipts, the more paperwork, the more stamps in the service book the better. Forget the mileage, always buy on condition and history.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

It does indeed. Ford recommends ever 10 years or 125,000 miles (201,000km roughly) - whichever comes first. We'd always recommend having it done sooner.

Expert answer

Hi Denis,

Chipping an engine can be beneficial but to be honest I don't think it's really going to help you here. If you're already getting nearly 50mpg on average then you're doing pretty well as it is. Chipping might boost that a bit but you're into unknown territory then with engine longevity, you might drive up your insurance and you might find a chipped car hard to sell on again.

Expert answer

Hi Audrey,

It should take about 4.1 litres, but as always, don't just put it all in. If the engine has been drained, then add two litres, let it settle, add another, check it on the dipstick and top up accordingly. Don't overfill.