Opel Zafira or Ford Galaxy?
Which is more reliable an Opel Zafira or a Ford Galaxy?
Eamon Hefferon (Wicklow)Jan 2015 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Eamon,
They're two very different cars, the Zafira and the Galaxy. The Opel is much the smaller car so if you're planning to carry full-size adults in the third row, you really need to get the Galaxy.
In terms of reliability they both have their common issues. The Galaxy's engine can cut out unexpectedly (a software patch is the fix) and its interior trim can be fragile. A clunking noise from the steering could mean that the power steering pump is on the way out. Electrical problems are common and the alarm can give trouble.
On the Opel check that the tailgate release is working as it should and the air conditioning system can be troublesome. The stereo can also forget its preset stations or just stop working altogether.
More seriously, the diesel engine can give serious trouble. Timing belt, water pump and the turbo are all problem areas. Make sure you get one with a full service history and an aftermarket warranty might not be a bad idea.
Is the Ford Focus diesel reliable?
Hi, I'm wondering about the 2013 Ford Focus diesel 1.6 TDCi. How reliable are they? I never had a diesel before and would prefer petrol but none available to me at the moment.
Robert Gavin (Maynooth)Jan 2015 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Robert,
Yes, they're pretty good. We've heard no major reports of serious issues with the current-shape Focus and that 1.6 diesel is long-lived and has seen service in various Volvos, MINIs, Citroens and Peugeots. Just make sure that it gets a regular oil change and that you use a high-grade synthetic oil.
Volkswagen Golf or Ford Focus?
Volkswagen Golf or Ford Focus?
Centrepoint Autos Ltd (Athlone )Jan 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi there,
Easy: Golf. Or Focus. They're both good.
Need a little more? OK, the Golf (and I'm talking about the models currently on sale) is a touch more sophisticated and a little more spacious and if you're really nit picking then it has a better 1.6 diesel than the Focus.
It's also true to say that the Volkswagen 1.2 TSI petrol is a slightly better engine than Ford's 1.0-litre turbo EcoBoost, but here the gap is much narrower.
The Focus has it won with dynamics though - even though the Golf is nice to drive there's just no beating the Focus' steering feel and response and its chassis balance.
So, honest answer? Golf. Or Focus. They're both excellent.
Further reading:
Ford C-Max or Honda Civic?
Living in a rural area with bad roads, which car would be most suited for lady driver: Ford Focus diesel (131 plate) or 2012 Honda Civic petrol?
Rosarie Tiernan (Westport)Jan 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Rosarie,
Go for the Civic. It might be slightly more thirsty but Civics are indestructible so it'll cope with the roads.
I'm buying a 2008 Ford S-Max; are they a good car?
I'm buying a 2008 Ford S-Max; are they a good car?
Michelle Rynne (Westport)Jan 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Michelle,
We like the S-Max a lot and arguably, eight years after it was first introduced and with its replacement due any time now, it's still the best large MPV around.
There are no major reliability issues to worry about, it seems, but the build quality does seem to be a bit variable. Some cars are solid as rocks, others have lots of small niggles. The most common complaints are with electrical problems (wiper motors especially seem to have a habit of packing up) and the steering system, which can develop mysterious clonks.
The best thing to do is find which garage looked after the car previously and ask how many times outside of scheduled servicing it's been in. Lots of times probably equals a troubled car, not too many probably equals something solid.
Which of these new SUVs would you recommend?
Hi, I would like to know which one of the following cars you think is best and if there is any I should avoid: Honda CR-V, BMW X3, Mitsubishi Outlander, Hyundai Santa Fe, Subaru Forester and Audi Q5. All 2015 models and 2.0-litre diesel. Thanks.
Mary Walsh (Cork)Jan 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
Hmmm. Tough choice. Please note that the following is based purely on personal taste and other opinions are available. They're wrong, but they're available...
1. Honda CR-V: Not the glamorous choice but it's massively spacious, comfy, well made and frugal. Might be worth waiting for the new 150hp 1.6 diesel which arrives later this year - alongside a facelift.
2. Audi Q5: Super-slick, nice to drive and has a cracking 2.0 TDI diesel engine.
3. Mitsubishi Outlander: Referring specifically to the PHEV plugin hybrid, it's the most cost-effective and practical way of going (partially) electric and it's hugely clever.
4. Hyundai Santa Fe: Stylish, spacious and affordable plus it has a five-year warranty. Hard to beat, really.
5. BMW X3: It's a sight better looking than the original X3 but it's still quite stiff-riding and it's not as nice to drive as the Q5.
6. Subaru Forester: Not pretty and it has a terrible cabin (all cheap plastics and ancient-looking displays) but it's probably the most ruggedly reliable car here and has genuine off-road ability.
Further reading:
Road test of the Honda CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC
First Irish drive of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Please tell me about Quickclear windscreens.
Please tell me about Quickclear windscreens. Is Ford only one offering this? What about all other makers of cars and vans?
Fergal Reidy (Celbridge)Jan 2015 Filed under: windows
Expert answer
Hi Fergal,
Ford did have a patent on this technology, or more accurately, on a particular application of it and of course the brand name, Quickclear. The Ford patent dates from as far back as 1977, but it expired in 2011, as far as we can ascertain. Mind you, element heated windscreens are nothing new. The practice started in aviation in the 1950s and in the 60s Bentley even offered one as an option on Continental models - its heating elements were pure gold of course, the best conductor of heat.
Nowadays, a number of car makers do in fact offer heated windscreens as an option. Companies formerly owned by Ford, such as Jaguar and Land Rover, are top of the list because they gained a licence to use Ford's own tech, but other car makers also have their own systems - Volkswagen offers it on a number of different models for instance.
Is the 2003 Ford Fiesta a reliable second car?
I am looking to buy a used car and was looking at a 2003 Ford Fiesta LS 1.4. But I have since heard from a friend that they give a lot of trouble. Should I look for something else and if so any recommendations appreciated. It will be a second car so won't be doing much mileage.
Evan Lynam (Tullamore)Jan 2015 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Evan,
We haven't heard of any major issues but with a 12-year old car you can never be too careful. What does break on Fiestas of this age, petrol or diesel, is the water pump so listen for creaks and groans from the engine at tickover and make sure the engine doesn't overheat at idle with the car's heating turned off.
Check for damp carpets (the cause is usually leaky pollen filters) and make sure the steering is light, accurate and direct - slack or poor response is the sign of a rack on the way out.
Can I claim VAT back on my imported Ford Galaxy?
Hi, I bought a new Ford Galaxy last August in the UK with less than 6,000km on it and paid VAT in the UK. I have also paid VAT and VRT in Ireland. How can I claim back the UK VAT as I'm VAT-registered in Ireland?
Thanks John
John O'Connor (Galway )Jan 2015 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi John,
You can't claim it back. The Revenue rules are that if a vehicle is less than six months old or has less than 6,000km on the clock, you must pay the VAT on importing it here, regardless of whether or not the VAT has been paid in the UK. The only way you could claim the VAT back from the UK HMRC would be to be VAT-registered in the UK.
Is there a scrappage deal with Ford at the moment?
Is there a scrappage deal with Ford at the moment?
Thank you
Mary C Sullivan (Killarney)Jan 2015 Filed under: scrappage
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
Sort of. Ford currently has a special offer, dubbed Ford Swappage, in play for 151 registrations. Basically, if you trade in a car up to ten years old against a new Fiesta, Focus, B-Max, C-Max or Kuga, then Ford will give you a bonus of €1,500 on top of the normal trade-in value of your vehicle. In other words, if your car is worth €5,000 as a trade-in, Ford will give you €6,500 for it.
There are some terms and conditions of course. The car being traded in must be taxed, insured and have a current NCT ticket and the offer is currently set to run out at the end of this month. It's also only available to individual, private customers not those buying for fleets.