When should Focus timing belt be changed?
I have a 2005 Ford Focus, 1.8 TDCi 90hp. The timing belt was changed at 70,000 miles. When should it be changed again?
Colin MurphySep 2014 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Colin,
Well, according to our data the timing belt only needs to be changed at 100,000 miles or 160,000km, or every ten years, so it should be fine for a while.
What mileage for Focus diesel belt change?
A 2005 Ford Focus 1.6 diesel: what mileage should the timing belt be done at?
Ciara Doyle (Limerick)Sep 2014 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Ciara,
Our data tells us that it needs to be done at 200,000km or every ten years.
Does the Dacia Duster have a wiper problem?
I read last year in a British review of the Duster 4x4, that the windscreen wipers are seriously inadequate, too small and too slow to deal with anything more than a light rain shower. I had been considering buying one until then. I drive a good deal on the M50 and even in a car with good wipers it can be a nightmare to get caught behind one of the thousands of HGVs using that road. It is akin to trying to drive while more than half blind, since the HGV creates its own mini Niagra of water and dirt.
So I decided to forget buying a Dacia Duster 4x4. Do you know if the situation is still the same now? The British site in question take cars on a week long test, and thus have a far better idea of what they are like long-term.
Cheers, DF Nolan, Dublin
David F Nolan (Dublin)Sep 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi David,
OK, a couple of points to deal with there. I can well remember my first drive in the Dacia Duster, which was a left-hand drive 4x4 model and I happened to drive it from Galway to Waterford and back on some of the wettest days of 2012. I can honestly not remember feeling that the wipers were inadequate to the task, and I'm generally pretty sensitive to things like that, so I'd say you might be crossing the car off your list somewhat unfairly. I can certainly remember thinking that the Duster felt unusually well-planted on the road and sure-footed in what were truly appalling conditions.
Incidentally, it's worth noting that we also take almost all of our test cars on week-long tests, and occasionally even longer ones. The full CompleteCar.ie team also endeavours to drive each car personally so that we can put together a fully rounded opinion on every model, and we always try to drive them in as many different conditions as the prevailing weather will allow.
Ford Fiesta or Audi A3?
Which one to go for? A 2006 Audi A3 2.0 TDI or 2010 Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCi,both of which cost €6,000.
Irvin Antonio (Barcelona)Sep 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Irvin,
Well, it kind of depends what you want and what you need. These are two very different cars, so it's a little tricky to compare them directly. The Audi is stylish, comfy, refined and reasonably spacious, and of course comes pre-loaded with buckets of premium appeal. The Fiesta is, by contrast, rather more cheap and cheerful, but it's utterly brilliant to drive and, with that 1.4-litre diesel, should cost little more than buttons to run.
So, as I say, it depends what you need. Want space and premium appeal? Get the Audi. Want cheap running costs and a pin-sharp driving experience? Get the Fiesta.
Let us know which way you go
How good is the Ford Focus?
How good is the Ford Focus?
Charles Murphy (Dublin 17)Sep 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Charles,
I've only this week driven the updated version for the first time and it takes a considerable step forward in terms of refinement, quietness and comfort, while also being far better to look at and astoundingly good to drive. The full report can be read here.
It could well be the best car in its class - we'll reserve judgement on that until we've tried an Irish spec car.
When do I change my Mondeo's timing belt?
I have a 2008 Ford Mondeo 1.8 TDCi diesel, the mileage is 211,000km. It has both a wet and dry belt; do I need to change both or either of these and if so at what mileage?
Pat, Mayo.
Pat Boyle (Mayo)Sep 2014 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Pat,
You definitely need to change both belts. The recommended change interval is 125,000 miles (just over 200,000 kilometres) or every two years. If yours has never been done then we'd suggest you get it done as soon as possible.
How much to change a Mondeo's injector?
How much to change a fuel injector on a Ford Mondeo mk 4 1.8 TDCi?
Bernard Boylan (Mayo)Sep 2014 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Bernard,
An individual injector is going to cost in and around the €170 mark, depending on where you source it from. After that, it’s down to the garage you bring it to and what kind of labour rates they charge.
When do the new Ford Mustang and Mondeo arrive?
When is the new Ford Mondeo due for sale in Ireland? Same for the Mustang?
Fergal Reidy (Celbridge)Aug 2014 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Fergal,
The Mustang has already started rolling off the production line in right-hand drive, but is not due to arrive in Ireland until late summer 2015. Apparently one Irish buyer has already ordered one.
We're (finally!) driving the new Mondeo early next month and we understand that the first examples will arrive in Ireland this November. That probably means in dealers nationwide for December, in time for the new '151' plate in January.
Hope that helps
Which compact SUV would suit my needs?
Can you recommend an affordable two- to three-year old SUV/4x4 that has relatively low road tax, is fuel efficient and would have cruse control also?
Thanks Sinead (Limerick)
Sinead Hope (Limerick)Aug 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Sinead,
I'd say your best bet is to seek out a Skoda Yeti. Really cracking car, high quality and good to drive. All-wheel drive 4x4 ones are a bit thin on the ground, but look hard enough and you'll find them. Expect to pay between €17-20k for a nice example.
When do you change a cam belt on a Ford Galaxy?
When do you change a cam belt on a Ford Galaxy?
Tony Miller (Cardenden Fife)Aug 2014 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Tony,
Ford recommends every 125,000 miles (about 200,000 kilometres) or every 10 years. We'd always urge caution on such things and suggest it's done a little earlier than recommended.