Expert answer

Hi Michael,

Average price for a 2011 Focus should be around the €8-9,000 mark depending on condition and history. The official fuel consumption for that model was 4.4 litres per 100km, or 64.2mpg. 

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Hi Tommy,

First of all a quick list of possibilities we found on Carzone.ie that we would consider wise buys:

- Audi A4 - Good to drive and plenty about, though you'd have to look at 2005 - 2007 within your budget. Not all that spacious either.

- Audi A6 - Hugely spacious and comfortable, but again you'd have to settle for an older car with higher mileage, which could bring unexpected costs.

- BMW 3 Series - Most examples at this price are 2005-2007. Economical diesels and great to drive, but we'd worry about potential bills - and not as spacious as non-premium brands.

- BMW 5 Series - We'd be sorely tempted by this 2005-2007 model as it's such a great car. Seek out a low mileage example with a full service history and a warranty though.

- Citroen C5 - Comfy big car with decent specification and well-proven diesel engines. Not a huge number on the market, though at least you could afford a 2008 car.

- Ford Mondeo - One of the default options here. It's big, comfortable, good to drive and there are loads and loads about. Relatively cheap and easy to maintain too.

- Honda Accord - Relatively unknown here, but the 2.2-litre diesel engine is a gem and the car is very reliable and comfortable. Look for a post-2008 one to keep your tax bill down.

- Mazda6 - This is probably the car we'd put our own money on. Go for a post-2008 diesel example in a decent specification. It's spacious, well-equipped and great to drive. Reliable too.

- Toyota Avensis - Your budget might get you one of the last of the old models from 2009, though taxi drivers tend to snap these up as well. Make sure you check the history and mileage with Cartell.ie.

- Volkswagen Passat - Plenty about and it's a spacious and comfortable car, but there have been a few niggles with the electrics that'd steer us elsewhere.

There you have it. Come back to us if you'd like more help narrowing down your search.

Expert answer

Hi Teresa,

There are a couple of problems with the Zafira diesel, mostly to do with the diesel particulate filter (it gets clogged and has to be replaced, which is expensive), the exhaust gas recirculation valve (which jams, and which means you need to replace it), and the dual-mass flywheel. On the inside, check for faulty central locking and rear seats that won’t lock into position when you lift them up out of the boot. Economy should be around the 40mpg mark, depending on how you drive it.

Ford Focus 1.6 diesels of similar age might have turbo trouble too (if the engine feels hesitant or down on power), and you need to listen for creaking steering racks, check for faulty air conditioning and listen for noisy suspension.

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Hi Dermot,

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Hi Joseph,

Yes, generally very reliable, but that 1.8 TDCi engine did have some issues with the fuel injection system, the dual mass flywheel and the turbo, so if you could instead track down one of the 2.0 TDCi models, you’ll be getting a slightly better, more robust car. That said, with this one being ten years old already, you’ll need to carefully check everything and don’t buy unless it comes with a full service history.

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Hi Fintan,

OK, well you’re kind of cutting across class boundaries there — a Focus and a Mondeo are really quite different cars, with the Focus being smaller, cheaper and arguably more fun to drive, and the Mondeo being more expensive, but bigger, comfier and more refined. That goes pretty much the same for the Opel Astra and Insignia, or the Volkswagen Golf or Passat. So the first thing you need to work out is what you want, and what you need, and whether or not you need the bigger car, or if something more compact will do.

Of the brands you’ve mentioned, the VWs will probably do the best in reliability terms, with Ford being the most enjoyable to drive, and Opel falling somewhere in the middle, but you should also be considering the likes of the Toyota Auris and Avensis (best for reliability), the Peugeot 308 and 508 (stylish, good to drive) and the Mazda3 and Mazda6 (reliable and both very good to drive). 

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Hi William,

I'm afraid that engine is getting on now so it's not as economical as the latest generation of low capacity, turbocharged units. Our data shows the official combined consumption at 5.8 litres/100km (48.7mpg) so you're doing quite well really.

Usual tips to help improve further apply:

- remove unwanted junk from the boot

- check your tyre pressures and wheel alignment

- make sure the air filter is clean

- ensure it's well serviced

- don't use air conditioning or rear window demister unless needed

Hope that all helps in some way

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Hi Daniel,

Sorry to hear about the Scirocco - that 2.0 TDI version is great.

A quick browse of Carzone.ie with your budget and needs in mind brought up a few interesting options:

- Audi A3 2.0 TDI 140 - in Sport or S Line guises for maximum style - loads around
- BMW 118d M Sport - quite rare, but great to drive
- BMW 320d Coupé - you'd have to go pre-2008 with your budget, but current style at least
- Honda Civic Type S - 2.2 diesel is great and post-2008 is taxed according to emissions
- MINI Cooper D - loads around in all different colours at your budget

I've picked out the cars I reckon you'll like and I've left out things like the Volkswagen Golf and regular Ford Focus (among others).

What do you think?

Come back to us and let us know if we're on the right track.

Expert answer

Hi Moss,

We've scoured Carzone.ie with your budget and needs in mind. There are loads of diesel SUVs available at that price, though we've shortlisted the ones here we reckon would do the job for you:

- BMW X3 - economical, though you're looking at an older one at this price

- Honda CR-V - great option if you can find a good one

- Hyundai Tucson - plenty around, though not as 'nice' as premium models

- Mitsubishi Outlander - with Volkswagen's 2.0 TDI engine - good bet

- Nissan Qashqai - great all-rounder, though possibly not quite SUV-like for your tastes

- Peugeot 4008 - stylish, good diesel engine, should be able to afford post-2008 car

- Toyota RAV4 - safe bet, though will be pre-2008 on your budget

If you'd like us to help narrow down your search feel free to come back to us.

Expert answer

Hi Mairead,

That’s the 1.6 diesel that’s in almost everything; from Citroens and Peugeots to MINIs, Fords, Volvos and Mazdas. As such, it’s a pretty reliable engine, as long as it’s been properly serviced and fed a regular diet of high-grade synthetic oil. Keep an eye on the fragile water pumps and exhaust gas recirculation valves, though.

As for the rest of the car, tread carefully. That was the last Citroen to come with the legendary Hydragas suspension system as standard, and while that’s terrific from a point of view of comfort, it is a complex and often fragile system. Ditto the C5’s complex electrical system. Make sure it has a full and complete service history and, if there are any gaps or if the overall condition is anything less than excellent, walk away.