Does the mk1 Ford Focus have glow plugs?
Does a 2002 Ford Focus have glow plugs?
Kevin Marshall (Sheffield)Oct 2012 Filed under: diesel
Expert answer
Hi Kevin,
The mk1 Ford Focus was offered with two different diesel engines over its lifespan: the direct injection TDDi and common rail TDCi. Both systems use glow plugs with reports suggesting that the more modern common-rail unit has marginally more issues particulairly relating to cold starts.
We hope this answers your question. If you require any further information feel free to let us know.
Does my 2008 Ford Focus TDCi have a timing belt?
Foes my 2008 Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi have a timing belt? If so, when should it be changed?
Ger Glynn (Clare)Oct 2012 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Ger,
Yes it does have. It should be changed every 201,000km (125,000 miles) - or every ten years apparently. The auxiliary drive belt should be done at the same time.
Hope that helps
What do you think of this Ford Fiesta?
I've found a 2002 Ford Fiesta with 87,000 kilometres on the clock. It's a 1.2-litre engine, timing belt done, looks and drives great, it's from a garage and well looked after. It has a Donegal registration, but came from Scotland at some stage. The car will be used as a second car to do light driving. I would be grateful for your expert opinion.
Thank you
David Foran (Dingle)
Oct 2012 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi David,
In general this Fiesta (assuming it's the shape that was launched in 2002) was quite reliable. Our standard advice is to get as detailed a service history as possible and perhaps a Cartell.ie car history check too as it was imported from the UK.
A few specific things to look for on this model include water pump or power steering noises (they both fail) and damp carpets. These can all be remedied relatively cheaply, but best to get the seller to pay!
Hope that helps.
Does my Mondeo Estate have a timing belt or chain?
Does my 2002 Ford Mondeo Estate 2.0-litre TDCi have a cambelt or chain?
Sharon Wyatt (Taunton)Oct 2012 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Sharon,
That has a timing chain.
Hope that helps
What's the change schedule for my Mondeo's timing belt?
Does a 2007 1.8 TDCi Ford Mondeo need its timing belt changed? At what mileage?
Maurice Clarke (Enniskillen)Sep 2012 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Maurice,
Yes it does. It needs to be changed every 201,000 kilometres (125,000 miles) or every ten years.
Hope that helps.
Why do we still have VRT in Ireland?
Why is VRT still on vehicles in Ireland when the EU told Ireland to scrap it due to unfair price competition within the EU?
Eamon Morrissey (Meath)Sep 2012 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Eamon,
Why? Because the government can get away with it, that’s why. The EU has repeatedly told the Irish government that VRT is unfair, but then all the government has to do is wave in the general direction of Denmark, which also charges hefty taxes on cars. Basically speaking, at some point, the patience in Brussels will run out and VRT will have to be scrapped. But don’t get your hopes up — no government can afford to give up a €1 billion annual tax take, so VRT will simply be renamed and repackaged in some other form. It’s never going to go away.
Should an automatic Fiesta drain its battery more?
Does an automatic (i.e. Ford Fiesta 1.4) take more out of a battery than a manual?
Frank Dodd (Dublin)Sep 2012 Filed under: automatic
Expert answer
Hi FD,
We can't see why it should unless there's something wrong with it or its alternator.
If you have a problem come back to us and we should be able to help.
Does my Mondeo have a timing belt or chain?
Does my 2005 Ford Mondeo LX have a timing belt or chain?
Delroy D'Oyley (Luton)Aug 2012 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Delroy,
We believe all Mondeos of that year have timing chains.
Hope that helps
How much is my Ford Focus TDCi worth?
How much for 2007 Ford Focus TDCi? Thinking of selling my Focus and wondering how much to ask. It's a 2007 1.8 Style with 97,000 kilometres on the clock, imported from the UK three years ago and has got one year NCT.
KATIE DARCY (GALWAY)Aug 2012 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Katie,
If you're selling it privately we'd suggest go in at €8,495.
Let us know how you get on
Is the Land Rover Discovery a better car than the Ford Galaxy?
Would I be silly trading an a 2011 Ford Galaxy Titanium X for 2010 Land Rover Discovery?
Catherine Connolly (Galway)Aug 2012 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Catherine,
That's an interesting one and the decision will probably come down to your personal preference. The Discovery certainly has a higher 'status' and it is a very good car, but a newer, highly specified Galaxy might be the logical choice. Both cars are relatively reliable and highly comfortable. The Galaxy has more space and probably more equipment, but that depends on the Discovery you're looking at.
One thing to be aware of is that the Discovery is likely to have higher running costs, from fuel, tyres, servicing and insurance to annual road tax.
Bear all that in mind and then take the Discovery for a good long test drive before you decide - and don't be tempted by 'too good to be true' prices either. Get a Cartell.ie history check to make sure there's nothing dodgy about the car you're considering.
Let us know how you get on.