Does this Ford Focus look like a good buy?
Hi,
I'm interested in buying this car on Carzone: Ford Focus. Do you think it's a good buy? My weekly commute is about 880km (mainly motorway) and I'd hope to pay cash. Is it worth the asking price? Do you think I could get it for much cheaper?
Thanks, Steven.
Apr 2012 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Steven,
In my opinion this is NOT a good buy for the price and not suitable for your needs. The car looks in acceptable condition, but it already has quite high mileage, and you plan on adding over 45,000 kilometres a year to it. There are a lot of cars around for the same €4,500 with much lower mileage.
Come back to us if you'd like help finding something more suitable.
How do I fit three child seats in the back of my car?
Third child on the way, eldest child is in full-size booster seat, what cars will fit three across? Ford says its cars can but you need a degree in engineering to fit them. I have discussed this question with a number of car seat retailers who all lean toward a seven seater.
Neil Batt (Dublin )Mar 2012 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Neil,
We're surprised we don't get this one more often to be honest! The simple solution would of course be to go for a car with three rows of seats - or something wide like the Fiat Multipla. I realise that might not suit though. It appears from our research that somebody has sensed a gap in the market and created a solution in the guise of www.multimac.co.uk.
Essentially the system is bolted to you existing car (with your rear seats still in place) and thanks to the narrower child seats can fit up to four children across the rear bench. The system is not cheap, coming in at over €2,000 by the time you add the required accessories, but it is likely to be cheaper than buying a new car.
We hope this helps.
I need something bigger for the family. What do you think?
Time to change my Mazda RX8 as I need something bigger for the family. What do you think is my best option from this lot? Mazda6 2.0 diesel, Ford Focus 1.6, Audi A3 1.9 TDI or Hyundai i30? All are 2008-09 and almost same in price.
Sean Naughton (Co. Limerick)Mar 2012 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Sean,
With those options in front of us and no clue to each car's mileage and condition then we'd say there's a strong case for the Mazda6. It's significantly more spacious than all the other cars you listed for a start. That 2.0-litre diesel engine has plenty of grunt and is relatively economical, while the Mazda6 has a great reputation for reliability.
Hope that's of help
What should I do with my 2008 Ford S-MAX?
We have a 2008 Ford S-MAX Titanium diesel auto with 100,000km on it. I have been looking around for ages at alternatives. In your view would we be better to sell this car now while it is still relatively young or would we be better to hold on for another couple of years?
I do not want to end up in the situation where no garage will give anything for it as it is too old and I do not want to have to spend loads to maintain it now it is getting older.
By the way what would I get for it as a trade-in or private sale? It is ours from new with full service history.
Thanks,
Andrew
Andrew Kelly (Limerick)Mar 2012 Filed under: family car
Expert answer
Hi Andrew,
First of all, the relatively straightforward stuff. There are less Titanium models around than LX and Zetec so it's worth a little more. Autos are quite rare as well so it's not easy to accurately predict the value. However, we reckon you could advertise it for €16,999 as a private sale (and accept a little less) and expect an offer as low as €13,000 in trade-in. Bear in mind though that you should focus on the cost to change if you're going down the trade-in route.
Your car is already at the high end of the mileage range for S-MAXs of that age and if you plan on continuing at the same rate then it may well make sense to change now before the car loses all appeal for dealers - as you've pointed out.
Hope all that helps.
Can I fit smaller wheels to my Ford?
I have 15-inch wheels on my car and need to replace one rim. I went to a scrap yard but they didn't have any 15-inch wheels for my model of car (2003 Ford Fusion). They had a full set of 14-inch rims with new tyres (thinking of replacing all four because I also need two tyres), but I'm wondering can I put 14-inch rims on to a car that has 15-inch wheels.
Keith Byrne (Navan)Mar 2012 Filed under: tyres
Expert answer
Hi Keith,
Yes you can is the simple answer. However, for the speedometer to remain accurate you'll need to ensure that the overall diameter of the combined tyre and wheel remains the same. That means a 14-inch wheel will need a deeper profile tyre than you had on your 15-inch rim.
If you need more explanation come back to us and we'll talk you through it.
What small automatic hatchback has a big boot?
I am buying a small automatic hatchback between 2004 to 2008, with a 1.4-litre or smaller engine. This car will be doing low mileage but a good boot that is easy to load is a must.
What do you recommend?
Eamonn McAndrew (Mayo)Mar 2012 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Eamonn,
Come back to us with your budget, but cars to consider include the Citroen C3, Ford Fiesta, perhaps the Ford Fusion, Honda Jazz, Mazda2 (also called the Demio as an import), Nissan Micra (called the March as an import), Opel Corsa, SEAT Ibiza, Suzuki Swift, Toyota Yaris and the Volkswagen Polo.
That's a long list, I know! It really depends on your budget. Our pick of all that lot would be the Honda Jazz given your requirement for a big boot that's easy to access.
Hope that helps.
How much do you think I could get this Focus for?
I'm looking at the following Ford Focus. I'm a cash buyer. What do you think I could get it for?
Feb 2012 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Sean,
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to such things. That looks like a good, desirable car so I wouldn't expect the dealer to have too much difficulty selling it. Hence, they're not likely to discount by very much, perhaps a fraction under €15,000. Still, go in there with an offer of about €14,000 to get the ball rolling. Don't mention you're a cash buyer until the next stage of the negotiation!
Let us know how you get on.
What do you think of the Ford S-MAX?
Hi, we just had our second kid so in the market for a seven-seater. The Ford S-MAX comes highly recommended from friends. We've been offered a 2.0-litre S-MAX Zetec TDCi with 140hp, registered in March 10, with 28k miles on the clock, privacy glass and rear parking sensors for €24,500 in a straight deal (i.e. no trade-in). It has dual-zone climate control and electric windows so is a decent spec and is a UK import. I'd like your opinion on the S-MAX as a family car and on the price?
Thanks
Brian Keane (Dublin 16)Feb 2012 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Brian,
Congrats on number two! Overall the S-MAX is a great family car. It's good to drive, and the 2.0-litre 140 engine is the pick of the range, being economical and powerful. Sounds like the car you've been offered is well specified too. Seeing as you have 'only' two kids it's unlikely you'll need the third row of seats, which is good, as using them results in a tiny boot. They fold flat into the floor though leaving plenty of space for travel systems and change bags.
In general the S-MAX is pretty reliable, though get its chassis number checked with a dealer, as it has been the subject of a few recalls - just to make sure all the necessary work has already been carried out. Other than that, make sure every single switch works as it should - especially with such a high specification.
When you take it for a test drive listen out for any clonks from the suspension and if you have any doubts get a mechanic to check it over. As it's been brought in from the UK it's probably worth getting a history check through Cartell.ie as well to make sure of the low mileage.
Finally, the price isn't bad, but without a trade-in you should be haggling. Start at €22,750 and see what they say. There are several on the market around the same specification and value so don't be afraid to walk away.
Let us know how you get on.
What car will I replace my Hyundai Tucson with?
I have a Hyundai Tucson diesel worth about €3,000. My daily commute is 130km, seven days a week, mostly away from the motorway. I have another €12,000 to add to the trade-in value.
I am a single person, but I need to pull a trailer for very small stuff and need to fit in the golf clubs. I typically hold onto a vehicle for five to seven years.
What is the right second-hand vehicle for me ?
Rory Donohue (Galway)Feb 2012 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Rory,
I'm sure you're aware that your budget will get you any number of relatively new regular cars such as the Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus, along with bigger models like the Ford Mondeo and Toyota Avensis.
However, given your current choice of car I'd suspect that you'd like to retain the elevated driving position and your mileage dictates a diesel engine. Most cars can take a tow bar and you don't have heavy towing needs so that's not a major consideration. Likewise, all SUVs etc. will have room for your golf clubs.
So the logical choices based on all that include:
BMW X3: Good diesel engine, spacious, but your budget may only get you an older example.
Citroen C-Crosser: Great 2.2-litre diesel engine; rest of car built on Mitsubishi mechanicals.
Honda CR-V: Bomb-proof reliability, but again may have to settle for older example.
Hyundai Santa Fe: Big and comfortable, though running costs higher than smaller SUV.
Mitsubishi Outlander: Spacious, well made, ok diesel, if loud.
Nissan X-Trail: Strangely forgotten, but plenty around at this price.
Peugeot 4007: Shares its engine and underpinnings with the Citroen above.
Suzuki Grand Vitara: Very reliable.
Toyota RAV4: Another with impressive reliability. Possibly the choice of the lot at this price.
There are loads of older, bigger SUVs for sale at that price too, but they'll cost you more to run for no real benefit.
If you're willing to change body styles completely it's worth checking out something like a BMW 120d Coupé or a diesel 3 Series Coupé. There are also plenty of great estates on the market for that budget, including the Audi A4 Avant and BMW 3 Series Touring. I know you don't need that space for a family, but it's useful for a lot of other things.
Come back to us with more information and we'll help to narrow your search further.
Does the 2007 Ford Mondeo have a timing belt?
Hi, first may I congratulate you all on a great website, I only found it recently. I have a 2007 new type Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCI Zetec six-speed. It has covered 156,000km. My question is, does this car have a cam/timing belt? If yes when would it need replacing and what would be the approximate cost be?
Thank you
Rory Roden (Cork)Jan 2012 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Rory,
This car has both chain and a small replaceable belt. The belt should be changed every 125,000 kilometres along with its tensioner and pulleys.
We spoke to Rialto Ford in Dublin and they said they'd come back to us with an estimated cost.
Hope that helps