What to do about my Mazda RX-8 NCT?
Hi,
I have a Mazda RX-8, which was due a test at the start of April. I am wondering what the rules are as regards emission testing. As you probably know, they have a different type of engine and require two-stroke oil, which would leave emissions very high. Do I need to stop adding two-stroke oil before the test or are they not tested for emissions?
Thanks
Patrick
Patrick Sweeney (LETTERKENNY)Jun 2020 Filed under: NCT
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
It’s a bit of a catch-22, adding two-stroke oil to your RX-8 rotary. In theory, it can help with delaying the onset of rotor tip wear, but the problem is that it will destroy your catalytic convertor and that means you definitely won’t pass the NCT. I wouldn’t recommend it. Much better merely to make sure that the engine is properly and regularly serviced, rather than trying any short cuts like two-stroke oil.
What to buy with up to €12,000 to spend?
Looking for model recommendations for a used car. My requirements: automatic, cruise control, air conditioning, 1.6-2.0-litre, €10,000-12,000 available.
David Murphy (Dundalk)Jun 2020 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi David,
OK, we found a few good options, via Carzone, but there are plenty more if you have a look.
How about a BMW 5 Series? It’s top of budget, but we found a 131-reg 520d in SE spec, with auto, air conditioning and cruise. A fabulous car to drive, and perfect for long journeys. Used BMW 5 Series for sale on Carzone. Maybe check out our BMW 5 Series F10 (2010-2017) used car buying guide if that piques your interest.
Or, if you need something a little more practical (and also faultlessly reliable) how about a Mazda6 Estate 150hp diesel? It’s a 2015 car, and they’re as good to drive as they are to look at. Used Mazda6 for sale on Carzone. (Read our Mazda6 reviews here).
Looking for a Mazda2 colour code...
I've got a silver 2005 Mazda2. I'm looking for a colour code please.
Joe Green (Cork)Jun 2020 Filed under: paintwork
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
We couldn't find any paint colour called simply 'silver', but these seem closest:
Tonic Blue Metallic - 27P
Breeze Metallic - 33V
Hope that helps
Considering importing a Mazda MX-5...
I am considering purchasing a 2013 Mazda MX-5 Roadster hard top; its mileage is 48,000, but I cannot find revenue VRT example... Should I wait until after Brexit is over to purchase? I'm buying from a friend.
DERICK BUCKLEY (CO CORK)Mar 2020 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Derick,
Revenue always seems to have a problem working out values for any car that’s not a thoroughly mainstream family hatchback or saloon, sadly. We’ve been through the calculations and our dead-reckoning is that you could be looking at a VRT bill of around €2,000 — which seems a bit steep for a seven-year-old car to be honest.
We don't think Brexit is going to alter the situation in favour of those importing cars from the UK, either, so no point waiting.
Focus 1.6 - petrol or diesel?
Hi,
I am thinking of buying an 09 Ford Focus 1.6 diesel, but I have no knowledge in terms of engine services or what type is better between 1.6 petrol and 1.6 diesel.
Thanks
Gino Natural (Portlaoise )Feb 2020 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Gino,
That Ford 1.6 TDCi diesel engine is one of the most common engines around, as it has also been used by Mazda, Volvo, Peugeot, Citroen and MINI. It has one major vulnerable spot and that is that sooty, gummy deposits can build up in areas that are supposed to be kept cool and lubricated by oil. If the deposits build up enough, they can block the oil passage and cause component failure — most commonly of the turbocharger. The best way to prevent that happening is with regular servicing (at least once a year depending on mileage) and making sure that you always use a high-quality grade of synthetic oil for the engine.
The 1.6 petrol engine, the 100hp version, is a much simpler unit and it’s pretty reliable, mostly because it’s a much older design. It won’t be as economical nor as punchy in its performance as the diesel, but if it’s reliability you’re looking for, it might be the better option.
Thoughts on diesel Ford Focus?
Hi,
I was considering buying a 151 Ford Focus Zetec 1.6 TDCi with 15,000 miles on the clock. Its sale price is €12,450. What do you think of the price? Is the engine reliable?
Many thanks
Nathan Murphy (Delgany Co Wicklow)Oct 2019 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Nathan,
Generally the Ford 1.6-litre diesel (also used by Mazda, Peugeot, Citroen, Volvo and MINI down the years) is a rugged and reliable unit, but there are a few things to bear in mind. First off, this is an engine that needs a regular diet of high-grade synthetic engine oil, otherwise a nasty sludge can build up in various parts of the engine, choking performance. Make sure you check the service history to ensure that a good quality oil has always been used. The stop-start system can occasionally cause starter motor issues, especially if the car has mostly been driven in town. If it has been mostly driven in town, or has very low mileage, be wary of potential issues with the diesel particulate filter, too.
Belt or chain in a 2012 Mazda3?
Hi,
Does the 2012 Mazda3 Tamura 1.6 diesel have a timing chain or timing belt?
Regards
Mark B.
Mark Bowman (Whitehead)Oct 2019 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
It has a timing belt. It must be changed at least every 200,000 kilometres or 10 years, whichever comes first.
Motor tax on 2008 Mazda6?
Please advise on cost of motor tax for an 08 Mazda6 petrol 1.8?
Noreen Tiernan (Whitehead)Aug 2019 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Noreen,
If it’s taxed on the old engine capacity system, then it’ll cost you €636 a year. Theoretically, though, you could apply to have it taxed under the CO2-based system, and with emissions of 162g/km, it’ll actually be a little cheaper, at €570 a year.
Which SUV for up to €23,000?
Looking for a mid-size SUV worth up to €23,000, at max two years old. Something stylish inside and out, quick and reliable. What should I go for?
Aaron Joyce (Limerick)Jul 2019 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Aaron,
How about a Ford Kuga? That budget would get you into a nearly-new 191 or 182 1.5 TDCi, and it’s a bit of an underrated car — good to drive, roomy and nicely built. A sum of €23,000 obviously buys you a lot of either the ubiquitous Hyundai Tucson or Nissan Qashqai. How about a Mazda CX-5 instead? Gorgeous to look at, great to drive and with a 150hp engine, it’s not slow either. You could also think of a Peugeot 3008, a SEAT Ateca, a previous-generation Toyota RAV4 (better to drive than you might think), or a Volkswagen T-Roc.
Looking for a new estate car...
Hi,
I am looking for a new estate car and would like to hear your opinion. I have been driving an Octavia Combi (1.6-litre TDI diesel, Ambition) for the past six years. I do approx. 25,000km per year, not many of those on the motorway. I really like the Skoda but would prefer something with a little more power and spec. I am thinking a 2.0-litre diesel in a high spec and have my eye on a one-to -two-year-old Superb or Passat. Any advice when choosing between those two? Also, I see if I go maybe one year older I could get an Audi A4 Avant. Would the A4 be a better option for comfort/spec over the other two?
Interested to hear your opinion.
Thanks.
M Lowe (Carrick On Shannon)May 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi there,
The A4 would be a little better in terms of comfort, but not in terms of space or practicality, and to be honest the benefits are pretty marginal. Either the Passat or the Superb make fantastic estate cars. The Superb has an edge on luggage capacity (around 60 litres extra), but the Passat is a little sharper to drive, and has arguably a nicer interior. A marginal decision then, but we’d probably go for the Superb on balance. Or, just to throw a spanner in the works, have a look at the excellent Mazda6 Tourer before deciding…
A few reviews to help you decide: