Timing belt change on 2008 Mazda3?
Hi,
I live in Norvay and I'm going to buy a 2008 Mazda3 diesel model and I wonder if this car has a timing chain or belt and what are the intervals for this. Is it different in Nordic countries or the same worldwide?
Jan Olsen (FOLDFJORDEN)Jun 2018 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Jan,
The 1.6-litre diesel Mazda3 of that age has a timing belt. It must be changed every 240,000 kilometres or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
The 2.0-litre diesel engine also has a timing belt, which must be changed every 120,000 kilometres regardless of time.
Those intervals are the same for all markets and conditions.
I have a €3,500 budget for an economical car...
I have a budget of €3,000-€3,500 and want to buy a used car. What is a decent mileage I could expect for a diesel car registered on 2008 and after? Which brands are good and reliable?
Thanks
Vis Heg (Galway)Jun 2018 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Vis,
There’s plenty of choice at that price level for a 2008-onward diesel, but the mileage you’ll get will vary hugely according to how you drive. For instance, you could get a 1.6 HDi diesel Citroen C5 saloon within your budget, and that’s capable of doing 60mpg or better, but again that comes down to how you actually drive it. In terms of reliability, you’ll never beat a Japanese brand for that, so go for a Honda Civic 2.2 CDTi, a Mazda3 1.6 D, or a Toyota Auris or Corolla 1.4 D-4D.
How much to import a 2010 Mazda CX-7?
How much to import a 2010 Mazda CX-7?
Eamon Rice (Monaghan)May 2018 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Eamon,
Lovely car, the CX-7. Never got the love it deserved. Assuming that it’s the 2.2 diesel model you’re looking at, it should work out at around €3,000 in VRT to bring one in, but that will depend hugely on condition and spec.
Petrol Mazda CX-5 any good?
What do you guys think of the Mazda CX-5 in its 2.0-litre petrol guise?
Kieran Donnelly (Cork)Mar 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Kieran,
As a whole, the CX-5 is a really lovely car — great to drive, well made, roomy and good looking. The petrol version is a weak point, though. It’s just not torquey enough for a big 4x4, and it suffers in terms of both fuel consumption and refinement because of that. Stick with the diesel, unless all your mileage is in town.
What compact saloons are worth a look?
I love saloons (memories), but my wife says they are too big. What saloon, up to four years old, would look not much bigger than an Opel Astra hatchback?
Frank Dodd (Dublin)Mar 2018 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi F D,
Well, the good news is that there are plenty of mid-size saloons that are more or less the same size as an Astra — yes, they have a big boot slung out the back, but the difference in overall length is usually only a few centimetres. The best is probably the VW Jetta; it's plain looking, but good to drive and really well made. Ditto the Toyota Corolla. There’s a Ford Focus saloon too, and a really lovely Mazda3 saloon (which is actually nicer looking than the hatchback). There was also an Astra saloon, but to be honest it was a bit awkward looking if you ask me. If you do like the Astra hatch, though, it might be worth seeking one out. Here are a few relevant reviews to read:
When will the updated Mazda6 hit Ireland?
When will the updated Mazda6 hit Ireland?
Eamonn McDermott (Limerick City)Mar 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Eamonn,
Later this year. The European version of the updated Mazda6 will be shown this week at the Geneva Motor Show, and it should be on sale here this summer.
Which car is best for motorway driving?
Hi,
I am currently driving a 2005 Toyota Yaris 1.0-litre. Now I am planning to upgrade to a bigger car since I will be driving regularly on the motorway. My budget is around €3,500. What cars can you suggest that are comfortable to drive for longer distances? I have Suzuki SX4, Mazda3 and Skoda Octavia in mind.
Thanks in advance
Hago
Hariprasad Govindharajan (Shannon)Feb 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Hago,
Of the three you’ve mentioned, we’d discount the SX4 first. It’s a decent car, but a bit tiny and noisy for long motorway hauls. A Mazda3 would be much better, and hugely reliable, but the Skoda will have a slight edge in terms of comfort (really good seats) so go for one of those would be our advice. Here are our reviews to help you decide:
Differences between 2016/2017 Mazda CX-3?
What are the main difference between the Mazda CX-3 Executive petrol 2016 models and 2017 models?
EAMON HOEY (DUNDALK)Jan 2018 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Eamon,
Well, according to Mazda Ireland, very little. "From an Irish perspective at least, there won’t be any difference at that grade level. In late 2017, we did introduce the GT Lux edition, but this has yet to be launched across the full range in Ireland. So if comparing a 161 and 171 or 172, there’s no change,” was the official response.
Which SUV to replace my Audi with?
Hi, I have a 2013 Audi 2.0 TDI S line Black Edition quattro with only 21k miles on the clock. I only purchased as an import last summer and love it. It’s my first premium car and enjoy the feeling that brings.
However, recently, I am wondering whether it’s right for me. I’m 6’4” in height and find getting in and out of it's low height a bit of chore. I also use it as main family car for two tall toddlers (three and two) for crèche runs etc. So space is quite tight. I’ve been considering replacing it with an SUV for the ride height, space, practicality and better fuel economy. Must be good to drive also. I would love to stay premium, but probably wouldn’t afford it in that category. Was looking at the Mazda CX-5 as a compromise or alternatively the new Peugeot 3008, Kia Sportage, Renault Kadjar or Nissan Qashqai. Annual mileage is roughly 10k km and budget is what I’d get for the Audi.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Seamus Hadrill (Dublin)Dec 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Seamus,
You haven’t actually specified a model here, so I’m going to guess that it’s an A4. To be honest, you’re not going to get an awful lot more interior space by changing for something the size of a Qashqai, 3008, or Kadjar. A little, but not a huge amount extra in real terms — most of the extra space in those cars is in the boot. If you’re determined, then go for either the Kadjar (it has the biggest boot) or see if you can stretch the budget to the new-shape VW Tiguan. Here are reviews of the cars you've mentioned, too:
Petrol or diesel Mazda CX-5 for 2018?
Hi there.
I have a 161 Mazda CX-5 diesel and I am hoping to change it next year. As I don't do much mileage, approx. 12,000km per year, I was thinking of changing to the petrol model. Do you have any opinion on the CX-5 petrol model good or bad? Or should I stick to the diesel? Apart from anything the petrol is cheaper to buy. I would very much appreciate any advice you could give me.
Many thanks
Gerard. Dundalk, Co. Louth
Gerard O'Rourke (Dundalk)Dec 2017 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Gerard,
If you’re doing very low mileage (and you pretty much are) then we would usually say that the petrol engine is the better option. However, with the new CX-5 that’s a slightly tougher decision as the 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G petrol engine isn’t as good as the diesel options — it’s a bit underpowered and underwhelming to drive. The 150hp 2.2-litre diesel is a much better engine overall. Have a test drive of both and see which you prefer.