Ford Mondeo, Mazda6, Toyota Avensis or Opel Insignia?
Which car is best on fuel between 2007-08 Mazda6 1.9, Ford Mondeo 1.8, Toyota Avensis or Opel Insignia please?
John Donohue (Dublin)Expert answer
Hi John,
All are pretty good and I have to admit to having thrown some covetous glances myself at second-gen Ford Mondeos lately - that's a shape that has aged really, really well. That said, from the ones you've selected there, I'd go for the Mazda. It has terrific handling (best in the class for that time, actually) and should be very reliable so it's definitely the one to pick.
When do I change an Opel Meriva timing belt?
At what mileage does the timing belt need to be done on an Opel Meriva?
Mike Kelly (Galway)Aug 2014 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Mike,
It depends which engine and year you mean. Here are a few examples:
o 1.6 petrol - 2003 to 2005 - 80,000 miles (128,000km) or every eight years
o 1.7 CDTi - 2010 to 2012 - 100,000 miles (160,000km) or every six years
o 1.7Di or 1.7 DTi - 2004 to 2005 - 100,000 miles (160,000km) or every ten years
o 1.8 petrol - 2003 to 2010 - 60,000 miles (96,000km) or every six years
Hope that covers the model you're interested in
Can you give me a little info on the Opel Insignia?
What problems does the Opel Insignia give? What mileage should I expect from a 2.0-litre CDTi diesel Insigna - Im a moderate driver.
Sandra Buckley (Wexford)Aug 2014 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Sandra,
The only persistent issues with the Insignia are electrical problems that can effect everything from the door locks to the alarm system. Usually these are just minor problems that can be fixed, but occasionally the problem is in the wiring loom itself and that's a much bigger deal. Check and make sure all the buttons work and also check the boot area for any dampness - the boot seals can leak and allow in water. For a 2.0-litre diesel Insignia, I'd be disappointed if you couldn't get it to do 50mpg in everyday driving.
Does the clutch bite point vary between cars?
When testing a demo 2014 Volkswagen Jetta, low mileage, I found the clutch bite point to be high compared to my Opel Astra's. Is this normal for Volkswagen cars?
Frank D (Dublin)Jul 2014 Filed under: miscellaneous
Expert answer
Hi F D,
In my experience the clutch bite point can vary between different examples of the same car so I wouldn't read anything into that, especially as your own car will change slowly over time as the friction disc of the clutch pack wears.
What modern automatic hatch do you recommend?
I will soon need to replace my 2010 Opel Corsa 1.2 SE with a nearly-new similarly economic car but with better acceleration, up to tax band C. I need a five-door hatchback, automatic gearbox, air conditioning and cruise control. What do you recommend?
Tony Cheesman (Southampton)Jun 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Tony,
There are some nice Ford Fiesta automatics around, usually with the 1.4-litre petrol engine that should fit your needs rather nicely. Or better yet, what about a Honda Jazz 1.4 ES with the CVT automatic gearbox? We found one online for just over €16k and it's a cracking car - high quality, reliable, spacious and with a terrific 1.4-litre engine.
Let us know what you think
How much do you think an Opel dealer will give me for my Astra?
What value would you put on my 2011 Opel Astra SE (it has Bluetooth and electric mirrors) with 24,000 kilometres on the clock in mint condition as against possibly a new basic Opel Astra?
Frank D (Dublin)Jun 2014 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi F D,
I'd say on a trade in you'd probably get between €12-13k.
Should I trust a seller saying he has serviced this Opel Astra?
Hello there,
I would like to buy a 2007 Opel Astra SXi with around 56,000km on the clock. The seller cannot provide any proof of maintenance since he bought it but says that he has done everything. I can see that one belt has been changed (looks new), but I cannot see for the timing belt. Should I do something special or just trust him?
Thanks for your assistance
Sebastien Wat (Dublin)Jun 2014 Filed under: service history
Expert answer
Hi Sebastien,
If the seller has no receipts whatsoever for parts or anything then we'd be very wary, especially as that car has way below average mileage for the year as well. It's not a personal trust thing here; you're investing in a car, and if it goes wrong you can be sure the seller won't want anything to do with it.
You could have the car inspected thoroughly by a mechanic or the AA, etc, but even so, we'd have serious doubts.
Can I fit Bluetooth to my 2012 Opel Insignia?
Hi guys,
Does anybody know if I can get Bluetooth retro-fitted to a 2012 Opel Insignia SRI, and if so where and a rough price guide?
Thanks,
Colm
Colm Perrott (Cork)Jun 2014 Filed under: Bluetooth
Expert answer
Hi Colm,
We asked Opel about this and this is what was said:
"It technically could be done, but it would be cost prohibitive to have the unit retrofitted on the Insignia. We used to provide an aftermarket system, but the likes of Parrots are better and is what we would recommend. As always we would advise that the customer takes the car to an Opel garage and they will recommend the best type of Bluetooth set to get and some garages can arrange that for the customer. If the customer needs to find his nearest dealer tell him to check out www.opeldealersireland.ie"
Hope that's of some use to you
Are French cars my only option for real comfort on Irish roads?
What medium size car can best soak up the endless bumps on Irish roads, without loosening the passengers' false teeth? I know French cars have a good name for poor surfaces but reliability might be a problem...
Sean O Donovan (Cork)Jun 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Sean,
It's a tough question to answer, this one, simply because different wheels and tyres can make an enormous difference to ride quality. As you say, French cars tend to fare very well in this regard and I think the most comfortable car I have driven in recent years was a top-spec Citroen C5 with the traditional Citroen hydra gas suspension, which just felt as if the road surface wasn't there. As you say, French cars can have their reliability issues, but the C5 was always pretty well screwed together.
Of the other options, both the Ford Mondeo and Opel Insignia are good bets, especially if you can avoid any cars that have been specced-up with big wheels and low profile tyres. Go for nothing bigger than a 17-inch wheel with at least a 55-profile tyre - wheel and tyre combos make a huge difference to ride comfort,
Of course if you want the ultimate in ride comfort, then track yourself down a Jaguar XJ6 saloon from the mid-eighties. Best ride quality of any car ever. I can't vouch for the reliability though...
Can I retrofit factory Bluetooth to my Insignia?
Hi guys,
I am buying a 2010 Opel Insignia SRI and want to know if you can retrofit the Bluetooth as it's currently not installed. Does anyone provide this service?
Tim O (Dublin)Jun 2014 Filed under: Bluetooth
Expert answer
Hi Tim,
We asked Opel about this and this is what was said:
"It technically could be done, but it would be cost prohibitive to have the unit retrofitted on the Insignia. We used to provide an aftermarket system, but the likes of Parrots are better and is what we would recommend. As always we would advise that the customer takes the car to an Opel garage and they will recommend the best type of Bluetooth set to get and some garages can arrange that for the customer. If the customer needs to find his nearest dealer tell him to check out www.opeldealersireland.ie"
Hope that's of some use to you