Any more Ford Mondeos coming?
I've been a Mondeo driver forever. All good, no problems.
Do you know if the Mondeo will stay on sale in the Irish market? Dealers are coy about disclosing the full facts.
If I cannot have a lovely new Mondeo, what do you recommend? I like diesel and the Mondeo size suits me. Give me a few suggestions, please. My mortgage is now paid so I could go up a grade as a special treat...
Fergal Reidy (Celbridge, Co. Kildare)Oct 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Fergal,
Sadly, for all us Mondeo fans, it will die in its current form soon (most likely in the next 18 months or so). Now, it will be replaced, but most likely not by another saloon, but a crossover of some description instead, sitting above the Kuga in the current Ford range, and likely with a seven-seat option.
Happily, there are still a few proper, full-sized four-door saloons around for you to choose from, and they’re good ‘uns. Our list starts with the Skoda Superb (massive inside, smooth to drive, handsome to look at and really good quality) and the VW Passat (all of the above but not quite so big inside). The Mazda6 is a big favourite of ours, too, not least because it’s so engaging to drive, and has such high quality and reliability levels, but Mazda is dropping the diesel engine option, so you might want to snap one up soon, before they’re all gone.
If you fancied going down the hybrid route, then Toyota’s excellent Camry is well worth a look, and there’s the Opel Insignia (probably one of the most underrated cars on the market) to consider too. If you fancy something a little moore stylish, check out the very slinky Peugeot 508.
You could go up a grade, as you suggest, to the likes of a BMW 3 Series or Audi A4, but the problem is you need to spend a LOT extra to get one with decent spec, so our recommendation would be to stick with one of the mainstream brands.
Here are our relevant reviews to help you decide:
Should I buy an Opel Corsa-e before 2021?
I was going to switch to an EV in the New Year. Should I now bring this forward? Was looking at an Opel Corsa-e. I get that the VRT will reduce from 14% to 7%, but this will be outweighed by the loss of the €5,000 VRT rebate? And what of the €5,000 SEAI grant? Will that still be in the equation in the New Year?
Many thanks for your guidance.
Paul, Galway
Paul Greenstreet (Clifden)Oct 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
First up, we believe that the SEAI grant is not changing for 2021.
The €5,000 VRT rebate should still be in place for the Corsa-e, as the government announced that it would be 'tapered' for EVs with an OMSP (Open Market Selling Price) of over €40,000 - up to zero rebate for EVs with an OMSP of €50,000 or more.
Hence, it won't matter if you buy the Corsa-e now or in the New Year.
Is the Opel Astra 1.3 diesel a good engine?
I am looking to buy a 1.3 Opel Astra diesel: is that a good engine?
Ken Lee (Cork)Aug 2020 Filed under: diesel
Expert answer
Hi Ken,
You've not mentioned the year, but in general, that 1.3-litre CDTi engine was a decent powerplant, mixing good economy with surprising performance. It's not the most refined in the world, but it has proven to be quite robust.
Where to fit my toll tag?
I have a Vauxhall/Opel Corsa and I just got a toll tag, but I'm not sure where I can place it on my windscreen where it will work properly. The guidance is to place it behind the rear view mirror in the shaded/dotted area, but I have an an athermic windscreen, which also has a panel behind the rear view mirror with a camera/sensor in it, so there isn't any space directly behind the mirror. There also isn't any shaded or dotted area anywhere on the windscreen.
Any ideas of where to put it?
Thanks
Caoimhe McCarthy (Cork)Jul 2020 Filed under: windows
Expert answer
Hi Caoimhe,
Don't worry too much. It should be fine to put it to one side, high up on the windscreen, even if it's not on a dotted/shaded area.
When to service my Opel Astra 1.4?
Hi,
Can you please advise when to service a 2011 Opel Astra 1.4-litre hatchback? It was last serviced at 138k kilometers and has done 7k since then.
Thank you, William.
William Ellis (Limerick)Jul 2020 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi William,
Officially, it's every 30,000km or every year, whichever comes first.
When to change my Astra 1.4's timing belt?
Hi,
When should I change the timing belt on an my 2003 Opel Astra 1.4? I've been told figures ranging from 40,000- to 100,000 miles so really need to get a definitive answer.
Thanks
Garry
Garry Zancanaro (Ballinasloe)Jun 2020 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Garry,
I reckon the confusion comes from the fact that Opel changed the interval around the 2002/2003 model year. For the earlier cars, the interval is every 60,000km or four years (whichever comes first), but it changed to 90,000km or six years from 2003 on.
And just to confuse things further, there was a version of the 1.4-litre engine made from 2003 that used a timing chain instead of a timing belt. The engine code for that is Z14XEP, where the timing belt engine is Z14XE.
It is possible, of course, that your car was a 2002 model year in terms of manufacture, even if it was not registered until 2003, so I'd suggest being cautious.
Looking for used automatic car...
Hi, I am looking for a used automatic hatchback petrol car for my wife. She's a learner and would prefer a small automatic hatchback. Would you mind helping me to find the best automatic car from year 2015 to 2017? We went through your reviews and made a list of cars thatsuits our needs. They are Hyundai i10, Skoda Citigo, Kia Picanto, Toyota Yaris, SEAT Ibiza, SEAT Mii, Opel Corsa, Peugeot 108 and Renault Clio etc. I was wondering if you could suggest me the best option?
Nithin Mathew (New Ross, Wexford)Apr 2020 Filed under: automatic
Expert answer
Hi Nithin,
You’re kind of shopping in two separate segments of the market, there — small city cars (such as the Up and the i10) and larger superminis (such as the Yaris and Clio). If it’s one of the small ones you want, then the decision is kind of made for you. The Up is one of our favourites, but there’s no automatic option, so the Hyundai it has to be. No bad thing — it’s an excellent car.
If you fancy something a little larger and roomier, then I’d suggest going for the Toyota Yaris Hybrid — it gets you the automatic transmission you want, plus you’re future-proofing yourself a little with the hybrid powertrain.
Which nearly-new crossover to get?
I am in the market for a compact SUV (small town SUV). My 17-year-old daughter wants to learn to drive in it also so I need a manual. I think a 1.0- or 1.2-litre petrol engine would be the sort of thing. I've driven a Captur, Juke, T-Cross, Kona, Crossland X, ix20 and a Toyota C-HR. The Toyota drove really well but it's pricier and longer. What would you recommend as a 2017/2018 vehicle based on drive and value for money and a learner driver?
Anne Marie O'Byrne (Wexford)Mar 2020 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Anne Marie.
Well, normally for a learner driver and for mostly in-town driving, we’d recommend a hatchback, rather than an SUV or crossover, but if your heart is set on one… Of the list you’ve given us below, the Toyota is the best, although arguably as a 1.2-litre petrol, you’re not getting the best C-HR (which is the hybrid, but then that’s an automatic). The Volkswagen T-Cross would be an excellent choice, has a brilliant little 1.0-litre engine and is a bit more upright and square than the others, so is a bit easier to see out of, which might be helpful for your daughter while she’s learning. The Kona would also be an excellent choice, but we’d also add the Suzuki Vitara to your list as its a solid and rugged choice - and hugely reliable.
Read our Renault Captur reviews
Read our Volkswagen T-Cross reviews
Hyundai i30 or Opel Astra?
Hi,
I'm looking at buying a diesel 131 Hyundai i30, but also have my eye on a diesel 162 Opel Astra; which car would I be better off buying?
Maria Coen (Tipperary)Feb 2020 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Maria,
Both are very good. We’d rate the Hyundai for its reliability, neat styling and roomy cabin, and the Astra for its peachy chassis and steering. Worth considering the turbocharged petrol versions of both, too, as they make more sense overall than diesel, unless you’re doing mega-miles every week.
Weights of the Astra, Megane and Corolla?
Empty car weight for 2020 examples of the Opel Astra, Renault Megane and Toyota Corolla?
Wafaa H (Tipperary)Feb 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Wafaa,
Well, obviously vehicle weight will vary according to engine and equipment, but let’s take the best-case scenario in all cases: petrol engine and a manual gearbox (except in the case of the Toyota, which is only available as a hybrid). The officially quoted kerb weights are: Opel Astra 1.2 Turbo - 1,205kg. Renault Megane 1.3 TCe - 1,231kg. Toyota Corolla 1.8 Hybrid CVT - 1,345kg