Any problems with 2008 Zafira diesel?
Have you heard of any problems for the 2008 Opel Zafira diesel? And also what miles to the gallon does it give?
Also looking at Ford Focus 1.6 diesel - any problems with that?
Thanks for all your help
Teresa
Teresa Glynn (Ennis)Jan 2013 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Teresa,
There are a couple of problems with the Zafira diesel, mostly to do with the diesel particulate filter (it gets clogged and has to be replaced, which is expensive), the exhaust gas recirculation valve (which jams, and which means you need to replace it), and the dual-mass flywheel. On the inside, check for faulty central locking and rear seats that won’t lock into position when you lift them up out of the boot. Economy should be around the 40mpg mark, depending on how you drive it.
Ford Focus 1.6 diesels of similar age might have turbo trouble too (if the engine feels hesitant or down on power), and you need to listen for creaking steering racks, check for faulty air conditioning and listen for noisy suspension.
Average price for an older Opel Astra?
Hello there!
I would like to ask what was the average price for an 1998 Opel Astra hatchback in 2011? I need an answer to prove I sold it at a good price (the buyer paid €600).
Klaudyna Biesaga (Cavan)Jan 2013 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Klaudyna,
It’s a very tricky one to answer, but in general, for a mainstream hatchback that would have been 13 years old in 2011, I would think you’d be lucky to get much more than €1,000.
Is the Opel Astra estate a good buy?
Is the Opel Astra estate a good buy, and is it economical?
Laura McMahon (Cavan)Jan 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Laura,
It kind of depends which Astra estate you mean. Assuming you mean the current one then the answers are yes (good looking, lots of space, lovely to drive and a really well-made cabin), and yes (either the 1.0 petrol turbo or 1.6 diesel are very economical, but you might notice that the fuel tank is a bit on the small side on longer journeys).
Can you help me find a new SUV?
What is the most economical new mid-range SUV on the market for a budget of €28,000?
Martina Mcinerney (Limerick)Jan 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Martina,
At that budget your main choices, sticking with diesel for fuel economy reasons, are the Hyundai ix35, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi ASX, Opel Mokka and Skoda Yeti.
We're assuming you don't need four-wheel drive (correct me if I'm wrong), as the front-wheel drive versions of each car are always the most economical.
Here's the most economical version of each:
- Hyundai ix35 1.7 diesel 2WD: 5.3 litres/100km (53.3mpg): from €26,495
- Kia Sportage 1.7 diesel 2WD: 5.3 litres/100km (53.3mpg): from €26,590
- Mitsubishi ASX 1.8 diesel: 5.7 litres/100km (49.6mpg): from €25,950
- Opel Mokka 1.7 diesel 2WD: 4.7 litres/100km (60.1mpg): from €24,695
- Skoda Yeti 1.6 TDI Greenline: 4.6 litres/100km (61.4mpg): from €25,320
We've left out smaller options as you specifically asked for mid-size.
The Skoda Yeti turns out to be the most economical of that lot and for us it would be between that and the Kia Sportage.
Best thing to do is go and test drive as many alternatives as you like the look of as it will come down to personal preference.
Let us know how you get on and come back to us if you need anything else.
Looking for reasonably priced diesel car...
I'm looking for a reasonably priced diesel car Focus/Mondeo size from Opel, Ford or Volkswagen, 2008 on, low mileage car. I would average 20,000km a year.
Fintan O'Malley (Bailieboro)Jan 2013 Filed under: diesel
Expert answer
Hi Fintan,
OK, well you’re kind of cutting across class boundaries there — a Focus and a Mondeo are really quite different cars, with the Focus being smaller, cheaper and arguably more fun to drive, and the Mondeo being more expensive, but bigger, comfier and more refined. That goes pretty much the same for the Opel Astra and Insignia, or the Volkswagen Golf or Passat. So the first thing you need to work out is what you want, and what you need, and whether or not you need the bigger car, or if something more compact will do.
Of the brands you’ve mentioned, the VWs will probably do the best in reliability terms, with Ford being the most enjoyable to drive, and Opel falling somewhere in the middle, but you should also be considering the likes of the Toyota Auris and Avensis (best for reliability), the Peugeot 308 and 508 (stylish, good to drive) and the Mazda3 and Mazda6 (reliable and both very good to drive).
Any problems with latest Opel Astra?
Any problems with latest Opel Astra?
Joe Gill (Buncrana. Donegal)Dec 2012 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
The current model? It’s a little too early to tell, as it usually takes several years before any major reliability issues come to light. So far, they seem to be solid, and for the most part they use tried and tested Opel engines and gearboxes, so as long as you buy one that’s got a full service history, we wouldn’t expect too many problems.
Which first car with €2,000 to spend?
Looking for my first car with €2,000 to spend. Looking for something small like the Renault Clio, Opel Corsa, Nissan Micra etc. Any advice? Also what year/mileage should I expect for this price?
Thanks
Emma H (Dublin)Dec 2012 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Emma,
I’d go for the Micra, as it’ll be the most reliable of the cars you’ve mentioned. A budget of €2,000 should get you a 2006-2007 model, and I wouldn’t be bothered about mileage — buy on service history and condition. Other good options are a Toyota Yaris, Honda Jazz or, if you fancy a bit of driving fun, a Suzuki Swift.
Petrol Ford Focus or Opel Astra?
Can you compare the Ford Focus EcoBoost Titanium against the Opel Astra 1.4 Elite?
Paul Cleary (Dublin)Nov 2012 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
Do you mean the EcoBoost engine, versus the Astra’s 1.4 Turbo? It’s a very close match, especially if you’re looking at the current models. The Astra is exceptionally good to drive, and that 1.4 Turbo is a good engine too. The Focus’ EcoBoost three-cylinder engine is, theoretically, more economical, but it depends very much on how you drive it. The Focus’ chassis and steering responses are better than those of the Astra, but then the Astra has the nicer interior. Depends where you priorities lie, really...
Do you think my car was serviced?
Hi, I bought a 2009 Opel Insignia four months ago. The place where I bought it from promised it had a full service done. A few weeks ago I noticed that every time I used the brakes there was a grinding sound. Also the code 'no 82' came up on the dashboard. Apparently this means that the engine oil needs to be changed.
Over the four months the car has not been used a lot. My question is if the place did a full service, would these problems still occur? The guy who I bought the car from was very dismissive and agreed to do the brakes. But he wouldn't even find out what the code 82 meant - I had to do that myself.
Thanks
Jackie Cullen (Dublin)Oct 2012 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Jackie,
We would expect a car's brakes to be thoroughly checked during a service for sure, though whether they warrant changing really is up to the mechanic doing the job. As that noise was not there when you bought the car it's fair to assume there was no issue with the brakes then - though clearly the pads didn't have much left on them. It's good that they're doing it now for you, even if the person you are dealing with is dismissive.
It's quite poor that the mechanic wouldn't find out what the code 82 was about, but there you go. The Insignia's engine management system monitors several parameters such as number of cold starts and engine speed and calculates when you need an oil change. If you use your car more frequent short journeys rather than longer ones then it may require changing earlier. Many people ignore this read out and just change their oil according to mileage or time, but the official word is to stick to what the engine management computer says. Just make sure the garage resets it again for you.
Last point: I wouldn't expect the garage to pay for this oil service. If they do, it's a bonus!
Hope that all helps put your mind at ease.
How reliable is the Opel Vectra?
How reliable is the 2005 model Opel Vectra SRi 1.9 CDTi 16v with 150hp?
Craig Nolan (Dublin)Sep 2012 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Craig,
Data is rarely available for specific models, but the Vectra has proven to be quite durable. The SRi specification with the 150hp engine is the pick of the line-up as well. However, we'd urge you to make sure the car has a full service history and check if it was the subject of a recall earlier in its life. The only major problem is with the suspension. If you test drive a car and it makes strange clonking noises then walk away.
Hope that helps.