Is Volvo servicing expensive?
Hi, am I being ripped off on my Volvo servicing? I was quoted €229 for 20,000 service, €259 for 40,000 service, €360 for 60,000 service. The first is for oil, oil filter and fluid top-ups; 40,000km service includes oil, oil filter, pollen filter and fluid top-ups, plus Volvo wipers were €48. Servicing for other cars I've owned (VW, Ford and Opel) was nearly €100 cheaper. I am sorry I bought a Volvo now.
Jimmy Dillon (Swords, Dublin)Dec 2011 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Jimmy,
We've done some ringing around for you based on extra information you provided us with (2010 Volvo S40 1.6 diesel). First of all, you can't do anything about different brands charging different amounts; that's a fact of life. We talked to several Volvo dealers around the country to compare pricing and they all quote similar amounts to the numbers you gave us. It seems expensive for the first service for sure, but at least you know it's standard across the network.
While we didn't ring every dealer in Ireland, we did get a quote from Bandon Motors (www.bandonmotors.com) that was much cheaper for the first service - though the same after that. Best bet is to ring all the Volvo dealers you are within easy driving distance of.
Of course, failing all that you could take the car to a non-Volvo garage, but I'm guessing you'd like the main dealer stamp in your service history.
Let us know how you get on.
Where is the oil leak coming from in my Opel Astra?
Hi lads. I have a 2005 Opel Astra four-door saloon. there is a lot of oil leaking from what looks like a plastic valve about two inches in length at the front of the engine. It leaks when driving. Looking into the engine on the left side above the alternator. What is it called and what does it do?
Thanks a mill, Michael
Michael Maguire (Duleek)Dec 2011 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
That sounds like the oil light switch to us. It monitors the oil pressure in the engine and switches on the oil light in the dashboard if it drops too low. It's quite common for them to develop leaks and they're relatively cheap to replace.
Hope that helps.
When does the plug-in Prius arrive?
Any firm news yet about the release and pricing of the Toyota Plug-in Prius? I drive an '06 Prius and have been holding out for this but fear that if they wait much longer the new models from Peugeot and Opel will steal their market.
Peter Browne (Duleek)Dec 2011 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
Toyota Ireland has confirmed that the plug-in Prius will go on sale here in June 2012. No word on pricing as yet though.
Hope that helps
How economical is the 2004 Opel Meriva?
What is the fuel consumption of the 2004 Opel Meriva 1.6?
Bokane Baleseng (Gaborone)Expert answer
Hi Bokane,
It depends on the version, as there were 8-valve and 16-valve versions of the 1.6-litre petrol engine. Official combined consumption is 7.5 - 8.0 litres/100km (about 36 to 38mpg).
Hope that helps.
Which of these cars has best resale?
Which of these diesel cars would have the best resale after three years and average mileage: Skoda Superb Estate 4x4 Elegance; Opel Insignia 4x4 Sports Tourer Elite; or the Subaru Forester XS? I am planing to place an order in the next couple of weeks for 2012.
Thanks in advance
Richard Corcoran (Dublin)Oct 2011 Filed under: resale value
Expert answer
Hi Richard,
It's never easy to predict such things, but it's likely that the Subaru would just beat the Skoda to the top spot on this occasion. They're very close in reality.
Hope that helps
Anything I can do about my noisy Corsa?
I have a 2005 Opel Corsa and it is very loud some times - it sounds like a tractor! I had it checked it out and there is nothing wrong, but the noise bugs me.
Any suggestions?
Tia Morgan (Cork )Oct 2011 Filed under: miscellaneous
Expert answer
Hi Tia,
We can try to help, but if you've had it checked by an expert then we may not be able to do anything for you and the best bet might be to change car...
So, can you login and then add comments below, telling us if this is a noise from the engine or elsewhere, plus when it happens (at what speed, is the car cold, etc)?
Thank you
Would a petrol Mazda6 be a good buy?
Hi,
Due to an economical write-off I'm being forced into a car change. Moving from a solid 1.8 Opel Vectra Comfort (Petrol)2003. My budget is €10k plus pre-accident value, approx €2.5 - 3K. Took a Mazda6 2.0 Diesel Exec. 2008 for a test drive and really like it. The mileage is high and I've been reading of a lot of problems with the engine in general. Not doing a lot of mileage these days so would consider a Petrol. Given the low value of Petrol cars at the moment and the problems with Diesel version, would a Mazda6 1.8 Petrol be a good buy?
Dee Kennedy (Cork)Oct 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Dee,
We have seen a lot written abotu problems with the diesel Mazda6 and some of it founded and some of it is plain fiction. What we would say is that like most modern diesel cars, when the mileage is high the cost of changing something called the Diesel Particulate Filter can be quite high and this is what is being reported quite a lot about the Mazda6. We get asked a lot about going back to petrol cars. We love petrol cars here and the simple fact is that if your mileage is pretty low it won't cost you all that much more to run it and there are massive savings to be made. These days, don't expect it to be worth much in a few years though, because most people are turning their back on larger petrol cars for good. But if you intended to get proper use out of it then it could be a super buy.
What value is my Opel Astra?
Hi guys,
What is the value of my car for insurance purposes, please. It is a 2009 Opel Astra 1.3 CDTi saloon with 45000 km on the clock.
Dermot Lucey (Cork)Jul 2011 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Dermot,
For insurance purposes it is probably worth about €13,500. I hope this helps.
Will I buy the Saab I have always wanted?
Hi,
I'm considering buying a 04/05 Saab 9-3 petrol with about 80,000 miles on the clock. I have always like this car but are they reliable? And are they expensive to repair? My heart is telling me to get the saab and my head is telling me to get an Avensis/Mondeo type car..Help!
Thanks Ray
Ray Murphy (Dublin)Jul 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Ray, do you know what? I am like you. I would always go for the older, more interesting car rather than the brand new snooze-box. I won't lie to you though, the Saab could be a pain if you compare it to something like an Avensis (sorry, I nodded off there). Look, a few things might end up going wrong, but it is a way cooler car than the ones that you mentioned. Repairs won't be too bad as most Opel dealers can cope with them pretty well. I'd say go for it, but don't expect it to be as trouble free as an Avensis.
What estate car should I pick?
i have a choice bewteen an Opel Insignia Estate, BMW 320d Estate, a Skoda Superb Estate or a Volkswagen Passat Estate. All of these are diesel. What would you think is the best car?
Thanks for your help.
Larry Murphy (Navan)Jun 2011 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Larry,
That is quite a nice choice of cars to have. They are quite varied. A lot depends on what your needs are though and whether or not you are spending your own money. The biggest car and the best value by a mile is the Skoda Superb Estate. It is simply enormous. A driver's car, and one with the most prestige, would be the BMW 320d Estate, but given that there is a new model on the way, it might not be the best investment to spend the considerable amount of money that it would cost.
The Insignia is good looking and has a great chassis, so it would make a lovely car, but you need the 160hp diesel engine. The Passat is a nice car too. If you asked me to pick one of these, I'd probably have the Skoda Superb. It is simply brilliant.