My Astra's timing belt has snapped...
The timing belt has snapped on my 1999 Opel Astra 1.4: just put on a new belt or put the car in the bin? Interference or non-interference?
Eamon Mcgowran (Limerick)Jul 2017 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Eamon,
Bad news, I'm afraid - that engine is interference, so it's highly likely that damage will have occurred. Best to have a compression test done on all cylinders before deciding what to do next.
Is this 2014 Opel Astra too good to be true?
Thinking of buying a 2014 Opel Astra (1.4 petrol) for circa €7,000. NCT'd to 2019, but highish mileage at 177,000km. Too good to be true?
Patrick Trehy (Donaghmede)Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
Tough to call. It is the unloved engine, which will hurt resale, and the mileage is about twice the average, but even so €7,000 sounds frighteningly cheap. Does it have a full service history? Have you done a history check with Cartell.ie?
Should I replace my Zafira with a Volvo V60?
Hi.,
Looking at a 2016 (162) Volvo V60 D6 Hybrid AWD, with less than 6K miles, (9.5k kilometres) on the clock. It is a demo model. Reviews tell me that I should avoid this car, primarily because of price. With a cash price tag of €36K on this car from a dealership I am inclined to think that the value is more acceptable. Does this price raise your two-star rating? With three children approaching teenage, they have outgrown the Opel Zafira and so other options I am considering include the XC60.
All advice appreciated.
Padraig Coffey (Killarney)Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Padraig,
Nope, the price doesn't change the fact that it's more thirsty and less practical than the standard V60. If your girls have outgrown a Zafira then neither the back seat nor the boot of the V60 hybrid will be any use to them or you. Better off by far with a standard one, or consider an upgrade to a well-cared for XC90.
Belt or chain in 2014 Opel Insignia?
2014 Opel Insignia 170hp Elite: can you tell me if it's a timing chain or timing belt? If it's a belt, what is the mileage or age to replace?
Noel Murphy (Kilkenny)Jul 2017 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Noel,
It's a belt, not a chain, and while Opel says that it needs changing only every ten years or 160,000km, we'd recommend having it at least inspected more frequently than that.
What'll I do with my petrol Mazda5?
Hi,
According to every car salesman I speak to I am apparently in an unfortunate situation. I currently own a Mazda5 Exec, 1.8 petrol seven-seater with 127,500km on the clock, which I no longer have a need for. So, I am considering trading it in, but I'm also considering selling it privately (as I may get more money for it that way). The best trade in price I have been quoted so far was €4,450 against a 2011 Ford Focus TDCi and the worst price I've been quoted was €2,500 against a 2012 Opel Astra GTC (worth €11,750).
What I'm hoping to buy is a good reliable small car (hatchback style) that is economical to run and tax and that will last me a long time. I test drove a few in the past few weeks and unlike my past car purchases I'm in no hurry to buy. I am considering buying a car from Northern Ireland with the sterling being rumoured to becoming equal to the Euro soon enough.
The Astra GTC has caught my eye, but going by some reviews I've been reading it may not be the best fit for me. Some other cars I would consider are Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus or SEAT Leon, but I'm open to persuasion.
Basically, I don't need a seven-seater anymore, so I want a stylish, modern, economical smaller car to get around in. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Kind regards,
Del.
Derek Bailey (Dunleer)Jun 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Derek,
OK, you haven’t told us the year of your Mazda so that makes it a little hard to value, but seeing as it’s the 1.8 petrol I’m going to guess that it’s around 2006-2007. If so, then I’d say that the €4,400 trade-in offer is actually pretty good.
As to what car to get, if you’re looking for a small hatch then it’s very hard indeed to look past the Volkswagen Golf. It’s one of the world’s best-selling cars for a reason, and as long as you buy one with a full service history and keep it looked after, you should get plenty of years of reliable service out of one yet.
Ditto for the mechanically identical SEAT Leon and Skoda Octavia. The Opel Astra GTC is a fine car in many ways — handsome, good to drive, decent quality, but it was hamstrung by poor diesel engines (other than the range-topping 2.0-litre) and unless you’re looking at the 1.4 petrol turbo model, it’s possibly not the best purchase.
The Focus is definitely a good buy, and that TDCi diesel is frugal to run, but you just have to be slightly cautious about diesel power right now. If you’re not doing big miles, you’d be better off with a petrol car.
Current value of a 2012 Opel Insignia?
Current value of a 2012 Opel Insignia Elite 2.0-litre diesel automatic with 70,000km in very good condition?
Barry O'Gorman (Monaghan)May 2017 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Barry,
As a trade-in, it’s going to be worth in the region of €8-10,000.
What value for my damaged Corsa?
Was thinking of trading in my current car, a 2005 Opel Corsa NJoy. It has 60,000km on the clock and only two owners. It was serviced annually, it's in good condition, apart from the left passenger side was repaired, as previously was in an accident. What value do you think I might get for it as a trade in?
Declan Farrell
Declan Farrell (Ballsbridge / Dublin 4)May 2017 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Declan,
With accident damage, it's always hard to tell as it will depend on how bad the original damage was, how well it was repaired and if you have the original bills and receipts for the work. In really good condition, that car might be worth €1,200, but with damage it may only make €500 or so.
New Opel Mokka X or similar crossover?
Hi,
I'm considering buying the new Opel Mokka X or similar sized, height and priced car. What would you recommend? I've even considered the Dacia range, but maybe its false economy with them?
Thanks
Simon
Simon McCormack (Straffan)May 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Simon,
The Mokka is quite nice, and a bit of an underrated car actually, but we reckon the best car in this class is the Suzuki Vitara, which is affordable, genuinely rugged, reliable and quite nice to drive. Handsome too. The Dacia Duster is actually a terrific machine — you have to allow for a rough and ready interior and an unrefined driving experience, but for the money it’s nigh-on impossible to beat.
Would you recommend the Opel Insignia?
Would you recommend the Opel Insignia car? Interested in buying one 2012+, but understand they have a bad reputation and would be likely to cost me money on repairs.
Tony Bourke (Dublin)May 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Tony,
To be honest, we've never heard any major horror stories about the Insignia, and in general it seems to be a mostly reliable car. There are reported issues with the central locking and alarm system, and persistent leaks in the boot, but aside from that, as long as you buy one with a full service history, you should be fine.
Alternatives to the Golf GTD Estate?
Hi,
If possible please can you do a 'Five of the best' report for compact estate cars in Ireland? I desire and am ready to order a Volkswagen Golf GTD Estate as am currently on my second GTD, but need more space. I want to carry on the Golf GTD customer journey, but alas, this perfect solution for me and my family is 'not available in Ireland...' Therefore I need to look elsewhere so would appreciate your opinions if possible? It appears SEAT and Skoda have this category to themselves.
Martin Smith (Dublin)Apr 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
It is a shame that the GTD Estate isn’t imported into Ireland by Volkswagen as it’s a cracking car, but the sad fact is that the market for compact estates is so small, and high performance compact estates smaller still, that it’s probably not worth Volkswagen’s while. That said, the GTD Estate is effectively imported in the guise of both the Skoda Octavia RS TDI Combi and the SEAT Leon ST 2.0 TDI 180hp FR — of those two, we’d go for the Skoda, as it’s marginally sharper to drive than the SEAT, looks great and is simply massive inside.
Other options are the Opel Astra Sports Tourer in SRi spec with the 136hp 1.6 CDTi diesel engine — not as powerful as the Skoda or SEAT, obviously, but a great car and terrific to drive. Lovely interior too. Or you could try the Ford Focus ST TDCi Estate, which is brilliant fun to drive, but sadly is again on the personal import list.
Lastly, there’s the option of going second hand or nearly new and buying something along the lines of a BMW 3 Series Touring or Audi A4 Avant.