Can you give me advice on buying a Peugeot 308?
Hi,
Can you give me advice on buying a 2008 to 2010 Peugeot 308? We do about 15,000 miles a year. Which would suit us better - diesel or petrol?
Thank you
Ruairi Mc Carthy (Mullagh Co Cavan)May 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Ruairi,
With that kind of mileage you would probably be fractionally better off with a petrol, but the thing is that you're unlikely to find one - petrol sales collapsed in the wake of the 2008 change in the car tax regime, so it's very likely that all you'll find out there are diesels.
Which is no harm - the 308 was always nicer to drive with the 1.6 diesel than with a petrol (unless you can track down a vanishingly rare 150hp 1.6-litre petrol turbo). You just need to watch for a few key items. Make sure the diesel particulate filter has been kept clean, and make sure you give the car at least one good long drive at motorway speeds every week to keep it that way. Check that the cooling system is working properly and that the (plastic) water pump is in good nick. Check the gearbox too - the five-speed manual can sometimes get jammed in neutral.
How do I set the clock in my Peugeot 307?
How do I set the clock in my 2006 Peugeot 307?
Ann Enright (Listowel)May 2015 Filed under: miscellaneous
Expert answer
Hi Ann,
There should be a small button to the left of the clock display. Press that until the time display starts to flash and then adjust the time with the similar button on the right. If you hit any snags, refer to the good old owner's manual.
Can you advise me on a new small van?
I am seeking advice on small vsn. I like the look of the commercial versions of the Ford Focus, Fiesta, Golf, etc.
Fergal Reidy (Celbridge)May 2015 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Fergal,
Bear in mind that the Fiesta is much smaller inside than the Golf or Focus, so if you're carrying big loads, that needs to be taken into account. Personally, I reckon if you're going for a small van, you're better off getting something that was purpose-built to be a van in the first place, so have a look at the likes of a Fiat Qubo, Opel Combo or Peugeot Bipper.
When did Isofix arrive on the Peugeot Partner/Citroen Berlingo?
From what year are Irish stock of Peugeot Partners and Citroen Berlingos fitted with Isofix?
Will Odonnell (Dublin 16)May 2015 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Will,
Isofix has been fitted as standard to the Berlingo and Partner since at least 2006, and was a commonly-fitted option before that.
Is the Volkswagen Golf Highline 1.2 a good car?
I'm looking for a mid-sized family car and have looked at the Golf Highline 1.2 TSI; Volkswagen finance options are good so am considering buying new. Can you please advise if this is a good family car and any alternatives you would suggest?
Thanks, Karen
Karen Golden (Dublin 6)May 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Karen,
Yup, it’s a cracker - well made, nice to drive and that 1.2 TSI is super-econmical. Good alternatives would be the Skoda Octavia with the same engine, a Ford Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost 125hp, or a Peugeot 308 with the new 1.2-litre PureTech petrol turbo engine.
Relevant reviews:
Volkswagen Golf review (2.0 TDI Highline)
Skoda Octavia review (1.2 TSI)
Peugeot 308 review (new 1.2 PureTech)
Peugeot 407 1.6 HDi: are they a good car?
2004-2007 Peugeot 407 1.6 HDi: are they a good car?
Joe Finnegn (Midlands)Apr 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
They're actually pretty nice to drive and don't seem to suffer too many reliability horrors. Electrical gremlins are the most common so check that everything with a wire in it works OK. That 1.6 diesel is good but it needs regular servicing by a pro and only put the highest grade of synthetic oil in it. If there are gaps in the service history, leave it. Also worth asking to see if the water pump has been replaced at some point.
The suspension is a bit sensitive to any knocks too so listen out for any clonking noises and if the steering is anything other than smooth and precise, there's something up.
Looking for a small to medium reliable family car.
Looking for a small to medium reliable family car. Comfort, fuel efficient, and low tax a consideration.
Mai Murphy (Cork)Apr 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mai,
OK, lots to choose from here. Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Toyota Auris are all ever popular and all with very good reason. They're reliable (the Toyota scoring best here), beautifully made (the Golf come out top in this category) and nice to drive (the Focus wins here). Lots of all three about so you can afford to be picky. Fancy something a bit different? Try a Honda Civic, especially the 1.6 i-DTEC diesel version, which is possibly the best compact diesel engine around.
Also well worth a look are the Kia cee'd (especially the handsome and practical estate version) and the current model of the Peugeot 308 (ditto on the estate version there).
Relevant reviews:
Should I replace my Peugeot's timing belt?
Does the timing belt on a Peugeot need to be replaced after replacing faulty camshaft seal?
Paul O 'Neill (Dublin)Apr 2015 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
We would definitely advise it to be done at that stage.
What is the market value of a Peugeot 407 in Ireland?
What is the market value of a seven-year old Peugeot 407 in Ireland?
Teresa N (Dublin)Mar 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Teresa,
There's a pretty broad spread of values for 407s of that age - it depends on the engine, trim and above all condition and history. The ballpark is from €5,500 to €8,500. A diesel model will be worth considerably more than a petrol one and a full service history is essential.
What small new car should I go for?
I am thinking of trading in my 2011 Nissan Micra (it has an NCT until 2017) for either a new (152) car or a 142 model. The shortlist of cars are: Hyundai i10, Peugeot 208, Renault Clio and maybe the Toyata Yaris or Skoda Fabia. However, the new bigger Ford Ka is due by December 2015 in the UK and 2016 here. Should I wait for the Ka?
Jacqueline Lynch (Dublin)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Jacqueline,
I wouldn't wait for the Ka. It's being designed primarily for Asian and low-cost markets, so it probably won't be the most refined, comfortable or high-tech. That's perhaps jumping the gun on the review a bit, but it's certainly likely to be the case. Of the cars you've listed I'd say the Hyundai i10 and Skoda Fabia are the standouts. They're quite different cars (the i10 is significantly smaller than the Skoda), but both are excellent to drive, well-made, reliable and offer excellent value. Have a try of both, and see which one suits your needs, size-wise, better.
Further reading: