Expert answer

Hi Phil,

That's a really tricky one. It's possibly to do with the immobiliser, as the car's keys are coded to a particular engine control unit (ECU) etc. Can your mechanic interrogate the ECU for fault codes?

Come back to us if we can help any further

Expert answer

Hi Tommy,

First up, gearboxes: a six-speed gearbox in a given car usually means it is officially more economical than it would be if it had a five-speed gearbox, but that really will depend on the type of roads it's driven on and the driver's own style. It's not correct to say that a six-speed Renault, for example, is automatically more economical than a five-speed Ford though, as there are many more factors to consider. Best to look at the official combined consumption figures as a gauge - even though they're not usually achievable in the real world they are a good measure of one car against another.

A quick search on Carzone.ie reveals that your budget may get you into a 2009 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi. There are plenty of different trim levels and 90- or 110hp derivatives available so take a close look at the specifications, history and mileage. Most of those are now in Band A4 with emissions of less than 120g/km and fuel consumption as low as 4.3 litres/100km (65.7mpg).

In terms of Golfs, it looks like you'd be lucky to get a 2008 version (the old one) for that same money, which means it'd have to be a 1.9- or 2.0-litre TDI engine. These cost more to tax (especially if you go pre-2008) and are a little less econonomical than the Focus above.

There don't seem to be many Renault Méganes fitting your description and budget, though a look elsewhere reveals that you may find a 2010 version at this price powered by the 1.5-litre dCi engine. This came in 86- and 110hp guises. The former is virtually as economical as the Focus and the latter only uses a little more fuel.

Finally, the Citroen C4: in terms of economy, the 2008 1.6 HDi 92hp engine is up there with the Focus etc, though there are more powerful versions available too.

In summary, if fuel economy is your priority then it's probably best to stay away from the older Golf, with its larger engine. The others are all very close and so it comes down to personal preference. We'd go for the Focus, not least because of the much wider choice of examples on the used market.

Come back to us if you need more assistance narrowing your search.

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

These have both a chain and belt set up. The belt (known as a 'wet belt') is immersed in oil to reduce Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH) and is recommended to be changed before 200,000 kilometres or ten years, whichever comes first. As the belt is immersed in oil, it is imperative that the vehicle is serviced regularly and correctly (every 20,000km or once a year) to ensure the longevity of the belt.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

Average price for a 2011 Focus should be around the €8-9,000 mark depending on condition and history. The official fuel consumption for that model was 4.4 litres per 100km, or 64.2mpg. 

Expert answer

Hi Joseph,

Yes, generally very reliable, but that 1.8 TDCi engine did have some issues with the fuel injection system, the dual mass flywheel and the turbo, so if you could instead track down one of the 2.0 TDCi models, you’ll be getting a slightly better, more robust car. That said, with this one being ten years old already, you’ll need to carefully check everything and don’t buy unless it comes with a full service history.

Expert answer

Hi Sean,

I don't think you're asking for too much actually, so long as you don't mind a car that's a few years old. There's plenty of choice at that price point. You've not told us how big a car you need or how far you drive each year so we're keeping an open mind there, but only shortlisting diesel saloons and hatchbacks. Options include:

- Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCi

- Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi

- Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi

- Nissan Note 1.5 dCi

- Peugeot 407 1.6 HDi (only if it has a full service history)

- Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDI

Come back to us if you need help narrowing things down further.

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

The mk1 Ford Focus was offered with two different diesel engines over its lifespan: the direct injection TDDi and common rail TDCi. Both systems use glow plugs with reports suggesting that the more modern common-rail unit has marginally more issues particulairly relating to cold starts. 

We hope this answers your question. If you require any further information feel free to let us know. 

Expert answer

Hi Ger,

Yes it does have. It should be changed every 201,000km (125,000 miles) - or every ten years apparently. The auxiliary drive belt should be done at the same time.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Sharon,

That has a timing chain.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Maurice,

Yes it does. It needs to be changed every 201,000 kilometres (125,000 miles) or every ten years.

Hope that helps.