Expert answer

Hi Rory,

This car has both chain and a small replaceable belt. The belt should be changed every 125,000 kilometres along with its tensioner and pulleys.

We spoke to Rialto Ford in Dublin and they said they'd come back to us with an estimated cost.

Hope that helps

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Hi Steve,

We are not aware of any issues with this engine as yet. Most problems would have been rectified under warranty so far in any case, making it too early to say for sure.

Prices vary around the country and of course between dealers and private sellers, but the car you're describing is worth somewhere in the region of €13,000 to €15,000.

Hope that helps.

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Hi Andrew,

The key point you make here is 'properly maintained' and to be honest if you really take care of it and are prepared to invest money into it then you could expect 200,000+. It isn't all that unusual to see Focus diesels with mega mileage. See this one on sale in a dealership in Carlow with 190,000 miles on the clock. So it is really up to the owner. I wouldn't expect it to last much over 200,000 though, before it would become uneconomic to own it. 

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Hi Tony,

Given your shortlist, I'd be inclined to go for the new Ford Focus saloon - presumably you mean a 1.6 TDCi version. It's more economical than the BMW and Audi and it'll be four years newer, meaning the security of a manufacturer's warranty. Older BMWs and Audis, as lovely as they are, do start to cost a bit to maintain.

Another car to consider is the relatively new Volkswagen Jetta. It compares well to the Focus.

Come back to us if you need more help deciding.

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Hi Justin,

I can't imagine why you would want to come down from a Volvo S8- into a Mondeo or Citroen C5, which are going to both feel inferior to what you have. Are you just simply bored with the car you have and want a change? Both the Mondeo and C5 are 'okay' but their diesel engines aren't as good as the Volvos.

Without fully knowing your circumstances, I would say that if you did want to get something else, then you should perhaps look at a Subaru Legacy Diesel, which for me is the best in its class around that era.

Here is one:

Subaru Legacy

Otherwise, stick with what you have, because both the Mondeo and C5 will feel inferior to your S80.

I hope this helps!

Expert answer

Hi Andrew,

That is quite an unusual spec S-Max that you have and as such it is reasonably difficult to price it because there are lots of basic spec 1.8-litre diesels around with manual transmissions. If you were selling that privately I think you would want around €18,500 for it though you'd probably get around €17,000-€17,500  if you traded it in.

Once that car starts to creep towards 100,000km the value will drop quite a lot, so bear that in mind. But the thing is, what would you be replacing it with anyway? I would probably think of upgrading to a newer one if you are in that frame of mind and can afford to do so, because it is probably at its most valuable now as the mileage is reasonable.

It is a lovely car though and it will be costly to get another at that spec. I guess you need to sit down with the calculator and figure out what you can afford. You might need about €14,000 along with your own to get into something similar in a demo model 2011 car.

I hope this helps!

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Hi John,

Right John - sensible would be something like a Citroen C5. You could have a choice of diesel ones with low mileage and every conceivable extra for your budget. A Ford Mondeo would fit the bill too. But you would want one with a few decent extras on it. This Skoda Octavia sounds like it could be a super choice for you too.

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Hi there Kevin,

I am not sure whether you are choosing a new or used car. There is a brand new Jetta just gone on sale and it is absolutely massive - quite close to the Passat. This would probably be the better of the two at the moment, but then there is a new Focus arriving in April.

The new Focus is really good too and that comes with a 1.6-litre diesel engine, while the Jetta also comes with a 1.6-litre diesel. I haven't driven the new Jetta yet personally here in Ireland, but we have driven it and I have driven the new Focus, which is brilliant. 

Out of the two, if I was doing lots of mileage, then the Jetta would probably be the better of the two, but without totally sitting on the fence the best thing to do is to try them both for yourself.

Let us know how you get on.

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Hiya Kevin,

Well it depends on what you covet most about your car. If you want something that is decent fun to drive on a back road as well as one that is comfortable then the Mondeo is still the better buy in that regard. The Passat feels more upmarket though and more like an executive car.

I would say it is probably more comfortable on a long journey than the Mondeo, so if you do a heap of miles and spend a lot of time in your car you might favour the Passat. Since they are both 2009 models you are talking about, me personally, I'd have the Passat, although you need to check it carefully. That electronic handbrake was a real problem area in some cars so make sure it all checks out. 

I hope this helps! 

Expert answer

Hi Dave,

No competition really: the Ssangyong Kyron is a complete dog and I'd be hard pressed to take one if I was handed it for free. Take the slightly rusty Mondeo instead.