When to change my Kuga's belt?
Morning,
I have a 2015 Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi diesel with 82,000km on the clock. I asked my mechanic when do I get a cam belt change. He was not sure, said to speak to a Ford dealer. When is it required and approx cost?
Thanks
David Kefford
David Kefford (Lavington. ( Albury ))Jan 2020 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi David,
It doesn't need to be changed until it has done 200,000km or it is 10 years old. The price will vary considerably depending on where you get the work done, but we can tell you that it should take no longer than three hours.
Thoughts on this high-mileage Focus?
I have been looking at buying a 2011 model Ford Focus Zetec S 1.6 TDCi. The mileage on it is sitting quite high I think at 90,000. What questions should I ask the dealership before I decide if I'm to buy it or not? The price is €4,000; is this ok?
Steven Bruce (Brechin)Jan 2020 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Steven,
Is that 90,000 kilometres (as opposed to miles)? If so then it’s actually slightly below average mileage for a car of that age. Anyway, the rule when buying is to not buy on mileage, but to buy on condition and history. If the Focus has a service book full of stamps and receipts, has a clear history check (we recommend Cartell.ie) and is in obviously good condition, then it should be fine. If you have any doubts, get an AA inspection done. The price seems absolutely fine for a nearly ten-year-old Focus.
How to change LCV Kuga back to private use?
What is involved in changing a crew cab Kuga back to a privately taxed vehicle? What do you need to do to enable a private insurance policy to apply?
Thanks
Ken Finn (Laois)Jan 2020 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Ken,
In terms of insurance, you simply need to contact your insurer and tell them that you’re going to tax the vehicle for private, social and pleasure use. There may be an increase in your premium because of this, but it shouldn’t be massive. As for the tax, all you have to do is contact your local motor tax office and inform them that you want to tax the vehicle for private use. That will put you onto the old by-engine-capacity tax system, so for a 2.0-litre TDCi Kuga, that’ll be €710 a year.
When to replace Ford Focus timing belt?
When should I replace the timing belt on my Ford Focus Style 1.6 TCDi? And should I replace the water pump at the same time?
Rosalind Duke (Dublin 16)Dec 2019 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Rosalind,
You've not given us the model year, so let's take 2011-2015 as an example. The 1.6 TDCi diesel engine's belt should be replaced at least every 180,000 kilometres or 10 years, whichever comes first. Apparently, for cars built up to July 2011, the interval is 140,000km or 10 years.
And yes, it's advisable to change the water pump at the same time.
Thoughts on diesel Ford Focus?
Hi,
I was considering buying a 151 Ford Focus Zetec 1.6 TDCi with 15,000 miles on the clock. Its sale price is €12,450. What do you think of the price? Is the engine reliable?
Many thanks
Nathan Murphy (Delgany Co Wicklow)Oct 2019 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Nathan,
Generally the Ford 1.6-litre diesel (also used by Mazda, Peugeot, Citroen, Volvo and MINI down the years) is a rugged and reliable unit, but there are a few things to bear in mind. First off, this is an engine that needs a regular diet of high-grade synthetic engine oil, otherwise a nasty sludge can build up in various parts of the engine, choking performance. Make sure you check the service history to ensure that a good quality oil has always been used. The stop-start system can occasionally cause starter motor issues, especially if the car has mostly been driven in town. If it has been mostly driven in town, or has very low mileage, be wary of potential issues with the diesel particulate filter, too.
When to change my Mondeo's belt?
My 2015 Mondeo 2.0 auto has done 150,000km on the clock. When does it need a new timing belt/chain.
Many thanks
Declan Curtis (Dublin)Oct 2019 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Declan,
Assuming this is the current shape Mondeo, and that you're talking about the 2.0 TDCi diesel engine (the 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine uses a timing chain, not a belt), then the interval is at least every 200,000 kilometres or 10 years - whichever comes first.
How much to tax this Ford Transit?
How much is it to tax a Ford Transit Custom 2.2 TDCi 125hp crew van with six seats?
Thank you
Bernie O Toole (Galway)Jul 2019 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Bernie,
As long as it’s registered as a commercial vehicle and used only (and strictly only) for work purposes, it’ll cost €333 a year to tax. If you want to use it for family or social driving, then it goes onto the old by-engine-capacity tax system, which is €951 a year on that vehicle.
What tax for private Ford Ranger?
Hi,
I am looking to purchase a 2016-present Ford Ranger 2.2 TDCi manual for private use as it is a more suitable vehicle for my hobbies. I am aware that to re-register it in Ireland I have to pay the difference in VRT between the fixed commercial rate at circa 13% and the private VRT value (around 31% I believe, depending on CO2). But I am unsure of how the private tax works. Will it be €750 (171g/km with current motor tax system) or €994 (2.2-litre engine with old tax system)?
Any assistance would be much appreciated.
Cheers.
Raymond Gallagher (Ardee)Jul 2019 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Raymond,
Sadly, it’ll be €994. For some arcane reason (which no-one has been able to explain to us in a way that actually makes any sense), if you register a commercial vehicle as a private car, you have to go back onto the old by-engine-capacity tax system.
Which SUV for up to €23,000?
Looking for a mid-size SUV worth up to €23,000, at max two years old. Something stylish inside and out, quick and reliable. What should I go for?
Aaron Joyce (Limerick)Jul 2019 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Aaron,
How about a Ford Kuga? That budget would get you into a nearly-new 191 or 182 1.5 TDCi, and it’s a bit of an underrated car — good to drive, roomy and nicely built. A sum of €23,000 obviously buys you a lot of either the ubiquitous Hyundai Tucson or Nissan Qashqai. How about a Mazda CX-5 instead? Gorgeous to look at, great to drive and with a 150hp engine, it’s not slow either. You could also think of a Peugeot 3008, a SEAT Ateca, a previous-generation Toyota RAV4 (better to drive than you might think), or a Volkswagen T-Roc.
My Ford EcoSport cuts out...
I have a Ford EcoSport. The stop/start system, when I switch it off, at times, still makes the car judder a bit. When I've stopped, at traffic lights, then the engine switches off. I've not put it in neutral or took my foot off the clutch. This will only happen a few times, then the car runs fine, with the stop /start off. I don't understand why it still cuts off, when system is off?
Debbie Ashdown (Barrow In Furness)Jun 2019 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Debbie,
It doesn't sound to us as if this is anything to do with the stop-start system, but actually an issue with the engine itself that needs looking at by a good mechanic. You've not told us which generation of EcoSport you have, nor which engine it has, but the 1.5-litre TDCi diesel has a known issue with the turbocharger wastegate valve that could cause engine running issues. It might be worth mentioning to the mechanic when you bring it to be checked.
Best of luck