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Showing 171 - 180 results (out of a total of 201) found for "Volvo" in Ask Us Anything

Is the Volvo C30 diesel a decent car?

Is the Volvo C30 diesel a decent car?

Ian Murphy (Mullingar )

Jan 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Ian,

Yes, albeit a bit compromised. They looked great, and were good to drive, but only came as a three-door model, and space in both the back seats and boot was pretty restricted. Volvos tend to be reliable, of course, but like the S40 and V50 with which the C30 shared its parts, it developed annoying ignition and central locking faults pretty often, so check that these systems are all working properly, and make sure it comes with a full service history. 


What car will I replace my Volkswagen Scirocco with?

Having recently been a victim of a car theft (they took my Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TDI), I am in the market for a new car. I am completely confused as to what to buy though; fuel economy is a major factor in my decision - the Scirocco was quite economical when driven correctly. I have been looking at Honda, both Accord and Civic though I am worried about the 2.2-litre engine size. Style is also a major factor and I have also viewed a Volvo C30 R-Design and Ford Focus 'WRC'.

Have a love of stylish hatches but not opposed to a change! Please help.

The insurance company will only give me €15,000 so that's my budget for now. I do about 30,000 kilometres a year so need something pretty economical, though I am single so practicality is not really a consideration.

Daniel English (Navan)

Jan 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Daniel,

Sorry to hear about the Scirocco - that 2.0 TDI version is great.

A quick browse of Carzone.ie with your budget and needs in mind brought up a few interesting options:

- Audi A3 2.0 TDI 140 - in Sport or S Line guises for maximum style - loads around
- BMW 118d M Sport - quite rare, but great to drive
- BMW 320d Coupé - you'd have to go pre-2008 with your budget, but current style at least
- Honda Civic Type S - 2.2 diesel is great and post-2008 is taxed according to emissions
- MINI Cooper D - loads around in all different colours at your budget

I've picked out the cars I reckon you'll like and I've left out things like the Volkswagen Golf and regular Ford Focus (among others).

What do you think?

Come back to us and let us know if we're on the right track.


Thoughts on 2005 Citroen C5 diesel?

Considering 2005 Citroen C5 1.6 diesel; what is your opinion on this car?

Mairead Baker (Dublin)

Jan 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Mairead,

That’s the 1.6 diesel that’s in almost everything; from Citroens and Peugeots to MINIs, Fords, Volvos and Mazdas. As such, it’s a pretty reliable engine, as long as it’s been properly serviced and fed a regular diet of high-grade synthetic oil. Keep an eye on the fragile water pumps and exhaust gas recirculation valves, though.

As for the rest of the car, tread carefully. That was the last Citroen to come with the legendary Hydragas suspension system as standard, and while that’s terrific from a point of view of comfort, it is a complex and often fragile system. Ditto the C5’s complex electrical system. Make sure it has a full and complete service history and, if there are any gaps or if the overall condition is anything less than excellent, walk away.


Any problems with 2005 Volvo S40?

Are there any problems with a 2005 Volvo S40 1.8 petrol?

Veronica Gildea (Dublin)

Dec 2012 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Veronica,

The S40 is pretty solid, and that 1.8-litre engine is more or less unburstable, but there are common problems with the ignition and central locking systems, and on a car that old you’ll need to check for a full service history, and have a good, long inspection to look for signs of excessive wear and tear.


Are there any known problems in the 2006 Volvo V50?

Are there any known problems in the 2006 Volvo V50?

Tom Ronayne (Dublin)

Nov 2012 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Tom,

As the Volvo V50 is based on the Ford Focus it has proven to be quite reliable. The V50 was the subject of two recalls, including a potential fuel leak and an issue with the windscreen bonding. Ensure that any car you're considering has had those items seen to. Isolated issues with the parking brake and the electronic ignition key have been reported too, though you'll soon pick up on that during a test drive.

Owners report that the suspension and electrics give the most problems so test every switch and listen carefully for knocks in the suspension.

Hope that's of some help


Land Rover Discovery or Volvo XC90?

Is the 2005 Land Rover Discovery a good car? Does it give problems? Is it better than say the Volvo XC90?

Joseph Jabilia (Dublin)

Sep 2012 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Joseph,

Both those cars are decent family motors, but go into it with your eyes open as large aging SUVs are expensive to run, service and repair. For the most part the Discovery and XC90 are reliable, though there are reports of some early examples of this Land Rover with (costly) air suspension and electrical problems. It's definitely worth getting a thorough professional inspection as offered by Cartell.ie as this should highlight any issues with the car you're considering.

Some XC90s have suspension, transmission and injector problems too - all expensive to fix. Don't be put off by this though, as these issues do not affect all examples sold.

Hope that helps


Is there much difference in size between Volvo S60 and S80?

What's the size difference between a Volvo S60 and a Volvo S80 - length, width, boot capacity etc?

Stephen Kent (Leixlip, Kildare)

Sep 2012 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Stephen,

Here are the stats:

Item ][ Volvo S60 ][ Volvo S80

Length ][ 4,628mm ][ 4,821mm

Width ][ 1,865mm ][ 1,861mm (yes, that way around)

Boot capacity ][ 339 litres ][ 422 litres

Height ][ 1,484mm ][ 1,493mm

Wheelbase ][ 2,766mm ][ 2,835mm

Hope that's of some help


Which manual, diesel 4x4s are good?

What is the best type of 4x4 with a manual transmission and diesel engine?

Aidan Kelly (Kildare)

Jun 2012 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Aidan,

Without knowing your budget and what your needs with regards to towing etc. are it's difficult to give a precise answer, but as a starting point, and in alphabetical order:

None of Audi's Q models are really suited to heavy off-road work, though the Q5 and Q7 are fine towing machines. Not that you'll find a Q7 with a manual gearbox.

Same story with BMW's X models. Fine for towing. You'll have to seek out an older X5 if you want a manual transmission though.

Citroen C-Crosser, Ford Kuga, Honda CR-V, Hyundai ix35: fine road cars.

Hyundai Santa Fe: depending on age and spec can be quite good off-road and as a tow car.

Hyundai Terracan: horrible beast of a thing, but it is big...

Hyundai Tucson: more car-like than most 4x4s.

Isuzu Trooper: hard as nails, durable workhorse.

Jeep Cherokee: good workhorse, but raucous on the road.

Jeep Compass: really not that great on the road despite its 'crossover' image.

Jeep Grand Cherokee: surprisingly good depending on age.

Jeep Patriot: a Compass with more upright bodywork...

Jeep Wrangler: tough, great off-road, but not so good on it.

Kia Sorento: first generation a tough tow car; latest more road-biased.

Kia Sportage: fine road car - especially the latest one.

Land Rover Defender: same comments as Jeep Wrangler above.

Land Rover Discovery: one of the very best all-rounders - newer versions way better.

Land Rover Freelander: good mix of on-road behaviour with all-road ability, but others at price better.

Range Rover line-up: luxurious regular model not bad off-road, Sport great to drive on-road and Evoque not really a 4x4 despite the badge.

Mazda CX-5: new SUV in the crossover mould - lovely on the road, where it should stay.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class: see BMW X5 comments.

Mitsubishi ASX/Outlander: very much road cars.

Mitsubishi L200/Pajero/Shogun: durable, strong, tough, but also rough and unrefined - proper 4x4 system though.

Nissan Navara/Pathfinder: see L200 etc. above...

Nissan Qashqai: a road car, even in 4x4 guise.

Nissan Terrano: old-school 4x4.

Nissan X-Trail: pretty good mix of attributes.

Opel Antara: road car - and not a good one.

Peugeot 4007, Renault Koleos, Skoda Yeti: just road cars.

SsangYong Actyon/Kyron/Rexton: rough and ready tow machines.

Subaru Forester: more a road car, though later one pretty good.

Subaru Outback/XV: road cars - nice ones.

Suzuki Grand Vitara: not bad as an all-rounder - relatively cheap and cheerful.

Suzuki SX4: car with 4x4 mechanicals.

Toyota Hilux/Land Cruiser: enviable reputation for toughness and reliability, though not very civilised.

Toyota RAV4: good road car, ok tow car.

Volkswagen Amarok: good all-rounder, though just a pick-up.

Volkswagen Tiguan: lovely road car, but most models so-so off-road.

Volkswagen Touareg: high quality car that's a good all-rounder.

Volvo XC60/XC90: good road cars - not for off-road.

So come back to us with more details and we'll talk you through a purchase.


Volvo XC90 or Land Rover Discovery?

Hi lads,

I need a seven-seat car and am looking at a 2005 Volvo XC90 D5 and a 2005 Range Rover Discovery 3 2.7D. Both are similar price and mileage. Which is best for safety, reliability and running costs? And it will never go off-road, just up on footpaths!

Thanks

Justin McElwee (Galway)

Mar 2012 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Justin,

It's not surprising to hear that the car won't go off-road - few do!

In terms of safety, the 2005 Volvo trumps the Discovery with a better Euro NCAP crash test rating.

The Volvo has a marginally better reliability record too, though most Discovery problems (affecting electrics and software) seem to apply to individual cars. Saying that it's worth ensuring its air suspension is in perfect working order. On the XC90 the injectors can play up, and they're expensive to repair, so get suspicious if the car doesn't start quickly.

Evidence points to the Volvo having the lower running costs too, with slightly better fuel economy and of course lower annual road tax due to the smaller engine. Maintenance will be costly enough in both cases, as could be insurance.

In cold hard facts it looks like the Volvo wins this battle Justin, but we'd not be put off the Discovery so easily - it's a great all-rounder as well.

Let us know how you get on.


What can I do to ensure a Volvo XC90 is mechanically sound?

Hi, I'm pondering a second-hand Volvo XC90 2.5T AWD from a dealer. It comes at a reasonable price, with a clean Cartell.ie report and a three-month warranty. However, it's at the top of my budget. I know as much about cars as the mice know about the moon - it's big and shiny. What can I do to check if the car will drive me for some time without major faults?

Piotr Berlowski (Dublin)

Mar 2012 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Piotr,

On the mechanical front the Volvo XC90 has been subject to a number of manufacturer recalls over the course of its life. Depending on what year car you are looking at some of these will not apply but it is worth questioning the dealer about the most recent recalls to ensure that all work has been done.

To deal with the specific car you are looking at, we would suggest have it checked by a competent mechanic before purchasing. If you do not have a friendly mechanic to hand Cartell.ie offers a 'Four star check', which in addition to the detailed history report also includes a full check by an automotive engineer. At €295 it offers great peace of mind, especially when dealing with a high-end car like the Volvo XC90.

Hope that helps.


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