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Is there much difference between 1.6- and 1.8-litre TDCi Focus?

Is there much of a difference in the fuel economy of a 1.8 diesel Ford Focus and the 1.6? We were advised to stear clear of the 1.6 with high mileage.

Martina Carty (Cork)

Mar 2013 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Martina,

We're assuming you are referring to the post-2008 Focus here, so correct us if not. The 1.6-litre models are up to 10mpg more efficient and generally have much lower emissions too to help reduce your annual tax bill.

Be aware that the 1.6 TDCi engine only had issues from 2004 until about 2008. Cars/engines made after that date should be just as reliable as the 1.8-litre.

Hope that helps


How much is tax on a 2005 Ford Focus?

How much is tax on a 2005 1.8 diesel Ford Focus?

Stephen Guilfoyle (Ennis)

Mar 2013 Filed under: road tax

Expert answer

Hi Stephen,

Cars registered in 2005 are taxed according to their engine size, so that Focus (which has a 1,753cc engine) is taxed in the 1,701- to 1,800cc band. Since the 2013 Budget that costs €636 per year to tax.

Hope that helps


Why did my diesel Peugeot lose power?

Why would a 2009 diesel Peugeot with 66,000km on the clock lose power and stop on the motorway at 100km/h? I turned it off and restarted it and it was perfect for about 40km then it happened again.

Michelle Roche (Limerick)

Mar 2013 Filed under: DPF issues

Expert answer

Hi Michelle,

Although you've not told us the model or engine size in your car, that sounds like a classic case of the engine management switching into 'limp home' mode, which is most often because of a clogged up diesel particulate filter (DPF). If the car will run properly, then take it for a long run at motorway speeds in a lower gear than usual to see if that will clear it out, but it may be that it needs further treatment or even replacement.

If in any doubt, bring the car to a good mechanic so they can plug the car into a diagnostic machine and obtain any error codes that will confirm what the issue is.


How economical is the Toyota RAV4?

How economical is a 2003-2005 Toyota RAV4? I need a family car that is roomy and good for long journeys, but also driving around Dublin for school runs etc.

Helen Macmahon (Dublin)

Feb 2013 Filed under: fuel economy and emissions

Expert answer

Hi Helen,

An old RAV4 will be pretty thirsty, to be honest. Official fuel economy for the 1.8 petrol model, from 2004, was 38mpg, and around town I’d expect it to do not much better than 28mpg. The 2.0 diesel version is only 1mpg better off on the official figures, so don’t expect miracles from one of those either.


Why is my Volvo S40 lacking power?

Can any one tell me what the reasons are for a Low Engine Performance warning when I go to start my Volvo S40 1.6D?

Kevin Anthony (Enniscorthy)

Feb 2013 Filed under: fault

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

That could be caused by a few different things, but the most likely for that 1.6-litre diesel engine are either a clogged diesel particulate filter (DPF) or the failure of the turbocharger. Either way you need to get the car to a good mechanic as soon as you can to have it repaired.


What cheap old car will I get for commuting?

I'm looking for a car for heavy commuting as I have a new job and will be doing 750 miles a week for 9-10 months (two hours each way per day). I have a 2008 Focus but intend keeping this as a second car and I see no point putting massive mileage on it. Instead I hope to pick up an older car and get a year out of it. I am considering a 2001 Mercedes E 220, but I'm a bit concerned about fuel costs. What other car would fit the bill, capable of heavy mileage, comfortable and reasonably economical to run?

Kevin McCarthy (Limerick)

Feb 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

As is so often the case, the best answer here is ‘get a Golf.’ Or possibly a Passat. Or maybe a Volvo S80 1.6d. Any of those, if you can find them with a full service history, would fit the bill rather nicely. The Volvo is a great choice actually — comfy like an armchair, and can go 1,500km on a full tank of diesel. The Golf is probably the best value option — get one cheap, with the old 1.9 'Pump Duse' TDI diesel engine, and it’ll sit on the motorway doing 50mpg all day long, and it’ll be comfy too.


Timing belt or chain for Peugeot 407?

Peugeot 407: timing belt or chain?

Harry JD Tate (Limerick)

Feb 2013 Filed under: servicing

Expert answer

Hi Harry,

All petrol and diesel engines fitted to the Peugeot 407 use timing belts, though the change interval varies between engine and model year.

 


Is the Dacia Duster economical?

Hi,

Do you know if the Dacia Duster has good fuel economy?

Pat OBrien (Cork)

Feb 2013 Filed under: fuel economy and emissions

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

It does. The 1.5-litre dCi diesel model will do an easy 50mpg on average, as long as you don’t drive it like you stole it. The 4x4 version is a little thirstier, maybe more like 40-45mpg.


Looking at getting a diesel Ford Mondeo...

I'm looking at getting a diesel Ford Mondeo, 1.8 or 2.0... For my price range (up to €10-11k) there are plenty available, but should I worry about a car that has 90-110k miles on the clock? Also, what about importing from the UK? Seems you can get a good example there for £6k - with the VRT on top I think it would still work out to be pretty decent.

Greg Williams (Cork)

Feb 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Greg,

Yes, it’s well worth looking at a UK import as you can potentially save money. Mind you, have a shop around local dealers too — many of them have cut their prices to compete with the UK cars, and you can often get better after-sales care if you buy locally. A figure of 90-110k miles isn’t a big deal in and of itself; it all comes down to the service history. If the car has been cared for and has a fully stamped-up service book, then it should be fine.


Which used MPVs are cheap to tax?

I am looking for a decently sized seven-seater that comes in the cheaper tax band; can you please suggest one (that isn't too expensive or new out as I am looking for second hand)?

Natash Murray (Dublin)

Feb 2013 Filed under: taxation

Expert answer

Hi Natash,

Your best bets are the Citroen C4 Grand Picasso, the VW Touran, the Peugeot 5008, or the Kia Carens 1.7 CRDi (the current-shape model). All of those slot into Band A for motor tax, as long as you get the 1.6 or 1.7 diesel models.


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