What should I look for on Opel Frontera?
Opel/Vauxhall Frontera 2.2 diesel: I'm buying secondhand. What things should I look out for?
Danny Murphy (Blessington)Feb 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Danny,
While the Frontera is cheap to buy and not bad off-road, it really is not a 4x4 we'd recommend due to its lack of quality and poor reliability record. The weak points are the engines and electrics. If it has not been serviced then best to walk away. The steering and suspension systems have also had problems and the Frontera is prone to rust.
Sorry not to have better news!
How good is the Mercedes 190 diesel?
How good is the Mercedes 190 diesel?
William Lawlor (Wexford)Feb 2013 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi William,
Do you mean the old Mercedes 190E? The old, very square, saloon produced up to the mid-nineties? Well, they were great at the time, and come from an age when Mercs really were built like tanks, but at that age you’ll be looking at potential problems all over the car, from rust to engine issues. If you can find one that’s been really well cared for, and you look after it yourself, then it could potentially run happily for a good while yet. Get a bad one, though, and it’ll be no end of expensive trouble.
Any known problems in the 2007 Peugeot 308?
Do you know of any problems with the 2007 Peugeot 308 1.6 diesel?
John Ryan (Cork)Feb 2013 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi John,
In general the Peugeot 308 is proving quite reliable - especially the 1.6-litre HDi diesel engine. The 308 suffers the occassional electrical glitch so check that all switches and systems are working as you'd expect. Make sure that the particulate filter light comes on when you turn no the ignition, but goes out again when or soon after you start the engine.
Other than that, there were a few recalls affecting the early examples (as the 2007 one is) so run the chassis number by your local Peugeot dealer to ensure the car has had all the recall work done.
Let us know how you get on.
Which premium compact used estate?
Which diesel estate from the mid-'00's - Volkswagen Golf (Comfortline), Volvo V50 SE, or Audi A4 - is the most reliable and easiest/cheapest to get parts for/maintain?
Thanks!
Peter Wilson (Meath)Feb 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
If reliability and part prices are key, I’d go with the Golf. They’re pretty well built, solidly reliable and not too expensive to service. Nothing much wrong with either the Volvo or the Audi, but you will pay a servicing and parts premium for having the posher badges.
Is a high-mileage Skoda Octavia ok?
Would a 2005 Skoda Octavia diesel with 290,000km on the clock still be a good buy? The car is in excellent condition body-wise and has had the timing belt changed twice as well as the clutch and turbo done. It drives very well and I am told they are very economical. If it is looked after will it do up to 500K kilometres or more?
Mark O'Sullivan (Dublin)Feb 2013 Filed under: mileage
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
I would imagine so. That’s pretty big mileage right enough, although not so bad on an annualised basis (22,00km a year, roughly), but as long as the service history is chock full of stamps and receipts, and you keep up that level of servicing, then I’d say 500k kilometres is pretty easily on the cards.
How much is the VRT on a 2008 Honda Accord?
How much is the VRT on a 2008 Honda Accord 2.2 diesel emitting 137g/km with 70,000 miles (113,000 kilometres) on a 58 plate? And why don't Revenue list them on the web site for VRT quote?
Thanks
Derek Wall (Clonmel)Feb 2013 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Derek,
Revenue's online VRT calculator is very poor and tricky to use at the best of times. There seem to be loads of different 2.2-litre diesel Accords if it's to be believed and some of the calculations are nonsense, putting the car in the top 36% VRT band instead of the 19% band, where it should be. The best way to clarify the situation is to contact Revenue direct.
However, you can do some calculation of your own. Based on asking prices of similar cars on sale in Ireland, the maximum OMSP (Open Market Selling Price) of this car now is say €20,000. That means a maximum VRT bill of €3,800 (19%).
In reality Revenue should value this car much lower, bringing the bill down considerably.
Let us know if we can help any further.
Are the Opel Zafira diesel good or bad?
Are the Opel Zafira diesel good or bad?
Eric Graham (Dublin)Feb 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Eric,
Thoughts on the Nissan Qashqai 1.5 diesel?
How reliable are the Nissan Qashqai? I am thinking of buying a 1.5 diesel... are they economical?
Colette Fitzpatrick (Wexford, Ireland)Feb 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Colette,
Keep an eye out for turbo issues on the 1.5 diesel, and listen very carefully for any knocking coming from the suspension. Some of the interior fittings can be a bit fragile too. Other than that, they’re pretty solid, as long as you buy with a full service history. Oh and, yes, they’re economical — you should easily get 45-50mpg in daily driving.
Much difference between BMW 318i and 320i?
Hi,
I have €15-17k and want to buy a BMW, either 318 or 320. Is there much of a difference between the two? Or has either had more problems? Hoping to get a 2009.
Vinnie Mc (Dublin)Feb 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Vinnie,
If we’re talking about petrol 318i and 320i then there’s not an enormous difference — it’s the same 2.0-litre petrol engine, with either 130hp or 150hp on offer. Obviously the 320i’s a bit quicker, but not by all that much, and the 318i is economical if you drive it gently. Reliability is decent, and you don’t have to worry about he timing chain issues that afflicted diesel models, but at that age make absolutely sure that you’re buying a car with full service history.
Should I go for an automatic Volvo S40?
I'm looking at a Volvo S40, automatic. Are there any disadvantages of an automatic over a manual? Are there any reports about Volvo S40 gearboxes?
Nabeel Alhamdy (Dublin)Feb 2013 Filed under: automatic
Expert answer
Hi Nabeel,
No, the S40 gearboxes were all pretty solid, both manual and automatic. If an S40 is going to develop problems, it’s usually with the turbo on the 1.6 diesel engine, or with the central locking or ignition system. There is a bit of a disadvantage in terms of fuel economy with buying an auto S40, but it’s not a huge gap, depending on how you drive.