Chain or belt in this Opel Insignia?
Does a 161 Opel Insignia 1.6 diesel have a timing belt or chain? And if a belt, what interval should it be changed at?
Jason Shanley (Dublin )Jun 2019 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Jason,
That engine uses a timing chain.
Which exec EV to replace my Jaguar with?
I plan on replacing a Jaguar XF diesel next year and would like to move to a “greener” alternative. Are you aware of any PHEVs or pure electric cars that are expected this year in the executive category apart from BMW 530e and Mercedes E 350 de? I would like to go all electric but prices seem very high at the moment. I drive about 40,000km per annum so hybrid diesel or pure electric with good range look to me like the best options. The only executive EVs all seem to be around the €90k mark, which is too high for me.
Joe Peterson (Wicklow)Jun 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
With that annual mileage, I honestly don't think you, nor the charging network, are ready for a pure EV, at any price. The longest range version of the Tesla Model 3 gets closest to your needs, but is a good deal smaller than your Jaguar.
For now, I'd suggest that, if you're adamant that you don't want a pure diesel, then a hybrid is indeed your best option. Another to consider alongside the two you've mentioned is the Lexus ES. Nonetheless, with your mileage, I'd expect the diesel-electric hybrid Mercedes to be the best all-rounder - and the E-Class is a lovely car anyway.
How often to service a Ford Focus diesel?
How often do you service a Ford Focus saloon 1.6 diesel?
Joseph Kent (Tipperary )Jun 2019 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Joseph,
You've not told us the year, so, taking the 2014-2015 model as an example, it's every 20,000km or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Looking for a new estate car...
Hi,
I am looking for a new estate car and would like to hear your opinion. I have been driving an Octavia Combi (1.6-litre TDI diesel, Ambition) for the past six years. I do approx. 25,000km per year, not many of those on the motorway. I really like the Skoda but would prefer something with a little more power and spec. I am thinking a 2.0-litre diesel in a high spec and have my eye on a one-to -two-year-old Superb or Passat. Any advice when choosing between those two? Also, I see if I go maybe one year older I could get an Audi A4 Avant. Would the A4 be a better option for comfort/spec over the other two?
Interested to hear your opinion.
Thanks.
M Lowe (Carrick On Shannon)May 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi there,
The A4 would be a little better in terms of comfort, but not in terms of space or practicality, and to be honest the benefits are pretty marginal. Either the Passat or the Superb make fantastic estate cars. The Superb has an edge on luggage capacity (around 60 litres extra), but the Passat is a little sharper to drive, and has arguably a nicer interior. A marginal decision then, but we’d probably go for the Superb on balance. Or, just to throw a spanner in the works, have a look at the excellent Mazda6 Tourer before deciding…
A few reviews to help you decide:
How much VRT on used Ford Mondeo?
Hi,
I was wondering if you could tell me how much VRT will I pay on a Ford Mondeo that is 10 months old? It's up for £17,000.
Thank you.
Mark Stafford (Dublin)May 2019 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
It will depend on the specific model, but assuming that it’s a Titanium-spec with the 150hp 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine, you’ll be looking at around €4,500 to €5,000 in VRT.
Value of a diesel Ford Fusion?
What value for a Ford Fusion 1.4 diesel with 87,000km on the clock?
Stephen Smith (Orihuela 03319)May 2019 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Stephen,
It will hugely depend on the condition and service history, but in general even the best Fusion will struggle to be worth more than €2,000 to €2,500 these days.
Will the new Mercedes CLA get more power?
Hi guys,
Re the new Mercedes CLA, will Mercedes be bringing the higher powered diesel models to the market? Currently it looks like the only offering is the 1.5-litre 116hp model.
Colin H (Kildare)May 2019 Filed under: future engines
Expert answer
Hi Colin,
Yup, Mercedes will be bringing the CLA 220 and CLA 250 diesel models, with their 2.0-litre engines, to the market in due course, but the CLA is launching initially in Ireland with the lower-power petrol and diesel versions. The rest will follow over the next few months.
When to replace Opel Signum's timing chain?
Hey.
How often should the Opel Signum 2.2 diesel 120hp's timing chain be replaced?
Jonathan Simson (Hiiu)May 2019 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Jonathan,
Timing chains are designed for the life of the engine, so they do not come with a scheduled change interval. Make sure the oil changes are regular to keep the chain in good condition.
How much tax on a Ford Connect, privately?
My nephew wants to buy a 2007 Ford Connect 1800 diesel for work and pleasure; how much road tax would he pay per year?
Alan Young (Dublin)May 2019 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Alan,
Because, for some bizarre reason, when you tax a commercial vehicle as a private one (which your nephew will have to do if he wants to use his van for both work and private use) you go back to the old engine capacity taxation system. With an 1,800cc engine, that means you’ll pay €636 in motor tax every year.
What will I replace my VW Golf R with?
I recently had my 182 VW Golf R stolen. They broke into my home to take the keys, which terrified us all, most especially my kids. Now I need to buy a replacement car. I have no clue what to buy due to the rapidly changing pace of cars from diesel to electric and I cannot hold out until the autumn for the launch of newer cars. What I would like is something no smaller than a Golf, up to any size. It cannot be a flashy car or a targeted car like my Golf R, but not as boring as the typical taxi car either. Believe it or not I would like something as fuel efficient as possible without compromising on build or ride quality. I mainly drive country roads and motorways, with city driving maybe once a week. I find cars like hatchbacks great for getting more stuff in when the seats are down. I would also like the car to keep with the times for the next three years so not diesel.
Hope you can help
Joe Lyons (Dundalk)Apr 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
I think a good bet here, if you want to buy new, is the new Mazda3 2.0 M-Hybrid. It’s only a mild-hybrid, but it’ll be good on fuel, yet it has decently punchy performance and is really enjoyable and engaging to drive. Looks great too, but not as tempting to the criminal fraternity as a Golf R. If you fancy something with a bit more grunt, but still understated styling, how about a Skoda Octavia RS? Quick and agile, and not too shabby when it comes to economy.