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.
When to replace the Santa Fe's timing belt?
I have just taken on a 2.2 Hyundai Santa Fe with over 99,000 on the clock; when do I need to replace the timing belt?
George Penman (George)Apr 2019 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi George,
The 2012-2018 Santa Fe 2.2 used a timing chain. The model before that used a timing belt in its 2.2-litre diesel engine and the change intervals for it are 160,000 kilometres (100,000 miles) or 10 years - whichever comes first. If your car's belt has never been done then you really should look at getting it done as soon as you can.
What's up with my Peugeot 5008?
Hi.
Could you please help on this? My Peugeot 5008 1.6's stop-start function is stopping the engine when stationary, but it would not start when I release the brake pedal. It gives sound of like the engine has jammed (goon goon goon). Then the ECO mode automatically gets deactivated and when I start the car manually, it starts perfectly.
Thank you.
Mirza IsmaiL (Manchester)Apr 2019 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Mirza,
That's a really unusual one and you're best getting the car along to a good garage to have it inspected. There's a known issue with the original Peugeot 5008 1.6 diesel where the earth connection to the starter fails causing all kinds of random engine and starting issues, so this could be related, but either way you'll need a mechanic to fix it.
Best of luck
Motor tax for imported Defender Utility?
Hello,
I have a Land Rover Defender 110 Utility, which is classed as a commercial vehicle in the UK with road tax of £240 a year. I use it for personal use and want to bring it home to Ireland. I've owned it for more than six months. It's in Band G for CO2 emissions so I'm horrified to see the motor tax in Ireland for it is €2,350. But, your article says if it's commercial and personal use it's a different scale. It has a 2.2-litre diesel engine. Do you know how much the tax is?
Ta
Richie
Richie Cahill (Manchester)Apr 2019 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Richie,
Yes, thanks to an odd quirk in our tax system, if you’re taxing a commercial vehicle for personal use (and a 110 Utility counts as one), then you revert to the old tax system, based on engine capacity, so with a 2.2-litre engine you’re looking at €951 a year. Pretty steep all the same, but a bit better than €2,350…
Should this Qashqai's belt be changed?
Hi all,
I am close to buying a 2012 Nissan Qashqai+2 Tekna model with 89,000 miles on the clock. When I asked the garage about the timing belt and water pump, they said it was too early, that it's usually done at 120,000 miles; is this true? I am worried because it's a lot of money to spend to be screwed over...
Timothy O'Sullivan (Killarney )Mar 2019 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Timothy,
The timing belt on the 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine (and hence the water pump) should be changed every 150,000 kilometres or six years - whichever comes first. If the belt on that car has never been changed, it really should be as soon as possible.
All other engines in that car use timing chains, incidentally.
Big stop-start issues with Toyota Verso-S...
My automatic 2013 Toyota Verso-S (28,000km on the clock) has suddenly started to cut out the engine altogether (engine chokes and I need to turn the key in the ignition in order to re-start the engine). This happens often after I make a turn, stop at a traffic light and also when I park and remove my foot from the brake pedal. It also sometimes occurs after I have stopped and then start driving again. Toyota reprogrammed my two ignition keys and replaced software to no avail. I could press "A" button, but want this fixed, for when I eventually sell my car.
Please advise!
Razanne Heggem (MOLDE)Mar 2019 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Razanne,
If this is the diesel version, it's possible that the issue has nothing to do with the stop-start system at all, as its engine is known to develop problems with the fuel injectors that could lead to poor running and stalling.
Otherwise, all we can suggest is that you read our Why won't my car's stop-start system work? feature to see if anything helps - and persevere with your mechanic to get to the bottom of the issue. An auto-electrician might be worth visiting, too.
Will there be a new BMW X5 '25d'?
Hi,
Do you know if BMW will introduce a 25d version of the new X5? The last generation had one and it was usefully cheaper than the 30d version.
Thanks
Bill O Donnell (Cork)Mar 2019 Filed under: future engines
Expert answer
Hi Bill,
We've had to change our original answer as BMW has now revealed an X5 xDrive25d version after all, powered by a twin-turbo diesel 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. It thankfully retains four-wheel drive, but should help reduce the entry cost for the X5.
Private motor tax on a Ford Tourneo?
How much to tax a Ford Tourneo nine-seater privately?
KEVIN MCGUIRE (TULLAMORE)Mar 2019 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Kevin,
The Tourneo uses a 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine so taxing it as a private vehicle means using the old engine capacity tax system, which means €710 a year.