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Showing 901 - 910 results (out of a total of 1473) found for "diesel" in Ask Us Anything

Is the Renault Mégane 1.5 dCi any good?

I am looking at buying a Renault Mégane Monaco 1.5 diesel. Are these good cars? Are they reliable? Would they be cheap on diesel?

Bobby Nugent (Wexford)

Feb 2014 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Bobby,

Well, it's a lot better than the old Mégane, but then that's not saying much... It should be fine, actually. That 1.5 dCi diesel is a solid engine, and Nissan uses it too so it can't be bad, right? Keep an eye on all electrical systems though as these seem to be a perennial Renault weak point and carefully check the rather cheap-feeling cabin for signs of excess wear and tear.


What's the 1.7-litre Opel Astra CDTi like?

I'm thinking of buying a 2010 Opel Astra 1.7 diesel. What do you think of these cars? Have you driven them? Are they reliable? What sort of trouble do they give?

David Ryan (Clondalkin)

Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi David,

A well-made car the Astra, and quite sweet to drive. Just watch for leaky boot seals letting water in (a fault the Astra shares with the Insignia) and dodgy cruise control that disengages without warning. That 1.7 diesel is economical enough but it's dog rough on the ears and has a habit of stalling when you go to pull out of a junction. Have a try of the 1.3 diesel before you buy - it's a slightly sweeter unit.


This Suzuki Vitara XL7 looks great. What should I look out for?

I have seen an impeccable 2005 Suzuki Vitara 2.0 XL7 Diesel - a seven-seater. It has one owner, 80,000 genuine miles, and it's bronze in colour. Full service history, five new tyres, new timing chain and NCT until Feb 2015. Asking price €7,500. Is there anything I should look out for before making an offer?

Michael Leyden (ENNIS)

Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

Should be fine, but just check all the electrics and buttons on the inside, as one of the few weak areas on the Vitara is in its wiring. Also make sure that a recall to have the front suspension attended to has been done, and check the service book - Vitaras have rather short 10,000km service intervals so one or two may have been skipped. Other than that, it should be a good 'un.


Should I go for petrol or diesel new Nissan Qashqai?

Hi, for a person that does around 10,000 kilometres a year, would you recommend the 1.2 petrol Nissan Qashqai over the 1.5 diesel?

Regards Jim (Limerick)

Jim Cotter (Limerick)

Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Jim,

I'd say you're just on the cusp of switching from petrol to diesel, but the 1.2 turbo petrol Qashqai is an excellent car, and on paper you should be able to get good enough economy out of it to not need to pay the extra for the 1.5 dCi diesel. Maybe ask your Nissan dealer if you can take one for a 48-hour test, to see exactly how good the economy is on your usual driving routes.

Let us know how you get on


How would you rate the Nissan Juke?

How would you rate the Nissan Juke?

John Brea (Limerick)

Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi John,

Not bad, but a car that's somewhat feeling its age now. Hardly surprising, as it's due for a mid-life facelift - something that was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show this week. The 1.5 dCi diesel engine is decent, but the petrol version somewhat less so and the least said about the Nismo version the better. Quality is excellent and it rides and drives well, but I'd either wait for the new one, or save up and get a more capable Qashqai.


Renault Mégane or Ford Focus C-Max?

Which is the better family car, a 2004 Renault Mégane with a 1.4 engine or the 2004 Ford Focus C-Max with a 1.6 engine? The dealer also has a 2003 Mégane diesel. Which is safer and which is the most economical?

Catherine Daly (Kilkenny)

Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Catherine,

Go for the Ford C-Max. They're ruggedly reliable and good to drive. Méganes of that era are best avoided.


What should I look out for on 2010 Volvo S80?

What should I look out for in a 2010 Volvo S80 1.6 diesel with 80,000 miles on the clock? Is it a reliable car? Are there problems to look out for at that sort of mileage and would they be expensive to fix?

Thank you

Patrick O Reilly (Dublin)

Feb 2014 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

Volvo tends to build its cars pretty tough and the S80 is no different. Make sure that the timing belt (and its tensioners and pulleys) have been attended to at service time and that all of the electrics are working properly - apparently the S80 has a habit of warning of electrical failures when the components are actually fine.


Should my wife trade in her Passat for a diesel version?

Should my wife trade in her 2008 Volkswagen Passat 1.4 TSI petrol for a more economical diesel car? My wife loves her Highline Passat, with 130,000km on the clock, but is wondering should she get something newer with similar spec (she's fond of the heated leather seats!). She uses it for work all around the county and also school runs etc for two young kids. What do you recommend?

Thanks

K C (Cork)

Feb 2014 Filed under: fuel economy and emissions

Expert answer

Hi Keith,

It really just depends on two things; her driving style and habits and what kind of condition the car is in. If it's in good nick, her average mileage is quite low and she's able to maximise the economy from that engine, you may just be better off spending a little bit of money getting the car thoroughly serviced and spruced up and sticking with it. If though her mileage is creeping up or you feel that the car is starting to age then it could well be worth trading in for a newer Passat. The current model is essentially the same car, but updated and re-skinned and the 1.6 TDI diesel gives it terrific economy.


What's insurance like on the Volvo S40?

What is the insurance band for Volvo's S40 DRIVe 1.6 diesel Lux model?

Terry Duggan (Porth)

Feb 2014 Filed under: insurance

Expert answer

Hi Terry,

We don't actually have insurance groups for cars in Ireland; it's down to the driver and their experience and claims history when it comes to setting the price. If it helps, that model varies from Group 18 to Group 21 in the UK depending on whether it has the 109- or 115hp version of the 1.6-litre diesel engine.


What will I get for my Ford Fiesta?

Hi,  I have a 2003 Ford Fiesta (1.3 petrol) and I am thinking of selling it as I will be on the road more so looking for a diesel. The clutch, brake pads and discs have all been done in the last two months and there is only 75,000 miles on the clock. Any ideas on what I may get for it?

Pamela Mc Weeney (Dublin)

Feb 2014 Filed under: used car values

Expert answer

Hi Pamela,

I'd say you'd get between €1,750 and €2,500 for it as a trade-in. Perhaps a little more, considering that it has quite low mileage for an 11-year-old-car.


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