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)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.
Is the 1.8-litre diesel engine Mitsubishi's own?
Who manufactures the 1.8-litre diesel engine in Mitsubishi's Lancer and ASX?
Fiona Horsman (Portumna)Feb 2014 Filed under: diesel
Expert answer
Hi Fiona,
Though Mitsubishi has in the past used a Volkswagen Group TDI engine, this 1.8-litre unit is its own in-house creation.
Is it worth changing the engine in my Audi to a diesel one?
Can I change my 2005 petrol 1.8T Audi engine to a diesel?
Dermot Gorman (Dublin)Feb 2014 Filed under: diesel
Expert answer
Hi Dermot,
If you mean actually physically swapping out the engine and plumbing in a diesel then I wouldn't recommend it. Diesel engines are much heavier than their petrol counterparts and most car makers tweak the suspension, brakes and steering to allow for that fact. Putting a diesel lump in where a petrol one was could upset that delicate balance. Also, it's an enormous amount of expense and hassle to do so, when you could just trade in for a similar model with a factory-fit diesel.
What's the road tax on the MINI Clubman?
What's the road tax on the MINI Clubman?
Carmel Obrien (Cork)Feb 2014 Filed under: road tax
Expert answer
Hi Carmel,
There were many versions of the Clubman sold here though we suspect you're talking about one of the diesels. Also, to be clear, these figures are for the 'R55' model, discontinued in 2013.
Diesels:
- MINI One D Clubman (manual): 103g/km - Band A3 - €190 per year
- MINI Cooper D Clubman (auto): 138g/km - Band B2 - €280 per year
- MINI Cooper D Clubman (manual): 103g/km - Band A3 - €190 per year
- MINI Cooper SD Clubman (auto): 141g/km - Band C - €390 per year
- MINI Cooper SD Clubman (manual): 115g/km - Band A4 - €200 per year
Petrols:
- MINI Cooper Clubman (manual): 129g/km - Band B1 - €270 per year
- MINI Cooper Clubman (auto): 152g/km - Band C - €390 per year
- MINI Cooper S Clubman (auto): 150g/km - Band C - €390 per year
- MINI Cooper S Clubman (manual): 137g/km - Band B2 - €280 per year
- MINI John Cooper Works Clubman (manual): 167g/km - Band D - €570 per year
- MINI One Clubman (auto): 152g/km - Band C - €390 per year
- MINI One Clubman (manual): 129g/km - Band B1 - €270 per year
How much is the Corolla Verso 2.2 to tax?
How much is road tax for Toyota Corolla Verso 2.2 diesel?
Mag Lenihan (Limerick)Feb 2014 Filed under: road tax
Expert answer
Hi Mag,
If it's newer than 2008 then that car's tax is based on its emissions. It's it Band C, at €390 per year. If it's older than that and based on engine size then the annual tax is €951.
Tell me all about the Volkswagen Eos
Hi,
Tell me about the 2008 Volkswagen Eos. Anything to look out for? And what's the best engine to go for?
Thank you
Ruairi Mc Carthy (Mullagh Co Cavan)Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Ruairi,
As with any folding hard top cabrio the first and most important thing is to check the roof carefully for any problems, leaks, wear and tear. They can be fragile so you want to make sure that everything's working right.
Secondly, all that roof stuff is heavy (which is why the Eos is so clumsy to drive) so you need to be checking for excessive wear and tear on suspension, tyres, steering etc.
As for engine, there's no point in going for the 2.0 turbo engine from the Golf GTI as the Eos's porky weight kills the performance. Better to just accept you'll be slow and go for the 1.4 TSI or 2.0 TDI diesel instead.
Let us know how you get on