Can you help with the roof on my Peugeot 306 CC?
Hi, I have a '98 Peugeot 306 CC with a folding electric roof. I'm having a problem when closing the roof. It opens perfectly but when it's closing the back window won't open to let the boot part down: i.e. it isn't completing the closing sequence. Could this be an electrical problem? Can you help?
MIchelle WhittyApr 2011 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Michelle,
With a car of this age it's not surprising that something may have worn out. Without knowing the mechanism of the 306 CC in depth we would never hazard a guess as to where the problem lies. Without doubt your best bet is to bring this into a Peugeot dealer to get their opinion. The service manager may know of a common problem and quick fix so talk to them before committing to any work.
If you have no joy, please come back to us.
Who can sort my Mazda6 problem?
I currently drive a 2006 Mazda6 TD Sport with 260,000km on the clock - I'm a taxi driver so I do big mileage: over 200,000km in two and a half years. Needless to say I've had problems with the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) and had to have it regenerated six or seven times. Now the DPF has run it's course and can no longer be regenerated. The price is very prohibitive to get a new DPF, as it costs about €2,500 before fitting.
I couldn't afford to go for this option so decided to have the DPF removed and get the ECU remapped. This has worked to a certain extent, economy has improved and power has been increased. Only problem is that the DPF light is still flashing and engine management light is on.
Would you be able to recomend somebody who can sort this problem for me?
Ronan Laverty (Bettystown )Mar 2011 Filed under: taxi
Expert answer
Hi Ronan,
We asked Ciaran Lowe, a former service manager for Nissan Ireland, to answer this one. He told us. "I can understand your reasoning for removing the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) because of the excessive cost of replacement. However, the DPF on diesel vehicles plays an important roll in reducing vehicle emissions. In fact these filters can reduce diesel soot emissions by up to 80 percent, so by removing the DPF it is interfering with the emissions on your vehicle. By re-mapping the ECU it is only tricking the engine management system to see emissions within spec regarding the DPF system. However even with the ECM re-mapped the vehicle will still fail any future emissions tests. The fact your light is on indicates the system has identified out of range emissions."
I'm afraid the best solution all-round is to seek a used DPF filter.
We've talked to a few people in the industry and short of messing with the actual lights in the dashboard there is no way around this. We can't recommend this route, but it could be done by any auto electrician.
Do Renault Méganes have electronic issues?
Do Renault Méganes have a reputation for electronic problems?
I'm seeing a lot of complaints online about electric window problems and dashboard displays failing and they seem pretty expensive to repair if out of warranty. Has Renault said anything about these being faults? I know there was something in the UK about the dashboard problems. Would be good to know where I stand. I had a problem previously with one window on my old Mégane, but my mechanic repaired free of charge.
Sharon Newmn (Bettystown )Feb 2011 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Sharon,
Earlier Renault Méganes were not without their problems, but the latest ones have improved a lot. If you could let us know what year your Mégane is we can investigate your problem with Renault and see what they say.
Let us know.
Why is my Skoda Octavia losing power?
Hi, my '05 Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDI is giving trouble lately. It loses power and even cuts out, but starts up again. I heard they have a wiring loom problem. Could this be the problem?
Danny Duggan (Cork)Feb 2011 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Danny,
We've spoken to a few experiences mechanics and they've not come across this problem, all saying that the 1.9 TDI engine in general is very reliable. It does sound like an electrical problem though, so the easiest way to trace its cause is to bring it to a mechanic that has a proper diagnostic system. It should pinpoint the issue. It may be just a sensor or loose wire or something.
Here's hoping!
Peugeot 407, VW Passat or Mazda6?
Hi lads,
Any thoughts on the Peugeot 407 1.6-litre diesel? Seems to be great value. Looking at that or either a 2007 Volkswagen Passat or Mazda6.
I have heard mixed reports on all at this stage. Budget is tight so swaying to the 407 as seems to be a lot of spec etc.
Thanks,
Mick
Michael Mulvey (Ashbourne)Jul 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
Having contacted you by e-mail since we have a better idea of your budget and we know that you are trading in a 2006 Opel Vectra 1.6-litre petrol with 40k on the clock. You could get offered around €7,500 for your Vectra (depending on condition) and add your budget of €6,000 to this, so you'll have €13,500 or so to spend.
Of the cars that you mentioned the Peugeot 407 will no doubt offer the best value for money, quite easily in fact, with something like this 2007 model likely to end up within your budget. The 407 diesel is great for economy. The quality isn't bad either. You might get the odd electrical fault, but by and large these cars are capable of quite high mileage. I'd be more inclined to spend a little less if I was buying one.
The other cars you mentioned are the VW Passat and Mazda6. There are lots of Passats about so this means that there is lots of choice and the prices are pretty competitive too. A diesel one would put up with high mileage pretty well, like this example, which would be a nice car, feeling more upmarket than the Peugeot. They aren't without their faults though and the Passat has had issues with the handbrake and some other items.
Lastly is the Mazda6, which is a grossly under rated car and you could have a fully loaded 2.0-litre diesel version with low mileage and loaded with kit for €13,950. Of all these I would probably buy the Mazda, as it should be ultra reliable and there aren't too many reported faults with it.
I hope this helps, if there are any other questions then do come back to us.
What's the Mercedes-Benz Viano like?
Can you tell me anything about the reliability and safety of the Mercedes-Benz Viano? NCAP results are from a test on the 2008 model and we are looking at an 06 or 07. Also I've read about recalls on the Viano so wondering if they are likely to cause trouble or what should be check before buying. Thanks very much!
Leah Donnelly (Dublin)Jul 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Leah,
We're awaiting confirmation from Mercedes-Benz, but we believe that there are few differences between the 2006 and the 2008 Viano tested by the Euro NCAP.
With regards to recalls, it's not unusual for a car to be recalled by any means. What's important is that you check with Mercedes-Benz that the Viano you are interested in has had all relevant recall work carried out already. Here is a list of the recalls for the Viano for your information:
2004:
- Mounting issue for the foot-operated parking brake.
- Engine software problem leading to reduced engine speeds.
2005:
- Brake pedal and master cylinder securing clip.
2006:
- Potential fuel leak.
- Electrical short circuit issue.
- Airbag faults.
2007:
- Fuel leak issues again.
2008:
- More issues with fuel leaks.
- Brake master cylinder replacement.
- Electronics fault.
2009:
- Side airbag issue.
- Parking brake issue.
Please remember that not all Vianos sold in Ireland will be affected by all recalls. Best thing to do is to check the registration of the car you are interested in with Mercedes-Benz.
Let us know if we can be of more help.
What problems to look for on 2006 Mercedes E 200K?
What should I watch out in a 2006 Mercedes-Benz E 200K with 77,000 miles on the clock for €16,950? The car has just one owner, has a full NCT and come with full service history.
Marc Sutton (Dublin)Jun 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Marc,
In general this car sounds like a decent, safe buy, especially as it has the reassurance of a full service history and a new NCT. Mercedes instigated a model update in 2006 so it would be interesting to know if your car is the last of the first generation of the first of the second. The updated cars are better all-round and feature more safety equipment as standard.
The early cars are known to have had a few electrical issues, with recalls in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008. None were major problems, but it's worth checking this car's details with Mercedes to find out if it was affected and if the repairs were done.
Other than that, the E-Class is mechanically robust, so just take the time to try every electrical switch and device for yourself.
Hope that helps
Is a 2007 Fiat Croma a good buy?
My partner and I have arrived back in Ireland. She will be based here for at least the next 12 months and needs a car that can carry four people in comfort over most of the island fairly regularly. It must also be something of a load-carrier as she will need to move items of bulk rather than weight fairly regularly. A local dealer in Kilkenny has an '07 Fiat Croma 1.8-litre manual at a good price and just 25,000km. It's big enough, safe enough and powerful enough, but we know nothing about this model.
Is it a good buy?
Henry Gibson (Oyster Cove, NY And Callan,, KK.)Jun 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Henry,
It's not often we get asked about the second-generation Fiat Croma. It didn't sell all that well as buyers didn't really know whether it was an MPV or an estate. However, it sounds like it could be an ideal candidate for your partner's needs.
The Croma majors on space, practicality, comfort, safety and equipment. The version you found has very few kilometres on the clock, which is always a bonus. Make sure you check that every switch and control is working though, as Croma owners have reported niggling electrical faults.
Our other piece of advice, if you like the Croma, is to look for a diesel version. The MultiJet diesel engines are strong and economical so would be better than the 1.8-litre petrol version over long distances. That said, the petrol engine is quieter.
Hope that helps.
Do older Renault Scenics have electrical problems?
I am thinking of buying a second-hand Renault Scenic, but I've heard the horror stories about window motors, coils and electrics. Did Renault sort out these problems? If so what year was that?
Thanks
Damian Lawless (Dublin)May 2010 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Damian,
The Scenic's problems are well documented. We're not aware of a good set of data from Irish buyers, but in the UK, the Driver Power Survey 2010 revealed that 20 percent of Scenic owners reported electrical problems and the car scored particularly poorly in terms of reliability and build quality.
It also depends on what model you are talking about. Look out for the following:
1999 - 2003 model: leaky sunroofs, broken wiper motors, automatic gearbox problems and oil leaks.
2003 - 2009 model: ignition coil, auxiliary belt tensioner, timing belt, alternator, fuel filter, crankshaft sensor, oil leaks, idler pulley, water pump, thermostat, catalytic converter, door seal and sunroof leaks, problems with the key card and battery faults.
We're not saying that every version will have all or any of those problems, but these have been reported by previous owners.
Mazda6 or Passat to replace my Vectra?
I am looking closely at buying a 2008 Mazda6, but I am not sure whether to go for diesel or petrol. The petrol is 1.8 and I am wondering how thirsty it would be. I do approx 12,000 miles per year on mainly good roads. Was looking at putting about €10,000 with my own car. I have a 2006 Opel Vectra with 38,000 miles on it. It is a 1.6-litre petrol.
Was also looking at a 2007 Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI, but heard a lot of mixed reports. Looking for something comfortable and reliable mainly.
Michael Mulvey (Ashbourne)May 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
We found an identical car to yours with the same mileage for sale for €8,950. You probably won't get offered that much as a trade in, but you could have an overall budget of about €17,000.
In terms of the Mazda6, that is a really good car and there weren't too many of the diesel models sold initially. The petrol models sold in higher numbers initially because they were cheaper than the diesel ones at the time.
You would pay about €16,950 for a 1.8-litre petrol model like the one we found here at a SIMI dealer.
Here is another excellent one in Cork, for €16,900.
Diesel models cost quite a bit more, with a 2008 model at a SIMI dealer costing closer to €20,000.
For the mileage you do, you could get away with a petrol model without totally breaking the bank and you certainly won't save in fuel costs by spending the extra on the diesel model. Granted, road tax will be higher on the petrol.
You could probably get into a 2008 Passat BlueMotion with your budget and that too would be a good car. Yes, I've heard of some occasional issues with the latest Passat, such as a problem with the power steering and with the electric parking brake, but they have been pretty well dealt with by Volkswagen.