Are there 'DIY garages' in Dublin?
Are there any "DIY Garages" in Dublin that you can rent by the hour to service your own car ?
John Sullivan (Dublin)Dec 2015 Filed under: servicing
Which new Peugeot 5008 diesel to go for?
Hi,
I was hoping to buy either a 2016 Peugeot 5008 1.6 BlueHDi 120 or a 2.0 BlueHDi 150; both are very similar: which one would you recommend in terms of performance, economy and reliability?
Thanks, Gary
Garret Hearns (Laois)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Gary,
Go for the 1.6. It has plenty of poke (270Nm of torque) and can be coaxed up to near enough 60mpg if you're careful. There are some reliability issues (water pump and turbo among them), but if it comes with a full service history and you keep it looked after (and crucially keep giving it high quality oil at service time) then it should be fine.
When do I change my Ford Focus timing belt?
When do I need to change the timing belt on my 2010 Ford Focus 2.0 Zetec petrol?
David Chapman (Sydney)Nov 2015 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi David,
Our data tells us that your car should have a timing chain, not a belt, with no scheduled maintenance. If in doubt, ring up your local Ford dealer service department with the registration number and they can confirm for sure.
Advice needed on Hyundai Santa Fe...
Advice needed on Hyundai Santa Fe. I'm currently changing my Audi A4 and trying to make a decision between the Hyundai Santa Fe (131 reg) and a BMW 520d (12 reg). It's going to be the family car and I currently drive approx 25k a year. So looking for something that running costs (i.e diesel costs) are at their minimum. In your opinion what would be the better choice?
Pamela Griffin (Fethard)Expert answer
Hi Pamela,
Unless you actually need the seven-seat layout of the Hyundai, I'd go for the BMW. It'll be much more affordable to run in terms of fuel costs (close to 60mpg versus more like 45mpg in the Hyundai) and cheaper to tax too. The only concern might be that the Hyundai would be more reliable than the BMW, pound for pound. If you're buying the Beemer with a full service history and a warranty though there shouldn't be any problems.
Can you advise me on replacing my Passat?
Hi,
I am selling a 2008 Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI with 209,000km on the clock and a full service history. What should I get for it? Also, would you buy a 2012/2013 Passat with the ongoing emissions issue or a Mondeo or any other suggestions?
Martin Stokes (Arklow)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
I'd say you should advertise it for around €6,000 all things being equal. As for the diesel controversy, it's a bit hard to say - there's nothing at all wrong and an awful lot right with the 2012 Passat - it's a cracking car, it's just that you need to bear in mind that the overall engine performance may well be altered when Volkswagen begins its recall in January. If that's putting you off, then a Mondeo is definitely well worth looking at, but also take a gander at a Mazda6, Opel Insignia or Hyundai i40.
I am looking at a 2007 Volkswagen Passat...
I am looking at buying a 2007 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI Sport. It has 103,000 miles on the clock and has been well looked after. Are there any known issues with this car? Is it worth the £4,000 price tag?
Mark Smith (Arklow)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
Well worth it, but check to make sure the engine is in good health. The injectors can develop problems if the car hasn't been looked after properly, so check to see that it has a full service history and be wary if the engine's power delivery seems flat or inconsistent.
Should I worry about buying a 2007 Vollkswagen Golf?
Should I be worried about buying a 2007 Vollkswagen Golf 1.4 with 100,000 miles on it? The 1.4 petrols I believe are prone to trouble once they hit six figures.
Stephen Sheehan (Dublin)Nov 2015 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Stephen,
It depends. If it's the old non-turbo 1.4 75hp engine, then there shouldn't be any problems. It's a solid old lump, and as long as it's been kept serviced, it should be fine. If it's the more recent 1.4 TSI turbo or turbo + supercharger, then be a little more cautious - they're more complicated engines and I'd insist on the car having a full and complete Volkswagen dealer service history before buying.
Ford Mondeo 1.6 TDCi: belt change interval?
When does my timing belt need changing? I have a 2012 Ford Mondeo 1.6 TDCi Edge. Ford recommend 125,000 miles, but I see another question answered for a Titanium model at 140,000km.
Niall Reynlds (Ennis)Nov 2015 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Niall,
Our information is indeed 140,000km or every 10 years (whichever comes first) for the 2012 Mondeo 1.6 TDCi. It doesn't matter what the trim level is. Call up your local Ford dealer service department with your registration number for clarification.
I am looking at a 2010 Ford Focus Estate...
I am looking at a 2010 Ford Focus Estate 1.6 diesel; it has a full Ford service history but has 130,000 miles on the clock. What is a good price for this car and would I get much longer out of the engine? Am I mad thinking about a car with such high mileage?
Conal Mc Donald (Dublin)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Conal,
You should be paying somewhere in the region of €8,500 for that one and I wouldn't worry about the mileage - as long as the service history is genuine, and as long as you stick to the servicing schedule yourself and always insist on proper, high-quality oil for that 1.6-litre diesel engine, you should be fine.
Is a high-mileage Ford Focus Estate ok?
I'm looking at a 2010 Ford Focus Estate 1.6 diesel with around 130,000 miles on the the clock. How much more do you think I'll get out of the engine? Am I mad buying a car with such high mileage?
Conal Mc Donald (Finglas/B)Nov 2015 Filed under: mileage
Expert answer
Hi Conal,
It should be fine - that kind of mileage is no problem if the car has been properly looked after and the full service history would seem to suggest this. Just check and see what oil has been used at service time. That 1.6 diesel needs the correct oil to avoid issues.