What servicing does this Skoda Superb need?
What are the service cost of a Skoda Superb 1.6 TDI Elegance (1.6 TDI CR DPF 77kW GreenLine)? I am interested in buying a 2012 model with 100,000 miles on the clock. What maintenance will or should having been carried out on the car? E.g. timing belt, etc?
Denis O'Gorman (Galway)Jan 2016 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Denis,
We asked Skoda Ireland for help with this one and here was the response:
"Going on the assumption that we are talking 100,000 miles (160,000km) it would be due a timing belt based on our four-year recommendation. A brake fluid change and a pollen filter would also be due. Everything else would be checked and assessed for replacement during the vehicle's annual maintenance service."
How much is a 2008 Skoda Octavia worth?
2008 Skoda Octavia 1.9 diesel, registered after June: how much?
John Finnan (Tipperary)Dec 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi John,
I'd say in and around €7,900 as long as it comes with a full service history.
How much to change to a new Ford Focus?
What would it cost me to upgrade from a 131 Focus, five-door hatchback, diesel with 60,000km and 60k service completed to a new similar Focus? Also what is the price of the new Focus five-door hatchback?
John Keating
John Keating (Carrigaline)Dec 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi John,
Your Focus is probably going to be worth about €17,000 as a trade in, maybe a little less. New Focus prices start from €20,295.
Am I mental to go for an old Megane?
Am I mental to be looking at a 2003-09 Renault Megane? I have heard they are very unreliable, but I currently drive a 1999 Renault Clio and apart from minor items it has been trouble free. What's your view on the Megane?
Aaron Mullane (Dublin)Dec 2015 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Aaron,
I'd tread very carefully. Although the engines in the Megane II are pretty robust, any and all of its electrical and electronic systems are suspect to say the least, and the suspension is prone to failure too. Only buy if it has a seriously flawless service history and appears to be in perfect condition - and even then I'd be wary.
When to change my Mondeo's timing belt?
Hi,
I have a 2008 Ford Mondeo 2.0-litre flex-fuel. When do I change the timing belt?
Alan Doolan (Dublin)Dec 2015 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Alan,
Actually, our information is that your car should have a timing chain, not a belt, which has no scheduled maintenance interval. To check this, call a service department of any Ford dealer with your registration number and they'll tell you for sure.
Which Toyota Avensis estate to go for?
I'm looking at getting a Toyota Avensis estate between 2010 and 2012. I'm just wondering about the mileage on them. Would I be better to go for a 2010 model with lower miles or a 2012 version that may have higher mileage?
James Matthews (Waterford)Dec 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi James,
The secret is not to worry about the mileage, especially on a car as inherently reliable as an Avensis. Simply buy the one that is in the best condition, has been cared for the best and which comes with a full and complete service history. If both cars are identical in those respects, then simply buy the one your prefer.
Help me change from Passat to C-Max.
I have a 2008 Volkswagen Passat diesel with 120,000 miles on the clock. I am looking at a 2012 diesel Ford C-Max with 60,000 miles. How much should I expect to pay and would you recommend the Ford?
Many thanks.
Catherine Davis (Louth)Dec 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Catherine,
The Ford's not bad actually, but make sure that it has been fully serviced and that the 1.6 diesel has had a steady diet of high-grade oil.
Your Passat should be worth about €7,000 to €7,500 as a trade-in.
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.