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.
Do I need to change my Mondeo's timing belt?
Hi,
Our 2007 Ford Mondeo 2007 just passed its NCT, had a service, got a new battery etc. Just wondering (as I do not have a notion!) when I may need to get timing belt replaced? Seen a similar reply on a Mondeo but unsure if it is the same with our 07 saloon model.
Thanks,
Karen
KAREN MARIA O'MALLEY (DUBLIN 13)Oct 2015 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Karen,
You've not mentioned the engine size, but assuming it's either the 1.8- or 2.2-litre TDCi diesel then the timing belt should be changed every 125,000 miles (just over 200,000km) or every 10 years.
What's the 60,000km service for an Avensis?
How to do a 60,000-kilometre service on a 2010 Toyota Avensis 2.0-litre?
Dominic Espey (Stranorlar)Oct 2015 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Dominic,
Toyota Ireland kindly provided the full service list for 60,000 kilometres. See below image.
What do you think of the 2005 BMW 1 Series?
I'm looking at a 2005 BMW 1 Series with 105,000km on the clock. Are these cars reliable and are they going to be dear to run? It's a 1.6-litre petrol engine. Any advice on the car?
Thank you
Karen Murphy (Dublin 10 )Oct 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Karen,
If it's the 1.6 petrol you should be fine - it's the diesel engine that gives trouble on older BMWs. Have a good poke around it all the same and make sure it's been looked after properly. Make certain it has a full service history, and check for obvious signs of abuse like parking scrapes or battered alloy wheels.