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.
How reliable should a 2010 Volvo S80 be?
We are looking at a 2010 Volvo S80 with 80,000 miles on the clock - it's a 1.6 diesel. What should we look out for when buying it? Are the turbo and particle filter likely to give trouble at this stage or does it have a good reputation? Would this car have a good reputation all round?
Patrick O Reilly (Dublin)Feb 2014 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
I really like the S80 - a lovely big comfy thing, ideal if you're doing lots of long journeys and that 1.6 diesel engine is super efficient; you could get up to 1,500km from a tank of fuel.
Reliability shouldn't be a major issue once you make sure that the car has a full service history. Like any executive saloon there's a lot of electronic toys in there and if it's been well cared for, there's less chance of them going wrong. Keep an eye on the service schedule to make sure that the engine has always been topped up with the highest grade of oil and if it feels down on power or sluggish when accelerating, it's most likely the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve.
Should I go for this Mazda6 I've found?
Hi, I am looking at purchasing an 08 Mazda6 2.0 diesel. I did a history check and I can see it appears to have a full service record. It is originally a UK import. There is about 85,000 miles on the car. I am now deciding between a Mondeo, Volvo S40 and this Mazda6. I still have to find a Volvo in the same price range of the Mazda. Is it worth paying out on average €1,000 more for an S40 or is the Mazda6 just as reliable and considered a good purchase? Any particular known issues with this car?
Mike
Michael Campion (Tipperary)Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
I'd go for the Mazda above the Volvo every time in this case. The old S40 is much smaller and less spacious than the Mazda6 and the Japanese car is also excellent to drive.
Mazdas are generally exceptionally reliable, but on the 2.0 diesel just watch for low oil pressure and a sticky manual gearshift. Both can be fixed but they are recurring problems. Check the air conditioning system for leaks too.
When do I change my Corolla's timing chain?
I have a 2007 Toyota Corolla. Need to know when to replace the timing chain - it has 98,000km on it.
Jose A (Tipperary)Feb 2014 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Jose,
Most timing chains don't have a fixed service life, but if it starts rattling or making any other untoward noises best to have it changed.
Hope that helps
With up to €5,000 what will we replace our two cars with?
Hi, me and my girlfriend have a car each; mine is a 2003 Mazda6 and hers is a 2000 Audi A3. We no longer need both cars and were thinking of changing. What car would you recommend? We have a six-month old baby and only want to spend about €4-5k on a car.
Thanks
David O Sullivan (Wexford)Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi David,
I'd suggest flogging both cars and getting yourself into a newer Audi A3. They're comfy, sweet to drive, reliable and easy to sell on again eventually. Hard to go wrong with it, really. Lots to choose from so be fussy and make sure yours has a full service history and reasonably low mileage.
What's the whirring noise in my Ford Focus?
I have a six-year-old Ford Focus C-Max and there's a funny sort of whirring noise when driving. I mentioned it to the garage before I got the car serviced but they said it was nothing when I collected the car after service. My-son-in law reckons it is the bearings in the back left wheel. What do you think?
Thanks, Robbie.
Robert Wise (Dublin)Feb 2014 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Robbie,
It could well be a wheel bearing. Though it could just as easily be a tyre. Best bet is to bring it to a different mechanic to have it checked over.
Would an automatic Hyundai Sante Fe suit my needs?
I'm thinking of buying a 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe (100,000 miles). Is this a good buy? I have two teens and a toddler so want the option of seven seats. Is four-wheel drive more expensive to run than two-wheel drive? Also, any advantage in getting an automatic?
Thanks, Andrea
Andrea McLean (Leopardstown, D18)Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Andrea,
Yes, it's a cracking idea. While the old Santa Fe isn't as sophisticated as the current one (hardly surprisingly) it's still an excellent used buy, very reliable and nice to drive.
A figure of 100,000 miles on the clock shouldn't be a significant hurdle as long as the service history is all up to date. The basic rule of thumb is that four-wheel drive and automatic gearboxes always add to the fuel consumption. The auto box on that generation Santa Fe wasn't the greatest so I'd say stick with a manual and 4wd is down to where you live - if you regularly need rough road or slippery surface capability it's worthwhile, if you live in town then not much.
Let us know how you get on
How reliable is the 1.6 HDi Peugeot 407?
Is the 2008 Peugeot 1.6 Solaire diesel reliable?
Ahasan Ali (Leopardstown, D18)Jan 2014 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Ashasan,
I'm presuming you mean the 407 Solaire. They're better made than you might think. There are some issues with the 1.6 HDi engine though, including a sticking exhaust gas recirculation valve, sticky throttles and faulty injectors. Blown turbos have been known as well, but they're rarer. Cabins are better made than the French car norm, so if it's a bag of rattles, suspect that it's been in an impact. Many 407s will be ex-fleet cars, which is a good thing - it means that they will have been serviced on the button for the first few years.
Hope that helps
Petrol or diesel when it comes to a Hyundai Tucson?
I am interested in buying a 2005 or 2006 Hyundai Tucson. Which would be a better buy, a petrol or diesel> And are they reliable?
L C (Corkscncun)Expert answer
Hi there,
Incredibly reliable, seem to be consensus. So much so that there are simply no reported regular or common problems. Just do the usual checks for service history and condition and you should be fine. As for petrol vs. diesel, the funny thing with the Tucson is that the diesel version isn't actually all that economical compared with the petrol, so if your mileage is low and you can get a petrol one for less than a diesel one, it could be worth considering.
Let us know how you get on