Expert answer

Hi Au,

In terms of trade in, you're probably only looking at a value of around €1,500 or so. You might just break the €2,000 barrier if you try and sell it privately, but selling private is never easy. If you love your Leon  then can I simply suggest trading up to a newer one? If you go for a 2009-on second generation Leon, with the 1.6 TDI diesel engine, then you'll have a superbly economical car that will cost you only €200 a year to tax. You already know how robust and reliable SEATs are, so I don't need to remind you of that, but it's worth pointing out that the second-gen Leon was better to drive and more spacious than your current car. My dad has had three now and won't have anything else, so that recommendation is as good as it comes.

Mind you, it could be worth holding fire for a week. The Budget's coming up next week, and there's just a chance that the Society of the Irish Motor Industry's (SIMI) 'Swappage' plan, to give those trading in six-year-old-or-older cars €2,000 off the price of a new one could get approved, and if so then it may be worth trading up to an all-new Leon, which is simply one of the best cars out there. It's even, whisper it, a bit nicer than the Volkswagen Golf...

Here's the latest on the Swappage plan

Expert answer

Hi Justin,

The nice folks at Volvo Car Ireland helped us out with this one, and the advice seems to be very up-front. Here's what they had to say:

"Key areas to look at include the gearbox: make sure it's smooth and pulls correctly in every gear. These can be big money to replace if there are problems. The D5 engine is fairly reliable - it and the XC90 have been around for a long time and any bugs have been ironed out. Service history is essential (Volvo preferably) with these vehicles. Lots of UK imports about so I would advise a history check [we recommend Cartell.ie]. Recalls are specific to the vehicle so can't really comment here although your local Volvo dealer will be happy to look these up with a reg or a VIN number."

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

Volvo Car Ireland has helped us out with the advice here. Here's what they had to say on the S40:

"These are an oil sensitive engine so full service history is a must as the wrong grade of oil used can cause serious problems. This engine (it's a PSA unit) is reasonably economical at about 45-50mpg. The DPF or Diesel Particulate Filter was on these versions and this should have been replaced by now on this vehicle, but make sure to check as these are expensive. A lot of UK imports so a history check is a must (this and the XC90 are the most imported Volvos in Ireland)."

We recommend Cartell.ie for the history check Pat - best of luck.

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

I'm afraid the news is not great. The Alfa 156 was a cracking car when new, but age has not been kind to them and they suffer significant issues with worn and broken suspension and axles, and the electronics and engines can play merry hell too. If the car has been exceptionally well cared for and looked after, then it might be worth a punt, but if you detect even the slightest signs of abuse or lack of care, walk away. A full service history is essential and if you hear any knocking or clonking noises from the suspension on a test drive, forget it. Likewise, if any warning lights on the dash stay on or any electrical components don't work properly (or at all), do not purchase.

Sorry!

Expert answer

Hi there,

Nothing major to look for, actually, That generation 3 Series was well built and quite simple compared to the more complex models that followed. Once you've done the usual checks for history and service record (and if any stamps are missing from the book, walk away) then you should be OK. That mileage isn't even all that high for a car that's 12 years old, so it could well be a canny purchase. Price? Probably around the €2-2,500 mark.

Expert answer

Hi Justin,

It's a little tricky to tell, actually, as there aren't that many other S80s from that year about to help us judge the price. Plus there's the fairly high mileage, which will depress the value a little, even though Volvos are well made and capable of shrugging off high mileages. I'd take a stab at a price of about €7,500, possibly a little less if you're trading in.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Eamonn,

Not that we’re aware of. Like any modern engine, the SkyActiv 2.2 diesel is built to very fine tolerances, and needs regular care and attention. That doesn’t mean it’s fragile, just that it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the oil level, and make sure that the car is serviced, properly, according to schedule. The old days of using and abusing engines is gone.

Expert answer

Hi Ian,

If nothing else, you need to adhere to manufacturer servicing schedules to ensure you don't invalidate your warranty. If you don't trust your local dealer then contact Opel directly, though these figures should be in your owner manual as well.

Besides all of that, we'd thoroughly recommend servicing modern diesel cars regularly, as the car makers often push the service intervals out to appeal to fleet buyers. Regular oil changes in particular are a very good idea.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Joan,

Yes, absolutely worth considering. Yes, the mileage is a touch high, but Mondeos are built tough so as long as it's been serviced properly, there shouldn't be any major issues.

Expert answer

Hi Myles,

With that length of a daily commute, I'd reckon that you should definitely go for diesel and back in 2008 there was actually a choice of Focus diesels, with the run-out 1.8 TDCi and the incoming 1.6 TDCi both available. Both are excellent choices, with the 1.8 possibly having an edge on overall reliability (it's an older and more proven design) but the 1.6 having the edge in terms of fuel economy and emissions. Find a well-cared for example with full service history (those diesel injection systems are complex and need looking after) and you won't go wrong.