How do I turn off the traction control in a Chrysler 300C?
How can I turn the traction control completely off in a 2006 Chrysler 300C?
Suliman Ssj (Riyadh)Jan 2012 Filed under: electrics
Expert answer
Hi Suliman,
Obviously we'd not recommend such things in normal conditions on a public road, but if you do need to know how to disable it...
Start the engine up and put the gearbox into Drive. Let the car creep forward a little. While creeping, slot the gear lever back into Neutral. Then turn the ignition key as if you were starting the engine again. You should here an electronic 'bong' noise signifying that the 'Performance Mode' is activated.
I believe it will reset to normal next time you turn the car off and back on.
Use with caution!
How much of a discount should I ask for on a Focus?
I'm thinking of buying a 2008 Ford Focus Zetec 1.6 and don't have a car to trade in. How much of a discount do you think I should ask for?
Kevin Reilly (Dublin)Jan 2012 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Kevin,
That's a bit of a black art in itself and of course will depend on whether the seller is private or a dealer. Assuming an asking price in the region of €11,000 to €13,000 go in with an offer €1,500 below and see what they say. Don't take their first offer either - haggle.
Let us know how you get on.
Am I being ripped off for repairs on my Micra?
My six-year old Nissan Micra (that has never given me any problems) just suddenly won't start. Apparently the crankshaft and sensors need replacing, and the garage tells me it's a big job, it will take a couple of days of work (engine out etc.) and will cost €750 approximately. What do you think? Expensive or what?
Tricia McGovern (Glasgow)Dec 2011 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Tricia,
Replacing the crankshaft is a big job for sure and if that is required then the price, including parts, does not seem unreasonable. However, I would be shocked if non-starting leads to the need to replace the actual crankshaft. Are you sure it's not just the crankshaft sensor? If so, the engine would not have to be taken out and the price seems over the top, even for a main dealer.
Send us a message in private with more details and we'll try to look into this for you.
Is the Nissan Twice is Nice Deal a good one?
Would it be a good idea to change my 2011 Nissan Qashqai 2011 for the Twice is Nice Deal? With the VAT increase and new diesel engine, is it still a good deal? Thanks.
Joe Malon (Dublin)Nov 2011 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
On the face of it this is a great deal for sure - especially if you do not plan on doing excessive mileage. The terms and conditions (see here for the document) seem reasonable enough. One thing you have to realise though is that you're giving up any potential discount on the new car. Essentially you're offsetting that against a year of depreciation.
In your position I'd first of all go into a Nissan dealer and get the best deal on trading in your car against a new Qashqai as normal. Only ask about the Twice is Nice Deal after you have a price to compare with.
Please note that some dealers may have elected to have a limited quota of cars to sell on the Twice is Nice Deal as well so you may not get what you want from the first one you visit.
Let us know how you get on.
Am I stuck with my Mazda6 1.8?
Hi, I bought a Mazda6 1.8 petrol, which does not have a desirable emissions rating. This means that Park Motors, who sold the car to me, no longer wish to know me as regards possible trade-in etc. It's the same situation with many other garages! Am I stuck with it?
Niall Duffy (Dublin)Nov 2011 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Niall,
You're in an unfortunate position and there are thousands more like you. It may be better if you tried to sell the car privately, though its value may be much lower than you had hoped.
Sorry we can't be the bearers of good news on this one.
What do you think about the 2009 Ford Focus TDCi?
I'm looking at buying the previous generation Ford Focus, the 1.6 TDCi 110hp five-door. There is also a 90hp version available. Was the 110hp released in Ireland from 2009 on? Are there any major problems to date with this model? What sort of money would I be looking at for a 2009 1.6 TDCi Zetec 110hp five-door with about 40,000miles ?
Steve O'Meara (Dublin)Nov 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Steve,
We are not aware of any issues with this engine as yet. Most problems would have been rectified under warranty so far in any case, making it too early to say for sure.
Prices vary around the country and of course between dealers and private sellers, but the car you're describing is worth somewhere in the region of €13,000 to €15,000.
Hope that helps.
How much will my Toyota Yaris be worth on trade-in?
I'm thinking of trading in my car and was wondering if you could tell me how much I could get for it. It's a 2002 Toyota Yaris Luna 1.0 with 119,000 miles on the clock in metallic blue.
Karen Field (Longford)Nov 2011 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Karen,
Given the mileage and age I suspect you'll only be offered about €1,500 for this on trade-in, so it might be worth selling it privately. Shop around though, as a dealer may choose to offer more to make the sale.
Obviously all trade-ins are only worth what the dealer thinks they're worth, so take this as a guideline only.
Please do let us know how you get on with it.
How much is my Land Rover Freelander worth?
I need to know what a 2001 Land Rover Freelander ES TD4 Estate is worth. It has a TD4 BMW diesel engine and has done 113,500 miles. It is in good condition, has leather with heated seats, six-disc CD changer, premium alloy wheels, side steps, manual transmission and five doors.
Thanks
Aaron Tiernan (Frenchpark)Oct 2011 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Aaron,
I'm afraid a dealer won't value such an old car so highly. They're selling at about €3,000 on dealer forecourts now so you can expect to be offered significantly less on trade-in. You may be better off trying to sell it privately. Advertise at a little under €3,000 and expect to let it got for a few hundred Euro less.
Please do come back to us to let us know how you get on.
How much is my Volvo S40 T5 worth?
How much is my 2004 Volvo S40 T5 worth? It has 53,000 with full service history, many thanks
Dave OFLAHERTY (Cork)Oct 2011 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Dave,
If you were to sell it privately, you should ask about €6,500. You should perhaps take €5,800 at a push. On the other hand, as a trade-in you will probably be offered about €5,500 by a dealer against a new car. I hope this helps?
How much is my Renault Grand Scenic worth?
How much is my 2007 1.6 petrol 7 seater Renault Grand Scenic "Dynamique Luxe" worth ?, mileage is 65,000 km or 40,625 miles, NCT until May 2013, full service history. Does the extra features in the "Luxe" model make any difference - the main differences are climate contol, hands free locking system, and double sunroof.
Donal Murphy (Cork)Oct 2011 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Donal,
The specification will help, but when you are trading it dealers tend not to pay too much attention to extras on the car, but in this case the climate control and double sunroof are a decent selling point. If you were to trade it in against a new car I would expect you to be offered around €9,000 for it and you could ask perhaps €10,500 if you were to advertise it privately, obviously to take less.