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Previously answered questions

Petrol or diesel for an older Ford C-Max?

Hi, I am looking into getting a 2004 - 2007 Focus C-Max. I have always bought diesels in my past few cars due to great economy. I currently have a Citroen Picasso 2.0 HDi, but want to drop to a 1.6 to save on tax. My driving habits would be mainly urban, with the odd long run. No more than 15k miles a year, I would guess.

I am aware that there could be costly repairs down the road with an older but relatively modern deisel engine. I'm looking at 1.6 in either diesel or petrol. Reliability would be very important to me. What would you advise I go for?

Seems to be better choice with petrol options.

Thanks Kevin

Kevin Mcgowan (Cork)

Sep 2013 Filed under: diesel

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What models can fit three child seats in the back?

What car/MPV/SUV can fit three child seats in the back?

Pamela Bastable (Dublin)

Sep 2013 Filed under: child or baby seats

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Is the 2008 Toyota Corolla 1.4 petrol a good car?

Hi is the 2008 Toyota Corolla 1.4 petrol a good car? It's a Terra model with 103,000km on the clock and is selling for €8,950. Does this price sound ok? It has alloys (Borbet) added. I test drove the car and while it wasnt the most exciting drive it felt better than some other 1.2-litre cars I drove. Is it fuel efficient compared to say a Ford Fiesta?

Thanks

Pat English (Waterford)

Sep 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

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What do you think of the 2001 BMW 3 Series?

I'm thinking of buying a 2001 BMW 3 Series (E46) SE Touring 136hp. Any problems to look out for on this and roughly what price should I pay? It's diesel with 157,000 miles on the clock.

J Marks (Tipperary)

Sep 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

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Should I buy a diesel hatch for commuting?

Hi, I need a new car. I live in a rural area and drive to Dublin for work. I average 300km for work with approximately an additional 150km for leisure. I had a four-wheel drive Suzuki Jimny, but don't really need another off-roader (if weather/roads that bad I won't be driving). I want something sturdy and dependable - nothing fancy, maybe a second hand hatchback - would a diesel engine be a good option? Have a max of €7k to spend. Any suggestions?

Thanks

Avril Bailey (Blessington)

Sep 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

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Do I have to go for a people carrier if I have three child seats?

I'm looking for a car that will fit three child seats across the back seat. Is there one or is a people carrier the only option?

Colin Walsh (Celbridge)

Sep 2013 Filed under: child or baby seats

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Is a UK-imported Insignia SRi better value than an Opel?

Im looking to buy an Opel Insignia; however I have instead found a low milage Vauxhall Insignia SRi model. Can you tell me the difference between Opel and Vauxhall, if any? Also the SRi model, can you tell at what level this lies compared to the other models and what extras come with this? I'm especially interested in the Bluetooth options and if you can connect your iPhone to play music through the stereo.

Thanks

Caroline Murphy (Wexford)

Sep 2013 Filed under: optional extras

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What should I worry about on the 2008 Mercedes S-Class?

I am considering buying a 2008 Mercedes-Benz S 320 CDI long wheelbase with 100,000 miles on the clock; what kind of trouble am I buying?

Paul Kelly (Dublin)

Sep 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

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I am a disabled driver and would like a change.

I am a disabled driver and I bought a 1.6 Nissan Juke auto and I am due to change next June; my question is what would you recommend? It must have ample boot space for mobility scooter or wheelchair and the seating position must be high up. Hand controls on steering column must be possible. I had a Citroen Picasso five-seater, which was ideal and fitted all criteria, but I would like to change to something different.

Stephen Folan (Galway)

Sep 2013 Filed under: choosing new car

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How can I tell if the Passat's flywheel is on the way out?

I am looking at a 2006 Volkswagen Passat Estate, 1.9 diesel; do they give any trouble mechanically and how do I know if the flywheel needs attention?

Alan Maloney (Tullamore)

Sep 2013 Filed under: reliability

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4,963 Irish motoring queries answered to date

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