Ask The Guide

Opel produces it at its Russelsheim plant in Germany, but you are correct in that Opel is now part of the PSA group.

We contacted Kia seeking advice and were told: “This was not a known issue. Intermittent issues are the hardest to find but the fact that there is a video will certainly help. Our tech guys think that it sounds like it could be the driver’s door actuator or the lock assembly if it is only occurring on the driver’s door. If all of the doors are unlocking when the door lock switch is activated then it could be a switch assembly.” The people at Kia would like to see your video, and get your contact details along with the car’s VIN. If you could do that they have said they would work with the dealer to resolve the problem.

Go and buy a torque wrench and do the job properly, they’re not expensive, and you’ll know that it’s safe once you’ve done it.

As a trade-in it would be worth $2500-$4000, if you were to sell it privately it would be worth $4500-$6500.

If it’s an automatic have it serviced by an automatic transmission mechanic; if it’s a manual have the clutch checked.

It was a common problem with that model, and Ford was replacing ball joints when the cars were new or relatively new. Contact Ford’s customer service and lodge a claim to have the repairs done at its expense. Because the car is so old, and has done a lot of kilometres, and you’re not using a Ford dealer for service I would be inclined to think your claim would probably be rejected.

It is right in the middle of the price guide for that model, and with its relatively low kilometres and history of regular servicing it would seem a fair price.

It would only be replaced/repaired at Toyota’s expense if it were a problem of design or production. Until you have it assessed by a Toyota dealer who should be able to establish the cause of the problem you won’t know if it’s something Toyota will pay for or one you’ll have to spring for.

You would expect the belt to wear to some extent, but not to fray. A frayed belt could be dangerous if it were to fail. Based on what you say it would seem there’s a problem with the belt or the installation. Take it to your dealer and show them what it is you’re concerned about.

Your best option would be the 1.4-litre turbo manual in the Mk 6. It’s more fuel-efficient than the base 1.6-litre engine in the Mark 5, and being the newer model there are less likely to be any issues with getting spares for it.