Stop-start issues with my 2014 VW Golf.
I have a 2014 Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI Bluemotion. The start-stop function doesn't work anymore. I keep getting an error just saying "error auto start stop". I was thinking maybe it's the battery that's low, but I'm not sure. I've read online that it should work in Eco mode, but I have yet to try it; was just wondering if you could give me some more information?
SILVESTER PINARI (SWORDS)Nov 2018 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Silvester,
We have got so many questions from readers about non-functioning stop-start systems (from all makes and models) that we put together this guide to help you get to the bottom of it:
Your thoughts on this Peugeot 3008?
Greetings to you, I will like to request your view on a 2010 or 2011 Peugeot 3008. We are first time car buyers and we are currently viewing a 2010 Peugeot 3008, with approximately 110k miles on the clock, diesel engine, automatic for €7,500 sticker price (negotiable). We love this car and we would love to have it, but we are wondering what kind of problems and the level of reliability this car has. We will appreciate if you can provide us with your analysis of this car.
Thanks
Afeez Are (Leixlip)Oct 2018 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Afeez,
I’m assuming that’s a 1.6 HDI diesel model? If so you need to watch for excessive black smoke from the exhaust, which could indicate a blown turbo. Check too to see if the diesel particulate filter is working properly — if it’s a low-mileage car (and that is quite low miles) then it may not have been driven regularly enough to keep the filter clean, and they’re expensive to fix and clean. If it has air conditioning then that needs specific servicing so check that has been done and, if you notice that the car pulls to the left at higher speed, then it might need new front tyres. Other than that check that all switches and buttons are working properly, and that the car has a full and complete service history.
Tiguan, SEAT Ateca or Peugeot 3008?
Which automatic SUV do you recommend: Volkswagen Tiguan, SEAT Ateca or Peugeot 3008?
Thanks
Brian McCarthy
Brian McCarthy (Listowel )Oct 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Brian,
The Tiguan and the Ateca are, essentially, the same car, so you may as well get the SEAT, as it’ll be the cheaper of the two. There’s virtually no difference in terms of the way it drives nor the interior space and quality. The 3008 is an interesting alternative though — arguably more stylish inside and out, but it feels subjectively less roomy, and it may not be as solidly reliable in the longer term. Worth taking into consideration though.
Read our reviews below:
Can I afford an Audi A5 or BMW 4 Series?
I currently drive a BMW 318d automatic. Got it the first day of the 162 reg. It has 82,000km (60/40 motorway/good regional roads) and I'm feeling the itch to change. However, I don't want to buy a new car again with the mileage that I do. Sore lesson learned. So maybe a 171 reg would work. I plan on keeping the next car I get for three years. Hoping that changing will only cost €10-12k. I like the idea of an Audi A5 or a 4 Series. But I think they might be a bit of a stretch unless I look to the UK. What else could I look at?
Anthony T (Carlow)Sep 2018 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Anthony,
You should be fine, actually. Your 3 Series should (emphasis on SHOULD) be worth around €22-25,000 as a trade-in, and a 171 4 Series Gran Coupe starts at around €30,000-ish, so adding €10k of change-up budget should put you in the right ballpark. Ditto the A5 Sportback, although you will find examples of both on a 171 starting with a €4 rather than a €3… Shopping around a bit should do the trick, though. Both cars are excellent choices, and go for the Audi if you want maximum reliability.
What's up with my car's stop-start?!
My start-stop doesn’t work then randomly when I’m driving the lights on the dash come on and the car loses power; do you know why?
Tracy Edwards (West Sussex)Sep 2018 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Tracy,
I'm afraid without knowing exactly which car you have, this is impossible to diagnose. You should bring the car to a good mechanic or auto-electrician.
There are many reasons for a stop-start system to not always work. Read this question and answer on that subject for instance.
Is my Mondeo's tax bill correct?
I have a 2009 Ford Mondeo 2.0 140hp, but I think my car tax might be wrong. I have been paying €750 a year on this car. I'm only looking into it now after someone telling me it could be the wrong price; how can I look into this or who could I talk to about this?
Thanks
Thomas Madden (Kilcolgan )Jun 2018 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Thomas,
It’s possible. If your car is the 2.0-litre 140hp TDCi saloon with a manual gearbox, then its CO2 emissions should be rated at 156g/km, which would give you a motor tax bill of €570 a year. However, if it’s the automatic version, then the CO2 rating jumps to 189g/km, and that’s a €750 bill.
How much VRT to impotr a 1995 Porsche 911?
How much VRT would I pay on a 1995 Porsche 911 Carrera Auto from Northern Ireland? I am paying £38,500 for the car, 87,000 miles, in very good condition.
Gerry Monaghan (Dublin)Jun 2018 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Gerry,
A tricky one, that. Porsche 911 values seem to fluctuate wildly in the Irish market, which means Revenue will be sticking a finger in the air to work out a value for the car. You could be looking at paying anything up to €10-12,000 in VRT.
My 2015 Audi Q3 won't start. Help!
I have a 2015 Audi Q3 and it does not want to turn on the engine. It's as if the security system has activated a short current for the engine as everything else turns on. How can I correct this?
Jose A Flores (Puerto Rico)Apr 2018 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Jose,
We don't know of any widespread issue with the Q3 that matches your description so it's difficult to assess the issue from afar. It sounds as if the car can't sense you pressing the clutch down to start it if it's a manual or pressing the brake with the gear lever in Park if it's an automatic, but that's just one possible cause.
Best bet is to get a good mechanic to look at it.
Thoughts on the 1.0-litre petrol Octavia?
Your comments on the Skoda Octavia 1.0 TSI petrol automatic please? Fuel consumption, power, spec level, or any other useful info.
Many thanks in advance
Angela
Angela McIntyre (Co. Offaly)Feb 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Angela,
An absolutely cracking car, and a great combination of car and engine. The 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine is smooth and economical, and really does suit the Octavia very well indeed. The specification is decent, especially if you’re buying an Ambition model or above, and make sure you spec it with the eight-inch touchscreen, as that really lifts the ambience of the cabin. Fuel economy should work out at between 40mpg and 50mpg on average, depending on how you drive it.
Does a 2015 Focus have parking sensors?
Does a 2015 Ford Focus Zetec 125 Powershift five-door automatic have rear parking sensors?
Rob Wegg (St Austell)Feb 2018 Filed under: parking
Expert answer
Hi Rob,
According to Ford, no, not as standard, although an individual car may of course have been fitted with them as an option.