Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

No, Volkswagen didn't stop making the 1.4 Tiguan in 2008, but it was dropped from the Irish price list then as we all went diesel-crazy after the tax change. The car was always available to order, and it's possible that the car you're looking at is a UK import. 

Expert answer

Hi Andreas,

If the car is three years old, and thanks to Cyprus being in the EU, you won't have to pay VAT when you import the car, as that's only payable on cars up to six months old. You will need to pay Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) though, and you'll have just a week from the car's arrival here to inform the Revenue Commissioners of it being here and a month to organise an inspection and pay the charge. If you're trying to reclaim VAT originally paid on the car, then you'll need to get yourself a good accountant as it's a complex process and will depend on whether or not the car is registered as a commercial vehicle. 

Expert answer

Hi Hugh,

Assuming you mean the Volkswagen diesel software update, no, it shouldn't. Volkswagen has had to clear all the updates with the German federal transport agency to comply with a ruling that any changes won't affect the CO₂ emissions or fuel economy of the cars. 

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

If you mean the current model, then I’m afraid it’s a little too early for us to tell, as it hasn’t been around long enough yet for any major reliability issues to shake out and all cars would still be under warranty. We’d be surprised if it has suffered anything major, though – it seems very well built.

The older model is also very well built, but you need to check for sticking exterior door handles, trouble with the diesel particulate filter (DPF), faulty electronic handbrakes, dodgy stability control modules, leaky sunroofs and excessive front brake wear. If it has the DSG automatic gearbox, you also need to check and make sure that it has been properly serviced, and on time, because it’s a complex piece of equipment that needs careful looking after.

Expert answer

Hi Tom,

Both are good cars, but we’d say the Fiesta has a slight edge in terms of quality and of driving experience.

Read our Ford Fiesta review

Read our Peugeot 208 review

Expert answer

Hi Kieran,

Yes, turbocharged petrol engines do often have exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems and dual-mass flywheels, but they are far less likely to cause problems due to, respectively, the different exhaust gases and the torque characteristics of the engine. Added to which, petrol engines work at lower combustions pressures and with less vibration than diesel engines so there's a little less wear and tear to worry about.

No, turbocharged petrol engines don't have particulate filters as, for now, they're considered 'clean' enough not to need them. That will change in the coming years, however.

Finally, the low-down-power thing is simple physics. Most turbocharged petrol engines and their diesel counterparts are pretty close on top-end power numbers (generally grouping around the 110-120hp level), but the difference you're talking about is torque - turning force, that low-down lugging sensation. Some of that is down to turbo design and the fact that a heavier diesel engine can accept higher turbocharger pressures, but most is simply down to the fact that diesel burns from compression ignition, which generates more torque and makes the engine feel more muscular at lower rpm. 

Expert answer

Hi Luke,

We certainly have done a few reviews... The closest cars to your Galaxy in terms of size and space are the Ford S-Max (a little smaller,  but still very roomy) and the SEAT Alhambra (not as swish to drive as the Galaxy, but very spacious and with sliding side doors). There's also the Volkswagen Sharan, which is basically identical to the Alhambra, but a little more expensive. It wasn't on sale in Ireland for a while but it's back now and there are a few second hand ones knocking about.

If you fancy something a little smaller, then try the Opel Zafira Tourer. It's a really underrated car - nice to drive, well made and with decent cabin space.

After that, you're into the smaller MPVs such as the Volkswagen Touran, Kia Carens and so on. Good cars,  but much smaller than your Galaxy so you'd be trading down in size terms.

With our practical hats on, we'd go for the SEAT - it's big and useful and those sliding side doors are great.

Here are the reviews themselves if you'd like more detail:

Ford S-Max review

Ford Galaxy review

SEAT Alhambra review

Volkswagen Sharan review

Volkswagen Touran review

Kia Carens review

A few others worth considering as well:

Citroen C4 Grand Picasso

Toyota Verso review

Renault Grand Scenic review

Expert answer

Hi Rue,

No problem, have a look here: http://www.carzone.ie/search/result/cars/make/nissan/model/qashqai/transmission/automatic

Expert answer

Hi James,

It depends; do you mean the first-generation 9-5, which was in production from 1996 to 2009 or do you mean the short-lived last-of-the-line 9-5, which only survived in production for two years before Saab went bust?

If it’s the first generation car then the rating is a little mixed. It was always well thought of in terms of overall quality, comfort and driving dynamics, but there were a number of annoying, niggling reliability issues with that model, although at least with the 1.9-litre diesel engine you’re avoiding the troublesome 2.2-litre model.

If it’s the later, second-generation version of the 9-5 then it is indeed very well thought of, and generally considered one of Saab’s best cars. It’s just a shame that it was also its last.

Expert answer

Hi Niamh,

Well, obviously we would advise you to get the car to a garage, preferably a Suzuki one, pretty quick. We can’t diagnose a problem on a car we’ve never seen, but the ticking and smoking does indeed suggest either a starter motor or ignition issue, so it may not be all that expensive to fix, especially if it’s just a wiring problem.

Generally, for most so-called ‘scrappage’ deals (they’re not actually scrappage at all, but trade-in boosters) the cars do indeed need to be running and drive onto the forecourt under their own power, so if you want to use it for that purpose, you’ll need to get it running again somehow.