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What should an early current shape Passat be like?

I'm thinking of buying a 2005 1.9 TDI Volkswagen Passat (new shape). Is there anything I should particularly look out for and is it reliable?

Roy Malone (Dublin)

May 2014 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Roy,

The Passat is a good, solid car that with just a few points to check. Some of the early 2.0-litre TDI engines had some fragility in the turbo and injector departments, so have any of those cars checked carefully. The 1.6 FSI petrol engine is pretty solid but bear in mind that in a car of the Passat's size, it will have been thrashed pretty hard to keep up with traffic. Have a close look and listen to the suspension for any noises or clonks, and make sure the power steering feels consistent and precise as that system can give trouble too. 


Ford Focus 1.4 or Volkswagen Passat 1.6?

Hi there, we are looking to buy either a 2003 Ford Focus, with 144,000 miles or 2002 Volkswagen Passat at 119,000 miles. Both cars are petrol except the Passat is a 1.6-litre and the Ford a 1.4-litre. We are looking for the most economical and long lasting car.

Thanks

Siobhan Gavin (Athlone)

May 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Siobhan,

Although the Passat is a really well built car, I'd go for the Focus in this instance. The Passat's 1.6-litre petrol engine struggled with the weight of the car, and that made it both uneconomical and rather prone to developing problems. The Focus, although a smaller vehicle overall, struggles less with its 1.4-litre engine and the general build quality on that first generation Focus was excellent. Just check carefully underneath for signs of rust - some first gen Focus models didn't get proper underseal at the factory.


Does the later Santa Fe have a flywheel problem?

Does the 2010 model Hyundai Santa Fe suffer from the same disastrous dual-mass flywheel problems as the 2006 onward model? Had to replace it every two years and in no mood to go through that again.

Padraic Brennan (Kildare)

May 2014 Filed under: fault

Expert answer

Hi Padraic,

The general consensus seems to be that no, it doesn't. A lot of cars of the early 2000s had issues with dual-mass flywheels, but the technology seems to have matured to the point where it has become reliable. Of course, tread carefully and make sure that any Santa Fe you're looking at has a full service history and is in good condition, but it's worth pointing out two things - one, a 2010 Santa Fe still has a year's worth of its full manufacturer's warranty left to run and, two: you can get dual-to-single-mass flywheel conversion kits if you think it's going to be a problem.


What should I replace my Mercedes E-Class with?

I have a 2006 Mercedes-Benz E 200 Elegance Kompressor auto petrol and want to change for something more economical and with much lower tax. Was thinking of a BMW 320d auto or Audi A4 auto diesel. Would I get 2012 in either for €20,000 with my own? I really like the Citroen C4 Picasso diesel auto too but am worried about resale value. Any advice?

Thanks a lot.

Ann Joyce (Galway)

May 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Ann,

Yeah, you might just scrape into a 2012 model in either car but to be fair, though rolling back to a 2011 or even a 2010 (assuming that condition and history are OK) isn't really going to be any hardship. As for the C4 Picasso, well it's a very, very different type of car altogether - a big, spacious family MPV rather than a low-slung sports saloon. They're nice and comfy, but won't be as well built as either of the German cars.

If it were our choice to make, we'd go with the Audi - comfy, decent to drive and reliable.


Why are older Renaults apparently such good value?

Hi,

I'm looking to buy a cheap secondhand (second) family car. Renault Mégane hatchbacks, Scenics and Grand Scenics and even Vel satis from 2003, 2004 and 2005 seem very good value with low mileage NCTed models available from €2k to €3,400 in garages. Much cheaper than similarly specced Japanese or German alternatives. Are they that risky? If the timing belt is done and the electrics seem ok is there anything else I should be wary of or are Renaults that old just not worth the grief?

John McMahon (Dublin)

May 2014 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi John,

You know what? Just avoid the lot of them. In the early 2000s Renault was going through a period of very poor build quality that wasn't really resolved until the launch of the current Mégane in 2008. Older Renaults are generally just to be avoided. Electrical problems are commonplace and frustrating, and just because they're working now doesn't mean they'll stay working. These cars are marked down in price for a reason.

Hope we were in time to stop you buying!


How much is the tax on a Lexus RX 400h?

How much is the tax on a Lexus RX 400h?

Jim Murphy (Dublin)

May 2014 Filed under: taxation

Expert answer

Hi Jim,

It depends on the year, as the Lexus RX 400h was sold before and after the motor taxation system change in 2008. For later models the emissions fall into tax Band F, costing €1,200 per annum. For earlier cars, because the engine size puts it into the highest category, the annual cost is €1,809.

Hope that helps


How reliable are the new Dacia Logan cars?

How reliable are the new Dacia Logan cars?

Kellie The Great (Dublin)

May 2014 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Kellie.

Generally speaking, they should be OK. All the mechanical bits are old, proven Renault and Nissan parts, and thanks to the fact that Logans are pretty well shorn of equipment, there's not that much that can go wrong. Dacias also come with an optional five-year warranty, which should put your mind at rest.

However, it's worth pointing out that the Logan estate we tested recently had a wonky driver's door, putting some doubt over the quality of the assembly and the German TUV (the national safety and quality testing organisation) rates the Logan as having a 13 per cent fault rate. Now, that figure is only a guideline and it does encompass the old Logan (the one that was never sold here) as well, but just for comparisons, the TUV rates a Ford Fiesta at a 4.8 per cent fault rate.

In other words, they're probably fine, but try and make sure you buy one with lots of warranty left, just in case.


Should I run a mile from a diesel Saab?

Looked at nice diesel Saab recently: my friends say run, what do you think?

Michael Moloney (Cashel, Co Tipperary)

Apr 2014 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

Split decision; if it's a 9-3 running the 1.9 diesel then it's actually quite nice, if a little clunky compared to more modern cars. 

If it's a 9-5 then yes, run. Terribly unreliable car.


Ford Mondeo or Volkswagen Passat for an auto diesel?

Hi,

I'm currently looking to purchase either a Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Powershift or a Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI DSG. Looking at year ranges from 2007-10. Can you please advise on both cars in terms of smoothness of gear change and fuel economy? Also, If I do purchase a 2008 or above model can you tell me the road tax based on emissions for both cars?

Thanks

Rory Roden (Cork)

Apr 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Rory,

Both cars use dual clutch semi-automatic gearboxes, which are pretty slick-shifting, but Volkswagen's DSG transmission just edges it for smoothness and quickness. 

On the emissions front it's rather bad news I'm afraid. If you're buying 2008 model year cars then you're looking at emissions of 189g/km for the Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Powershift and 175g/km for the Passat 2.0 TDI DSG. That means tax of €750 a year.

It gets a bit better if you can spool forward to 2010 when the Passat's emissions drop to 158g/km so that means a tax bill of €570 a year. 

Just for reference, the Mondeo 2.0 diesel auto gets an official 39mpg while the 2010 Passat with DSG gets 47mpg.

To be honest, if you can live without an automatic gearbox you would be better to go for the 1.6-litre diesel versions of either car. Both have decent performance and much better economy and emissions. For instance, a 1.6 BlueMotion Technologies Passat gets 62mpg and has emissions of just 118g/km so tax of €200 a year.


Is the 1.2 TSI Audi A3 a good car?

Are Audi A3s (1.2 petrol, 2011) good cars to invest in?

Marion Dunne (Dulleek. Co. Meath. Ireland)

Apr 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Marion,

Yes, pretty excellent really. The A3 is nice to drive, exceptionally well built and holds its value well. That 1.2 TSI petrol engine is also excellent, as long as you're not doing mega-mileage. Just be careful that you buy one with a full service history and don't forget that you can buy a Golf, Octavia or Leon that is mechanically identical for less money.


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