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Broken LCD odometer: what to do?

Have a deposit on a car. Some of the LCD lines on its odometer are broken, and you can barely make out mileage. Will it fail its NCT?

David Mac Manus (Waterford)

Feb 2017 Filed under: mileage

Expert answer

Hi David,

It might do. If it's from a dealer I'd demand a repair before you sign on the line. A broken odometer realistically means that you cannot record the correct mileage and therefore it's far easier to 'clock' the car. If they baulk at your request, it's quite possibly dodgy so walk away.  


Has Volkswagen Ireland no Golf info yet?

Hi,

Why on earth is there radio silence from Volkswagen Ireland regarding the new Golf?! In the first time for forever we have an excellent, dedicated car enthusiasts' website for Irish customers where I can read about the new Golf, but Volkswagen Ireland has no information whatsoever on its website or within its dealer network. I am having to use the excellent Volkswagen UK website as a reference yet there is no guarantee what I desire there will even be 'offered' here...

I am in the fortunate position of being able to order my third 'performance' Golf at launch yet am getting that same 'here's what you could have won' feeling seeing the UK launch and generous spec... Maybe it'll be worth the wait this time...

Martin Smith (Waterford)

Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

Well, we can't speak for Volkswagen or its IT department, but we have seen the prices (hence how we were able to include them in our review of the new Volkswagen Golf) and they're pretty much the same as before, with slightly better equipment as standard all round, which is actually much the same as UK spec. Any delay in getting the new details on the website are likely down to a delay in finalising the options pack prices and, let's face it, trying to make sure that the last few remaining examples of the outgoing model get sold. 


Is the Opel Mokka X the same size?

I am waiting delivery of a new Opel Mokka X and wish to purchase a rubber fitted boot protector in advance. Most or all of those advertised on Amazon describe them as "2012 onwards". They seem to relate to the model prior to the X model. Are the measurements and shape of the X identical to the previous model?

Declan Corry (Greystones)

Feb 2017 Filed under: aftermarket

Expert answer

Hi Declan,

Yup, it's exactly the same car. Opel changed the styling at the front, tidied up the dashboard design and gave it some new engines, but the overall structure, body and dimensions remained the same. 

Read our Opel Mokka X review here


Volkswagen Tiguan or BMW X1?

Volkswagen Tiguan 150hp diesel Comfortline front-wheel drive or BMW X1 sDrive18d Xline: if cost wasn't an issue what would you recommend?

Martin (Meath)

Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

Probably the Tiguan, mostly because it's roomier and more comfortable. That said, there's no denying that the X1 is a terrific car and very desirable. Here are our reviews of the versions we have tried:

BMW X1 xDrive20d review

BMW X1 xDrive25d review

Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI review


Is a 142 Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 possible?

Hi, I believe hat Volkswagen stopped making the 1.4 TSI Tiguan in 2008, but Frank Keane in Deansgrange has this 142 example for sale; how can this be?

Brendan Cullen (Knocklyon)

Feb 2017 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel

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. 


Can you explain the VAT import rules?

I am from Cyprus and I intend to buy a three-year-old used car that is "VAT qualifying" and worth €18,000. The car I'll import from Cyprus.

Please explain the VAT procedure

Andreas Constantinides (Nicosia)

Feb 2017 Filed under: importing

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. 


ISOFIX mounts in the new Skoda Kodiaq?

Is it true that it will be possible to order three ISOFIX seats in the middle row of the Skoda Kodiaq?

Jill Gordon (Wicklow)

Jan 2017 Filed under: child or baby seats

Expert answer

Hi Jill,

No. There are two standard ISOFIX points in the Kodiaq, in the outer two middle row seats, and a third, optional, point in the front passenger seat. Nothing in the centre rear seat, however, and no ISOFIX at all in the folding third row.


Tell me more about the new Audi Q5.

Hi, do you know if the new Audi Q5 will be sold in 190hp diesel, automatic with front-wheel drive or will they be quattro only with this engine/gearbox combination? Is the quattro permanent or part time or how does it work?

Many thanks...

Pwh, Galway

Pat Higgens (Galway)

Jan 2017 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

For the moment, the 190hp engine is only available with the S tronic automatic transmission and quattro four-wheel drive, but we'd expect a front-drive version to become available in due course. In the Q5, the quattro system does drive all the wheels, but if it doesn't detect any slippage, it will reduce power to the rear wheels in order to save fuel. 


What to look for on Megane estate?

When was the Renault Megane Estate TomTom 1.5 diesel introduced to the market? Is there anything a potential buyer ought be aware of?

Robert Foley (Cork)

Jan 2017 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Robert,

The estate (or 'Grand Megane' as Renault insisted on calling it) TomTom edition was announced in 2009 and introduced to the market in 2010. It was much better built and more reliable than the previous Megane, but there are still some weak points to keep an eye out for. Those include fragile fuel line clips, burned out coil packs on the 1.6 petrol, particulate filter problems on the 1.5 diesel, electrical problems especially with the windows and the heating system and premature clutch wear. 


How reliable is the Volkswagen Tiguan?

How is the Volkswagen Tiguan rated for quality and reliability?

Patrick Reilly (Dublin 13)

Jan 2017 Filed under: choosing used car

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.