Why is my Volkswagen Bora over-heating?
I have a a problem with my Volkswagen Bora 1.6 Comfortline. it seems to be whenever I accelerate it over heats and in the low gears it seems to lose power for a few moments and then get it back again. It could be a sensor but I am not quite sure and I could do with some advice please.
Robert Shinnick (Moylough )Jun 2015 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Robert,
It's very difficult to analyse such things from afar. It's likely that the loss of power is related to the overheating issue, so we'd suggest getting to the bottom of that first. We'd suspect a damaged water pump or a sticking thermostat.
Let us know how you get on
Explain the Honda Civic Tourer's suspension.
Can you explain the Honda Civic Tourer's suspension system?
Cormac Mac Carthy (Dublin)Jun 2015 Filed under: optional extras
Expert answer
Hi Cormac,
It's a bit of an odd system actually. In basic form, the Civic Tourer comes with a torsion bar suspension (old-fashioned and not very sophisticated, but space-efficient and cheap to make) and 'passive' dampers and springs. Spec it up though, and it comes with adaptive electronically controlled dampers, supplied by suspension expert Sachs. These can be switched between Comfort, Normal and Sport modes that basically translates as Soft, Medium and Firm. You won't notice a huge difference between the three modes, to be honest, but you will notice that an adaptive damper-equipped Civic does feel better balanced to drive, and rides more comfortably, than the standard car. That's because the rear dampers are constantly adjusting their stiffness and reaction rates to cope with the road. The odd part is that the adaptive dampers are only on the rear suspension, not on the front. Presumably this is for cost reasons, but it does lead to the occasionally odd sensation that the car is somehow hinged at the rear...
Are there forums to discuss a Volkswagen Golf issue?
Where will I find a forum in Ireland to ask Volkswagen Golf owners about problems they may have experienced? I have an auto hold problem that the garage cannot sort. Kind of my word against theirs problem that shows up only about 10 per cent of the time. Never there when you drive into the dealership... cracking up from it and cannot let anyone else drive the car.
Kevin Ryan (Limerick)Jun 2015 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Kevin,
There are a couple you can try, such as golfmk7.com or forums.vwvortex.com, but you need to be aware that the people on forums are not necessarily experts. Take any advice with some level of caution.
Your better bet is to sit on your dealer's head (metaphorically) to get the problem solved. It's not a case of their word against yours - don't take that kind of crap lying down. The garage's job is to sort your problem and you shouldn't pay a cent to them until the problem is fixed to your satisfaction. Quote the Sale Of Goods And Supply Of Services Act at them. They're the experts, so a shrug and a "we can't replicate the problem" isn't good enough.
If you're still having problems, tell us the name of the garage. Volkswagen Ireland guards its reputation for after-sales service fervently so it'll also be interested to hear about this.
What will we replace our Kia Sportage with?
Hi, my wife is driving a 2013 Kia Sportage and is thinking of updating. What would you recommend?
Joe Malone (Dublin)Jun 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
Lots to choose from, but if she fancies another Sportage, then hang on for a year - there's an all-new model coming. You could consider a trade-up into the excellent new Kia Sorento, but that's a bigger, more expensive car. If you want to stick in the same size range (and stick with an SUV) then have a look at the Volkswagen Tiguan, Nissan Qashqai or Toyota RAV4.
Relevant reviews:
When is the new Volvo V60 Cross Country out?
When is the new Volvo V60 Cross Country available to buy in Ireland and what do you think of this car?
Caroline Conroy (Limerick)Jun 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Caroline,
The new V60 Cross Country is on sale now from €40,845 (click here to go to Volvo's configurator for that car). We've not driven it as yet, but will be during the summer. For what it's worth, we really like the regular V60. Read our review of that here.
My wife and I are in the market for a new car...
My wife and I are in our mid seventies and are in the market for a new car. We have been driving Saabs for 30 years and are now considering a BMW, a Mercedes-Benz, a Jaguar or a Lexus. I have been looking at 5 Series/E-Class category cars, mainly because I am for the first time in my life able to afford such a car. But I am totally confused by the jargon and the names the different manufacturers give to their options or packages. Please tell me what to buy. The most important feature for us is safety, including things that will stop us doing stupid things behind the wheel. Also good satnav and park assist/camera features.
And should I be looking at cheaper models? Do we really need E-Class or 3 Series to travel in comfort or should we drop down a category? Just tell me what to buy!
Thanks very much.
Peter, Dublin 6
Peter Kelly (Dublin)Jun 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
To be honest, if it's just the two of you, then you don't really need to trade up to an E-Class or 5 Series sized car - a 3 Series would do you just as nicely. That said, there is definitely a slight comfort benefit from going for the bigger model, so I can understand why you might want to.
I'm going to suggest something a little left-field for you but I think it might just work - have a look at a Lexus GS 300h. It's perhaps not as obviously economical as a BMW 520d or Mercedes E 200 CDI, but it's enormously refined and comfortable, and endlessly reliable and solidly built. It's also really nice to drive and I think the quirky elements of the styling and engineering might appeal to a former Saab driver. Have a test drive and let me know what you think.
Relevant reviews:
How best to export a high-end Mercedes?
I am buying a brand new and very rare model Mercedes from a Dublin dealer soon. I will have to tax, insure and register it as per any other car on the road. I have already sold it to a dealer in London for a good premium. Can I export it the very same week I buy it and reclaim the VRT amount via the reclaim scheme and also how best to make the car UK VAT qualifying? It will have 100 miles max on the clock. I can buy in my own name or that of an Irish company.
Thanks
Seamus
Seamus Murphy (Cork)Jun 2015 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Seamus,
This is quite a tricky one so we sought the advice of the car data experts at Cartell.ie. Here's what they came up with:
"This is an unusual query and you'll need to get confirmation from Revenue in Ireland and HM Revenue & Customs in the UK. Based on what we think, and we don't see this query a lot, you may be able to buy the vehicle brand new for export, meaning that the VRT isn't paid on it at all - so no need for refund. The vehicle may get a temporary registration so it can be exported. Also the VAT of 23% can be claimed back as it's a new vehicle and you'll have to pay the UK VAT rate when it's registered there. To be honest this is a bit of a minefield and we strongly advise getting all details and clarifications from the Revenue both in Ireland and the UK before proceeding."
Are PCP prices fixed or negotiable?
Are PCP prices fixed or negotiable?
Patrick Egan (Dun Laoghaire)Jun 2015 Filed under: finance
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
Negotiable, at least from the point of view of the size of deposit, which of course then affects the amount your borrowing and therefore the monthly repayments.
Do I need an MPV to fit in three child seats?
I have two kids aged three and five, a third coming in October. I would prefer not to have get an MPV. Is there any saloon or crossover SUV for about €30k new that will take the three child seats across the back row?
Thanks. Pat Kennedy
Pat Kennedy (Cork)Jun 2015 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Pat,
Crossover SUV? Only one at that price level; the Skoda Yeti has three individual seats across the back. However, while the outer two slide and their backrests tilt, it's not by enough to squeeze in larger booster cushions/seats with a rear-facing baby seat. Perhaps with particularly slim seats it may be possible, but otherwise we'd suggest not. Bring the seats to a Skoda dealership to try it for yourself though.
Estates generally don't have the width any more to take three seats abreast in the back, but there are conversions available (from EP Mooney in Dublin) that will allow a conventional estate (or any car for that matter) to take as many as four child safety seats.
Otherwise you're looking at larger SUVs or at the least, a compact MPV.
What's wrong with my nearly new Golf TDI?
Hi,
I have a Volkswagen Golf Mk7 TDI diesel, just 10 weeks old, 6,600km on the clock. Engine management light flashing and loses ability to accelerate. Light goes off and acceleration restored once ignition turned off and on again. Gets a 90km spin almost daily. Second time it's happened in past four weeks.
Any ideas what could be wrong?
Olive Piercy (Meath)Jun 2015 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Olive,
It's not easy to assess such issues from afar though it does sound as if the car is going into 'limp home' mode to protect the engine as the engine control unit (ECU) has sensed a problem. With such a new car it's most likely to be a wrong reading from a sensor rather than anything major.
As the car is new, bring it straight back to the dealer and we're sure it'll be sorted quickly.
Let us know how you get on and what the problem was.