Expert answer

Hi there,

I'd go for the Octavia. The boot is significantly bigger than that of the Astra's, and the Astra is also starting to feel its age a bit - there's an all-new model coming towards the end of the year, so the Octavia feels fresher and better to drive.

That said, there's absolutely nothing wrong with the Astra, and if, with that new model coming along, you can get a sharper deal on the Astra, there'd be nothing wrong with grabbing one.

Relevant reviews:

Opel Astra Sports Tourer review

Skoda Octavia Combi review

Expert answer

Hi Frank,

It just so happens that we will have a first drive of the new Galaxy on the site in the next few days. Prices start at €38,760 and it'll arrive later this year in Ford showrooms.

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

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...

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. 

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:

Kia Sorento review

Nissan Qashqai review

Toyota RAV4 review

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.

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:

Lexus GS 300h review

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."

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.