Expert answer

Hi Nathy,

Shouldn't be a major issue. We've driven the Golf on 17s and found it entirely acceptable. Only the GTI with 19s seems to have any particular ride quality issues. The best advice though is to try it and see how it feels to you. One man's pillow is another man's rock...

Let us know how you get on too

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Hi Laurie,

Well, I'm assuming that, as you have a Rio, you won't want to see your price tag or running costs rise by too much, so how about a Skoda Fabia Combi estate? Similar in size and running costs to the Rio, but with a massive boot that should easily take your golf clubs (although you should bring them on the test drive to make sure they slot in OK - better safe than sorry). 

If the Fabia is still too small and you want to stay within the Kia family, then what about a cee'd SW estate? Masses of space, frugal 1.6 diesel engine and you should get a decent deal on a one- to two-year old example, still with lots of that nice full-sized Kia warranty to run.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Shane,

If it's a small petrol hatch you're looking for then I think the best options are either a Ford Focus with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo engine (the 100hp version is the sweetest) or either one of the three Volkswagen Group hatches (Golf, Skoda Octavia or SEAT Leon) with the brilliant 1.2 TSI turbo. Both engines, if driven gently, should yield close-to-diesel fuel economy.

Incidentally, your point about higher seats being easier to get in and out of for elderly drivers is well made. It might be worth checking out something nearly-new along the lines of a Golf Plus or Ford C-Max in that regard.

Expert answer

Hi Andrew,

You're in an enviable position! I'll take your points one by one:

1) Mileage: you definitely do enough miles to see a benefit in having the GTD diesel model, assuming much of it is on the motorway. But the Golf R and GTI aren't really all that bad at a cruise either...

2) Gearbox: I personally would prefer the manual, though I accept that it's a very personal thing in a performance car and if you're used to automatics then stick with the DSG. For the record, it doesn't detract from the car one little bit.

3) GTD vs. GTI: if you read my review you'll see that I was pleasantly surprised by this car, but it took very hard driving to make it shine. At regular speeds (i.e. most of our driving) it felt quite ordinary, whereas the GTI always feels special.

I must admit that, if my budget stretched to the Golf R (and it's cheaper than ever now), I'd go for it. It's always going to be rare and exclusive (though perhaps hard to sell on) and as well as the extra performance it has a brilliant four-wheel drive system.

Nonetheless, I reckon the Golf GTI Performance is probably the best all-round choice, as you've identified for yourself. It's a sensational car, noticeably better to drive even than the regular GTI. You won't regret it one little bit.

Let us know which way you go in any case and here's some more reading for you:

Volkswagen reduces the price of the Golf R

Volkswagen Golf GTI five-door manual road test

Volkswagen Golf GTD road test

Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance (manual)

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

By and large yes, but remember that this is a ten-year old car now, so you're going to have to find an immaculate one if you're looking for trouble-free motoring. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) has been known to give bother, so check and make sure that the engine runs smoothly and produces power properly. Mind you, the 1.4 petrol Golf was always woefully underpowered, so check also for signs that it has been ragged - floppy clutch, loose gearshift, smoky engine etc. Check the suspension too and if the tyres are unevenly worn, then the alignment is probably out. If it has electric windows and central locking (most Irish-spec 1.4 Golfs from that era won't) check to make sure they work properly too.

Expert answer

Hi Karla,

Well, you're looking at two different sizes of car there. If you want to physically downsize, then the Ibiza is the one to go for - it's smaller than the Golf (based on the same chassis as the Volkswagen Polo), but still pretty spacious, rather handsome and nice to drive. They're very reliable too, but quite noisy and uncouth on a longer journey. A Focus is roughly the same size as a Golf, but if it's painless, economical motoring you're after than a 1.6 TDCi Focus could be the answer - plentiful, well-made, sweet to drive and 55mpg.

What do you think?

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

We're awaiting an official answer from Volkswagen on this, though our feeling is that it's highly unlikely. The latest Golf is built on an all-new platform and it'd be very surprising if they maintained the tow bar mounting points in the redesign.

Nothing like trying it for yourself though! It would take two minutes under a ramp to line it all up and see if it fits...

Expert answer

Hi Caitriona,

I'd go for the 1.6 Golf to be honest. It's a more modern engine and doesn't suffer the air-mass sensor issues that occasionally plague the old 1.9 TDI engine. It's also not really worth upgrading to the 2.0-litre engine, simply because, in spite of a relatively weedy-sounding 105hp and 270Nm of torque, the 1.6 TDI engine actually has very decent on-road performance and the upshot is low emissions and the potential for being able to average 60mpg if you treat it gently.

Expert answer

Hi Tara,

Golfs of that spec and age will generally go for around €15,000 to €17,000, but with the high mileage on yours, I'd say you'll have to aim a little lower. Stick it up for €14,000 and see how it goes.

Unless of course that's a typo, and you meant 17,000km, in which case go with €16,000.

Expert answer

Hi Paddy,

That's a tricky one to assess from afar I'm afraid as it could be several different things. The clutch cable/pedal/actuator could be faulty or out of adjustment, the gear linkage could be out of position or the gearbox itself could have major internal problems. The good news is that the latter is the least likely scenario.

I'd urge you to bring the car to a good mechanic to have a look at it for you before quoting for the fix.