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Should I worry about high mileage on a Volkswagen Tiguan?

Is 156,000km too much mileage on a 2009 diesel Volkswagen Tiguan?

Aisling Connor (Meath)

May 2014 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Aisling,

No, it should be OK as long as you are absolutely on-the-ball when it comes to making sure that it has a full service history. The Tiguan is essentially a tall Golf, so all of the mechanical bits are pretty robust and well proven, but watch for some small niggles. The electronic handbrake (if fitted) has been known to fail. The rear door handles can stick open, but that should have been sorted under warranty and the air conditioning can fail, but that's usually just the dashboard switches and not the deeper mechanical bits of the system. Oh, and check carefully underneath for signs of off-roading damage - Tiguans aren't really designed for proper mud-plugging, but the four-wheel drive system sometimes fools people into thinking that they're Land Rovers...


What's the Lexus CT 200h like?

What do you think of the 2012 Lexus CT 200h? What about resale value?

Thanks

Ann Joyce (Galway)

May 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Ann,

I'm afraid the CT 200h's residual values aren't that great. The general buying public is still a bit suspicious of hybrids (the popularity of the Prius notwithstanding) and the CT's poor day-to-day fuel consumption marks it down relative to the likes of the rival BMW 1 Series and Audi A3. 

It's also quite cramped inside, with tiny rear seats and an almost useless boot. If you're looking for a classy small hatch, better stick with the Audi A3 or save yourself even more and get a nicely specified Volkswagen Golf.


How much should I pay for a 2009 Volkswagen Golf?

How much should I pay for a 2009 Volkswagen Golf?

Gus Farrell (Cork)

May 2014 Filed under: used car values

Expert answer

Hi Gus,

Around the €12,000 mark should get you a nicely specified 1.6 TDI, probably in Comfortline spec. That's the best one to go for, although if your annual mileage isn't that big, you could consider the also-excellent 1.4 TSI petrol version.


Will this Golf's electronic problem come back?

I am buying a 2006 Volkswagen Golf, which had computer problems in the past that are apparently quite common. Is this a problem that may return?

Thanks

Robert Hayes (Dublin)

May 2014 Filed under: electrics

Expert answer

Hi Robert,

Depends on the problem and depends how it was fixed. If the entire ECU has been replaced then the problem is unlikely to recur. If it was repaired then there's always the possibility that it will. Also, worth remembering that electrical or electronic issues often get the blame for deeper mechanical problems. If the issue recurs it could be worth investigating other possible causes.


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.


What will I replace by Peugeot 206 with?

Hello lads,

I currently drive a Peugeot 206 and in my 10 years of ownership the last six months have been plagued by problems. Can you recommend a good diesel car, max €3,000? I drive approx 100 miles a day for work.

Thank you, John in Wicklow

John Mullane (Arklow)

Apr 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi John,

I'm going to be predictable and say you should get a Volkswagen Golf. A budget of €3k would definitely get you a MkIV 1.9 TDI model and you may even just scrape into a MkV, which would be even better again. Just track down one that's been looked after and serviced regularly and you should be fine.


How do the Golf Match and Highline differ?

Can you explain the difference between the Highline and Match specifications in the Volkswagen Golf?

Brian Dempsey (Arklow)

Apr 2014 Filed under: optional extras

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

That's a little bit tricky at the moment as there isn't currently a 'Match' spec Golf in Volkswagen's range. The current Mark VII Highline Golf though is the ritziest Golf you can buy short of getting a GTI or GTD. Over and above a standard Golf, you get things like 16-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel, front fog lights that include a cornering function, auto headlights and wipers, sports seats and nice trim on the seats and dash.

When the last Mark VI Golf Match was around, it included (for a relatively small extra outlay over a standard car) such items as automatic lights and wipers, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, USB and iPod connectors, a digital radio, a trip computer and alloy wheels. The current Golf probably won't get a Match version for a year or two yet but keep an eye out for when one arrives as it will probably be quite a good bargain.


When are the new Passat and Mondeo on sale in Ireland?

When are the new Volkswagen Passat and Ford Mondeo on sale in Ireland?

William Bambrick (Dublin)

Apr 2014 Filed under: future cars

Expert answer

Hi William,

Ford is swearing blind that the all-new Mondeo (which has already been on sale for two years in the US as the Ford Fusion) is finally coming to these shores in the autumn of this year. The delay is being explained by the need to move the Mondeo's production line from the Ford factory in Ghenk, Belgium (which is being closed down) to Valencia in Spain.

Many of us car critics have pondered though whether or not Ford is simply stalling to try and let the European passenger car market recover before it introduces such a significant new model. If so, job done it would seem.

The new Passat is a little further away, but should be here by mid-2015 at the latest. Prototypes of the new car are already pounding the roads and test tracks of Europe racking up mileage and it's likely that we'll get a first look at the new car (which will be based on the same MQB chassis system as the current Golf) at the Paris Motor Show this September.

In the meantime, it's worth pointing out that the current Mondeo and Passat are still cars operating at the very top of their game and with new models on the way, it's likely you could argue yourself a decent deal on one.


What's the best diesel car for under €6,500?

Best diesel car I can buy for under €6,500 and why?

Karl Kelch (Dublin)

Mar 2014 Filed under: diesel

Expert answer

Hi Karl,

Short answer? Track down a nice Golf 1.9 TDI. As long as you keep it serviced that old 'Pump Düse' engine is solid, 50mpg is easily done and it's comfy and sweet to drive.

What do you think?


What would you recommend for €3,000?

What recommendations do you have for a used car under €3,000?

Penny Kinsella (Glengarriff)

Mar 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Penny,

Er, how long is a piece of string? €3k doesn't get you much but it can sure buy you a whole lot of trouble, so the best thing is to play safe. That means that whatever you're thinking of buying, make sure it has a Japanese badge on the back. Or, playing equally safe, just buy the nicest Volkswagen Golf you can afford. Can't go wrong there.


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