Skoda Octavia RS, SEAT Leon FR or Golf GTD?
I'm looking to buy something quick and diesel. I am currently looking at a new Skoda Octavia RS, SEAT Leon FR or Golf GTD. I am also looking at a used 2012 Mondeo Titanium X 163. Which would you recommend? I will be trading a 2007 1.6 petrol Ti-VCT Focus Titanium with 85,000km on the clock.
Gareth Fisher (Galway)Jul 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Gareth,
Go for the Skoda. Dave Humphreys (also of this parish) and I recently drove the latest Octavia RS diesel from Goodwood to Dublin and frankly, you'd be hard pressed to find a car with a broader spread of talents. Go for the estate to get the best looking (as well as most useful) version.
Let us know what you do
What are the best-selling cars in Ireland?
Hello guys,
I have two questions:
1) What are the most sold cars in Ireland?
2) What is the pricing range for cars people are buying the most in Ireland?
Looking forward to hearing from you
Kind regards, Stan
Stan Melnis (Dublin)Jul 2013 Filed under: miscellaneous
Expert answer
Hi Stan,
OK, well currently (as of the end of September), the best selling cars in Ireland are, in descending order, the Hyundai Tucson, the Nissan Qashqai, the Volkswagen Golf, the Skoda Octavia, the Ford Focus, the Ford Fiesta, the Kia Sportage, the Toyota Yaris, the Toyota Corolla and the Volkswagen Tiguan. The biggest-selling market segment is the SUV/H1 segment (that’s the Qashqai-Tucson-Sportage mid-size SUVs) all of which cost between €24,000 and €40,000 depending on spec.
When will the Volkwagen Golf Estate go on sale?
When will the 2013 Volkwagen Golf Estate go on sale in Ireland?
Mark Hainbach (Dublin 4)Jul 2013 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
I'm afraid Volkswagen Ireland confirms that it has no plans to offer the new Golf Estate for sale here.
If you like it that much it'll have to be an import from the UK.
Let me know if we can be of further assistance.
Is the new Volkswagen Golf Plus worth buying?
Is the new Volkswagen Golf Plus worth buying?
Martina Bannon (Tullamore)Jul 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Martina,
No, it's not really. There's only a marginal increase in cabin space over the standard Golf and a major drop-off in both styling and dynamics. You'd be much better off just buying a new Golf (which is also lighter and more fuel efficient) or if you need the space, go for a Skoda Octavia (a little more space) or a Volkswagen Touran (a lot more space).
Let us know how you get on
Should I swap my petrol Golf for a Passat?
Would I save much money, fuel wise, by swapping my 2003 petrol Volkswagen Golf 1.6 (which averages 35mpg) for a 2007 Volkswagen Passat 1.6 FSI? Or would the saving be negligable?
Diarmuid McCarthy (Tullamore)Expert answer
Hi Diarmuid,
There would probably be no saving at all. While the FSI engine is cleverer and more high tech and therefore technically more economical, the extra weight and bulk of the Passat will nullify that advantage. If you were to swap for an FSI Golf, you might do better, fuel-wise.
Hope that helps
Peugeot 206 CC or Volkswagen Beetle?
Is the Peugeot 206 CC a reliable car? What about the Volkswagen Beetle.
Julie Conlon (Dublin)Jul 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Julie,
The short answers are; no. And, indeed, no.
The 206 is actually quite mechanically robust, so major things like engines and gearboxes tend to last pretty well, but the roof of the CC model is a disaster. Not only does it tend to leak, but it often gets jammed halfway through folding. The cabin trim is pretty fragile too and switches, important ones like the indicator stalk, often break.
The Volkswagen Beetle isn't much better. It was based on the Mk IV Golf, which is the one with just about the poorest reliability record of the whole Golf family. Engine management issues are the most serious ones, so make sure there's a full and proper service history with any car you're looking at.
Hopet that helps
Is the 2003 Volkswagen Golf reliable?
Is the 2003 Volkswagen Golf 1.6 Match a reliable model?
Ros Devitt (Dublin)Jul 2013 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Ros,
Not so much. The Mk IV Golf was not the paragon of reliability that the previous three generations had been, nor indeed that the subsequent three generations have been. The biggest recurring problem seems to be fragile engine management systems that can fail, which often leads to major mechanical components going pop. Smaller irritating niggles such as failed locking systems and electric windows have also been regularly reported.
That said, by 2003, that generation Golf was gearing up to be replaced so it's possible that Volkswagen had ironed out the model's issues by then. Worth looking at so, but tread carefully and have the car checked. A full set of service logs and history would be nice too as always.
Best affordable family car?
What is the best affordable family car to buy?
Mick Mel (Kilkenny)Jul 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mick,
Tempting to say a Volkswagen Golf (which is the answer everyone gives), but I’ll be slightly different and say a VW Golf Estate. Classy, lovely to drive, comfy and with a massive boot. Perfect family motoring. Read our Volkswagen Golf Estate review here.
What will I replace my Mazda3 with?
I'd like to replace my Mazda3 petrol 1.6 for a diesel car or SUV; what would you recommend? I'd like something with good fuel economy as I do over 360 miles a week, mostly motorway driving, and lower tax preferably. I have two young children in car seats. I'm looking for something a year or two old, but not a Golf.
Thanks
Alanna Mangan (Newbridge)Jun 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Alanna,
If you like the Mazda, then it would be well worth considering an upgrade to the current-shape Mazda3 with the 1.5-litre SkyActiv diesel engine — it's smooth, refined, very economical and with the usual Mazda reliability. A lovely car. Also worth considering are the Honda Civic 1.6 iDTEC diesel or Kia cee’d 1.6 CRDi.
A few reviews for you:
Which new cars are easy to get into?
I have a bad back and I find it very difficult getting into small cars like the Volkswagen Polo/Golf etc. I am looking to buy a new car/SUV that will be doing mostly urban/extra urban driving. I know it's a tough ask, but I am looking for something that is easy to get into and that will return decent mpg.
Vincent Walsh (Westport)Jun 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Vincent,
Not that tough, these days actually. Would you consider an Opel Mokka? Not the greatest car ever made or anything but it has a higher seating position, which may help and, better still, its front seats are approved of by the Aktion Gesunder Rucken, which is the German Bad Back Association. If you don’t fancy the Mokka, I too am a bad back sufferer and I always found that the seats in the Citroen C3 Picasso were always very comfy. Worth a try at any rate.
Here are the reviews: