Am I mad changing 2012 Golf for older BMW?
I'm driving a 2012 MK6 Volkswagen Golf Edition R (1.2 TSI). While I like a lot of things about the car I am increasingly frustrated by the significant understeer, lack of steering feel in general and the poor seats. I am thinking of changing to a BMW 3 Series M Sport (318d or 320d) around the 2009 or 2010 mark, using this as a trade in. I do very low mileage but I don't mind spending a bit more. Am I mad? I have a bit of a mental block changing from a 12 reg downwards.
Eoin S (Dublin)May 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Eoin,
OK, first off you're not mad and an M Sport spec BMW 318d or 320d is just about as perfect a car as you'll find. Mind you, test drive carefully before you buy as the M Sport suspension can be pretty stiff and unforgiving on certain roads, and the steering, while more incisive than what you'd get in the Golf, can also be a bit heavy and fake-feeling.
That said, there are things you can do to make your Golf drive with a little more sharpness and the first place I'd start is with the tyres. Most, if not all, cars these days come with high-efficiency low rolling resistance tyres that are there to maximise fuel economy, but don't do much for steering feel or handling prowess. So why not swap the boots for something a little more aggressive? A set of Pirelli P-Zeros or Michelin Pilot tyres might just make all the difference, so it's worth a try if nothing else.
You could also look at modifying the suspension to dial out that understeer, but we'd recommend you seek professional mechanical advice before going down that road.
Let us know what you do in any case.
I have an issue with my new Volkswagen Golf
I bought a new mk7 Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI and I'm not very happy with the car; when I am driving over rough surfaces and roads it rattles. What should I do?
A B (Ireland)May 2013 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi there,
We're surprised to hear you say this, as we've driven several versions of the new Golf on different wheels etc. without an issue. Even the sportier GTI model rides well.
Please come back to us with a few more details, such as the size of wheel, the tyres fitted and a description as best you can on where the rattle is coming from.
Of course, if it's a fault you should be talking directly to your dealer.
Is my Golf worth anything in scrap?
Hi. I have a 1999 Volkswagen Golf that failed its NCT last week. The cost of getting it fixed is too high so I want to buy a new car. How much can I get to scrap my car?
Pippa Robertson (Ireland)Apr 2013 Filed under: scrappage
Expert answer
Hi Pippa,
The short, glib answer is 'not much'. The trickier answer requires a bit of effort on your part, but mostly over the phone. Get on the blower with any car dismantlers in your area and see what they bid you. It might not be much, but it might be enough to kick start your next purchase. Equally, you might be surprised what a dealer would bid you on a trade in. I personally traded in an utter junker of an old Renault late last year and got more that I thought I would, and that was with a franchised dealer.
Let us know how you get on.
Which 1.4-litre car for €1,200?
What's the best car I could buy for €1,200? Around 1.4-litre.
Paul Knowd (Ireland)Apr 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
I could be glib and give the standard one-word answer to all motoring questions: 'Golf.' But actually, for that kind of money, if you're really careful and track down a nice one with history, I'm going to say Mk1 Focus. Plenty of them about, the 1.4 was hardly a ball of fire but it wasn't too shabby either and it's as poised and as brilliant to drive as many a legendary sports car. Plus, it's spacious, well made and according to the German TUV, they're reliable too.
Just make sure you check underneath for rust. Some of the early examples had dodgy rust proofing so make sure the brown peril hasn't taken hold.
Hope that helps
Are Volkswagen Golf Estates reliable?
Are Volkswagen Golf Estates reliable? I've heard they have electrical problems. The one I'm looking at is 2002 registered.
Thanks
Gavin Ward (Dublin)Apr 2013 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Gavin,
Here's the checklist for a 2002 Volkswagen Golf (hatchback or Estate):
- Check that alloy wheels have had copper slip grease applied behind them at each service, or the alloy can react with the steel hub and cause corrosion.
- Make sure the headlamps are in good condition, as they're a bumper-off job to replace.
- The rear screen wash-wipe can leak and run into the lock, shorting out the alarm and central locking. The door locks in general can give trouble.
- Most Golf engines need a cambelt change every 40,000 miles (64,000 kilometres). Diesel engines tend to get through a lot of oil.
- Clutch release bearings can wear out easily leading to a hefty clutch action.
- Ignition coils can burn out.
- A whirring noise could be a water pump failure.
- Slow starting or engine management lights often mean a temp sensor has failed.
- A tapping noise on start up may mean you need a cylinder head rebuild.
- If the car has sluggish acceleration it could be a crank or camshaft sensor failure.
- And if there are any issues with any of the main instruments then he whole display has to come out and be replaced.
That's a long list, we know, but if the car you're looking at passes those tests then it's likely to be a good one.
Best used and affordable diesel car?
Which is the best used diesel car to buy within a reasonable budget?
Louanne Littley (Waterford)Apr 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Louanne,
It depends on a huge range of factors, including what kind of mileage you cover, what size of car you need and what you deem a reasonable budget. The standard answer to all motoring queries might be appropriate here: buy a Golf.
What family car do you recommend?
Hi, what family car do you recommend for €6,000 budget and good resale value? I need this for only nine months.
Srinivas Rao (Dublin)Apr 2013 Filed under: family car
Expert answer
Hi Srinivas,
It's a terrible cliche but you can't do much better in this market than to pick yourself up a good second hand Volkswagen Golf. It's spacious, comfy and reliable, and so long as you go for diesel and a dark or metallic paint job you should have no trouble moving it on again.
Hope that helps
Looking for frugal, comfy, automatic car...
Hi, could you advise me? I am looking for a economical automatic car that is comfortable for long driving.
Thanks
Eileen
Eileen McCarthy (Tipperary)Mar 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Eileen,
A lot here depends on what kind of car, and indeed what size of car, you’re looking for. There’s a huge choice out there, and most models now have at least the option of an automatic gearbox. Overall, it’s as ever hard to get away from the trusty VW Golf in cases such as this. A 1.6 TDI diesel or 1.2 TSI petrol with the DSG automatic gearbox would seem ideal.
How much on trade-in for my VW Golf?
How much can I get for trade-in of a five-door 2000 VW Golf, 1.4 petrol, 115,000 miles, NCT expires in May? Great car, just too small for the family. They're selling online for €1,500-€2,000, but I want to trade in. How much can I expect to get for a Golf?
Thanks!
Louise Byrne (Tipperary)Mar 2013 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Louise,
There are a number of scrappage schemes around, so depending on what you’re trading in against, that could be boosted up to as much as €4,500.
Should I go for a Skoda to replace my Golf?
I currently drive a 2009 Volkswagen Golf and am looking for something a bit bigger. I'm six-foot five and my problem is that, with the driver's seat in the correct position for me, you cannot fit our rear facing baby seat, or the first forward facing seat behind me. The only option is to place them on the passenger side, which leaves my older daughter sitting behind me, with her knees in my back, resulting in pins and needles for her and and an uncomfortable drive for me. The other issue is that the frame of the buggy takes up all the boot space, leaving no space for the weekly shop, or for luggage etc. I know the Skoda Superb has miles of leg room, and boot space but are there any other cars I should be looking at? I have always driven diesel and would prefer to stick with it, so I think 2009 would be best in terms of tax and getting two years before the next NCT. A lot of the Skodas on Carzone.ie seem to have huge mileage; what would you consider excessive for a 2009 car?
John Maher (Ennis)Mar 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi John,
The Skoda Superb or Octavia would have been our first suggestions. The Octavia hasn't quite as much rear legroom as the Superb, but it's still better than the Golf's - and the boot is huge. High mileages on diesel Skodas are nothing to worry about so long as it has a proper service history and is in good order. Taxi drivers regularly do hundreds of thousands of kilometres. Avoid high mileage DSG automatic gearboxes, but otherwise they are really robust. So long as the history and price are good I'd not worry about buying one with over 150,000 kilometres on the clock.
One last thing to consider: if you do less than 20,000 kilometres a year a petrol car may suit you better. They're generally cheaper to buy and better suited to low mileage use. They're also quieter!
Hope that helps, but do come back to us if you need more assistance and have a budget in mind so we can narrow down the search for you.