When to change a Skoda 1.6 TDI timing belt?
Can you tell me at what mileage do I have to change the timing belt in a Skoda 1.6 TDI please?
Michael Murphy (Cork)Sep 2014 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
You've not mentioned whether you have the Superb or the Octavia, but either way our data suggests that the recommended service interval for the 1.6 TDI timing belt is 140,000 miles (225,000 kilometres) or every four years.
We'd suggest erring on the side of caution with timing belts always, especially on a car that you've not owned yourself from new.
Should I replace my Octavia with a Tucson 4x4?
I just crashed my 1.9 Octavia. I travel about 20,000 kilometres a year. I was thinking of getting a 07/08 Hyundai Tucson 4WD but am concerned about the difference in fuel economy. I live rurally (the Skoda slipped on mud) and on a steep hill. I also travel to scenic locations as I take landscape photos. I've read conflicting reports with regard to the economy. I've a loan of a 2007 Fiesta 1.25 and have put €70 into it in the last five days to do about 300 miles. Is the Tucson a realistic choice?
Mark Callanan (Templeglantine)Sep 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
Right, obviously it's always a bit of a scare when you slip on the road and damage your car, and it's natural for the reaction to be "I'd better get a 4x4." Hang on though, because there are 4x4s and 4x4s... First off, the Tuscon. According to the official figures, the 2.0-litre diesel 4x4 Tuscon does 39mpg while the 2.0-litre petrol model does 35mpg. We'd bet that you'll struggle to match those figures on the road and will instead get around 30mpg on average. Also, 4x4 Tuscons are a little tricky to track down in Ireland.
So, as an alternative, why not consider a Skoda Octavia 4x4? You know you like the car, the all-wheel drive system is just as good at finding traction as any big SUV's and the lower, lighter body means you won't pay as heavy a fuel consumption penalty. We've found one for sale on Carzone for just over €10k, so they're not even too expensive.
Worth a look, at any rate.
I need a commuting car with a budget of €7,000.
What would be the most suitable fuel-efficient car (diesel) to do circa 1,800km per month (five-door preferably with space for a buggy in the boot)? I have a budget of about €7,000.
Susan Dillon (Foxrock)Sep 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Susan,
For your budget, you could consider an Audi A3 1.9 TDI five-door. Classy, good to drive and very economical. Perhaps not the most spacious car in the world in the back and boot, but it will take a buggy.
Or, how about a car based on the same mechanical package as the A3, but with the boot space to be able to handle a whole creche's worth of kiddy clobber? I speak of course of the Skoda Octavia. A brilliant car, with tonnes of space, and your budget would get you a 2008 model with the 1.9 TDI diesel engine in range-topping 'Elegance' trim. So, comfy then.
Skoda not your thing? Want something classier? I have just the thing... How about a 2008 Volvo V50 estate with the 1.6-litre diesel engine? An easy 50mpg, family practicality thanks to the estate body and your mind will be forever at ease on the safety front.
What do you think?
What will I do with my two Volkswagen Golf diesels?
We have two cars at present: a 2008 Volkswagen Golf Estate 1.9 TDI diesel (low tax, 90,000 miles, does approx. 10k miles per year), which is a family car doing town trips and three days a week motorway driving 74 miles round trip on the M1 and M50. The other is a 2007 Golf Plus 1.9 TDI with 110,000 miles on the clock doing approx. 20,000 miles per year (mainly round trips of 74km per day seven days per week on the motorway). Very happy with both cars and not giving any problems, but have been told that both cars will need the dual mass flywheel changed at some point as this is often a problem with these Golfs.
Was going to change the Golf Plus for new family car worth approx. €17k - was going to get approx. €5-5.5k as trade in and a loan for €12K. Trying to justify changing car! Both cars are serviced at most 1,000km after service is due. How much is too many miles on these cars? Could I get high mileage on these cars without too much of an outlay on repairs or should I regularly update the car? If I'm to change I was going to look at a Volkswagen Passat, Skoda Octavia or a Toyota Avensis. Am I right in sticking to diesel?
Many thanks
Brian Byrne (Balbriggan, Dublin)Aug 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Brian,
Yeah, I think you're probably right to stick with diesel with those sorts of mileages. Mind you, it's worth pointing out that those two Volkswagens you have aren't on mega-miles yet and it could be more cost-effective to spend a little on getting them spruced up and fit for thousands more miles than chopping and changing.
That said, if you're in need of a good, reliable family car then I'd have a long look at a Toyota Avensis estate. The 2.0-litre D-4D diesel engine is a good 'un and cheap to tax, it's comfy, ideal for long motorway runs and if it's not the most exciting car in the world, then at least it's solidly reliable. Spacious too.
Probably the most cost-effective option is to replace the high-miler with something younger and fitter and then spend a little extra to keep the runaround Golf fresh.
Let us know what you decide on.
What saloon should I replace my Chevrolet Aveo with?
What is the best saloon car to drive? Thinking of purchasing a new or used car. I have a 2008 Chevrolet Aveo and would not want anything too expensive.
Richard
Richard O Leary (Cork)Aug 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Richard,
There is lots of good choice out there in the compact saloon world, whether you're buying new or used. The Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta, Skoda Octavia, Ford Focus Saloon or Mazda3 Saloon all spring to mind and all make solid purchases. Just one thing - for pity's sake, don't buy another Aveo - not only is it cheap, nasty and bad to drive, but it was one of the worst-scoring cars ever on the EuroNCAP crash test.
What do you think of the Volkswagen CC?
Hello, I'm thinking of buying a 131 Volkswagen CC 177 GT DSG; can you advise please? I have received a good trade in offer on my 2011 Skoda Octavia RS for the CC.
Thanks.
David Mc Kenna (Dublin)Jun 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi David,
All I can say is go for it. The CC (I still always start to say Passat CC even though the Passat name has been dropped) is a fabulous car - smooth, comfy and good to drive and really quite devastatingly handsome. Problems are few and far between, but make sure that the service record is up to date (at only a year old it certainly should be) and check that the seals around the frameless door glass is in good nick and keeping out the rain. Other than that, I'd say you can't go wrong.
Why won't my Octavia start properly when it's cold?
I have a 1999 Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDI diesel. When the engine is cold it's almost inpossible too start. What do you think is the problem? When the engine is warm its starts directly. It is any typical thing?
Bjarne Rålund (Dublin)Jun 2014 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Bjarne,
The first thing we'd check are the heater plugs. They're not cheap though, so have an auto electrician test them before you shell out money paying for their replacement.
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.
Where's the crank sensor on my Octavia?
Where is the crankshaft sensor located on the 2007 Skoda Octavia with a 2.0-litre TSI diesel engine.
Ladi Akanni (Galway)Apr 2014 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Ladi,
I believe it's on the gearbox side of the engine below the starting motor. It's really awkward to get to and we would recommend that it is removed only by a professional mechanic.
Why is the ASR light on in my Skoda Octavia?
Why is the ASR light on in my Skoda Octavia?
Michael Ryan (Galway)Apr 2014 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
It means that the computer has detected an issue with one of the sensors that contributes to the traction control working effectively (ASR stands for Anti Slip Regulation). The best way to diagnose the issue is to have a mechanic plug the car into a diagnostic device.
Let us know how you get on.