Why is my Skoda Octavia not starting?
Hi, my 2007 Skoda Octavia will not start. It will turn over but will not start (had to jump start it the day before). What could be wrong?
Jon Ward (Drogheda)Dec 2014 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Jon,
I'm afraid this sort of thing is nigh on impossible to diagnose from afar as there are so many factors at work. Here are a few things to look at, but really, you need a mechanic to take a look:
- Hook it up to a diagnostic machine and get any error codes - that could save time
- Perhaps the glo plugs aren't working - they'd be needed in this cold weather (if it's diesel)
- Maybe the fuel tank pump isn't working. Turn the ignition on and you should hear a buzz from under the rear seats
- Is there sufficient fuel in the tank?
Best of luck with it - let us know how you get on
Which of these diesel cars should I import from the UK?
I plan on going to the UK to buy a car soon. Thinking of a 2010/2011 diesel, a Qashqai, Passat, Sportage or Octavia. If I got a Kia it would still have warranty. Any other make with warranty like this? Can you give me advice?
John O Callaghan (Rosscarbery)Dec 2014 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi John,
The only other brand with a comparable warranty back in 2010 or 2011 would be Hyundai, which has (and had) a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty. Of the cars you've mentioned, in descending order of preference, we'd go for Octavia, Passat, Sportage and Qashqai. If it's out of warranty, you can always get an aftermarket one.
What do you think?
What €12,000 estate should I go for?
I am thinking of buying an estate car as I need the extra space. Seems to be a lot of Astras out there, but want to get something fairly good with a budget of €12k-ish. Recommend anything in particular?
Jonny Jackson (Tallaght)Dec 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Jonny,
The Astra is not a bad choice and the current Ford Focus Estate is simply massive inside too. But, to be honest, if it's a compact estate you're after then there are really only two serious games in town - the Kia cee'd SW and the Skoda Octavia Combi. Both are terrifically well made, reliable and, if you get the 1.6 diesel engine in either, very frugal. And both have absolutely enormous boots - more than 500 litres each. Cracking cars both, so simply take your pick. The Kia has the better warranty, the Skoda is perhaps slightly nicer inside.
Let us know which way you go with it
What mid-sze petrol car should my parents buy?
My elderly parents are in the market for a mid-sized hatch with a budget of around €22k, which seems to get them most brand's lower-mid trim models. A crossover they feel is too big for them despite me recommending the easier entry of the higher seats. They need a small petrol engine, as their mileage is low and will never reach a speed capable of clearing a DPF.
The question is what car? There is a really good range of options between Golf, i30, Focus, Pulsar, Auris and many others. What is the best all round option, and do you happen to know if any of them are easier to get into/out of than others?
Thanks
Shane Sheridan (Dublin)Nov 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
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.
I want to reduce my tax bill by replacing my Mondeo.
I have a 2007 Mondeo that costs me €636 in tax per annum. I do very low mileage and most of my journeys are very short. What car would you recommend? My Mondeo is 1.8 TDCi and although I enjoy the power on the odd long journey I make, the tax is killing me on a car that I don't utilise to its maximum. I'd be looking at no newer than a 2012 model.
Shane Corcoran (Dublin)Sep 2014 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Shane,
Ok, if you want to trim your tax, then your best hope is to get into a much more compact car. I'd suggest trading down to a five-door hatchback, and seeing as you do such low mileage, I'd suggest going for petrol - you'll find it much less trouble than diesel.
How about a Skoda Octavia 1.2 TSI petrol turbo? Near to diesel levels of economy but no diesel particulate filter (DPF) to worry about, Band B emissions so you'll pay just €280 to tax it and it's also nice to drive and damn near as spacious as your old Mondeo.
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.