What 2008 car would suit my growing family?
What is the best family car - toddler and a baby family? I'm buying used approx 2008 and probably won't change for around five years so I'm not looking for any resale value.
Thanks.
Rosie McDonnell (Dublin )Apr 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Rosie,
Ah, toddler and baby. Been there. You probably don't need anything much bigger than a family hatchback, really. Probably best to track down a nice Skoda Octavia hatchback - the boot's big enough to cope with buggies and (eventually) bikes and scooters but they're not expensive to run. If your mileage is low, consider a petrol one as the lower purchase price will more than cover the extra cost of the fuel.
What do you think?
Should I change my Skoda Octavia for better economy?
Hi, I've a 2010 Skoda Octavia RS 2.0-litre diesel and thinking of changing to a 2011/2012 1.6 diesel Octavia. Just wondering is there much difference in terms of mpg or would I just be better off keeping the RS? I do about 45,000km per year mostly on motorway so reason for thinking of changing are the high fuel costs.
James, Whitehall
James McCartney (Whitehall)Expert answer
Hi James,
There would be quite a significant difference in consumption. According to the official figures, your car should be getting a 49mpg average economy figure, while a 2011 Octavia 1.6 TDI would get 62mpg. That's the kind of difference that would really add up over the course of 45,000km. Mind you, you're talking about the difference between a 1.6 with 105hp and a 2.0-litre with 170hp and huge torque, so expect to have to adjust your driving style accordingly. As a potential half-way house, the new 180hp Octavia RS TDI should manage 55mpg…
Would you recommend the new Skoda Octavia RS TDI?
Hello, I have a 2011 Skoda Octavia RS TDI; would you recommend the 2014 version? I'm thinking of changing. Thanks
David Mc Kenna (Dublin)Apr 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi David,
Oh yes. In fact, I couldn't recommend it highly enough. Smooth, powerful, terrific to drive and yet decently economical too. Aside from a touch too much road noise, the Octavia RS TDI is one of the most accomplished all-round performance cars we've ever driven.
Should I get a remap for my 2009 Audi A6?
Can you please advise on getting a remap? I own an 2009 Audi A6 TDIe 136hp with low mileage and in great condition. However, I used to own a diesel Octavia RS and miss the power in the bigger, heavier Audi, but do not want to buy a new car. I am considering getting a remap. What do you think of this? Is it worth it?
M L (Dublin)Mar 2014 Filed under: aftermarket
Expert answer
Hi there,
I’d be slightly careful. Remapping can unleash more power and torque, but you need to be very careful that the chip comes from a reputable source and that it won’t unduly affect the reliability and fuel consumption of the engine. I’d have a word with the guys at the Volkswagen and Audi owners club of Ireland, VAGE, as they tend to know their onions and would be able to give you more precise advice.
Is the 2004 Skoda Octavia a good buy?
Is the 2004 Skoda Octavia a good buy?
Penny Kinsella (Glengarriff)Mar 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Penny,
I'm assuming you mean the second-generation Octavia, introduced that year? If so, they're a pretty solid car but one that needs a few checks. If it's the 1.4 petrol, have the cam belt inspected. They need doing every 60,000 miles anyway, but the 1.4 has a history of belt failures so it's important to make sure that the one on the car is sound. Check the cabin for rattles or loose trim, check the boot floor for damp carpets (the rear screen wash bottle can leak) and if it's a diesel check for any juddering or poor acceleration, which can be a sign that the dual-mass flywheel is giving trouble. Also, check again for damp carpets in the main cabin, which can be a sign that the door seals are leaking.
How economical is the Volkswagen Jetta?
What economy will I get from a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta deseil?
Eddie Kennedy (Dublin)Expert answer
Hi Eddie,
What hatchback should I buy and should I stick with a petrol car?
Looking to upgrade my trusty 2000 petrol Toyota Corolla Liftback. I am considering the new model Toyota Auris or Hyundai i30 or a similar hatchback. My annual mileage is 10,000 miles with mostly short runs ranging in distances of between less than 10 miles and 2 miles urban and town driving with longer spins at the weekend. Which engine type should I go for? Also considering that at weekends I will be carrying two adults and two teenagers.
Dan Lyons (Cork)Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Dan,
Hmmm. Generally for your mileage I would recommend a petrol car, but the bad news is that in your size bracket, petrol engines are a little thin on the ground. You could go for either a straight replacement for your Corolla by getting a Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4D, which is a very fine car, or you could, as you suggest, branch out and snap up a Hyundai i30 1.6 diesel - again a very fine car and with that five-year warranty, a very tempting buy.
But, with your mileage profile, I would suggest taking a good long look at petrol alternatives. The Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost is a terrific car with a great engine and well worth a look. That said it's a little tight in the back seats for two teenagers so I'd say the best all round bet is a Skoda Octavia 1.2 TSI. It's more affordable than the diesel version, damn near as economical and has a big boot and lots of space in the back seats for those teenager-filled weekend runs. Great quality and reliability too.
I'd like something fun that fits into the family too...
Hi guys, ere's the thing - we (me, wife, two kids (four and two)) need a second car, mainly for me to do school runs in and out of the city and the very occasional motorway journey. Currently have a 2000 Volkswagen Polo but it doesn't exactly put a smile on my face every time I drive it! Looking for something fun, good looking, that could handle a push buggy/baby seat and also needs to carry a bike on the back. In my late 30s so would a hot hatch be a no-no?
Thanks Andy
Andy Meegan (Cork)Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Andy,
I take it you mean from an insurance point of view? No, late thirties shouldn't be a major issue as long as you have a decent no claims bonus. As far as the car is concerned, I think you need to box a bit clever here. The kids are only going to get bigger (trust me, I know...) and you'll need something with a decent boot and big back seats for increasingly long legs. So, get yourself a Skoda Octavia RS. They've been around since 1999 in original form, but you need to be looking at the second-gen model, from 2006 onwards. Go for that and you get a car with excellent handling, a terrific engine (the diesel one is more economical, obviously, but the petrol 2.0 turbo is still reasonable in terms of running costs) and the boot is as big and practical as you could possibly need. They're also solidly reliable. It's the thinking man's hot hatch.
What do you think?
Skoda Octavia RS vs. Golf GTI for economy?
How does fuel consumption of the 2006 Skoda Octavia RS petrol compare to that of a 2001 Volkswagen Golf GTI?
Bernard Foley (Cork)Expert answer
Hi Bernard,
Oddly, they're identical. According to the official figures both the 2001 1.8 turbo 150hp Golf GTI and the 2006 Octavia RS 1.8 turbo 180hp return 35.3mpg on the combined cycle.
What small car would suit my 20,000km annual mileage?
Hi, I am looking to move out from a town, which would mean commuting of about 15,000 to 20,000km per year. Should I be looking for small diesel or petrol in order to keep costs as low as possible? Ideally about 1.4 or 1.6 engine size...
Thanks
John Stalmach (Dublin)Jan 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi John,
Yup, a small diesel sounds like it should be ideal for you. Depending on what kind or size of car you need I'd recommend either a MINI Cooper D 1.6 (small and sporty), Opel Astra 1.3 CDTi (slower, but more spacious), Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4D (similar to Opel but probably more reliable) or that old favourite the Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI BlueMotion (ultra economical). Or, if you need more space how about a Skoda Octavia Combi estate 1.6 TDI or a Citroen C4 Picasso 1.6 HDi?
Help us with your needs and we'll narrow that down a little!