What car has three ISOFIX points?
Hi
We hope to trade in our 2005 Skoda Octavia during the summer for a car that has three isofix points in the back. We would prefer not to get a seven-seater as we don't need that many seats. Our wishlist would include the three isofix points, a big boot to accomodate a double buggy, low tax and fuel efficiency. We have been looking at the Peugeot 307 SW. The trade in value of our present car seems to be in around the €5,000 mark. We can afford to add another €,5000 to that.
Any advice greatly appreciated! Many thanks.
Feena Farrell (Kilcock)Feb 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi there Feena,
The Peugeot 307 SW would be a good solution for you and it is great value and cheap to run. The 1.6-litre diesel engine is the best-seller in that model, is fuel-efficient and has low road tax. You would get one for within your budget alright. My sister has driven one for the last few years and apart from some loose bits of trim it has been a very solid car. Unfortunately there are only two ISOFIX points in the centre row.
Absolutely brilliant is the Fiat Multipla. Is it a little on the unusual side, but has a really clever 3+3 layout that your kids will really enjoy. The difficulty is that there are only two ISOFIX points in this too.
A little bit of research seems to suggest that there are normally only ISOFIX on the outer seats in the second row of a car. There are exceptions though, with the latest Renault Scenic (late 2009 on) having three ISOFIX points in the second row of seats. But this is outside your budget.
The Citroen C4 Picasso can take three ISOFIX seats across the rear and this might be a little bit outside your budget too, but perhaps you could haggle a little. Here is an example of one.
However, I reckon the solution for you is a Honda FR-V, which has three ISOFIX points across the six seats and it is a really good car. It only came as a petrol model early on, but if you don't do too many miles it should be okay. Here is one from 2006 within your budget.
Hope that helps.
What car-based van will I buy?
I currently drive a 2005 Toyota Avensis saloon - 1.6-litre petrol. I travel up to 450 miles every week to work so I'm looking at getting a diesel car, maybe a VW Golf van, Peugeot van or Skoda Octavia. Don't really know to be honest.
I don't mind a van as my girlfriend has a Ford Focus that I could use whenever needed. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Ronan O Connor (Kilcock)Feb 2011 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Ronan,
I reckon a Volkswagen Golf Van would do a brilliant job for you. You told us by e-mail that you have another €2,000 to spend on top of the value of your Toyota Avensis so I reckon this one could be a good option.
The Ford Focus van is good too, but I don't imagine you want to be a two Focus family! If I was having a car-van I'd have a Golf.
Hope that helps
How can I fix my rear demister?
I have a 2001 Skoda Octavia. The rear dimister does not clear all of the rear windscreen. Can you offer any advice?
Brian May (Kilcock)Feb 2011 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Brian,
From your description it sounds as if the heating element bonded to the rear window has been damaged in some way. Unfortunately there is usally no easy fix to this and it means replacing the whole glass panel, as it's not a part that can be removed.
Note that, if the window itself is cracked or broken it may be that your insurance will cover its replacement for a modest excess.
Hope that helps,
Why is my Skoda Octavia losing power?
Hi, my '05 Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDI is giving trouble lately. It loses power and even cuts out, but starts up again. I heard they have a wiring loom problem. Could this be the problem?
Danny Duggan (Cork)Feb 2011 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Danny,
We've spoken to a few experiences mechanics and they've not come across this problem, all saying that the 1.9 TDI engine in general is very reliable. It does sound like an electrical problem though, so the easiest way to trace its cause is to bring it to a mechanic that has a proper diagnostic system. It should pinpoint the issue. It may be just a sensor or loose wire or something.
Here's hoping!
What new Skoda models are on the way?
Hi!
Could you please tell me what plans Skoda has for new /replacement/updated models. I believe this information was given in the Sunday World on 26 December (in the write up on the Skoda Yeti), but I missed it.
Noel Clarke (Drogheda)Jan 2011 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Noel,
Two new models have been launched in the Skoda Yeti range and these make up part of a strong model line-up for 2011, which will include a new 4.9 per cent finance offering on Yeti models. Skoda, as part of the Volkswagen Group, will offer finance through its own bank.
The two new models in the Skoda Yeti range are a 1.6-litre TDI Greenline that has 105hp and replaces the 2.0-litre 100hp diesel. It has emissions of 119g/km, which means it sits in motor tax band A.
The car features stop-start technology, low-rolling resistance tyres and brake energy recuperation. Prices start at €23,165 for the Greenline Active, €24,125 for the Ambition model and €26,035 for the Experience.
Also on offer for the first time is the 4x4 version. It comes with a 2.0-litre diesel engine putting out 170hp and with emissions of 155g/km it sits in motor tax band C.
There are Ambition and Experience specifications available for this model and prices are €29,545 for the Ambition and €31,480 for the Experience.
Skoda sold 775,000 cars worldwide in 2010, but has ambitions to sell 1.5 million by 2015. It will launch several new models to the line-up between now and then.
A small A-segment car that will take on the Ford Ka and Toyota iQ will go on sale in 2013, followed by a replacement to the Skoda Octavia that same year. A new version of the Skoda Roomster comes in 2014 and that same year a new version of the Fabia will arrive.
The new Yeti models are now in dealerships.
Hope that helps
Which car to replace my beloved Saab?
Hi
I'm looking to replace our '99 Saab 9-3, which has been a great car - now with 206,000 miles on the clock. I'm looking for a safe, reliable family car - four- or five-door - with low tax. I'm contemplating 2008 models to reduce tax - we're currently paying €634. I'm looking at Skoda Octavia, Volvo S40, Volkswagen Passat, Saab 9-3 and Toyota Avensis. I want manual and probably diesel. Which would you advise or are there others to consider?
Peadar O'Callaghan (Donegal )Jan 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Peadar,
Firstly it is hardly a surprise that your Saab has served you so well. Those cars are so well-built that they can go on for what seems like forever. I'm sure you realise that you probably won't get much for your Saab, unless of course you were prepared to opt for a new car and avail of the Government Scrappage Scheme, but since you mentioned 2008 cars we will deal with those first.
My first choice for you would be a 2008 Saab 9-3 Diesel. Since you have enjoyed your previous Saab so much and it has served you so well, I thought that this would be the best place to start. You can have a 2008 model, in Linear Sport spec, with just 44,000km on the clock from a SIMI-approved Saab dealer for €19,950. The emissions are 147g/km so it sits in motor tax Band C, so will cost just €302 per year in road tax. This car is really nicely specced too. Plus, you will most certainly get the best price for your own Saab from here.
Another fantastic car that might not have considered is the Subaru Legacy diesel, a personal favourite of mine. This car has a brilliant engine, is beautifully balanced on the road and nicely equipped too. You would pay around €20,000 for a 2008 model. They don't come up for sale very often and can be hard to find but they are super cars.
The same sort of money would get you a Volvo S40, although my only issue with this car is that it might feel a little small compared to the others. The S40 1.6-litre diesel has low emissions however, so you will pay just €156 per year on road tax. This car is okay, but I don't think it's anywhere near your best choice here.
The Avensis is a good solid choice and should be reliable and comfortable, but after having quite an interesting car in the shape of the Saab, you might feel a little bit like you sold your soul with the Toyota. You will save some money though. A 2008 model from a Toyota dealer will cost you under €18,000. Sure this car will be a safe choice, but I think it might bore you a little.
You will save even more money with a 2008 Skoda Octavia Diesel, which will cost you under €16,000 and just €156 in road tax. They are nicely built too. Or in the case of a Volkswagen Passat, you should best avoid the 1.9-litre diesel and get a 2.0-litre one instead - the 1.9-litre diesel is noisy. So this 2.0-litre diesel with 140hp will cost you €18,500 and will still just cost you €302 per year in road tax.
Another one to consider, and a very under-rated car, is the Citroen C5. The newer model is really good and comfortable and you could have a 2008 version for around €17,500. Here is one.
If you ask me which of this lot you should buy, I would say the Saab or the Subaru. The rest are fine, but if you loved your Saab then those two will be the most interesting for you.
I hope this helps!
Does the Skoda Octavia have a problem with its fuel injectors?
My 2007 Skoda Octavia 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine seized because one of the fuel injectors broke and allowed diesel to be injected constantly rather than intermittently. Is this a common problem with this car?
Gerard Flaherty (Dublin)Oct 2010 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Gerard,
Sorry for taking so long to come back to you, but we wanted to investigate this a little. I've asked several independent and franchised garages about this and nobody has come across this problem with the VW Group TDI engines.
How did you determine what actually happened? Just add a comment below this question.
A new estate with a diesel engine and four-wheel drive?
I want to buy a new station wagon with a diesel engine, automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. There seem to be very few options, e.g the Volvo XC70, which is too expensive. Can you recommend any alternatives?
Pat Norris (Clonakilty)Oct 2010 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Pat,
This is a very particular car that you are looking for, but thankfully there are some options for you without spending the sort of money that you would need for a Volvo XC70. For a start you could choose something from the Audi range, which has some Avant models with quattro all-wheel drive. You could have an Audi A4 allroad quattro, which could be just about right for what you need as it has a good 2.0-litre diesel engine and has an elevated ride height so it can cope with the odd muddy field. It is a handsome thing too. This starts at €45,400 and while it isn't very well known it is a cracking car.
A cheaper option but along the same lines would be the Skoda Octavia Scout, which has a 140hp diesel engine, a decent 4x4 system and loads of luggage space. The emissions are a little high though, at 173g/km, which makes it Band E in terms of road tax.
Another really good choice would be the Subaru Outback, which comes with a superb 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine and all-wheel drive. Subaru is really talented at making this sort of vehicle and I've driven this car and really rate it. It has 150hp, 350Nm of torque and it still comes with reasonable emissions of 156g/km, putting it in motor tax Band D. There is no automatic option for this car though, so that perhaps rules it out for you.
If you could cope without an automatic transmission then the Subaru would be the best buy, but I guess the Audi with quattro in an A4 Avant is your best choice. However, you are going to have difficulty with the A4 allroad in terms of you cannot have an automatic in the 2.0-litre TDI it seems, only in the 2.0-litre FSI petrol or the 3.0-litre TDI.
Hope that helps anyway
What car will cost me less in tax than my 2007 Golf?
I have a 2007 VW Golf diesel with 44,000 miles on the clock. I wish to change it for a similarly sized 08/09 car with lower tax. My annual mileage is about 12,000-14,000 miles. Which cars would you recomend and how much should I receive for my own one?
Thanks
Mary Hughes (Westport)Sep 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
A 2007 TDi Golf with your mileage would retail at a main dealer for about €13,000 - €14,000. You will most likely get offered a bit less than this, so perhaps you could expect around €12,000. You don't mention a budget but we can give you a few ideas. Most of the equivalent cars, post 2008 will be cheap to tax.
For example, a 2009 1.6 TDi Golf, which has emissions of 118g/km (Band A) would cost you around €22,000. Here is an example of one from a main dealer in Naas. This would also be the newer shape model too, although I am not sure you want to go for another Golf? You could get something of a similar theme with the Skoda Octavia. A 2008 model like this costs around €17,000 and would give you a little more space and would still be in Band B with road tax of €156.
Something slightly more SUV-like would be nice too. The Nissan Qashqai has a great reputation and owners love them. You could have a 2008 Qashqai, like this would cost around €19,000 and this example here has very low mileage. This still has emissions of 139g/km, so would only cost €156 to tax each year. This would be a great buy and isn't a major jump, financially.
I think you might like the Qashqai, so perhaps you should give it a go?
I hope this helps.
Reliability issues with Passat?
I am thinking of a 05/06 diesel Passat, but am worried about reliability issues. I have heard about clutch problems and bulbs blowing constantly on these cars. What is your opinion? Also is there any other car you would recommend in this category? Mondeo, Octavia, A4?
Cyril Cleere (Kilkenny)Jun 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Cyril,
The Passat has had more than its fair share of reliability issues. There have been a total of seven recalls on the current model since 2005, but they were over different builds and won't have affected all cars. You can get full details of all of these from the VOSA website in the UK. There appears to be a recall for the clutch on later models, but we have also heard of reports of there being problems with the automatic handbrake and the power steering, while clutch judder on cars over 70,000 miles is not uncommon.
This is certainly a car that has had issues, but it would not put me off buying one. There are lots of alternatives, but it depends on what you want. There are lots of good used Audi A4s around, though it is quite a bit smaller than the Passat; and obviously as they get older the repairs can get more expensive. I'm not sure if you would prefer petrol or diesel, but here is a low mileage 1.6-litre example at a SIMI dealer for €15,995.
Something like this full-spec Mondeo X Diesel for €16,900 would be great. This is a gorgeous car and while quite discreet, would be great to drive.
I quite like this Mazda6 too. This is a very underrated car and the diesel model is a cracker. Let us know a little more about your budget and your needs and we can give you more considered advice. Just pop the details in the comment box below.