Help me change from Passat to C-Max.
I have a 2008 Volkswagen Passat diesel with 120,000 miles on the clock. I am looking at a 2012 diesel Ford C-Max with 60,000 miles. How much should I expect to pay and would you recommend the Ford?
Many thanks.
Catherine Davis (Louth)Dec 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Catherine,
The Ford's not bad actually, but make sure that it has been fully serviced and that the 1.6 diesel has had a steady diet of high-grade oil.
Your Passat should be worth about €7,000 to €7,500 as a trade-in.
Which new petrol estate should I go for?
Hi guys,
I currently drive a 2011 Volkswagen Passat saloon 1.4 TSI, but am looking to change to an estate. The obvious choice is the Passat Estate 1.4 TSI, but is there any other petrol estate I should consider? My mileage doesn't justify the change to diesel.
Thanks.
Brendan Cullen (Knocklyon)Dec 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
Worth checking out the Mazda6 2.0 SkyActiv-G estate, and the Ford Mondeo 1.5 EcoBoost isn't bad. Also have a look at the Skoda Superb 1.4 TSI although that's only available in Ambition spec.
Can you advise me on replacing my Passat?
Hi,
I am selling a 2008 Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI with 209,000km on the clock and a full service history. What should I get for it? Also, would you buy a 2012/2013 Passat with the ongoing emissions issue or a Mondeo or any other suggestions?
Martin Stokes (Arklow)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
I'd say you should advertise it for around €6,000 all things being equal. As for the diesel controversy, it's a bit hard to say - there's nothing at all wrong and an awful lot right with the 2012 Passat - it's a cracking car, it's just that you need to bear in mind that the overall engine performance may well be altered when Volkswagen begins its recall in January. If that's putting you off, then a Mondeo is definitely well worth looking at, but also take a gander at a Mazda6, Opel Insignia or Hyundai i40.
I am looking at a 2007 Volkswagen Passat...
I am looking at buying a 2007 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI Sport. It has 103,000 miles on the clock and has been well looked after. Are there any known issues with this car? Is it worth the £4,000 price tag?
Mark Smith (Arklow)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
Well worth it, but check to make sure the engine is in good health. The injectors can develop problems if the car hasn't been looked after properly, so check to see that it has a full service history and be wary if the engine's power delivery seems flat or inconsistent.
Should I go diesel on a new car in 2016?
Hi guys,
I currently drive a 2011 1.4 TSI petrol Volkswagen Passat, which I am very happy with. I'm thinking of changing my car in 2016 and wondering if I should consider switching to a diesel Passat. I currently drive 32km every day to work, 16km each way, but this is done on the M50 so do you think it would be in my interests to switch?
Brendan Cullen (Knocklyon)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
Nope, I'd stick with petrol. With that kind of mileage you're just not going to get the benefit from diesel. Check out the new Passat 1.4 TSI or, alternatively, the Ford Mondeo 1.5 EcoBoost, Skoda Superb 1.4 TSI or Mazda6 2.0 SkyActiv-G petrol.
Will PCP work with higher mileages?
Hi there,
My beloved Alfa 1.9 JTDm 159's gearbox has gone and now needs to be replaced. Considering it is an 06 and has over 242,000 miles on the clock, it will need a clutch and DMF replacement as well. Is it worth it, and what diesel cars would be recommended for someone driving 35,000 miles a year? Are PCP options even feasible at that mileage?
Sad Dave in Kells
David Delaney (Kells)Oct 2015 Filed under: finance
Expert answer
Hi David,
Yes they are - you can negotiate a higher mileage limit on a PCP but it means you'll reduce the guaranteed minimum future value so your monthly repayments will be a bit higher.
Mind you, I'd hate to see a gorgeous Alfa fall by the wayside. Get a quote for a replacement and see how much it is. There's always the new Alfa Giulia coming next year...
If you decide on a replacement though, the best mid-size diesel saloons around at the moment are (in no particular order) the Skoda Superb, the Mazda6, the Volkswagen Passat and the Ford Mondeo.
A few relevant reviews:
How much is my Volkswagen Passat worth?
I have a 2002 Volkswagen Passat tested until May 2016, 1.8 petrol. Heated seats 6 disc CD changer, four new tyres, Comfortline model. How much is it worth?
Martin Keegan (Meath)Oct 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
Only around €1,500 I'm afraid.
How reliable is the Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI?
How reliable is the Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI?
Michael Slye (Carlow)Sep 2015 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
Very, but listen carefully for any worrying knocks or clonks coming from the steering or suspension and insist on a full service history.
How much should I expect as a trade in for my 2005 Volkswagen Passat?
How much should I expect as a trade in for my 2005 Volkswagen Passat 1.6 petrol model with 45,000 miles?
Thanks,
Philip Grant, Dublin
Philip Grant (Dublin)Aug 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
I'd say about €5,500.
Honda Accord, Passat or Mondeo?
Hi,
Two weeks ago I was down to three choices for looking at secondhand 2011-2013 saloon cars: Honda Accord i-DTEC 2.2-litre diesel (150hp), Volkswagen Passat TDI 2.0-litre diesel (140hp) and Ford Mondeo TDCi 2.0-litre diesel (163hp). But on Saturday I test drove a very nice 2012 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0-litre diesel (160hp), which was very nice to drive.
Just wondering how would this compare to the three above in terms of reliability, handling and resale value. Which would you choose between these four?
Best regards
Barry
Barry Gilbert (Dublin)Aug 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Barry,
The Insignia's really nice and I do have something of a soft spot for it. A car that feels more sophisticated and more engaging the more you drive it. The Passat and Mondeo are nice choices too, but to be honest, the one I'd go for out of all of them would be the Accord. Comfy, smooth, frugal, nice to drive and above all it will almost certainly never break down. There's nothing quite so nice as the feeling you get from driving an utterly indestructible car.