ISOFIX mounts in the new Skoda Kodiaq?
Is it true that it will be possible to order three ISOFIX seats in the middle row of the Skoda Kodiaq?
Jill Gordon (Wicklow)Jan 2017 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Jill,
No. There are two standard ISOFIX points in the Kodiaq, in the outer two middle row seats, and a third, optional, point in the front passenger seat. Nothing in the centre rear seat, however, and no ISOFIX at all in the folding third row.
Peugeot 308: will three child seats fit?
Will a Peugeot 308 take three car seats on the back seat?
Jim O'Driscoll (Enniskeane )Jan 2017 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Jim,
It depends on the car seats. If at least one of them is a booster cushion (and a narrow one at that) then you might get away with with, but I doubt it would take three full-sized infant seats across without compromising safety.
Which new car would suit a family of four?
I drive a Volkswagen Passat and want a new car that will suit a family of four. Any advice?
Fionn Ni Fhlatharta (Galway)Jan 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Fionna,
Well, to be honest, I would have thought that a Passat was an ideal car for a family of four. What you need is four roomy seats and and a a big boot - and the Passat has those. If you fancy something that looks a bit more like a family car, and here I mean an SUV or an MPV, then stop for a tic and have a think. Are you buying an image? After all, a ‘normal’ saloon such as a Passat (and the Mazda6, Toyota Avensis, Hyundai i40 and Kia Optima all make good alternatives) is generally speaking just as good at family duties and has lower overall running costs. Worth thinking about, at any rate.
Here are some of our reviews to get you thinking:
Does my Audi A6 have ISOFIX?
Hi,
I wonder can you help please? I have bought a 2008 Audi A6 SE (not an import, an Irish car); I am hoping to attach an ISOFIX car seat to the car. The car was advertised as coming with ISOFIX. Trouble is, I think I need a 'latch bracket' as part of any ISOFIX installment. I am not sure. Can you advise? I have two holes in the chassis.
Help, baby due soon!
Darren Donaldson (Dublin 3)Jan 2017 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Darren,
It depends on the seat you’re using. Some seats need a separate ISOFIX base to attach to the latching points, especially the very first seats that newborns can go into.
That said, it could be the car — there seems to be some difficulty with that generation of A6 having been advertised across Europe with ISOFIX, but not having it fitted as standard in all markets. If the car was advertised with ISOFIX and you bought it on that basis, bring it back to the dealer and demand a retro-fit. If not, make a note of the car’s VIN number (it should be visible through the base of the windscreen) and call your nearest Audi dealer and ask them if they can help.
Which car for space behind the driver?
I am looking for a car that has enough room for a car seat behind the driver's side even when the driver seat is pushed way back. My partner is very tall and in our Peugeot 407 we cannot fit a second baby seat.
Please help.
Natasha Doran (Arklow)Jan 2017 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Natasha,
Try a Skoda Superb - they have tonnes of rear space, which should give plenty of room even with the driver's seat shoved right back. Big boot too, plus they're reliable and nice to drive.
Which new seven-seat MPVs would you go for?
I currently have a Ford Galaxy and looking to get a new/nearly new seven-seater. Have you done a review on seven-seaters? What would you recommend?
Luke Tyrrell (Dublin)Jan 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Luke,
We certainly have done a few reviews... The closest cars to your Galaxy in terms of size and space are the Ford S-Max (a little smaller, but still very roomy) and the SEAT Alhambra (not as swish to drive as the Galaxy, but very spacious and with sliding side doors). There's also the Volkswagen Sharan, which is basically identical to the Alhambra, but a little more expensive. It wasn't on sale in Ireland for a while but it's back now and there are a few second hand ones knocking about.
If you fancy something a little smaller, then try the Opel Zafira Tourer. It's a really underrated car - nice to drive, well made and with decent cabin space.
After that, you're into the smaller MPVs such as the Volkswagen Touran, Kia Carens and so on. Good cars, but much smaller than your Galaxy so you'd be trading down in size terms.
With our practical hats on, we'd go for the SEAT - it's big and useful and those sliding side doors are great.
Here are the reviews themselves if you'd like more detail:
A few others worth considering as well:
When to change my SEAT Leon's timing belt?
Hi, I have a 132 SEAT Leon; it is a 1.6 TDI model. When do I need to change the timing belt? There is no information in the service book.
Thanks
Sarah
Sarah Wright (Dublin)Dec 2016 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Sarah,
The interval should be every four years or 220,000km, but if you're concerned get it inspected by a SEAT dealer.
Expensive to convert a Transporter?
What are the cost issues with converting a Transporter SWB to a crew cab?
Ollie Stapleton (Kilkenny)Nov 2016 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Ollie,
The costs will be significant, as converting a van with no seats to one with seats is going to involve an awful lot of welding and cutting, and getting it approved for use afterwards could be tricky. You’d be better off, to be honest, selling and buying again.
Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento - new?
I want to get a new seven-seat SUV in January, but am undecided between the Hyundai Sante Fe Executive and the Kia Sorento Platinum. Which is a better? Also, would the Sante Fe hold its value better if I wanted to change again in three years?
Thanks
Therese Berry (Cavan)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Therese,
Both will hold their value pretty solidly, although the Hyundai might just do a shade better as it's a more popular brand overall. We'd still prefer the Kia though - it has the nicer cabin and is fractionally the nicer to drive. Here are our reviews to help you further:
What is going on with PCP variability?
PCP financing is something of a dark art! Deals tend to vary wildly from dealer to dealer (even for the same make and model) and the advertised offers don't seem to bear much resemblance to how they pan out in reality (I looked into an offer with monthly repayments of €362, but on a 20 per cent deposit the price ballooned to over €600).
Any advice for navigating this form of car financing, especially on how to compare packages?
Martin Moroney (Dublin)Nov 2016 Filed under: finance
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
Unfortunately, this being Ireland, there's little (nothing actually) in the way of a central database for these things so the only thing is to shop around. I know - I sound like Mary Harney... PCP is, like any form of finance, wildly variable depending on your deposit, your trade in, your credit score and more. The advertised rates are, as ever, based on a theoretical perfect version that may or may not exist in actuality. Think of them like Ryanair seat prices...