My Skoda Superb's stop-start won't work...
Hi,
I have a Skoda Superb 1.6 TDI Greenline 3, 2014, but the stop-start has stopped working. I have had it back to the Skoda main dealer but they just keep saying they can't find anything wrong with it even though it doesn't work when they have it they just tell me that is because the engine isn't hot enough yet.
I have done a 130-mile round journey only stopping in the middle of the journey for five minutes and still the stop-start won't work. I have told them this, but have as yet no answer for me.
John Greaves (Oldham)Feb 2019 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi John,
Lots of people find that their car's stop-start system stops working for no obvious reason, though it's disappointing that the garage fobbed you off rather than come up with a fix.
We've had so many queries that we've put together a guide called Why won't my car's stop-start system work?
Have a read through that and see if it helps shine a light on the situation. Faulty temperature sensors and batteries in poor condition are very common causes.
Volvo XC40, Skoda Kodiaq or Toyota RAV4?
Hi,
Looking to get a new family-size SUV for a couple and a kid, will be doing 15,000km a year. Have narrowed down to Volvo XC40, Skoda Kodiaq or Toyota RAV4. Key things to consider in order of importance - safety, resale value and comfort.
Thanks in advance and appreciate such a great site for Irish car buyers!
Shubham Agarwal (Greystones)Feb 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Shubham,
Hey, thank you for reading it!
OK, in terms of the way you’ve weighted your needs, the XC40 comes out as an obvious top choice as you’ve said safety is the most important thing for you. Nothing’s safer than a Volvo, so that’s job done then.
Right? Well, maybe not… We do love the XC40 — it’s a cracking car — but it’s a touch small on the inside. Fine for small kids, but not so great if you’ve got a fast-growing family. Which brings the Kodiaq into play, as it has a massive boot and the option of extra seats. Plus Skodas are very safe too, and have excellent resale value.
The only issue then is that you’re more or less locked into buying a diesel, which really doesn’t suit your annual mileage. You can see where this is going, can’t you? The new RAV4 Hybrid is probably the best balance of what you need. Roomy and comfortable inside, very safe, nice to drive and Toyotas always have excellent resale.
Here are our reviews of each to help you decide:
New Skoda Kodiaq or Peugeot 5008?
I do 35-40k kilometres per year over motorway and hilly back roads. Considering new 2.0-litre Skoda Kodiaq diesel Ambition or 1.5 Peugeot 5008 diesel Allure. Peugeot has a higher spec including rear view camera and three full seats in second row (no tunnel). Would it have the power and comfort to tackle the high mileage? Other SUV suggestions welcome.
Gay Fannon (Cavan)Dec 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Gay,
It definitely has the power and the comfort to tackle the mileage. That new 1.5-litre HDi diesel engine is a cracker, and with 120hp it has plenty of guts, plus it’s rather pleasantly refined and very frugal too. An excellent all-rounder. The only doubt would be over long-term reliability. While Peugeot has really improved its build quality over the years, the fact is that an equivalent Skoda will be slightly better-built, especially over the longer term. It’s certainly worth considering.
Which new crossover or SUV for me?
Hello,
Which crossover/SUV would you recommend? I do circa 25-30k kilometres per year, mostly motorways, but also a fair bit of urban driving.
Roseanna
Roseanna Gorman (Bray)Dec 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Roseanna,
First things first — if you’re doing mostly urban and motorway miles, you really don’t need an SUV. A more conventional hatchback, saloon, or estate is going to be more comfortable, better value, more economical and a better-engineered vehicle all round. If you’re looking for something with practicality then the likes of a Skoda Octavia Combi estate, a Volkswagen Golf Estate, a Kia Ceed SW, or the new Ford Focus Estate all have much bigger boots than any small-to-medium SUV (more than 600 litres, all of them, compared to around 450 litres for, say, a Nissan Qashqai), and they’re all better to drive and more frugal.
However, if you’re hooked on SUVs then we’d recommend a SEAT Ateca (plain wrapper, but it’s roomy, comfy and nice to drive) or a Toyota C-HR (small on the inside, relatively, but hugely stylish and the hybrid version is frugal). If you’re looking to ‘posh-up’ a bit, then the incoming new Audi Q3 is a bit of a stunner, or if you want something smaller and more affordable than any of those, try the updated Fiat 500X, which is kinda cute and charming.
Here are our relevant reviews for you to read more:
I need comfort and space for €45,000...
Hi all,
I’m driving a Mercedes C-Class and looking to change early next year. I want more seat comfort and boot space as primary issues (boot space for golf clubs and more). I am thinking of either a 1.5 TSI Superb or Toyota Camry or an SUV like a hybrid Honda CR-V or a Toyota RAV4. I drive around 12,000km per year, mainly city with monthly 600km round trips. My budget is up to around €45k (without trade-in). I am open to alternatives. Any advice welcomed!
B.
Barry Moynihan (Dublin)Nov 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Barry,
Well, much though we love the new Camry, it’s actually quite small in the boot department — just 445 litres — so that probably counts it out here. The CR-V Hybrid is also a little short on boot space (just 497 litres). The incoming new Toyota RAV4 should have a decent boot, but if it’s boot space you need (and seat comfort too) then the Skoda Superb is hard to beat. Plus it looks smart, it’s nice to drive and well made. A brilliant package, really.
Relevant review links below:
Motor tax on a 2007 Skoda Octavia?
Car tax on 2007 Skoda Octavia 1.4?
Sam Strahan (Dunleer)Nov 2018 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Sam,
If you take a look at our Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained article, you'll see that your car falls into the older motor tax system, categorised by engine size. A 2007 Skoda Octavia 1.4's engine measures 1,390cc, so its annual rate of tax is €385.
Best used car 2009-2012 for running costs, etc?
What's the most reliable family car from 2009-2012 considering running costs, taxes and maintenance costs?
Gustavo Scalet (Dublin)Sep 2018 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Gustavo,
Well, reliability and running costs are not necessarily the same thing. The ultimate in reliability is probably a Toyota Land Cruiser, but that’s hardly cheap to run or to tax… I think there’s a couple of good options here, though. Sticking with Toyota, the Auris is a solid bet, and even more so if you go for the Hybrid model, which will help keep your tax and fuel costs down. Get the Tourer estate model if you need maximum family space.
The Honda Civic is also a very good bet, and the 1.6 iDTEC diesel is probably the best model to go for to keep fuel and tax bills down. Again, if you want maximum space for the kids and their things, track down the (rather handsome) estate version.
Skoda’s Octavia is solidly reliable too (again, the Combi estate is the one to go for) and you can choose from 1.6 TDI diesel, or an excellent 1.2 TSI petrol turbo, both of which are frugal and tax-efficient. Just check its history to see if it’s been used as a taxi — many have been.
How much for my 2004 Renault Scenic?
Hi, I have a 2004 Renault Scenic that is still driving; what will I get from scrappage for it?
Michael Oneill (Shannon Town)Aug 2018 Filed under: scrappage
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
Renault currently doesn’t have a scrappage offer available, but other brands — including Hyundai, Skoda, Peugeot, Opel and more — do and, depending on which vehicle you’re looking at buying, you can get as much as €4,500 off.
Best version of Skoda Octavia for €9,000?
What is the best used year and model of Skoda Octavia to buy? Is it better to buy from North for value or are northern roads worse and more salt used? Budget is €9,000.
Thank you
Shane C (Clon)Jul 2018 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Shane,
Which family car for €25-30k? An A6 Avant?
My budget is €25-30k for a family car (we have three kids). Considering a 2014-15 Audi A6 Avant. I keep cars for a long time, planning at least 5-8 years. Current mileage is very low (10,000km a year). What other cars would you consider - based on my desire for an A6? Is paying over the odds for a diesel sheer lunacy based on my mileage, and considering that diesels MAY be worthless by the time I go to trade in?
Andy FitzPat (Clon)Jul 2018 Filed under: family car
Expert answer
Hi Andy,
While I don’t think a diesel car is going to be worthless by the time you trade it in, it might well be worth less, if you see the distinction. That said, with your mileage, I’d say you should be looking at petrol or hybrid all the way. A 2.0 TFSI A6 Avant sounds ideal if you can find one and assuming that you’re already happy that all three kids can fit safely and comfortably in the back. A BMW 520i Touring would be the most obvious alternative (and a darned fine one at that) and a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate even better again (assuming you can find one with a petrol engine) and you can find them with seven seats. Volvo’s old-shape V70 is also worth a look, not least from the safety point of view. That said, make absolutely sure you check out a current-shape Skoda Superb Combi estate too — they’re actually roomier inside than any of the premium-badge stuff, and very comfortable too.