For reliability: Volvo, Passat or Octavia?
Which is more reliable: the Volvo S40, the Passat TDI 1.6 diesel or the Skoda Octavia?
John
John D Clarke (Blackrock)Feb 2017 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi John,
The Skoda. Both the Volvo and the Volkswagen are decent, solidly built and generally reliable cars, but Skoda always seems to beat Volkswagen in major reliability surveys, so go for the Octavia if reliability is paramount.
Nissan Pulsar or Skoda Rapid Spaceback?
We are looking for an automatic that will be our family car for the future. We are talking two kids in the back and a dog in the trunk when we go on trips. It's all about practicality for us, the car is for transport not for joy rides.
So far we have been looking at the Nissan Pulsar XE and the Skoda Rapid - and here probably the Spaceback to give the dog a bit more head room. But then it comes to features we aren't too picky, but we do want air conditioning.
So as the price difference between the Pulsar EX and the Spaceback Ambition is rather small, we are torn and would be grateful for some pointers.
Susann Burnell (Dublin)Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Susann,
The Rapid Spaceback is a decent car, but it’s actually quite small, and just a bit cheap-feeling, inside. In this instance, I’d advise you to go for the Pulsar. Not the most exciting car by a long chalk, but it’s roomy, well made and very comfortable. Here are our relevant reviews:
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.
Which €25,000 crossover to go for?
Hi,
I am looking at buying a second-hand (161 or 162) SUV, value approx €25,000. I drive 80 miles a day on fairly good roads for work, and mainly rural roads. Have had test drives on both the Nissan Qashqai and Renault Kadjar and they are both a bit big, although the Renault Captur is too small.
Any suggestions on "inbetween" sizes? Don't have kids so big boots and roomy cabins are not important. More interested in sturdy and reliable.
Thanks
C Power (Wexford)Jan 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi there,
Have you thought of a Toyota C-HR? Size wise and reliability wise it would seem to suit you perfectly, and it's also sweet to drive with a really nice cabin. It's technically a brand new model but Toyota registered a lot in late 2016 as dealer demos so you ought to be able to pick up a bargain 'nearly new' if you shop around. Otherwise I think your best bet would be a Skoda Yeti.
What's the price of a new Skoda Fabia?
What should be the price of a new 171 Skoda Fabia Combi Stylel 1.0MPI 75hp?
Mary Murphy (Dublin)Jan 2017 Filed under: pricing
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
The list price for that car, as new, is €18,495.
When does the new Skoda Octavia arrive?
Can you tell me when the updated 2017 Skoda Octavia will be offered for sale in Ireland?
Gerry Cummins (Limerick)Jan 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Gerry,
The new-look Skoda Octavia is now in Irish showrooms.
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.
What mpg will the Skoda Octavia 1.0 TSI do?
What are the actual miles per gallon of the Skoda Octavia 1.0-litre?
Georgette D'Arcy (Arklow)Expert answer
Hi Georgette,
I assume you are referring to the economy we got when we drove the Octavia in this review? We averaged 6.5 litres/100km - or 43.4mpg. To put that into context, we did very little motorway driving, mostly around town and into the mountains around Dublin. Not bad considering.
When to change my Skoda Rapid's timing belt?
Hi, I have a Skoda Rapid diesel 1.6 TDI: when should change this car's timing belt and water pump? Current mileage is 70000 on the clock.
Nasser Sharif (Glasgow )Dec 2016 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Nasser,
The timing belt should be changed every 240,000km or every four years, whichever is sooner.
Next-gen Nissan X-Trail or Skoda Kodiaq?
Hi guys,
Regarding the Nissan X-Trail and its new 2.0-litre diesel engine, will it be introduced into the current X-Trail series or are we going to see the updated X-Trail (as per US/Austrailia) hit Ireland in 2017 with an updated engine range? Really appreciate any comment you have, as I'm looking at something in the Skoda Kodiaq/X-Trail range.
Colin H (Kildare)Dec 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Colin,
We’ve checked with Nissan on this and have been told that the 2.0-litre diesel X-Trail will be coming here, but not until October 2017. With that much of a time gap, we’d expect the X-Trail to have had its mid-life facelift by then, as you suggest, and it will more than likely follow the Australian and US update pretty closely in terms of styling and interior upgrades. As for how it will compare to the new Skoda Kodiaq, well – that sounds like a twin test to us...