Should my Skoda EGR valve be covered?
Hi guys,
I just bought a 2010 Skoda Octavia from a local small time dealer just five months ago and he gave me a six-month warranty. I had been back twice with the car losing power and he told me it was a filter. Just last week the car wouldn't start too easily for me and now the dealer put it in to a main Skoda dealer and they have said it's the EGR valve and the small dealer says he won't cover this under his engine and gearbox warranty.
So my question is, where do I stand here on this matter?
Andy O Brien (Cork)Mar 2017 Filed under: warranty
Expert answer
Hi Andy,
Well, the exhaust gas recirculation valve is part of the turbocharger and that's part of the engine, so from here it sounds like it should be covered, especially as you flagged the problem up earlier and have been trying to get it fixed since.
That said, often warranties exclude items such as the EGR valve, precisely because they can be fragile so ask to see the warranty paperwork and check the small print for any exclusions. If the dealer doesn't issue warranty paperwork, then you could argue that you had a reasonable assumption that major mechanical items such as an EGR valve were covered by a verbally-issued warranty.
Either way, probably a good idea to get your solicitor on the case if the dealer won't play ball.
What makes and models are spacious?
What are the best makes/models for driver legroom/headroom and rear passenger (behind driver seat) legroom?
Eamon O'Connor (Waterford)Mar 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Eamon,
Well, obviously the bigger the car the better, and if you can stretch to a long-wheelbase Range Rover...
At a more sensible level, the best car for long legs in both front and back is the Skoda Superb (both current and previous generation models). Also good choices are the Ford Mondeo, Toyota Avensis and Hyundai i40. If you need to come down a size, go for a Skoda Octavia or Honda Civic.
Which new car on PCP for around €25k?
Hi, I am looking to buy a new car on PCP. Budget is around €25k. I have looked at family options like the Skoda Octavia, Volkswagen Golf and Mazda3. Also on my shortlist is the Audi A1. Can you please advise which of these is the best bet?
Please suggest any other car that I can look at.
Rahul Nair (Dublin)Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Rahul,
There are a lot of other options from the Ford Focus to the Toyota Auris to the Peugeot 308 to the Hyundai i30 to the Kia cee’d and Nissan Pulsar. Of the ones you’ve mentioned, the two that I’d pick from are the Skoda (huge inside, practical, reliable) and the Mazda (high quality cabin, ultra-reliable).
Relevant reviews:
What is the best SUV for families?
What is the best SUV for families?
Kim Spendlove (South Circular Road)Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Kim,
At the moment, I'd say the Kia Sorento, which is big, comfy, smooth and has the requisite seven seats. Hang on though, because the new Skoda Kodiaq and Peugeot 5008 are imminent and those are both cars with big appeal. Relevant reviews:
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.