Toyota Corolla or Skoda Octavia?
Thinking about buying a 2008 Toyota Corolla or Skoda Octavia, similar mileage, 1.4 petrol. Thoughts?
Brendan Toohey (Drogheda )Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
Both decent cars. Go with the Corolla if reliability is your overriding priority (although the Skoda's hardly fragile or anything) and go with the Skoda if space and a big boot are your priorities.
I'm thinking of changing to a Skoda Octavia.
Hi,
I'm seriously considering changing to a Skoda Octavia, but I am undecided whether to get brand new or a second hand example up to three years' old. The 0% APR finance offer is obviously very tempting on a new car, but I'm just wondering if you think there's value in the second hand market? How does the Octavia's depreciation rate compare in the first two years with two to five years?
I'm also a bit puzzled by the different specifications that have been available since 2013. Can you give any clarity on this? It looks like in 2013 they were offering Ambition, Exclusive and Elegance, but it's now Active, Ambition and Style. Which ones were/are the better equipped models?
Thanks.
Gerry Connolly (Skerries, Dublin)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Gerry,
I think it's well worth considering a new Octavia, not least because the PCP rates are very tempting and it insulates you from any depreciation (which is pretty mild on an Octavia at any rate - it should retain at least 50 per cent value after three years). Used ones are good too, of course, but it's tempting to have that shiny new one with a full three-year warranty.
As for trims, well spotted - Skoda did indeed shuffle around its trim levels so that Ambition, which used to be the lowest spec, is now actually a well-equipped mid-range. It's worth going for as it comes with items like nice alloy wheels, a 5.8-inch touch screen for the stereo, multi-function steering wheel and Bluetooth.
What are these Skoda trade-in values?
Trade in values of 2009 1.6 diesel Skoda Octavia Greenline Estate (100k miles) and a 2008 Skoda Fabia 1.4 diesel saloon (95k miles)? Both in good condition.
Howard Preston (Sligo)Jan 2016 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Howard,
About €6-7k trade in for the Octavia, and about €4-5k for the Fabia, I'd say.
What's the Skoda Roomster like?
Could you tell me if the Skoda Roomster is a good car to buy? I would like to buy a car that's off the ground, cheap to tax and insurance.
Thanks
Rose Watson (Cappoquin)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Rose,
Yes, it's a good car. A little quirky to look at and a little bit noisy to drive, but really roomy (hence the name) and very well made and reliable.
But it's not high up off the ground. The front seats are mounted higher than those of a Fabia - 30mm higher in fact, but if it's height you want, for ride height for rough roads, you need to look at the Skoda Yeti.
I'd like to change my Octavia for a Qashqai.
Hello,
I am considering changing my 2007 Skoda Octavia (420,000km on the clock) to a Nissan Qashqai. Can you advise me on best option? Other than visual look I have no knowledge of the Qashqai - where can I read a review? What trade in value/scrappage can I expect? Is it better to seek finance or pay cash?
Any advice and guidance on how I should progress will be appreciated.
Regards
PJ Ferris (Drogheda)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi P J,
The current model Nissan Qashqai, introduced at the beginning of 2014, is a really cracking choice - well made, frugal and nice to drive. Go for the 1.5 diesel if you do big miles, or the 1.2 petrol turbo if you're mostly doing short hops around town. As for your Octavia, I'd say you could expect to get around €5,000 as a trade in, depending on the dealer and your car's condition and history.
Finance or cash? Easy: if you can afford to pay cash, do it. You'll be able to argue yourself a decent discount up front and you won't be paying any interest. As for finance, PCP offers are tempting and very good value, but they kind of rely on you coming back in three years' time for another car. If that's not your plan, then a personal Credit Union or bank loan could actually work out better value overall. If you have a financial advisor they can give you more detailed advice than I, and check out the CompleteCar.ie Guide to Car Finance for more information.
What servicing does this Skoda Superb need?
What are the service cost of a Skoda Superb 1.6 TDI Elegance (1.6 TDI CR DPF 77kW GreenLine)? I am interested in buying a 2012 model with 100,000 miles on the clock. What maintenance will or should having been carried out on the car? E.g. timing belt, etc?
Denis O'Gorman (Galway)Jan 2016 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Denis,
We asked Skoda Ireland for help with this one and here was the response:
"Going on the assumption that we are talking 100,000 miles (160,000km) it would be due a timing belt based on our four-year recommendation. A brake fluid change and a pollen filter would also be due. Everything else would be checked and assessed for replacement during the vehicle's annual maintenance service."
Which new exec diesel auto saloon to go for?
What compact exec would you choose in a diesel auto as a private buyer? BMW 320d M Sport, Audi A4 S tronic, Jaguar XE Portfolio or Mercedes-Benz C-Class? Or would you go with something cheaper like a Volkswagen Passat Highline DSG 190?
Andrew Kelly (Limerick)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Andrew,
Well, of the posh-badge brigade, my personal favourite is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class - it's supremely comfy, beautifully made and really satisfying to drive, but, to be honest, you couldn't go wrong with any of those cars, it really is down to personal taste.
Your other question is an interesting one though. If you can live without the posh badge, and aren't quite so worried about driving dynamics, then a Skoda Superb is pretty much unbeatable. Same mechanical make up as the Audi but far bigger and way better value. Try a Ford Mondeo or Mazda6 if you want something with a keen chassis or a Toyota Avensis if you never, ever want it to break.
Some relevant reviews for you:
How much is a 2008 Skoda Octavia worth?
2008 Skoda Octavia 1.9 diesel, registered after June: how much?
John Finnan (Tipperary)Dec 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi John,
I'd say in and around €7,900 as long as it comes with a full service history.
Does the new Skoda Yeti have a spare wheel?
Does the 2015 Skoda Yeti 1.2 TSI a have spare wheel?
Louis O' Sullivan (Cork)Dec 2015 Filed under: tyres
Expert answer
Hi Louis,
Skoda Ireland confirmed that all Yetis sold here now have spare wheels as standard. The Greenline model did not, but that's not on sale in Ireland any more.
Is the Toyota RAV4 worth the price?
Hi,
I want to trade in my 2008 Ford Focus diesel for a new or nearly new car. I really like the SUV style. I drive at least 1,000km per week to and from work so I need something that's reliable, will hold its value and able for big mileage. I really like the Toyota RAV4, but is it worth the price?
What car would you suggest?
Joanne Stafford (Wexford)Dec 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Joanne,
The RAV4 is most definitely worth the price, and it's one of the best cars Toyota currently makes - spacious, reliable and not at all bad to drive. Worth looking at the Nissan Qashqai and Renault Kadjar too, as well as the Skoda Yeti and Mazda CX-5. You won't go wrong with any of those choices, but given your high mileage take a very close look at the Renault and the Nissan - they'll be the most economical overall.
Relevant reviews: