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:
Which new petrol estate should I go for?
Hi guys,
I currently drive a 2011 Volkswagen Passat saloon 1.4 TSI, but am looking to change to an estate. The obvious choice is the Passat Estate 1.4 TSI, but is there any other petrol estate I should consider? My mileage doesn't justify the change to diesel.
Thanks.
Brendan Cullen (Knocklyon)Dec 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
Worth checking out the Mazda6 2.0 SkyActiv-G estate, and the Ford Mondeo 1.5 EcoBoost isn't bad. Also have a look at the Skoda Superb 1.4 TSI although that's only available in Ambition spec.
What runaround to get for €10,000?
Please advise on best value annual costs for a small runaround. Budget c. €10,000. Anticipate c. 15,000km per annum - some on quite rough country lanes. I anticipate keeping the car for maybe 6/7 years so diesel a prefered option but those I have looked at - from Volkswagen up!/Skoda Citygo/SEAT Mii stable, Hyundai i10, Fiat Panda, Suzuki Alto/Splash all seem to be petrol only.
Thank you
Charles Cooper (Collooney)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Charles,
Yeah, with a small car like that (a) diesel is not generally available and (b) it would push up the price tag so much that you'd never earn the difference back in fuel savings. Of the ones you're looking at, I'd go with withe Hyundai i10 - it's really comfy and spacious for a small car, and should be sufficiently rugged to deal with the roads you're talking about. Plus the five-year warranty should help to keep the running costs down.
Relevant reviews:
Should I buy a new Skoda Octavia L&K Combi?
Hi, you reviewed the Skoda Octavia L&K recently and I was wondering what wheel and engine noise were like in the cabin of the car. I am close to making a decision on a Combi estate version and the spec is very high compared to other similarly priced cars. Overall would you think it would be a good investment, as I intend to keep it for five years at least?
Many thanks, Ian O'Neill
Ian O'Neill (Waterford)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Ian,
Cracking car, but yes, you do get a good bit of tyre noise, especially in the back. Take it for a good test drive on the nearest motorway or dual carriageway to see if it's too noisy for you.
How economical is the 2007 Skoda Fabia?
How economical is the 2007 Skoda Fabia 1.9 diesel?
Jacqui Lewins (Portsmouth)Expert answer
Hi Jacqui,
The official figure was 57.9mpg. Drive it gently and you should get close to that.
What small new cars are the best for Jan 2016?
Please advise on best cars for young lady who wishes to buy new in January 2016 with no trade in, a cash buyer. She likes those with four doors, but may opt for three depending on price.
Thank you
Fergal Reidy (Celbridge)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Fergal,
I presume you mean something small to medium if you're contemplating three doors. If you want to go really small, the best ones are the Hyundai i10, Volkswagen up! (as well as the Skoda and SEAT versions) and the Renault Twingo - a car I know isn't quite as technically good as the others but I personally really like it.
If you want to go a bit bigger, then your best bets are the Honda Jazz (pricey but really well equipped), the Skoda Fabia or the Mazda2. The Hyundai i20 is also worth looking at but it might be better to wait until it gets Hyundai's new 1.0 turbo engine.
Here are some relevant reviews: