Should I go diesel on a new car in 2016?
Hi guys,
I currently drive a 2011 1.4 TSI petrol Volkswagen Passat, which I am very happy with. I'm thinking of changing my car in 2016 and wondering if I should consider switching to a diesel Passat. I currently drive 32km every day to work, 16km each way, but this is done on the M50 so do you think it would be in my interests to switch?
Brendan Cullen (Knocklyon)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
Nope, I'd stick with petrol. With that kind of mileage you're just not going to get the benefit from diesel. Check out the new Passat 1.4 TSI or, alternatively, the Ford Mondeo 1.5 EcoBoost, Skoda Superb 1.4 TSI or Mazda6 2.0 SkyActiv-G petrol.
Will PCP work with higher mileages?
Hi there,
My beloved Alfa 1.9 JTDm 159's gearbox has gone and now needs to be replaced. Considering it is an 06 and has over 242,000 miles on the clock, it will need a clutch and DMF replacement as well. Is it worth it, and what diesel cars would be recommended for someone driving 35,000 miles a year? Are PCP options even feasible at that mileage?
Sad Dave in Kells
David Delaney (Kells)Oct 2015 Filed under: finance
Expert answer
Hi David,
Yes they are - you can negotiate a higher mileage limit on a PCP but it means you'll reduce the guaranteed minimum future value so your monthly repayments will be a bit higher.
Mind you, I'd hate to see a gorgeous Alfa fall by the wayside. Get a quote for a replacement and see how much it is. There's always the new Alfa Giulia coming next year...
If you decide on a replacement though, the best mid-size diesel saloons around at the moment are (in no particular order) the Skoda Superb, the Mazda6, the Volkswagen Passat and the Ford Mondeo.
A few relevant reviews:
Should I switch my Ford Focus for a diesel car?
Petrol or diesel? I am looking to change my 2005 Ford Focus 1.4 petrol to something similar. I am averaging 40,000 miles per year and wonder what would be a good option for me. The budget is approx €10k.
Shirley Mulcahy (Portlaoise)Oct 2015 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Shirley,
I think you need to be looking at diesel with that kind of mileage. A €10k budget would slot you nicely into a 2009 Honda Civic 2.2 i-CDTi (don't worry about the size: it's cheap to tax). It's ood to drive, massively spacious, economical and reliable.
There are also some Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDIs and Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4Ds around for this budget that are well worth looking at.
Will the Skoda Yeti be affected by the Volkswagen recall?
Does the Skoda Yeti 110hp Outdoor have an EA189 engine?
David Venus (Portlaoise)Oct 2015 Filed under: recall
Expert answer
Hi David,
Yes it does. Post 152-registration it got an updated engine with a urea injection system so it won't be affected by the 'defeat device' software. Examples before that though are on the Volkswagen Group's recall list. Only way to check for sure is to put your registration into the special website, as described here.
How much road tax for a Skoda 1.9 TDI?
Hi,
What road tax will I pay on a Skoda 1.9 TDI diesel registered in February 2008?
MICHAEL LENANE (WATERFORD)Oct 2015 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
It depends on the model but if it's the Octavia 1.9 105hp then the CO2 emissions are officially quoted as 135g/km, so you'll pay €280 a year to tax it. If it's a Fabia hatchback 1.9 TDI then it'll be €270 (129g/km of CO2), a Roomster 1.9 TDI will set you back €390 (145g/km) and a Superb the same €390 (153g/km).
Would an Opel Insignia be a good alternative to an Octavia?
You recommended in June a Skoda Octavia or SEAT Leon for my needs. The Leon would be too small and I've being trying unsuccessfully to get an 08/09/10 Octavia since. Would an Opel Insignia be a sensible alternative in terms of efficency, reliability and durability?
Thanks!
Cormac Mc Cashin (Maynooth)Sep 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Cormac,
Yes, and the Insignia is also lovely to drive and really quite classy. It may not be quite so robustly reliable as an Octavia though. But if you buy with a full service history and look after it properly it shouldn't give any major trouble.
What is the most economical small car?
What is the most economical small car for driving at 120km/h?
Simon Hodgson (Limerick)Aug 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Simon,
Go for a Volkswagen up!, Skoda Citigo or SEAT Mii. They all seem to do 50mpg no matter how or where you drive them.
Relevant reviews:
Can you tell me the trade-in value of my 2010 Skoda Superb?
Hi, can you tell me the trade-in value of my 2010 Skoda Superb Elegance with leather seats and a manual gearbox and 177,000km on the clock?
Ed Donnelly (Dublin)Aug 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Eamonn,
As a trade-in I'd say around €11,500.
Can you tell me my Skoda Superb's value?
Hi,
Can you tell me the trade in value of my 2010 Skoda Superb Elegance manual with leather seats and 177,000km on the clock?
Ed Donnelly (Dublin)Aug 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Ed,
In the region of €10-11k.
Do I need an SUV for towing my horsebox on the motorway?
Hi, what SUV would you recommend for pulling a horsebox and also motorway driving? I do about 500 to 600km a week going up and down to Dublin a couple of times a week from the midlands so I need an SUV that is economical on diesel but also able to handle a horsebox.
Many thanks
Louise Fox (Dublin)Jul 2015 Filed under: towing
Expert answer
Hi Louise,
You don't necessarily need a 4x4 for that - a mid size estate car would do the job just as well. So, have a look at the following and see what you'd like: Mazda6 2.2d, Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi, Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI.
Or, if you really have to have a 4x4, check out the Hyundai Santa Fe, Audi Q5 or Nissan X-Trail.
Relevant reviews: