How much is my Skoda Octavia vRS worth?
How much is my 2009 facelift Skoda Octavia vRS TDI realistically worth? It is a rare but desirable satin grey metallic example with 68,000km on the clock - driving perfectly. I am finding it hard to work this out. Any feedback would be appreciated!
M L (Dublin)Apr 2013 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi, it's a little difficult to come up with a solid value for the vRS model as there just aren't that many on the ground here, but a reasonable valuation seem to be between €14,000 and 16,000 and you can knock off about €1,000 to get what you'll be offered as a trade-in from a dealer. Sorry we can't be more precise than that.
Let us know how you get on
For €13,000, what car can I buy?
For €13,000, what car can I buy?
David OHora (Limerick)Apr 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi David,
Lots. If you’re buying new, you can easily get into such models as a Volkswagen up!, Skoda Citigo, SEAT Mii, Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto, Fiat Panda, Fiat 500, Ford Ka+, Suzuki Celerio and many more . If you’re buying used, it all depends on what you want and how old a car you feel like buying. Could be anything from a Dacia to a Mercedes.
Come back to us if you want us to go into detail in one area.
When will the Skoda Yeti be replaced?
When is the new facelifted Skoda Yeti going to be in Irish showrooms? And can we get a pic?
M L (Dublin)Apr 2013 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi there,
We're told that the new Skoda Yeti will be here in 2014 with a revised look front and rear (and we suspect on the inside too). There are no official or otherwise shots available though.
Thanks
How to change my Octavia's oil filter?
I was going to give my car a service, but before I start, I was wondering is the oil filter hard to gain access to, as there are two pipes running above it; it's a 2011 Skoda Octavia 1.6 TDI.
Any advice would be great
Thanks
Kevin O Donovan (Dublin)Apr 2013 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Kevin,
The first piece of advice we'd give is that, if you're not experienced in changing many different types of oil filters, don't do it. There are several things that could go wrong and cause engine damage.
Many oil filters are best accessed from under the car. Be prepared for oil dripping down from it once you loosen it, even if you have already drained the engine oil...
My Octavia's engine dies sometimes - why?
My engine on my Skoda Octavia 1.9 diesel sometimes just dies when slowing down (possibly under braking) but then will start again without any problem. What could it be?
Geoff Collins (Stockport)Mar 2013 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Geoff,
First thing we'd look at is the air flow meter. Try to get a known good one to swap and re-test.
Let us know how you get on.
What's the new Skoda Superb like?
Any news on the Skoda Superb facelift due date? Which is better, Superb or new Octavia?
Paul Mc Mahon (Dublin)Mar 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
Yes, it's just been revealed (see our full news story here). There's a subtle bit of restyling going on, with new grille and lights at the front and new lights at the back. There aren't a huge number of mechanical changes on offer, but the 1.6 TDI Greenline model has seen its emissions drop to a very competitive 109g/km, so that will save a little on annual road tax. Inside, the range-topping Columbus infotainment system now comes with a 30GB hard drive for storing your music and podcasts. It goes on sale in Ireland in July, though we drive it next month (May).
As to which is better, Superb or Octavia? Phew, that's a toughie. The new Octavia is very, very impressive and well priced too, but I personally have a bit of a soft spot for the Superb, with its huge boot and rear seat space. To be honest, you wouldn't go wrong choosing either, but it's worth bearing in mind that we're only a couple of years away from an all-new Superb, which Skoda reckons is going to be competitive with the BMW 5 Series...
Hope that helps somewhat
How economical is the Skoda Yeti?
What is the Skoda Yeti's 2.0 diesel fuel consumption like?
Tom Hartigan (Limerick)Expert answer
Hi Tom,
The front-wheel drive only Yeti 2.0 TDI returns 52.3mpg (5.4 litres/100km). The four-wheel drive version returns 46.3mpg (6.1 litres/100km).
The Yeti is one of those cars in which it's possible to get close to the official figures - especially on the open road and the motorway.
Hope that helps
What's a good medium, auto SUV?
What's a good small/medium size SUV that has reasonable tax and fuel consumption, but is also automatic? It's for my wife so not a Nissan Qashqai, too common; Kia Sportage, build quality not too hot; and VW Touran is just too boring.
Any suggestions welcome, but has to be auto.
Eoin Heaney (Ennis)Mar 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Eoin,
Have you tried the new Peugeot 3008? Great-looking, good to drive and comes with an (optional) six-speed auto. The 1.2-litre 130hp petrol turbo engine is the one to go for. Alternatively, you could try and grab a run-out Skoda Yeti (always one of our favourites and built like a tank), or have a look at the Toyota C-HR Hybrid, which is striking to look at and really good to drive. Here are our relevant reviews:
Should I go for a Skoda to replace my Golf?
I currently drive a 2009 Volkswagen Golf and am looking for something a bit bigger. I'm six-foot five and my problem is that, with the driver's seat in the correct position for me, you cannot fit our rear facing baby seat, or the first forward facing seat behind me. The only option is to place them on the passenger side, which leaves my older daughter sitting behind me, with her knees in my back, resulting in pins and needles for her and and an uncomfortable drive for me. The other issue is that the frame of the buggy takes up all the boot space, leaving no space for the weekly shop, or for luggage etc. I know the Skoda Superb has miles of leg room, and boot space but are there any other cars I should be looking at? I have always driven diesel and would prefer to stick with it, so I think 2009 would be best in terms of tax and getting two years before the next NCT. A lot of the Skodas on Carzone.ie seem to have huge mileage; what would you consider excessive for a 2009 car?
John Maher (Ennis)Mar 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi John,
The Skoda Superb or Octavia would have been our first suggestions. The Octavia hasn't quite as much rear legroom as the Superb, but it's still better than the Golf's - and the boot is huge. High mileages on diesel Skodas are nothing to worry about so long as it has a proper service history and is in good order. Taxi drivers regularly do hundreds of thousands of kilometres. Avoid high mileage DSG automatic gearboxes, but otherwise they are really robust. So long as the history and price are good I'd not worry about buying one with over 150,000 kilometres on the clock.
One last thing to consider: if you do less than 20,000 kilometres a year a petrol car may suit you better. They're generally cheaper to buy and better suited to low mileage use. They're also quieter!
Hope that helps, but do come back to us if you need more assistance and have a budget in mind so we can narrow down the search for you.
Need a mid-sized saloon for up to €9,000.
My wife and I are looking for a second hand saloon, mid-size (1.5 to 1.8-litre), primarily for her use, with a budget of maybe €8,000 to €9,000. Possibilites we've spotted include a 2008 Mazda6, a 2008 Toyota Avensis and a 2007 Skoda Octavia. The car would be doing 15,000 to 18,000 miles per year, so we're trying to find something that doesn't have excessively high mileage already. Might be a tall order, but any advice on the ones I've mentioned, or are there any suggestions on any other makes and models that might fit the bill?
Many thanks.
Colm Lambert (Wexford)Mar 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Colm,
Of the ones you’ve suggested, I’d say that the Octavia is the best bet, not least because a Mazda6 or Toyota Avenisis with a 1.8-litre engine is going to be at the very bottom of the range. Your budget should get you an Octavia with the 1.2 TSI turbo petrol engine (which is actually a better choice than a naturally aspirated 1.6 or 1.8) and probably with a 131 numberplate.
Yes, you might have to swallow a high-is mileage, but as long as you get one with a full service history, that shouldn’t be a major issue as the Octavia is a reliable car. Other models worth considering are the Toyota Corolla, VW Jetta, SEAT Exeo (if you can find one) and Honda Civic.