Have you a review of the Skoda Superb Combi?
Hello,
Do you have a review of the 2016 Skoda Superb Combi L&K?
Eric Walsh (Dublin)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Eric,
We've not driven the new Superb estate in L&K guise as yet, but read our review of the Skoda Superb Combi from the international launch and you'll get a good feel for it we think, as the test cars were well-specified.
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:
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.
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:
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).
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.
Have you any information on the Audi Q2?
Have you any information on the Audi Q2?
Frank Dodd (Dublin)Jul 2015 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi F D,
The Audi Q2 won't actually be called the Q2, it'll be called the Q1. Why? Because Fiat owns the rights to the Q2 badge and won't let Audi play with its ball. So the Q1 will sit beneath the existing Q3, and will be based on the same MQB chassis system that currently underpins almost everything Volkswagen, from Golf to A3 to Passat to Superb. The next Q3 will get a little bigger too, to make some space for the Q1. Expect the Q1 to skew a little more towards an estate, crossover-y body style, leaving the Q3 to be taller and blockier and more SUV-ish.
We have no official word on engines yet but as it's MQB-based expect 1.4 turbo petrol and 1.6- and 2.0-litre TDI diesel, with an SQ1 sports variant using either a tweaked diesel or 230hp petrol turbo. It'll go on sale in 2016 and we'd expect to see a full production model at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.