Problem with the 2012 VW Golf's brakes?
Is there any problem with the brakes in the VW Golf of 2012?
Majella Nolan (Clara)Jun 2013 Filed under: brakes
Expert answer
Hi Majella,
We don't know of any widely reported issue with the brakes of the 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Saab 9-3, VW Jetta or Skoda Octavia?
What would you say is the most reliable from the following: 2009/2010 Saab 1.9 diesel 9-3, VW Jetta or Skoda Octavia?
I'm looking for a car that will not develop electronic/electrical problems that will disable the car or turn on warning lights that require special equipment to turn off, if such a car exists these days!
Thanks
Tony Maher
Tony Maher (Ennis)May 2013 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Tony,
No, no such car exists. They all, when a problem occurs, need a trip to a diagnostic rig. Of the three you’ve mentioned though, the Octavia is by far the best, and yes even better than the Jetta with which it shares its mechanical bits and pieces.
Want to know the best seven-seater.
Want to know the best seven-seater on the market.
Bridget Enabulele (Dublin)May 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Bridget,
Do you mean medium or large seven-seater? If it’s a medium one, then the best ones are the VW Touran, Kia Carens, Toyota Verso, Citroen C4 Picasso, or Renault Grand Scenic. If you mean a bigger one, then the best ones are the Ford S-Max or SEAT Alhambra. Here are our reviews of them all:
How much should I get for a 2001 VW Golf?
Hi,
How much should I expect to get for a 2001 VW Golf 1.4? Clean car with two owners, not hacked, only 59k miles on the clock, either as a trade in or as a private sale?
Thanks
Leonie Hannon (Dublin)May 2013 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Leonie,
On a private sale, if it’s in exceptional condition, you might get €1,000 for it. As a trade-in, you’d be lucky to get a couple of hundred, unless you go for one of the current ‘scrappage’ trade-in boosters against a new car.
Issue with 1.9 TDI VW Group engines?
Is there an ongoing problem with the 1.9 diesel 'BXE' engines fitted in Skodas and VWs?
Michael Hogan (Donegal)Apr 2013 Filed under: DPF issues
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
Not really, no. The 1.9 TDI did get a minor reputation for having con-rod problems, but it was usually traced to another fault. Generally what happens is that a problem with the diesel particulate filter causes the engine management system to add too much fuel to the engine on start-up, which starts to thin out the oil, which then causes problems. There was another recurring issue with the air mass sensor, but that’s usually pretty easily remedied. Other than that, the old 1.9 TDI seems to be a pretty robust engine.
Looking for frugal, comfy, automatic car...
Hi, could you advise me? I am looking for a economical automatic car that is comfortable for long driving.
Thanks
Eileen
Eileen McCarthy (Tipperary)Mar 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Eileen,
A lot here depends on what kind of car, and indeed what size of car, you’re looking for. There’s a huge choice out there, and most models now have at least the option of an automatic gearbox. Overall, it’s as ever hard to get away from the trusty VW Golf in cases such as this. A 1.6 TDI diesel or 1.2 TSI petrol with the DSG automatic gearbox would seem ideal.
Talk me through the Passat trim lines...
What is the difference between the VW Passat Comfortline/Trendline etc? The one that I am currently considering is a Volkswagen Passat 1.6 FSI four-door B6 115hp. Also are Audi/BMW generally expensive to service and maintain in comparison to a VW?
Bryan Molloy (Dublin )Mar 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Bryan,
Trendline is a the most basic VW trim level, so it’ll be pretty bare inside, and lacking for ‘toys.’ Comfortline is a step up, and on a model of that age should include such things as climate control and cruise control, amongst other niceties.
Beware though — that 1.6 FSI engine was not the most reliable thing that VW ever made, so make sure it comes with a full and complete service history. As for servicing, generally a VW will indeed be more affordable to service than one of the premium brands, but if you’re interested in buying a BMW or Audi then you can bring your servicing costs down a lot by going for a good independent specialist rather than a main dealer.
How much on trade-in for my VW Golf?
How much can I get for trade-in of a five-door 2000 VW Golf, 1.4 petrol, 115,000 miles, NCT expires in May? Great car, just too small for the family. They're selling online for €1,500-€2,000, but I want to trade in. How much can I expect to get for a Golf?
Thanks!
Louise Byrne (Dublin )Mar 2013 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Louise,
There are a number of scrappage schemes around, so depending on what you’re trading in against, that could be boosted up to as much as €4,500.
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:
Which seven-seater with boot space is best?
Guys - brother is looking for a seven-seater to accommodate a growing family. Needs to have room for buggy or two in the boot if possible. His budget is about €10k. Nothing too big engine wise to keep running costs down. Any advice appreciated - thanks.
Barry Delaney (Dublin)Mar 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Barry,
The hard bit here is having buggy space in the boot in a seven-seater — seven-seaters keep their extra seats in the boot, so you can have extra seats, or luggage space, but normally not both. Our favourite ones are generally the VW Touran, the Ford S-Max, the Kia Carens, the SEAT Alhambra and the Toyota Verso, but all of those will have the seats/space issue. If they need something bigger, do let us know. In the meantime, our relevant reviews: