Should I replace my Golf with a Hyundai ix20?
I have a Volkswagen Golf bought in 2002. Can you advise me re a new car, similar 1.4 petrol engine, but with elevated seating position? I looked at the Hyundai ix20 but it may not have same power as my Golf. Thanks,
Evelyn O' Meara
Evelyn O MearaMar 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Evelyn,
Actually, the Hyundai ix20 might be just the thing you're looking for. It's smaller and cheaper to run than a Golf, and that 1.4 diesel engine is very economical, and will actually prove more powerful to drive than the Golf. Others worth considering are the Citroen C3 Picasso or Ford B-Max, both of which can be had with either petrol or diesel power. Try a 1.0-litre turbo petrol B-Max actually - great fun to drive and you won't believe the power and performance Ford can get from its new downsized 1.0-litre engine.
Let us know how you get on
Tell me about the 2004 Toyota Corolla.
Tell me about the 2004 Toyota Corolla.
Jason O'ConnellFeb 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Jason,
A really good car, that 2002-2007 Corolla. 'Quiet' looking inside and out it may be but the strength of the engineering underneath is palpable. The sheer quality of the cabin was vastly ahead of any other contemporary rival (even the supposedly tank-like Volkswagen Golf Mk IV) and the primary engine, a 1.4 petrol VVT-i unit, out punched most rivals by about 15- to 20hp while also being more economical.
It's also surprisingly good to drive. It'll never set your shoes on fire, so to speak, but in a former life I thrashed one around Mondello Park and it showed a depth of competence in the chassis that would surprise most Corolla drivers.
On the reliability front, there's little or nothing to worry about. The only recurring complaints seem to be rear lights that allow condensation to build up inside and annoyingly squeaky brakes.
What cars hold their value best?
What are the best and worse cars for depreciation in Ireland, by car sector?
Ruadhan Neeson (Dublin)Feb 2014 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Ruadhan,
That, I'm afraid, is a question with too many variable answers. Second-hand vehicle values are like stock market values - they go up and down and often rather unpredictably. There are a few rules of thumb, though...
1. It's got to be diesel. Yes, we (and others) have tried to educate the motoring populace that diesel power doesn't automatically mean better economy or lower running costs, but right now the market is diesel-crazy and if it doesn't sip from the black pump, it's not going to hold on to its value.
2. The lowest depreciating cars are, obviously, the most popular models. So the likes of the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Santa Fe, BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and so on will always hold on to their value the best. Check the list of the top-ten best-selling cars on the market - these are your depreciation heroes.
3. What about depreciation villains? Anything that the market doesn't trust, really. Estates tend to fare especially poorly, anything with a French badge is suspect and if it's Italian, forget it. You'll lose your shirt on any of these.
4. Spec is king. You can have the most in-demand car going but if it's painted bright yellow and has green seats, you're never going to shift it. So, to keep depreciation at bay, stick with dark metallics and subtle interior tones. Pale cabin colours tend to fare less well when it comes to wear and tear, so the market prefers blacks and greys on the inside too. If it's an executive car, it has to have an automatic gearbox. Anything with factory-fit air conditioning and Bluetooth telephony is looking good, leather is always helpful but other expensive toys don't always help a car hang on to its value.
Hope that's all of interest
What is the most efficient diesel family car to buy?
What is the most efficient diesel family (non-MPV) car to buy? My budget is €20K and I do on average 60 miles a day.
Blaithin Keating (Cork)Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Blaithin,
In my personal experience the most efficient car I've ever driven was the Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion - it easily averages better than 60mpg in everyday driving and I'm not the most economical of drivers. €20k should get you a nicely specced 2010 or 2011 model.
How does that sound?
Skoda Octavia RS vs. Golf GTI for economy?
How does fuel consumption of the 2006 Skoda Octavia RS petrol compare to that of a 2001 Volkswagen Golf GTI?
Bernard Foley (Cork)Expert answer
Hi Bernard,
Oddly, they're identical. According to the official figures both the 2001 1.8 turbo 150hp Golf GTI and the 2006 Octavia RS 1.8 turbo 180hp return 35.3mpg on the combined cycle.
Do you agree the new Mazda3 is a good replacement for my BMW?
I am changing car; I have a BMW 318 at present but the new one is quite pricey! I have test driven the BMW 1 Series, an Audi A3, Volkswagen Golf Highline and a Mazda3. Whilst they are all fine cars I found the Mazda very good value and an excellent drive. Can you comnent?
Brendan from Dublin
Brendan Foley (Dublin)Jan 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
Good choices, all of those, if you're looking for a more affordable 3 Series alternative. The new-shape Mazda3 (the one that's only just been launched) seem to be especially excellent, and with Mazda's reliability you won't be spending too much on repairs or maintenance down the line. The Golf is always a safe bet too, although if you're used to the saloon shape it may be worth having a look at the little-seen Jetta - an underrated gem, that car. Or, alternatively, you could try the Audi A3 Saloon, which I reckon is the best compact sports saloon around at the moment.
See how you get on and let us know which one you go for.
What small car would suit my 20,000km annual mileage?
Hi, I am looking to move out from a town, which would mean commuting of about 15,000 to 20,000km per year. Should I be looking for small diesel or petrol in order to keep costs as low as possible? Ideally about 1.4 or 1.6 engine size...
Thanks
John Stalmach (Dublin)Jan 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi John,
Yup, a small diesel sounds like it should be ideal for you. Depending on what kind or size of car you need I'd recommend either a MINI Cooper D 1.6 (small and sporty), Opel Astra 1.3 CDTi (slower, but more spacious), Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4D (similar to Opel but probably more reliable) or that old favourite the Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI BlueMotion (ultra economical). Or, if you need more space how about a Skoda Octavia Combi estate 1.6 TDI or a Citroen C4 Picasso 1.6 HDi?
Help us with your needs and we'll narrow that down a little!
Should Volkswagen replace my Golf's sensor?
My 2007 Volkswagen Golf has its ESP light display on. My Volkswagen dealer told me that it was the pressure sensor on the ABS would need replacing and could not be fixed. He told me it would cost €1,500, which I think is outrageous! After some research I saw in the UK that Volkswagen is replacing these free or labour only as there is a known fault.
Any advice/help would be appreciated.
Patrick Martin (Dublin)Jan 2014 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
We haven’t been able to find any evidence of a Volkswagen-instigated sensor replacement programme, but it seems that there are two possible issues here. First, some of the problems may just be brake and tyre dust covering the sensor and a proper clean might do the trick. Secondly, it could be that the wheel-hub is failing, and that is what is triggering the sensor issue so we’d advise getting the car inspected properly to see if that’s the case.
What is the most economical small family diesel car?
What is the most economical small family diesel car with a 1.6- to 2.0-litre engine?
Phil Blake (Cahir)Expert answer
Hi Phil,
"Most economical" is something of a loaded question as it's really much more dependant on your style of driving and the routes you use as much as anything else.
What I can tell you though is the car in that class I've been able, consistently, to get the best economy from. It's a Golf. To be precise, it's the Mk VI Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI BlueMotion. Test driving it on a warm, sunny day with the air conditioning going and not paying a huge amount of attention to being economical, I managed an average of 65mpg. I haven't yet driven the latest Mk VII Golf BlueMotion but would suspect you could do even better again, possibly as good as 70mpg.
Come back to us if you need more assistance choosing.
What new hatch should I replace my Peugeot 407 with?
I have a Peugeot 407 1.8 petrol with 133,000 on the clock and I'm looking at Mazda3, Volkswagen Golf, SEAT Leon, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, or sticking with Peugeot 308 new. Any recommendations on trade-in of 407 and choice?
Thank you
Donagh Lennon (Waterford)Dec 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Donagh,
All of the cars you've listed there will be both a lot more reliable and much more economical than your 407, but potentially your best bet is to stay within the Peugeot dealer network where you'll most likely get the best deal on your trade-in. The new 308 is looking pretty impressive, comes with a five-year warranty and Peugeot's build quality has come on a long way since the 407...
Let us know which way you go