What's the best engine in the Volkswagen Golf?
Which is the best all round engine in the Volkswagen Golf?
John Lawlor (Dublin)Sep 2012 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi John,
The most sensible for the majority of buyers is the 1.6 TDI 105hp. This is smooth, quiet, torquey enough to not feel slow and very economical.
Despite all that our preference would be the more expensive (and noisier) 2.0 TDI 140, as it feels substantially quicker.
Best bet is to test drive as many as possible, as you're bound to have a preference - within budget of course.
Hope that helps
The new Golf will have an electric parking brake. What do you think?
I see the new Volkswagen Golf Mark 7 will be fitted with an electric parking brake. Is this a bad move from a reliability point of view?
Noel Freeman (Navan Co. Meath)Aug 2012 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Noel,
As much as we dislike these, we've not heard of many problems with their reliability - other than early systems from Jaguar.
You could argue that every extra electronic sub-system is a cause for worry, but the modern car is already full of such devices.
Any sign of a new Golf Plus or Ford EcoSport?
When will the Volkswagen Golf mk7 Plus model and Ford EcoSport go on sale?
Ian Mckenzie (Grays/essex)Jul 2012 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Ian,
We spoke to Ford and Volkswagen representatives in Ireland and the UK to get some answers. Seems there's no firm information on either as yet. If the Golf Plus goes ahead it'll not be in right-hand drive markets until 2014, though there may well be a proper Golf-badged MPV instead.
Ford is pretty tight-lipped on the EcoSport pictured above. It's under consideration. We're at a Ford future event in September where further announcements may be made so keep an eye on the site for news.
How much should I offer for my company Golf?
I have the option of buying my current company car from the fleet company. It's a 2008 Volkswagen Golf GT with 172,000km on it. How much should I offer?
Orla Moloney (Limerick)Jul 2012 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Orla,
You've not told us which engine your car has, but assuming it's the 2.0 TDI 140 we'd suggest you go in with a cheeky low offer first of about €8,750 and see what they say. It's worth over a grand more than that potentially.
Let us know how you get on.
How much is my Volkswagen Golf GTI replica worth?
Hi, Robbie here, how much is my Volkswagen Golf 1.6 petrol GTI replica worth?
Robbie Kee (Limerick)Jul 2012 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Robbie,
Replicas of GTIs appeal to a minority of buyers so it's a tricky car to value. It may be worth a little more than a standard 1.6 the a few people, but your biggest challenge is to find those people, as someone looking for the basic car may be put off by the add-ons.
Sorry to not be of more assistance.
How much is my high mileage Volkswagen Golf worth?
What would the trade-in value be of a three-door '91 Volkswagen Golf (CL) with 480,000 kilometres on the clock,1.6 diesel engine, power assisted steering, NCT'd until end August 2012 and taxed until end 2012?
MARIA SCANLON (WICKLOW)Jun 2012 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Maria,
I'm afraid such a car is not likely to be worth very much. That's very high mileage no matter how well it has been kept and hence will not be in demand. If you get €500 for it we'd be very surprised.
Best of luck
Where do I trade-in my Renault Laguna?
I've got a nine-year old Renault Laguna. I'm looking for a new Golf or equivalent. Who would give me the best trade in/scrappage deal?
Jack Martin (Dublin)Jun 2012 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Jack,
The scrappage scheme is over sadly, though Renault is running a similar offer until the end of June. You can get another €1,500 off if you're trading in a car that's over eight years old. Even without that offer you're more likely to maximise the value of that Laguna at a Renault dealer.
Saying all that, I'm sure you know that the Laguna isn't worth a whole lot at that age so it's probably not worth going for a new Renault just because you'll get a better trade-in price for it. If you do decide to go down the new Volkswagen Golf route, check with the dealer how much they'd be willing to knock off the price of the Golf by taking the Laguna. If it's a tiny amount then consider selling the Laguna privately. It's more hassle, but you're likely to get a better price.
Hope that helps
We need a second car for less than €5,000.
Hi there. I am looking for a used small car from 2006 on with four doors and small engine, just as a second car for my wife. Maybe for less than €5,000. Any recommendations or no goes?! Thanks
Hagen Stroh (Greystones)Apr 2012 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Hagen,
There's a lot of choice on the market for that price. Here's a few cars we'd consider good buys for the purpose you've described:
Citroen C3, Fiat Panda, Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Honda Jazz, Mazda3, Nissan Almera, Nissan Micra, Opel Astra, Opel Corsa, Peugeot 207, SEAT Ibiza, SEAT Cordoba, SEAT Leon, Skoda Fabia, Suzuki Swift, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Yaris, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Polo.
I appreciate that's a long list, but we've left out plenty too! If you'd like more in depth help with choosing from the above come back to us.
How do I turn off stop-start on my new Volkswagen Golf?
Is it possible to disconnect the stop-start function on my 2012 Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion? I keep forgetting to switch it off until it cuts out the first time I stop. Surely it must eventually wear out the starter? It drives me crazy - makes me look like I'm letting the car cut out all the time. If all vehicles had it the streets would be polluted with the noise of dozens of car engines stopping and starting. I'm not convinced that this particular innovation will be popular. What do you think?
Teresa (Co. Clare)Expert answer
Hi Teresa,
We spoke to Volkswagen and I'm afraid there's no permanent way to switch this off that it recommends. You'll just have to do it manually each time you start up if it bothers you.
From our perspective, this feature is becoming more and more common and we think it's a great idea. If all cars on the road used it think how much fuel could be saved in town. Likewise - and in contrast to what you've said - noise pollution would be reduced overall thanks to the lack of engine idling noise at traffic lights.
Don't worry about the starting motor wearing out either, as most cars with stop-start have heavier duty starters, along with systems to monitor their condition and prevent it being over used.
Can you recommend decent seats for my new Volkswagen Golf?
Is it possible to add an Alcantara sports seat into my new Volkswagen Golf Edition-R? If so, how much would VW charge?
Reason I'm asking is that I'm finding the "Comfort" seats quite uncomfortable and after two months on the road I still cannot find a comfortable driving position. The main issue is the side supports on the seat are too far apart. As I'm fairly thin, my back tends to move side to side a lot when turning etc. no matter what position the seat is in. It's driving me mad. My old BMW had sports seats and I never had this problem. It's detracting from what is an otherwise excellent car. I cannot find any seat cushions for my back that will help me fit more snugly. It's gotten to the point where I'm willing to shell out a few hundred if necessary to get a sports seat put in.
Any help appreciated!
Eoin S (Dublin)Apr 2012 Filed under: seating
Expert answer
Hi Eoin,
We contacted Volkswagen in relation to your question and 'officially' there does not seem to be a simple solution.
Thankfully there is the unofficial way of doing things and this is something we have experience with having swapped the sports seats in a Mk IV Golf for Recaros from the GTI. A quick search of a certain well-known online auction site reveals that Alcantara sports seats are available, but the shipping costs can prove prohibitive - unless you live near the seller of course.
Our advice would be to contact a large car dismantlers like http://www.traynors.co.uk/ or http://www.eddietorrensinternational.com and see if they have the parts you require. The actual fitting of the seats is just a case of undoing a few bolts and clips with the only problem you might encounter being the possibility of the airbag wiring loom not matching up. This is a simple fix for any auto electrician though and should not cost much to rectify.
We hope this helps.