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.
How much is my VW Golf worth?
Hi, how much would my black 05 Volkswagen Golf SDI be worth to sell?
Thanks,
Donna
Donna McLaughlin (Carndonagh)Mar 2012 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Donna,
We'd need a lot more information to give you an good estimate, including mileage, condition and specification, but a rough guide is somewhere between €7,000 and €8,500.
Hope that's of some help, but come back to us with more information if you want.
How much is my Volkswagen Golf worth?
What trade-in price would I get for my 2006 Volkswagen Golf 1.6 Sport Comfortline with 155k miles on the clock?
Michelle Masterson (Dublin)Feb 2012 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Michelle,
There's no simple answer to such questions. It will depend on the condition of your car, how much the seller of your next car wants the sale, etc. From a dealer's perspective that's quite high mileage. They may offer as low as €4,000. You're likely to get a better price selling it privately.
Best of luck
What car will I replace my Hyundai Tucson with?
I have a Hyundai Tucson diesel worth about €3,000. My daily commute is 130km, seven days a week, mostly away from the motorway. I have another €12,000 to add to the trade-in value.
I am a single person, but I need to pull a trailer for very small stuff and need to fit in the golf clubs. I typically hold onto a vehicle for five to seven years.
What is the right second-hand vehicle for me ?
Rory Donohue (Galway)Feb 2012 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Rory,
I'm sure you're aware that your budget will get you any number of relatively new regular cars such as the Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus, along with bigger models like the Ford Mondeo and Toyota Avensis.
However, given your current choice of car I'd suspect that you'd like to retain the elevated driving position and your mileage dictates a diesel engine. Most cars can take a tow bar and you don't have heavy towing needs so that's not a major consideration. Likewise, all SUVs etc. will have room for your golf clubs.
So the logical choices based on all that include:
BMW X3: Good diesel engine, spacious, but your budget may only get you an older example.
Citroen C-Crosser: Great 2.2-litre diesel engine; rest of car built on Mitsubishi mechanicals.
Honda CR-V: Bomb-proof reliability, but again may have to settle for older example.
Hyundai Santa Fe: Big and comfortable, though running costs higher than smaller SUV.
Mitsubishi Outlander: Spacious, well made, ok diesel, if loud.
Nissan X-Trail: Strangely forgotten, but plenty around at this price.
Peugeot 4007: Shares its engine and underpinnings with the Citroen above.
Suzuki Grand Vitara: Very reliable.
Toyota RAV4: Another with impressive reliability. Possibly the choice of the lot at this price.
There are loads of older, bigger SUVs for sale at that price too, but they'll cost you more to run for no real benefit.
If you're willing to change body styles completely it's worth checking out something like a BMW 120d Coupé or a diesel 3 Series Coupé. There are also plenty of great estates on the market for that budget, including the Audi A4 Avant and BMW 3 Series Touring. I know you don't need that space for a family, but it's useful for a lot of other things.
Come back to us with more information and we'll help to narrow your search further.
Is it mad to buy a new car in October?
Hi lads,
Am I mad to be considering buying new in October? I got a very good price on a new Volkswagen Golf Edition R, saving just over €1,000 than if I waited until the New Year. I've shopped around and this is the lowest cost to change I've got. Most important thing to me is the lowest price for the car and I'll be keeping it for a good few years so depreciation is not too much of a concern. This offer has tempted me but I'm in two minds. Buy now or wait?
Eoin S (Dublin)Oct 2011 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Eoin,
It is really six of one, half a dozen of the other. If you buy now you get a better price on your trade-in and if you wait you will have a newer car, which because of the way our registration system works, will be worth less even if it's just a few months older.
It all really boils down to how long you will be keeping your car. It won't make any real difference if you are keeping your car for more than four years. If you change every two or three years then I'd wait until January.
In your case it sounds like it's worth going for.
Which Volkswagen Golf will I buy?
Hey, i'm looking to change my car at the minute and am thinking of the VW Golf 1.2 as i like the look of it and it will be cheap to insure, tax and run but as myself and my wife have a baby on the way i'm worried this won't be big enough. I don't do enough mileage to justify the extra cost of a 1.6 diesel and would like to stick to a max of 1.4. Do you think i should go ahead and get the Golf or is there anything else i should consider? My budget is 20k but i don't want a car older that 2010.
Brendan Cullen (Dublin)Sep 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
Having just come out of a Volkswagen Golf long-term test car I feel like I can speak with some authority on the car. For a start, it really depends on where you are driving and how far, when it comes to your engine choice.
The 1.6-litre TDi diesel is really good, but it probably isn't worth the extra cost unless you commute is quite long. Otherwise the 1.2 TSi is fine and while it isn't a rocket, it is perky enough. In terms of the the car being big enough, well yes it is. The Golf is fine for one baby and the boot is big enough to take the truly obnoxious buggy I put into it.
With your budget of €20,000, you would really have your choice of petrol or diesel models so it is really down to what you prefer. I really like this one. And although it is over your budget you would probably come in under as a cash buyer.
How much is my VW Golf GTI worth?
How much is my 2007 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2.0 DSG five-door worth?
David Mller (Cork)Aug 2011 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi David,
If you were trading in your GTi in a dealership you would probably get offered around €11,500 - €12,500 depending on the condition and mileage. You could ask about €13,500 - €15,000 as a private sale.
I hope this helps
What value on a high mileage Golf?
What is the valuation of a 1999 Volkswagen Golf TDI 90bhp. It has 310,000 miles on it.
Martin O Sullivan (Cork)Jul 2011 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
If it works well then it is worth much more than selling it or trading it in is going to suggest. Any trader is likely to only offer you a token gesture of a few hundred Euro for a car with this sort of mileage, whereas if it drives well then you are much better off keeping it. It is also going to be difficult to sell privately.
Audi A3 or Lexus CT 200h?
Hi,
I have a 2007 Toyota Auris Terra diesel that I am trading in. It has 87,000km on the clock and is in excellent condition. What it is worth? I was thinking of getting an Audi A3 Sportback 1.6 TDI S line or the Lexus CT 200h S Design. I found the suspension hard in the Lexus. Which would you recommend?
Martina Kerins (Cork)Jun 2011 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Martina,
My feeling is that you will be offered between €10,000 - €11,000 for your Auris against either of these new cars and it's likely that your Lexus dealer will offer you the better deal. The Audi A3 is nearing the end of its life cycle, and while I like it a lot, it is due to be replaced so that will mean its value will reduce. The Lexus is really well priced and comes well equipped, but the ride quality is a little patchy at times. The S Design grade has 16-inch alloys so they aren't even the largest alloy wheel available. The car is great value though.
By the sounds of things you want something that is frugal, looks good and is upmarket. To be honest, I would probably have a Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI DSG Edition-R, which has all the toys on it, looks awesome and has just been released on to the market. This costs €26,425.
Alternatively, you could get a good deal on a BMW 1 Series, which is about to be replaced. Let us know if this helps, but I'd choose the Golf, then the Lexus, then the A3.