Is a 142 Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 possible?
Hi, I believe hat Volkswagen stopped making the 1.4 TSI Tiguan in 2008, but Frank Keane in Deansgrange has this 142 example for sale; how can this be?
Brendan Cullen (Knocklyon)Feb 2017 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
No, Volkswagen didn't stop making the 1.4 Tiguan in 2008, but it was dropped from the Irish price list then as we all went diesel-crazy after the tax change. The car was always available to order, and it's possible that the car you're looking at is a UK import.
Will the Volkswagen software affect tax?
Will the software update affect my road tax?
Hugh Murphy (Ballydesmond )Jan 2017 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Hugh,
Assuming you mean the Volkswagen diesel software update, no, it shouldn't. Volkswagen has had to clear all the updates with the German federal transport agency to comply with a ruling that any changes won't affect the CO2 emissions or fuel economy of the cars.
How reliable is the Volkswagen Tiguan?
How is the Volkswagen Tiguan rated for quality and reliability?
Patrick Reilly (Dublin 13)Jan 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
If you mean the current model, then I’m afraid it’s a little too early for us to tell, as it hasn’t been around long enough yet for any major reliability issues to shake out and all cars would still be under warranty. We’d be surprised if it has suffered anything major, though – it seems very well built.
The older model is also very well built, but you need to check for sticking exterior door handles, trouble with the diesel particulate filter (DPF), faulty electronic handbrakes, dodgy stability control modules, leaky sunroofs and excessive front brake wear. If it has the DSG automatic gearbox, you also need to check and make sure that it has been properly serviced, and on time, because it’s a complex piece of equipment that needs careful looking after.
Which new car would suit a family of four?
I drive a Volkswagen Passat and want a new car that will suit a family of four. Any advice?
Fionn Ni Fhlatharta (Galway)Jan 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Fionna,
Well, to be honest, I would have thought that a Passat was an ideal car for a family of four. What you need is four roomy seats and and a a big boot - and the Passat has those. If you fancy something that looks a bit more like a family car, and here I mean an SUV or an MPV, then stop for a tic and have a think. Are you buying an image? After all, a ‘normal’ saloon such as a Passat (and the Mazda6, Toyota Avensis, Hyundai i40 and Kia Optima all make good alternatives) is generally speaking just as good at family duties and has lower overall running costs. Worth thinking about, at any rate.
Here are some of our reviews to get you thinking:
Which new seven-seat MPVs would you go for?
I currently have a Ford Galaxy and looking to get a new/nearly new seven-seater. Have you done a review on seven-seaters? What would you recommend?
Luke Tyrrell (Dublin)Jan 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Luke,
We certainly have done a few reviews... The closest cars to your Galaxy in terms of size and space are the Ford S-Max (a little smaller, but still very roomy) and the SEAT Alhambra (not as swish to drive as the Galaxy, but very spacious and with sliding side doors). There's also the Volkswagen Sharan, which is basically identical to the Alhambra, but a little more expensive. It wasn't on sale in Ireland for a while but it's back now and there are a few second hand ones knocking about.
If you fancy something a little smaller, then try the Opel Zafira Tourer. It's a really underrated car - nice to drive, well made and with decent cabin space.
After that, you're into the smaller MPVs such as the Volkswagen Touran, Kia Carens and so on. Good cars, but much smaller than your Galaxy so you'd be trading down in size terms.
With our practical hats on, we'd go for the SEAT - it's big and useful and those sliding side doors are great.
Here are the reviews themselves if you'd like more detail:
A few others worth considering as well:
Any info on new Volkswagen Golf pricing, etc?
Hi,
Have you any info on pricing and specification of the facelifted Volkswagen Golf GTD hatchback and whether Volkswagen will follow Mercedes-Benz and reduce retail prices due to Brexit?
Martin
Martin Smith (Dublin)Jan 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
As far as Brexit is concerned, you can basically pull out a random piece of string and tell us the length… Given the huge political turmoil taking place in the UK over Brexit, it’s literally impossible to predict what way car makers are going to jump, but we wouldn’t be at all surprised to see some actually raising prices, because of currency fluctuations.
Any ideas what's wrong with my Passat?
Hey.
I have a Volkswagen Passat 1.4 TSI petrol. The engine light keeps coming on and there is a rattling in the engine, but four out of five mechanics tell me it's not the timing chain. However, not one knows were the noise is coming from. Faults that keep showing up are camshaft sensor, coils misfiring and fuel sensor. It's keeps losing power.
Any ideas?
Debra Maher (Drogheda)Dec 2016 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Debra,
It’s kind of difficult for us to diagnose a car over the internet unfortunately, but it sounds as if you may have a whole host of problems there. You’re quite right in that rattles are often something to do with either the timing belt or chain or the camshaft mechanism, but if you’re getting multiple fault codes on a diagnostic it could be that there’s a bigger issue that is causing lots of systems to develop issues. Have you brought it to a Volkswagen main dealer yet? That would be our recommended course of action.
is the new Hyundai i20 a good car?
Hi, I would like to know if the Hyundai i20 is a good car to buy in 1.2 petrol guise (new), or should I stick to the Fiesta, Corsa, Polo etc? My commute is 21km dual carriageway. Would the petrol be ok or should I look at the diesel?
Peter O'Shea (Mallow, Cork)Dec 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
With a short commute like that, you’re definitely better off with petrol and the Hyundai i20 is a fine car – roomy and well made and quite good to drive. Here are some of our reviews to help you decide:
How best to upgrade to a newer car?
Hi, I am thinking of changing my 2006 Nissan Navara in the next nine months. I was thinking of upgrading to 2011/12 Volkswagen Passat or Ford Mondeo and my budget is about €12,000. The problem is I don't know how to sell my own car. It's seen far better days and the engine isn't in great condition either. Most dealers are offering €3,500 or less and I tried cash4cars and they're not interested. I am hoping to get four grand plus for it but don't have the time to sell it privately. I really don't know what to do with my Navara and was wondering if you would know?
Many thanks, Denis
Mike Connolly (Wicklow Town )Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Mike,
Which is the best new seven-seater around?
Hi, I was looking for a seven-seater; which is the best one? Price, space and technology are important to me. I am looking to buy a new one.
Jinesh Sebastian (Athenry, Galway)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Jinesh,
It depends on what kind of size you need. If it’s a compact seven seater, then the best on the market are the Volkswagen Touran, the Toyota Verso and the Kia Carens, but it’s worth looking at the Citroen C4 Picasso too, and maybe even the new Renault Scenic, which goes on sale in the New Year.
If it’s a larger car you need, then the two best choices, by far, are the Ford S-Max and the SEAT Alhambra.
Here are our reviews to help you decide: