What trade-in value for 2008 Volkswagen Golf?
What trade in value should I expect to get for a 2008 Volkswagen Golf (1.4 80hp GT Sport model) with 132k kilometres on the clock?
Glen Lindsay (Dublin 7)Jan 2016 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Glen,
Somewhere in the region of €6,500 to €7,000 as a trade in I would think.
How much to tax a 1.4-litre Volkswagen Polo?
How much to tax a 2002 Volkswagen Polo 1.4 TDI diesel?
Thanks
Naomi Quinn (New Ross)Jan 2016 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Naomi,
Pre-2008 cars are taxed according to their engine size, so that Polo, which is actually 1,422cc, falls into the 1,401 to 1,500cc band, at €413 a year, or €229 for six months and €116 for three months.
Are electric cars a real option now?
Are electric cars a real option now? Looking to purchase a second hand car 2012 upwards. What do you think?
Paul Mccabe (Kilkenny)Jan 2016 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
Yes, and no. And a bit yes. It still depends on your lifestyle and driving habits. Lots of short journeys, mostly around town? Don't mind taking the time to plan long journeys carefully and be prepared to take breaks for charge ups?
Things are getting dramatically better though. Nissan has just updated the Leaf with a new 30kwh battery (read our review of it here) that extends its range to around 250km, which is a lot more useful, and if you're suitably loaded a Tesla Model S can go for 500km between charges.
If you're not quite ready to take the full electric car plunge, how about a plugin hybrid? Short hops under electric power with a petrol engine for longer journeys. Try the Volkswagen Golf GTE, Audi A3 e-tron, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV or a Volvo XC90 T8.
However, if you're looking for a second hand car, your options with electric power are severely limited, as sales have been slow so far.
I'd like a newer seven-seat people carrier.
Hi,
I have a 2002 3.3-litre petrol Chrysler Grand Voyager with 100k miles on the clock in great condition and never giving any trouble. But it costs €1,800 a year to tax and is not fuel efficient, though small mileage is done annually about town (Dublin). Am considering a newer seven-seater say 2008 with lower tax and better fuel consumption, but that brings possible depreciation costs. Maybe a smaller seven-seater.
Would welcome advice
Denis Gallagher (Dublin)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Denis,
Best to stick with a Toyota Verso (neé Corolla Verso) or a Volkswagen Touran so - both have space for seven, and big boots if you leave the rear seats folded down. Both should be endlessly reliable too. Honda's FR-V also worth a look if six seats (in two rows of three) would work for you.
Are paddles standard on the Polo BlueGT?
Hi
Does the Polo 1.4 Blue GT DSG come with paddle gear changers? I know that the 1.2 90hp DSG doesn't. Is it possible to say, roughly, in percentage terms the likely insurance difference between these two models?
Many thanks (and happy new year)
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Jan 2016 Filed under: optional extras
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
According to Volkswagen, paddle shifters for the DSG gearbox on that model are not standard, but are available as an option. And a not very expensive option either - only just over €100.
The insurance question isn't really one we can help you with, as there are many more factors to an insurance quotation than just the model of car. We can only suggest that you ring a couple of the bigger companies and ask to get a feel for the price difference.
Which new exec diesel auto saloon to go for?
What compact exec would you choose in a diesel auto as a private buyer? BMW 320d M Sport, Audi A4 S tronic, Jaguar XE Portfolio or Mercedes-Benz C-Class? Or would you go with something cheaper like a Volkswagen Passat Highline DSG 190?
Andrew Kelly (Limerick)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Andrew,
Well, of the posh-badge brigade, my personal favourite is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class - it's supremely comfy, beautifully made and really satisfying to drive, but, to be honest, you couldn't go wrong with any of those cars, it really is down to personal taste.
Your other question is an interesting one though. If you can live without the posh badge, and aren't quite so worried about driving dynamics, then a Skoda Superb is pretty much unbeatable. Same mechanical make up as the Audi but far bigger and way better value. Try a Ford Mondeo or Mazda6 if you want something with a keen chassis or a Toyota Avensis if you never, ever want it to break.
Some relevant reviews for you:
Help me change from Passat to C-Max.
I have a 2008 Volkswagen Passat diesel with 120,000 miles on the clock. I am looking at a 2012 diesel Ford C-Max with 60,000 miles. How much should I expect to pay and would you recommend the Ford?
Many thanks.
Catherine Davis (Louth)Dec 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Catherine,
The Ford's not bad actually, but make sure that it has been fully serviced and that the 1.6 diesel has had a steady diet of high-grade oil.
Your Passat should be worth about €7,000 to €7,500 as a trade-in.
Which new petrol estate should I go for?
Hi guys,
I currently drive a 2011 Volkswagen Passat saloon 1.4 TSI, but am looking to change to an estate. The obvious choice is the Passat Estate 1.4 TSI, but is there any other petrol estate I should consider? My mileage doesn't justify the change to diesel.
Thanks.
Brendan Cullen (Knocklyon)Dec 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
Worth checking out the Mazda6 2.0 SkyActiv-G estate, and the Ford Mondeo 1.5 EcoBoost isn't bad. Also have a look at the Skoda Superb 1.4 TSI although that's only available in Ambition spec.
How can I buy a Volkswagen Golf R Estate?
I have my heart set on a Volkswagen Golf R 'Sportwagen' (estate), but it seems Volkswagen Ireland will not be selling them here. Do I have any real options to buy one, given that importing from the UK is prohibitively expensive considering the exchange rate?
Thanks.
Graham McGarry (Greystones)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Graham,
I'm afraid not - it's simply not a model appearing on the official Volkswagen Ireland price list. You could try sweet-talking a Volkswagen dealer but they'll essentially just have to privately import it themselves so they'll just pass on the same costs to you.
We double checked the situation with Volkswagen Ireland and it confirmed the same.
Such a shame!
I need a small, reliable commuting car.
Hello, looking for a small, economical, reliable car for commuting. I currently have a 1.0-litre Nissan Micra. I do 110km a day, 5-6 days a week.
What would you recommend?
Elaine Henry (Sligo)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Elaine,
You're kind of on the cusp of being better off with a diesel with that kind of mileage. There are a few cars that are worth looking at. Sticking with petrol? Try a Honda Jazz - small but very spacious, and the 1.2-litre engine is pretty frugal. Want to go for a small diesel? Try a Volkswagen Polo. Want something a little more fun, but still very frugal (albeit not very roomy in the back)? Try a MINI Cooper D.