Will PCP work with higher mileages?
Hi there,
My beloved Alfa 1.9 JTDm 159's gearbox has gone and now needs to be replaced. Considering it is an 06 and has over 242,000 miles on the clock, it will need a clutch and DMF replacement as well. Is it worth it, and what diesel cars would be recommended for someone driving 35,000 miles a year? Are PCP options even feasible at that mileage?
Sad Dave in Kells
David Delaney (Kells)Oct 2015 Filed under: finance
Expert answer
Hi David,
Yes they are - you can negotiate a higher mileage limit on a PCP but it means you'll reduce the guaranteed minimum future value so your monthly repayments will be a bit higher.
Mind you, I'd hate to see a gorgeous Alfa fall by the wayside. Get a quote for a replacement and see how much it is. There's always the new Alfa Giulia coming next year...
If you decide on a replacement though, the best mid-size diesel saloons around at the moment are (in no particular order) the Skoda Superb, the Mazda6, the Volkswagen Passat and the Ford Mondeo.
A few relevant reviews:
Are newer Volkswagens free of the 'defeat device'?
Are new generation Volkswagen diesels free of "defeat device" software? I heard a radio report saying that the newer engines may have a similar device to the one fitted to the EA189 engines
Gary Murray (Dublin)Oct 2015 Filed under: recall
Expert answer
Hi Gary,
Volkswagen has confirmed that, following investigations, the EA288 engines, designed for EU5 and EU6 compliance, are not affected by the scandal surrounding the EA186 engines. In other words, the current Volkswagen diesel engines are fine and have been given a clean bill of health. If you've any lingering doubts over a car that you own, go to http://www.campaigncheck.ie and enter your reg number.
From 2012: Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf?
Which 2012 car is better: Volkswagen Golf or Ford Focus?
Stephen English (Dublin)Oct 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Stephen,
Both pretty good but I'd lean on the side of the Golf - it's roomier and more refined than the Focus, and that 1.2 TSI petrol turbo engine is a cracker. The Volkswagen 1.6 TDI engine is smoother than the Ford's too.
Volkswagen Jetta or Renault Fluence?
Which would you buy? 2011 Renault Fluence 1.5 dCi 90 Dynamique (57,000 miles) for €10,000 or 2010 Volkswagen Jetta Comfortline 1.6 TDI 105 (41,000 miles) for €12,000?
John Cormack (Cork)Oct 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi John,
Go for the Jetta - it's nicer to drive, nicer looking (to my eyes, anyway) and better built, so it should be more reliable.
How much is my Volkswagen Passat worth?
I have a 2002 Volkswagen Passat tested until May 2016, 1.8 petrol. Heated seats 6 disc CD changer, four new tyres, Comfortline model. How much is it worth?
Martin Keegan (Meath)Oct 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
Only around €1,500 I'm afraid.
Will the Skoda Yeti be affected by the Volkswagen recall?
Does the Skoda Yeti 110hp Outdoor have an EA189 engine?
David Venus (Meath)Oct 2015 Filed under: recall
Expert answer
Hi David,
Yes it does. Post 152-registration it got an updated engine with a urea injection system so it won't be affected by the 'defeat device' software. Examples before that though are on the Volkswagen Group's recall list. Only way to check for sure is to put your registration into the special website, as described here.
When will Volkswagen Ireland launch Apple Car Play?
When will Volkswagen Ireland launch Apple Car Play on Composition Media stereo across its range? I have a Mk7 Golf with the second version of Composition Media and it says I need an activation code. I asked Volkswagen Ireland for a part number and the price is €250 including VAT, but it can't be ordered as it's not available in Ireland yet.
Is there any other way to find out a launch date for this feature?
Riccardo Macari (Drogheda)Oct 2015 Filed under: aftermarket
Expert answer
Hi Riccardo,
We checked with Volkswagen Ireland and the official response was this: "CarPlay and Android Auto will not be available in Ireland until late 2015 or early 2016 at the earliest in combination with third party apps (e.g. Spotify, Facebook, etc.). This is currently being tested in combination with third party apps for the UK and other larger European markets but there is no set release date for Ireland yet."
Any updates coming for the Volkswagen up!?
How likely is it that the 1.0 TFSI engine from the Audi A1 will feature in the Volkswagen up! in the future do you reckon? Also, are there any rumblings on the grape vine of any facelift for the up!?
Niall Conneely (Galway)Sep 2015 Filed under: future engines
Expert answer
Hi Niall,
It already kinda does - the 1.0 TFSI is a turbocharged version of the 1.0-litre naturally aspirated engine found in the up!. As for the likelihood of the up! getting the turbo version, don't hold your breath. We're still waiting for the sporty up! GT and there's little market interest in Ireland for a small hot hatch no matter how much a small band of enthusiasts might fervently wish for it. There is an update and facelift due but Volkswagen hasn't announced an ETA for it yet.
Has the Volkswagen 'twincharger' engine issues?
Hi,
Just read that the Volkswagen 1.4 turbo- and supercharged engines are giving problems. One UK Scirocco motorist says his Volkswagen dealer is replacing his engine. My Audi A3 is a 1.4 TSI. I think the new Audi A3 Saloon has the same engine. Have you any reports on the above ?
Frank D (Dublin)Sep 2015 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi F D,
There does seem to be an issue with the turbo- and supercharged engines involving the timing chain and it seems to be because Volkswagen tried to stretch the service intervals too far. Now, your A3 may not have that particular engine, depending on the year and the engine power. The lower power 122hp version of the 1.4 TSI didn't have a supercharger, just a turbo so is simpler and doesn't seem to suffer the same issues. The more recent 150hp version also does without the supercharger, so the best thing to do is not panic - if you're concerned about the car, take it to your dealer, have it inspected and maybe insist on a more frequent oil change.
Is the Audi A3 Saloon affected by the Volkswagen scandal?
Hi, great site.
Is the 2014 model year 1.6 TDI Audi A3 Saloon affected by the Volkswagen fallout?
Thank you.
Charles O'Donovan (Parteen)Expert answer
Hi Charles,
I assume you mean this Volkswagen story. At this stage we have been told that it only affects certain cars powered by the 2.0-litre TDI engine, but not all of them. So, going by current information, the 2014 model year 1.6 TDI Audi A3 Saloon is not effected. Keep an eye on our news page and social media feeds however, as we expect more news to emerge in the coming days.
Kind regards