Ford Kuga or Volkswagen Tiguan?
I'm looking at a Ford Kuga 2.0-litre with four-wheel drive against a Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0-litre four-wheel drive, both 2008 and diesel. pros & cons? Worried about economy!
Audrey Connor (Athlone)Jan 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Audrey,
Go for the Tiguan and go for four-wheel drive if you can find a good one within your budget. That first generation Kuga didn't age well at all (interior feels very cheap and nasty now) and the last time I drove a four-wheel drive version I struggled to get better than 35mpg out of it. By contrast a 4Motion Tiguan should easily crack the 40mpg barrier in everyday driving, has a lovely cabin and is crackingly good to drive.
What's the 1.6 TDCi Ford Mondeo like?
What are the pros and cons of a 1.6 TDCi Style version of the Ford Mondeo?
Tirziman Julian (Meath)Jan 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Tirziman,
Mostly pros, few cons. Mondeos are very well made and reliable and while the 1.6 TDCi engine is no ball of fire, it is very economical. You should get well over 1,000km from a full tank.
The only cons are down to the age of the design. Compared to the likes of the Volkswagen Passat, Hyundai i40 or Opel Insignia the cabin is starting to feel rather old-fashioned but that's about it.
What is the 2014 Citroen C1 like?
What is the 2014 Citroen C1 like?
Anne Mcfadden (Co Donegal)Jan 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Anne,
Decent little car actually - peppy to drive and, thanks to being built in cooperation with Toyota, really reliable.
Problems? Well there's not much room in the back seats and the boot is also pretty small. Also, if you're considering a small city car with a '141' reg, have a good hard look at a Volkswagen up! before you decide.
Which small van is most reliable?
I am trying to decide on a small van and would like to know, in your opinion, which is the most reliable from this list: Opel Combo, Citroen Berlingo, Volkswagen Caddy or Renault Kangoo. Bear in mind I would be looking at maybe 2004 to 2007, depending on cost.
Thank you
George O'Sullivan O'Sullivan (Cork)Jan 2014 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi George,
By and large, if you’ve got a Volkswagen on a list, then it’s going to be the most reliable, and the Caddy is hugely spacious inside too. However, most vans are generally very reliable (simply because a van that’s off the road isn’t earning money), so as long as you’re buying carefully and with a full and complete service history, you should be fine with any of those listed.
Kia Rio, SEAT Ibiza or Volkswagen Polo?
Two questions:
1) Kia Rio EX or SEAT Ibiza five-door Sport or Volkswagen Polo Comfortline - which would you recommend and why?
2) Is the Volkswagen Polo changing this year?
Danielle Victory (Drogheda)Jan 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Danielle,
An updated Polo is indeed imminent, but from what we've seen it won't be a massive change from the current car, certainly in terms of styling, and the only major mechanical change will be the addition of a new 1.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine. While that will probably make for an enticing drive, it's a sad fact that the current 1.2-litre Polo is a touch sluggish to drive, and the mechanically similar SEAT Ibiza has some refinement issues. On that basis, we'd go for the Rio - it's neatly styled, comfy, well made and lively to drive. And it comes with that seven-year warranty. It's a tough package to beat.
Let us know how you decide in the comments below.
Why is the tax on my 1.6 Volkswagen Passat FSI only €330?
Why is the tax on my 1.6 Volkswagen Passat FSI only €330?
David Fahy (Drogheda)Jan 2014 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi David,
That's a little strange. The only tax band that costs €330 per year is the 1,101- to 1,200cc range for pre-2008 cars. Could your car have been classified incorrectly?
What will I get for my Polo trading in for a new one?
What price should I expect for a 2007 Volkswagen Polo 1.2 Sport (one owner, full service history with 59,000km on the clock) - if trading against a new Polo?
Gerry Victory (Drogheda)Jan 2014 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Gerry,
As ever, predicting a second hand value is a tricky thing, but I'd say start between €5-6k for a trade in, and see how you get on.
Let us know in the comments below
Should Volkswagen replace my Golf's sensor?
My 2007 Volkswagen Golf has its ESP light display on. My Volkswagen dealer told me that it was the pressure sensor on the ABS would need replacing and could not be fixed. He told me it would cost €1,500, which I think is outrageous! After some research I saw in the UK that Volkswagen is replacing these free or labour only as there is a known fault.
Any advice/help would be appreciated.
Patrick Martin (Dublin)Jan 2014 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
We haven’t been able to find any evidence of a Volkswagen-instigated sensor replacement programme, but it seems that there are two possible issues here. First, some of the problems may just be brake and tyre dust covering the sensor and a proper clean might do the trick. Secondly, it could be that the wheel-hub is failing, and that is what is triggering the sensor issue so we’d advise getting the car inspected properly to see if that’s the case.
Passat or Skoda Superb to replace my Corolla?
Hi, I need a replacement car for my ageing Toyota Corolla. I'm six-foot-four and need room front and back for passengers. I travel three hours a day to work and need comfort and reliability. I like the 2011/12 Volkswagen Passat or Skoda Superb, but which is best? Has the Superb electrical issues?
Thanks
Ian Purcell (Birr)Jan 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Ian,
If it's space you're looking for, go for the Superb, as it's massive inside. No reported electrical problems, but watch for high front tyre wear, paint peeling away from bumpers and flimsy fuel filler caps. There are some reports knocking around of clutches and flywheels failing, but these seem to be very isolated and not a recurrent problem. The Superb's a great car though - smooth and comfy, very spacious and one of the best cars on the market. Go for the Combi estate for even more boot space and nicer exterior styling (in our opinions!).
What is the most economical small family diesel car?
What is the most economical small family diesel car with a 1.6- to 2.0-litre engine?
Phil Blake (Cahir)Expert answer
Hi Phil,
"Most economical" is something of a loaded question as it's really much more dependant on your style of driving and the routes you use as much as anything else.
What I can tell you though is the car in that class I've been able, consistently, to get the best economy from. It's a Golf. To be precise, it's the Mk VI Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI BlueMotion. Test driving it on a warm, sunny day with the air conditioning going and not paying a huge amount of attention to being economical, I managed an average of 65mpg. I haven't yet driven the latest Mk VII Golf BlueMotion but would suspect you could do even better again, possibly as good as 70mpg.
Come back to us if you need more assistance choosing.