Is an automatic Volkswagen Sharan thirsty?
Is the automatic Volkswagen Sharan harder to run than the standard model. In diesel?
Kevin Barron (Letterkenny)Expert answer
Hi Kevin,
It depends. Are you talking about the older model of Sharan, the one that was shared with the old Ford Galaxy? If so, then it’s simply down to the fact that, at the time, automatic gearbox technology was not as advanced, and they tended to be more thirsty than an equivalent manual gearbox.
If it’s the newer model you’re talking about (the current-shape one, with sliding side doors) then it could be that the DSG automatic needs servicing. It requires more intensive care and attention than a manual gearbox, and if it’s left alone it can malfunction, which could affect economy.
What is the most reliable MPV?
What is the most reliable people carrier?
Paul Oleary (Cork)Aug 2013 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
The Toyota Previa, which is close to indestructible, but good luck finding one. Failing that, go for a (smaller) Toyota Verso, or a Volkswagen Touran, or a Kia Carens.
I need a diesel car for big mileages...
Hey guys,
Iwant to change to a diesel estate car, but am not sure which type to get. I do drive a lot and need a car that is very fuel efficient with low mileage and low maintaining costs. Cars within my budget are either 2006 Ford Focus 1.8, Opel Astra 1.3/1.7 CDTi or Skoda Octavia 1.4 (with Volkswagen diesel engine) or Skoda Octavia 1.9. Which of these are the most fuel efficient/most efficient cars to maintain?
Thank you so much for your help and advice!
Best wishes, Cindy
Cindy Wagner (Waterford)Aug 2013 Filed under: diesel
Expert answer
Hi Cindy,
I would go for either the Skoda or the Opel. The Skoda 1.9 TDI is very economical (50mpg should be pretty easy) and Skodas are well built and reliable.
The only downside is that if it's pre-2008, it'll have a high rate of tax. That's something that the Opel with the 1.3 CDTi engine avoids, and it's still very economical, albeit slightly less so as you'll have to work the smaller engine a bit harder to keep up with the flow of traffic.
Tell me more about the Octavia vRS...
What kind of car is the Skoda Octavia vRS?
Dan Burke (Bandon)Aug 2013 Filed under: hatchback
Expert answer
Hi Dan,
It’s a hot hatch (or Combi estate). While it uses the larger (and saloon-style, if you squint a bit) Octavia body, underneath it’s mechanically identical to the Volkswagen Golf GTI, so you get a 200hp, 230hp, or 245hp petrol, 2.0-litre turbo engine (depending on which generation of Octavia RS you’re buying) or a 180hp diesel. It's big, roomy and comfy, but really quick and good to drive. Reliable, too. Oh, and you can drop the v in the RS badge. It’s only called vRS in the UK market, and is just plain old RS here.
2017 Skoda Octavia RS 230 review (post facelift)
Toyota Corolla or Volkswagen Golf?
2010 Toyota Corolla Luna 1.4 petrol (€11,950 / 67,000 miles) or 2009 Volkswagen Golf VI 1.4 petrol (€12,500 / 36,000 miles)? Which one is a better choice? Any opinions? I can't find any on Corolla as it seems most of reviews are done in UK and this particular model is not being sold on their market, and the American version is a completely different car...
Sam I (Limerick)Aug 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Sam,
Split result here. The Golf is a terrific car, handsome, spacious and fun to drive and of course very desirable too. But with the basic 1.4 petrol engine it's going to be slow.
The Corolla by contrast has a surprisingly peppy, rev-happy 1.4 engine that's a joy to drive. A shame that the chassis, styling and cabin are all on the dull side but the upshot is of course near faultless reliability.
So, Golf for desirability, Corolla for longevity.
Which hatch keeps its value best?
I have an 1.8 petrol 2007 Mercedes E-Class with low mileage, but my need for a big car has changed and I require something that will not depreciate as quick and will cost less to maintain and run. Thinking of a Volkswagen Golf or Opel Astra .
Michael O Neill (Arklow)Aug 2013 Filed under: resale value
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
If depreciation is your primary concern, then it’s best to go for a Toyota, which in general has the best reputation for retained value in the Irish market. An Auris is the same size as a Golf, and while it’s not as interesting to look at, it’s not at all bad to drive, and hugely reliable too.
Volkswagen Polo, up! or Suzuki Swift?
Hi, following on from my previous question: he dealer claims to have no knowledge of previous history for the Volkswagen Polo apart from the fact that he can confirm the car has not been crashed, and he will give the car a comprehensive service.
I am also looking at a 2012 Volkswagen up! (move up!) with 14,000km on the clock and a 2011 Suzuki Swift GLX with 30,000 miles and a full service history. I prefer the Poloand its colour I am trading in a 2006 Volkswagen Sharan 1.8T with 85,000km on the clock. Dealers are offering me roughly €4,600 for mine What do you think?
Pat English (Waterford)Jul 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Pat,
The Polo's a fine car, no question. Practical and reliable, but your other two choices are, how shall I put this, a bit more interesting. The up! is one of the very best small cars to come along in a long time. It's nippy, agile and zippy, but still comfy on the motorway if you need to go long haul. The Swift is also a belter, a little short on rear legroom perhaps, but cracking good fun to drive and its reliability is off the scale good. The Polo's a safe choice, but I'd have a good long hard look at the other two before deciding. For what it's worth, if it were my money, I'd get the Swift.
Is a high mileage Volkswagen Polo an issue?
Is 48,000 miles too many on a 2011 Volkswagen Polo powered by the 1.2 70hp petrol engine?
Pat English (Waterford)Jul 2013 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Pat,
Probably not. It would mean that the first owner has really been racking up the miles, but if it has a complete service history and you don't get the feeling that it's been abused or uncared for, then it should be fine.
What do you think about the Volkswagen Bora?
Hi, just want to know what ye think about a Volkswagen Bora 1.9 TDI: is it good on diesel or would I be better off to stick with the 1.4 petrol version? Only enquiring about buying one at the moment and would be looking from between 2000 to 2004 models.
David Manning (Cork)Jul 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi David,
Cracking car the Bora, solidly built and distinct enough from the Golf to not have the hatchback-with-a-boot-stuck-on-the-back stigma. Definitely go for the 1.9 TDI, as it's a far better performer in all regards than the rather weedy 1.4 petrol. Just make sure the injectors and the air pressure sensor (well known weak points on the old 1.9 'Pump Duse' engine) are in good nick.
Is a SEAT Alhambra as dependable as my old Galaxy?
I need to replace a seven-seat 2001 Ford Galaxy. Am finding newer models very expensive and I am on a budget of €15,000. Would the Volkswagen Touran or the SEAT Alhambra offer the same reliability?
Ann Curran (Galway)Jul 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Ann,
Yes, they should, but it's worth bearing in mind that the Alhambra and Touran are very different vehicles. The Alhambra we'd refer to as a 'full-size' MPV, with proper space inside for seven adults. The Touran is a more compact vehicle, based on the same architecture as the Volkswagen Golf, and the third row seats are much smaller, more suitable for kids than adults. Of the two, we'd go for the SEAT - it's one of the most impressive family cars around and SEAT has a terrific reputation for reliability.