How big is the new Volkswagen CrossPolo?
What are the measurements of the new Volkswagen CrossPolo?
Thanks
Yvette Bronne (Liege )Jan 2012 Filed under: miscellaneous
Expert answer
Hi Yvette,
The measurements are:
- Length: 3,987mm
- Width: 1,698mm
- Height: 1,488mm
- Wheelbase: 2,469mm
Hope that helps.
What bank is best for car loans?
What's the best bank for a car loan?
Eric Mullins (Dublin)Jan 2012 Filed under: finance
Expert answer
Hi Eric,
I'm afraid there's no easy answer to that. It'll depend on your circumstances and on the amount of money you wish to borrow as much as anything. While it is not as easy as it once was to obtain credit banks are happy to loan to 'good bets'.
Beyond the high street banks it's well worth checking out what finance the dealer you're buying from offers. Several car makers have effectively set up their own car finance arm to make the process easier. This includes BMW/MINI, Ford, Renault and the Volkswagen Group.
As ever shop around, but if want some specific help please do come back to us.
Why is my Passat's fuel consumption worsening?
I have a Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion with just 4,000 miles on the clock. The fuel consumption is increasing and has gone from 53mpg average in October to 48mpg now. Dealer says he can find no fault on electronic test rig. Any ideas please? Previously got over 60mpg on same journey now getting 48-49mpg and seeming to be dropping. Variables like fuel etc. all same as is possible and driving style not changed. Best regards and Happy New Year to all.
Richard Paterson (Solihull)Expert answer
Hi Richard,
Lots of potential reasons for this. Very first thing I'd look at is tyre pressures. Are they all even and to spec? Are there any other issues with the tyres you can see? Uneven wearing, etc. If no problems with pressures I'd suggest getting the alignment checked. If it gets knocked out (relatively easy to do with a pothole or kerb) then there could be more friction causing heavier fuel consumption.
Come back to us when you've checked that.
How do you work out depreciation on a car bought from new?
How do you work out depreciation on a car bought from new?
Frank Dodd (Dublin)Oct 2011 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Frank,
This isn't quite an exact science and you can't really "work it out" but instead you can guess based on evidence from the past. Take a look at what the cars retail for after one year, two years, three years and so on and see what percentage of the car's original value it has retained. There have traditionally been some brands that have kept their value better than others - Ford, Toyota and Volkswagen would be some that spring to mind.
What would my cost to change to a new Volkswagen Passat be?
I'd like to trade in my 2010 Volkswagen Passat 1.6 TDI Highline against a 2012 Passat 1.6 TDI Highline. What would you anticipate the cost of change lto be?
Diarmuid Walsh (Carndonagh)Oct 2011 Filed under: resale value
Expert answer
Hi Diarmuid,
The 2012 Volkswagen Passat 1.6 TDI Highline retails at €30,880 on-the-road at the time of writing. You'll be offered different deals depending on the mileage and condition of your own car, but assuming it's a standard Highline version with average mileage and good condition we'd estimate the cost to change at about €10,000.
Let us know how you get on.
What city car will fit my driveway and has ISOFIX?
Hi,
We have a very narrow driveway (1,800mm at the widest) and are looking for a four-door city car that will fit. On top of that, we're expecting a baby so are looking for an ISOFIX system and space for a buggy. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Deb S (Dublin)Oct 2011 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Deb,
There are loads of four-door city cars that would fit in that space that have ISOFIX, but the problem then is fitting a big travel system buggy into them! I myself have two kids so I understand the challenges...
Some good city cars to consider include the funky new SEAT Mii/Skoda Citigo/Volkswagen up! triplets and the Fiat Panda. They're as narrow as you get really.
Just so happens I have a Mii on test this week and our Quinny Buzz buggy folds in - with no space to spare of course.
Hope that helps.
Is it mad to buy a new car in October?
Hi lads,
Am I mad to be considering buying new in October? I got a very good price on a new Volkswagen Golf Edition R, saving just over €1,000 than if I waited until the New Year. I've shopped around and this is the lowest cost to change I've got. Most important thing to me is the lowest price for the car and I'll be keeping it for a good few years so depreciation is not too much of a concern. This offer has tempted me but I'm in two minds. Buy now or wait?
Eoin S (Dublin)Oct 2011 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Eoin,
It is really six of one, half a dozen of the other. If you buy now you get a better price on your trade-in and if you wait you will have a newer car, which because of the way our registration system works, will be worth less even if it's just a few months older.
It all really boils down to how long you will be keeping your car. It won't make any real difference if you are keeping your car for more than four years. If you change every two or three years then I'd wait until January.
In your case it sounds like it's worth going for.
Can I retrofit Bluetooth to a 2011 VW Passat?
Hi guys, do you know of any companies that can retrofit the Bluetooth phone set up on a 2011 VW Passat? This wasn't installed from factory but the car has the necessary controls on the steering wheel.
Thanks.
Brendan Cullen (Dublin)Oct 2011 Filed under: Bluetooth
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
I spoke to Volkswagen about this and its retailers will do this job in about an hour for a total price of €350. That includes VAT, parts and labour and they'll even wash and vacuum the car when it's in.
If you decide to go this route please do let us know how you find the service.
Which should i buy. Volkswagen Passat or New Ford Mondeo?
Which should i buy. Volkswagen Passat or New Ford Mondeo?
Kunaselan Muthiah (Selangor Malaysia)Sep 2011 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
If it was my money I'd have the Passat, especially the CC if your budget allows it. The Passat feels like a much more upmarket car than the Ford Mondeo. The latest Mondeo is very good, but I'd be drawn to the look and feel of the Passat everytime.
New Focus or used BMW/Audi?
I'm changing my car for a diesel one early next year. I'm undecided between a new Ford Focus Zetec saloon or a 2008 BMW 320d/Audi A4. My main concerns are fuel economy, reliability and running costs. Any advice on what to go for?
Tony O'Leary (Selangor Malaysia)Sep 2011 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Tony,
Given your shortlist, I'd be inclined to go for the new Ford Focus saloon - presumably you mean a 1.6 TDCi version. It's more economical than the BMW and Audi and it'll be four years newer, meaning the security of a manufacturer's warranty. Older BMWs and Audis, as lovely as they are, do start to cost a bit to maintain.
Another car to consider is the relatively new Volkswagen Jetta. It compares well to the Focus.
Come back to us if you need more help deciding.