Is the Skoda Octavia TSI a good option for me?
Finally time to change my 2004 1.8 TDCi Ford Focus Estate. With 233,000 miles done, I think it has earned its keep. But what to replace it with? I only do about 20,000km now a year so dont really need the diesel though the torque is good for overtaking. I do need a decent boot as I fill it most weekends. Budget max €13,000. Interested in Skoda Octavia 1.2 TSI in hatch or estate. Is this a reliable engine and does it have enough power for overtaking? Generally only me in car and occasional towing of 500kg trailer also done.
David DoranMar 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi David,
I'd say you've already picked out the ideal car - that Octavia 1.2 TSI is magic. Plenty of oomph, very economical and should have enough grunt to haul that trailer. One thing though - at 500kg, that trailer is getting on for the maximum braked towing weight of 610kg, so if it's an unbraked one it might be worth trading it for a braked version, just to keep some margin for safety.
What is the market value of a Peugeot 407 in Ireland?
What is the market value of a seven-year old Peugeot 407 in Ireland?
Teresa NMar 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Teresa,
There's a pretty broad spread of values for 407s of that age - it depends on the engine, trim and above all condition and history. The ballpark is from €5,500 to €8,500. A diesel model will be worth considerably more than a petrol one and a full service history is essential.
Where does Suzuki source the engine for the new Vitara?
Where does Suzuki source the 1.6 DDIS engine for the new Vitara and are there any known issues with this engine? I had the third generation Suzuki Vitara with the 1.9 diesel engine before: nice car but the engine was a disaster!
Many thanks,
John Fleming
John Fleming (Killarney)Mar 2015 Filed under: diesel
Expert answer
Hi John,
Suzuki buys that 1.6 diesel engine in from Fiat, but before you go running for the hills, as far as we are aware there are no major issues with it.
Have you read our review of the new Suzuki Vitara?
Multitronic or S-Tronic for an Audi A6 TDI?
Hello, I am interested in buying an Audi A6 2.0-litre TDI diesel. The thing is I need some advice on if I should go for the 142 reg with the Multitronic auto box or the 151 reg with the S-Tronic auto box. I've heard some bad stories about the Multitronic gearbox and would be wary of some big bills down the line. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Mary Walsh (Cork)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
I'd tread carefully where the Multitronic box is concerned. While the serious issues that plagued it pre-2006 have been mostly sorted, it's still not trouble free. Oil changes are needed at regular intervals if it's to be kept in good order.
I do reckon, if funds allow, you'd better off going for the S-Tronic gearbox, which seems to have a much stronger reliability record.
Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage?
Could you do a comparison, please, between the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai, both petrol and diesel? Thanks
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
The Sportage is very much on its way out right now, with a new model due next year. That said, it's still a nice car, but it can't match the Qashqai for handling or for the emissions from their diesel engines. As for petrol, there really isn't a viable Sportage petrol option right now, but the Qashqai's 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine actually makes pretty good sense if you're doing low mileage and mostly drive around town.
Further reading:
What will we upgrade our Opel Corsa to?
We have an Opel Corsa and need something higher in the same price range. What do you recommend?
Kathleen Mcfadden (Ballina)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Kathleen,
When you say higher, do you mean an SUV or an MPV? Either way, you're going to have to spend more. In the world of automotive pricing, extra height equals extra cash.
If it's an MPV you fancy, try a Citroen C3 Picasso (especially the attractive Code Edition) or a Hyundai ix20. Or the more expensive Opel Meriva if you fancy staying with the Opel family.
Opel has an equally good small SUV, the Mokka although if funds allow it's best to buy new and get the new 1.6 diesel version. Other good small SUV options are a Peugeot 2008 or MINI Countryman.
Should I go petrol or diesel Toyota Verso?
Is there any issues with the 2007 petrol Toyota Verso or am I better going with a newer 2009 diesel with the 2.0-litre engine? Don't do much miles - about 10,000 a year.
James Brett (Charlestown)Mar 2015 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi James,
No, if you're doing that kind of mileage then you probably don't need a diesel - you'll be a long, long time getting back the cost of purchase in fuel savings at any rate. Nothing much wrong with the 07 Verso - they're as solid as you get.
What's the towing capacity of the Hyundai Santa Fe?
What is the towing capacity of a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe EX 4WD with the 2.2 diesel engine?
Charles Alken (Dublin)Mar 2015 Filed under: towing
Expert answer
Hi Charles,
For the seven-seat model it's up to 2,500kg with a braked trailer or 750kg with an unbraked one.
Who makes the Mitsubishi Lancer's engine?
Who makes the 1.8 diesel engine in the 2011 Mitsubushi Lancer?
Laura Doyle (Longwood)Mar 2015 Filed under: diesel
Expert answer
Hi Laura,
It's a home-grown Mitsubishi engine, called the 4N1, which was first introduced in 2010.
How much will my Audi be worth next year?
I have a 2011 Audi A4 Technik model, 2.0-litre diesel;, how much will it be worth next Jan as a trade in or would I be better to sell privately and how hard would it be to shift?
Caroline Conroy (Limerick)Mar 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Caroline,
It's a bit hard (actually impossible) to predict where values are going to be next year, but if you were to chop it in now, I reckon you'd get around €22,000 for it, depending on condition and history. Selling it yourself might grab you a little more but you'll need to make sure it's spotlessly clean and has all its paperwork in order to get the best price and the easiest sale.