Can I retrofit Bluetooth to my Skoda?
Hi there, do you know if I can get factory Bluetooth fitted retrospectively on a 2012 Skoda estate and if so who would do it?
Thanks,
Karen
Karen Cahill (Naas)Mar 2016 Filed under: Bluetooth
Expert answer
Hi Karen,
We asked Skoda Ireland about this for you and such a kit does indeed exist. It costs €176 plus VAT from your Skoda dealer and all fitted it should be under €300 + VAT. Contact your local Skoda dealer to confirm the availability and pricing. Full list of Skoda dealers here.
Can I fit three boosters in back of an E-Class?
Can I fit three booster seats in the rear of a 2010-12 Mercedes-Benz E 250 CDI?
Pat Hopkins (Crossmolina Mayo Ireland)Mar 2016 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Pat,
It depends on the seats you're using and how old your kids are. I'd suspect you may struggle, but it's worth going down for a test-drive mob-handed, with the kids and their seats, and see if you can all fit. If not, a good idea is to track down a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate with the pop-up seats in the boot. Seven seats without the MPV misery.
Would a small new estate suit us?
We have two small kids. We live in the city but like to go camping in the summer. Can you recommend a car suitable for city driving but still with enough room to carry camping equipment? We currently have a Mazda5 diesel, but the DPF gives us trouble due to us doing mainly short journeys. I was thinking of a petrol estate such as Fabia Combi or a petrol Corolla. Any suggestions please ?
Ray Mehigan (Limerick)Feb 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Ray,
The new Fabia Combi might well be worth looking at as the boot is absolutely enormous, but you may find the back seats a little tight as the kids get bigger. A Toyota Auris Touring Sports estate would certainly make a good buy - roomy and hugely reliable and Toyota's old 1.4-litre petrol engine has always been a good unit. Also worth looking at the Kia cee'd Sportwagon or Skoda Octavia Combi.
Relevant reviews:
Audi A6 Avant or Volkswagen Passat Estate?
Hi there,
I am currently looking at buying either a Volkswagen Passat Comfortline Estate 2.0 TDI (2013) or an Audi A6 Avant 2.0 TDI (2013). The price difference is around €8k/€9k. Which is the better buy all round?
Thanks
Patrick Malone (Dublin)Feb 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
Well, the Passat is definitely better value - and it's only a little less spacious than the Audi. But you are trying to compare two quite different cars - one a regular family car, one a premium executive model. It depends on what you want more; value for money or something more prestigious and luxurious. Both are excellent cars though - reliable and nice to drive.
Should we go for a new Kia Sportage?
I was wondering if it would be a wise move to trade in our old Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate 1.8 petrol for the brand new Kia Sportage 1.7 diesel. I was very impressed by the high spec model in the showroom.
Mary Bruton (Dublin)Feb 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
It could well be a good idea. If you like the looks and the cabin of the Sportage, there's no questioning that it's a sensible, reliable and frugal car. Well priced too. Read our Kia Sportage review here.
Have you a review of the Skoda Superb Combi?
Hello,
Do you have a review of the 2016 Skoda Superb Combi L&K?
Eric Walsh (Dublin)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Eric,
We've not driven the new Superb estate in L&K guise as yet, but read our review of the Skoda Superb Combi from the international launch and you'll get a good feel for it we think, as the test cars were well-specified.
Should I go for a Saab 9-3 estate?
I am looking at a second hand Saab 9-3 Ttid estate from 2011. Should I be worried by the fact that Saabs are no longer in production for parts etc?
Richard Gelletlie (Wicklow)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Richard,
No, because there are plenty of Saab specialists still supplying parts, so you'll be able to get them - albeit at a price. The worry is reliability. While the 9-3 always performed well in things like the JD Power survey, it's bigger brother the 9-5 was a reliability calamity. Check everything carefully and make sure it's been cared for properly.
Toyota Avensis Tourer or Mazda6 Estate?
2011 Toyota Avensis Estate vs 2011 Mazda6 Estate: what is your valued opinion here?
John Walsh (Wexford)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi John,
Both excellent - spacious, reliable, comfortable and reasonably frugal if you go for the diesels. The Avensis will be more economical overall, but the Mazda is much more enjoyable to drive and better equipped as standard. Head says Avensis, heart says Mazda.
What are these Skoda trade-in values?
Trade in values of 2009 1.6 diesel Skoda Octavia Greenline Estate (100k miles) and a 2008 Skoda Fabia 1.4 diesel saloon (95k miles)? Both in good condition.
Howard Preston (Sligo)Jan 2016 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Howard,
About €6-7k trade in for the Octavia, and about €4-5k for the Fabia, I'd say.
With €10,000 I need room for my bike, please!
Upgrading from a 2001 Nissan Almera 1.5-litre petrol. I cycle to work so only drive at weekends so thinking I should probably stick to petrol. I'd like to come up to a 2010 model with a maximum budget of €10,000. Maybe a hatchback to fit my bike; what do you recommend?
Claire
Claire Towey (Dublin)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Claire,
Well, with a bike, why not go for a compact estate instead of a hatch? Same driving experience and same running costs, but a bigger boot by far. Best of the breed is a Kia cee'd SW, which is hugely reliable and has a massive boot. With you just driving at the weekends, I'd say it's worth trying to track down a petrol model, rather than the more popular diesel.