ISOFIX mounts in the new Skoda Kodiaq?
Is it true that it will be possible to order three ISOFIX seats in the middle row of the Skoda Kodiaq?
Jill Gordon (Wicklow)Jan 2017 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Jill,
No. There are two standard ISOFIX points in the Kodiaq, in the outer two middle row seats, and a third, optional, point in the front passenger seat. Nothing in the centre rear seat, however, and no ISOFIX at all in the folding third row.
Which new car would suit a family of four?
I drive a Volkswagen Passat and want a new car that will suit a family of four. Any advice?
Fionn Ni Fhlatharta (Galway)Jan 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Fionna,
Well, to be honest, I would have thought that a Passat was an ideal car for a family of four. What you need is four roomy seats and and a a big boot - and the Passat has those. If you fancy something that looks a bit more like a family car, and here I mean an SUV or an MPV, then stop for a tic and have a think. Are you buying an image? After all, a ‘normal’ saloon such as a Passat (and the Mazda6, Toyota Avensis, Hyundai i40 and Kia Optima all make good alternatives) is generally speaking just as good at family duties and has lower overall running costs. Worth thinking about, at any rate.
Here are some of our reviews to get you thinking:
Any ideas what's wrong with my Passat?
Hey.
I have a Volkswagen Passat 1.4 TSI petrol. The engine light keeps coming on and there is a rattling in the engine, but four out of five mechanics tell me it's not the timing chain. However, not one knows were the noise is coming from. Faults that keep showing up are camshaft sensor, coils misfiring and fuel sensor. It's keeps losing power.
Any ideas?
Debra Maher (Drogheda)Dec 2016 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Debra,
It’s kind of difficult for us to diagnose a car over the internet unfortunately, but it sounds as if you may have a whole host of problems there. You’re quite right in that rattles are often something to do with either the timing belt or chain or the camshaft mechanism, but if you’re getting multiple fault codes on a diagnostic it could be that there’s a bigger issue that is causing lots of systems to develop issues. Have you brought it to a Volkswagen main dealer yet? That would be our recommended course of action.
What do I need to buy from the UK?
l am about to buy a used 2009 Toyota Avensis TR model from a private seller in the UK. What documents do I require from him for VRT/VRO in Ireland? I appreciate your advice because this my first time.
Thanking you.
Ebere Johnson (Dublin )Dec 2016 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Ebere,
You’ll need two crucial documents. You’ll need the V5C form, which is the vehicle’s identity papers (it’s the red, pink and blue form with the car’s reg number, VIN number etc.) and you’ll need an invoice showing the date and location of sale and the amount paid for the car.
Other than that, you’ll need the usual proof of identity for yourself (passport or driver's licence, utility bill with your home address etc.).
I’d suggest you have a good careful read of two pages before you start out:
How best to upgrade to a newer car?
Hi, I am thinking of changing my 2006 Nissan Navara in the next nine months. I was thinking of upgrading to 2011/12 Volkswagen Passat or Ford Mondeo and my budget is about €12,000. The problem is I don't know how to sell my own car. It's seen far better days and the engine isn't in great condition either. Most dealers are offering €3,500 or less and I tried cash4cars and they're not interested. I am hoping to get four grand plus for it but don't have the time to sell it privately. I really don't know what to do with my Navara and was wondering if you would know?
Many thanks, Denis
Mike Connolly (Wicklow Town )Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Mike,
Should I import a high-spec Insignia from UK?
Hi,
I'm looking at buying a used car in the UK. We need a spacious, reliable and safe family car. The Vauxhall Insignia seems really great value for money. High spec models even. Are there any glaring problems with them? Say 2010 - 2011. They are cheaper than the Mondeo and Passat.
Ciarán.
Ciarán O'Neill (Athlone)Nov 2016 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Ciaran,
No major glaring problems. They can develop electrical gremlins, especially with the central locking and alarm systems, and the boot seals can leak, letting in water, but as long as you buy one with a full service history you shouldn’t have too much to worry about.
Thinking of importing an American car...
Hi,
I am thinking about purchasing a US car that has just been registered in the UK. The car in question meets the UK IVA standards and passed all tests. The lights have also been adjusted to meet EU standards. I have two questions:
1. Is the IVA test good enough (the car hasn't really been driven much in the UK and looks to have all documents in check) or should I fork out for an independent test. Trying to minimize my spend as I will need it for VRT.
2. How much will VRT be on a 2014 5.7-litre?
Many thanks
Derek
Derek J (Dublin)Nov 2016 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Derek,
Well, if the car has been correctly adjusted to meet UK and EU standards then it should be fine, and for lights there are always aftermarket upgrade options such as better bulbs or extra spot lamps. The IVA test is pretty comprehensive so if it’ll get through that and pass an NCT, then I wouldn’t have any major worries, as long as the car’s history etc all checks out.
I'd like a new car that is really comfortable.
Hi,
I have just been reading Neil Briscoe's article (June 2016) about Citroen's new suspension system. I take it Neil wasn't too impressed. I have a 2003 Citroen C5 that is a fantastically comfortable car. It will have to be replaced sometime unfortunately. Because I have spine injuries I would need something that is the equivalent in terms of a smooth ride.
What do you think the chances are of finding same?
Thanks
Clare
Clare McLoughin (Tullamore)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Clare,
Well, if I gave the impression that I wasn’t too impressed, then that’s not quite right as we haven’t yet driven a new Citroen model equipped with the new Advanced Comfort suspension system. It won’t go into production until next year (2017). We have just driven the new Citroen C3, which has a very impressive ride quality on standard springs and dampers, so the omens for the new system are good.
Is it worth upgrading to a premium brand?
I would like some advice on changing from my Ford Mondeo to a higher price level car, say BMW 5 Series or Audi A6 or Mercedes. Is it worth all the extra cash? What will I feel that will be so much better?
Fergal Reidy (Celbridge)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Fergal,
In a purely objective sense? No, there’s nothing. Will you get an interior that looks and feels a bit classier? Yes. Will you get a badge that has a bit more appeal? Yes. Do these things really matter? Not to everyone. If you’ve got a Mondeo then you already have a well-made, comfortable car that’s good to drive. So upgrading to an Audi or BMW will get you… a shinier badge. If you want something that feels as good as the premium stuff but costs less, have a look at a Volkswagen Passat or Mazda6 as a potential replacement. The only area in which the German cars are quantifiably better is in resale value.
Passat GTE or BMW 330e suitable for me?
I do about 12,000km a year in and around Dublin, using the M50 a bit. Would a hybrid like the Passat GTE or BMW 330e suit me or should I go for diesel? Buying a new car in the new year!
Michael Quin (Sandyford)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
I’d suggest that a Passat GTE or 330e would be about perfect with that kind of mileage and usage. It will help, of course, if you have a driveway where you can fit a charging point, but once the batteries have drained and you’re running on normal hybrid power, both of those cars will average better than 40mpg. Here are our reviews: