Ford Focus 1.4 or Volkswagen Passat 1.6?
Hi there, we are looking to buy either a 2003 Ford Focus, with 144,000 miles or 2002 Volkswagen Passat at 119,000 miles. Both cars are petrol except the Passat is a 1.6-litre and the Ford a 1.4-litre. We are looking for the most economical and long lasting car.
Thanks
Siobhan Gavin (Athlone)May 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Siobhan,
Although the Passat is a really well built car, I'd go for the Focus in this instance. The Passat's 1.6-litre petrol engine struggled with the weight of the car, and that made it both uneconomical and rather prone to developing problems. The Focus, although a smaller vehicle overall, struggles less with its 1.4-litre engine and the general build quality on that first generation Focus was excellent. Just check carefully underneath for signs of rust - some first gen Focus models didn't get proper underseal at the factory.
How reliable are the new Dacia Logan cars?
How reliable are the new Dacia Logan cars?
Kellie The Great (Dublin)May 2014 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Kellie.
Generally speaking, they should be OK. All the mechanical bits are old, proven Renault and Nissan parts, and thanks to the fact that Logans are pretty well shorn of equipment, there's not that much that can go wrong. Dacias also come with an optional five-year warranty, which should put your mind at rest.
However, it's worth pointing out that the Logan estate we tested recently had a wonky driver's door, putting some doubt over the quality of the assembly and the German TUV (the national safety and quality testing organisation) rates the Logan as having a 13 per cent fault rate. Now, that figure is only a guideline and it does encompass the old Logan (the one that was never sold here) as well, but just for comparisons, the TUV rates a Ford Fiesta at a 4.8 per cent fault rate.
In other words, they're probably fine, but try and make sure you buy one with lots of warranty left, just in case.
Ford Mondeo or Volkswagen Passat for an auto diesel?
Hi,
I'm currently looking to purchase either a Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Powershift or a Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI DSG. Looking at year ranges from 2007-10. Can you please advise on both cars in terms of smoothness of gear change and fuel economy? Also, If I do purchase a 2008 or above model can you tell me the road tax based on emissions for both cars?
Thanks
Rory Roden (Cork)Apr 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Rory,
Both cars use dual clutch semi-automatic gearboxes, which are pretty slick-shifting, but Volkswagen's DSG transmission just edges it for smoothness and quickness.
On the emissions front it's rather bad news I'm afraid. If you're buying 2008 model year cars then you're looking at emissions of 189g/km for the Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Powershift and 175g/km for the Passat 2.0 TDI DSG. That means tax of €750 a year.
It gets a bit better if you can spool forward to 2010 when the Passat's emissions drop to 158g/km so that means a tax bill of €570 a year.
Just for reference, the Mondeo 2.0 diesel auto gets an official 39mpg while the 2010 Passat with DSG gets 47mpg.
To be honest, if you can live without an automatic gearbox you would be better to go for the 1.6-litre diesel versions of either car. Both have decent performance and much better economy and emissions. For instance, a 1.6 BlueMotion Technologies Passat gets 62mpg and has emissions of just 118g/km so tax of €200 a year.
What should I replace my Toyota Verso with?
What should I replace my Toyota Verso with? I have a 2006 model with 130,000 kilometres on the clock. I no longer need a seven-seater and I want a car that can be used for both commuting (50km a day) and family (two kids). My budget is €6k on top of my existing car. What is your recommendation?
Thanks in advance, Rao
Srinivas Rao (Dublin)Apr 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Rao,
At a rough guess that should give you a budget of between €10,000 and €12,000, which is healthy enough. If you've been a Toyota owner in the past I'm assuming you want to stick with something that'll be reliable so my first suggestion is an Auris hatchback. They're spacious inside, so pass the two kids test with ease and the 1.33-litre petrol version should be economical enough for your commuting style.
Also consider a Honda Civic. If anything, Hondas tend to be even better built than Toyotas and while the Civic's avant-garde styling may be a bit of an acquired taste, its spacious and practical cabin is a boon for family life. A 2.2-litre diesel may sound like overkill but it's a terrific engine and has low emissions and therefore is cheap to tax.
Finally, if you want something with a bit more space, how about a Kia cee'd SW estate? Reliably solid, and with that seven-year warranty, pleasant to drive and the estate version has a massive boot.
Let us know how you get on
Any issue with the DSG gearbox in the 2009 Passat?
Hi, I have my eye on a 2009 Volkswagen Passat 1.4 TSI DSG. Are there any issues with these power units and DSG gear mechanisms before I proceed any further?
Kind regards,
Paddy
Patrick Barry (Dublin )Apr 2014 Filed under: gearbox
Expert answer
Hi Paddy,
There aren't any major reported problems on the 1.4 TSI petrol Passat, but just watch the fuel consumption; it's a big car with a small (albeit turbocharged) engine so you may need to work it harder than you think to keep up with traffic. The DSG gearbox can give some problems though. Take a test drive and make sure that the automatic changes are crisp and almost seamless. If not, suspect a dodgy box an walk away.
Is there a problem with imported Nissan Micras?
I just want to buy a Nissan Micra, but some of my friends are saying don't buy an imported one. So what is the drawback of an imported car in Ireland?
Mech Orle (Dublin)Apr 2014 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Mech,
There are few drawbacks to be honest. If you're importing the car from the UK then there is no drawback at all, other than the extra bit of legwork and travel needed to find and bring the car home. And of course you should consider potential difficulties with warranty, financing and trading in your current car.
If you're importing a Japanese model there can be a few issues to look at. Some parts are different, which can make repair and maintenance work a little tricker (and occasionally more expensive) and Japanese emissions laws are different too, so the car may need a tweak to the engine management system to pass the NCT emissions check. Helpfully, there are still several companies in Ireland that specialise in the importing of Japanese market cars and they'd be able to help you out with any of that.
When are the new Passat and Mondeo on sale in Ireland?
When are the new Volkswagen Passat and Ford Mondeo on sale in Ireland?
William Bambrick (Dublin)Apr 2014 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi William,
Ford is swearing blind that the all-new Mondeo (which has already been on sale for two years in the US as the Ford Fusion) is finally coming to these shores in the autumn of this year. The delay is being explained by the need to move the Mondeo's production line from the Ford factory in Ghenk, Belgium (which is being closed down) to Valencia in Spain.
Many of us car critics have pondered though whether or not Ford is simply stalling to try and let the European passenger car market recover before it introduces such a significant new model. If so, job done it would seem.
The new Passat is a little further away, but should be here by mid-2015 at the latest. Prototypes of the new car are already pounding the roads and test tracks of Europe racking up mileage and it's likely that we'll get a first look at the new car (which will be based on the same MQB chassis system as the current Golf) at the Paris Motor Show this September.
In the meantime, it's worth pointing out that the current Mondeo and Passat are still cars operating at the very top of their game and with new models on the way, it's likely you could argue yourself a decent deal on one.
How much is my Volkswagen Passat 1.6 worth?
How much would I get to trade in a 2007 Volkswagen Passat 1.6 with 105,000km on the clock?
Peter Bowden (Cork)Mar 2014 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
I'd take a stab at a value of between €8,000 and €10,000.
Is my BMW worth anything as scrap?
Hi, I have 2000 BMW 316 that passed the NCT two weeks ago, has new tyres and is in great condition, but ran out of oil on the motorway to Dublin last week and the engine seized. Now it's not really worth repairing I don't think so wondering what options I would have. Is it worth anything for scrappage? I got quoted €150 max.
Thanks, Scott
Scott Kitteringham (COrk)Mar 2014 Filed under: scrappage
Expert answer
Hi Scott,
Scrappage isn't worth much these days, sadly, but it might be worth having a ring around local breakers' yards and spare parts experts. Often the value in a car can lie in its components rather than the whole, so if things like the body and interior are in good nick, then you may get some value out of selling those off separately.
Let us know how you get on
Should my wife trade in her Passat for a diesel version?
Should my wife trade in her 2008 Volkswagen Passat 1.4 TSI petrol for a more economical diesel car? My wife loves her Highline Passat, with 130,000km on the clock, but is wondering should she get something newer with similar spec (she's fond of the heated leather seats!). She uses it for work all around the county and also school runs etc for two young kids. What do you recommend?
Thanks
K C (Cork)Expert answer
Hi Keith,
It really just depends on two things; her driving style and habits and what kind of condition the car is in. If it's in good nick, her average mileage is quite low and she's able to maximise the economy from that engine, you may just be better off spending a little bit of money getting the car thoroughly serviced and spruced up and sticking with it. If though her mileage is creeping up or you feel that the car is starting to age then it could well be worth trading in for a newer Passat. The current model is essentially the same car, but updated and re-skinned and the 1.6 TDI diesel gives it terrific economy.