Expert answer

Hi Sherif,

The newer 1.4-litre TSI engine is superior in every way. It produces a little more power, but way more torque across the rev range, making it faster and actually more efficient too so it emits less and uses less fuel.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi James,

We put this to Cartell.ie, the vehicle records experts. Here's the response:

"Officially, there is no particular line on this question. Anecdotal evidence suggests a vehicle may still pass a subsequent NCT even with a lower odometer reading. The National Car Testing Service is not releasing its mileage data to anyone. Cartell has actively sought mileage records from the NCTS for some time now and continue to do so on the grounds of public safety."

Hope that helps

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.

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.

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.

Expert answer

Hi Jim, 

I am not going to make my answer easy. I would want to drive the Passat every day, but after four or five years I would want to be trading in an Avensis. It really depends on how important pain-free motoring and good residuals are to you.

We can't decide for you Jim, so you must go with your head (Avensis) or your heart (Passat)!

I hope this (sorta) helps. 

Expert answer

Hi Louise,

We put this question to official vehicle records experts, Cartell.ie, and this is what they said:

"Ideally, yes it would be advantageous to have CAT D on the logbook. However, in the UK, only CAT A to C is shown on the logbook as these cars require a Vehicle Identification Check (VIC) post-repair and before being used again on the road. The fact that the vehicle passed the VIC will be shown on the V5 (UK log book). In Ireland there is no legal obligation for insurers to notify the Department of Transport (DoT) of the write off. However, Cartell has been working with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) since 2007 to bring about legislation requiring insurers to notify the DoT. Cartell also introduced the Motor Insurers Anti Fraud and Theft Register (MIAFTR) Ireland, which allows insurers to notify the DoT using a Category system which had not been available until MIAFTR came into operation. The proposed legislation may well have CAT D (the lower of the write offs) put onto the log book. Cartell wrote a report on Irish write offs in 2007 and UK write offs in 2008 for the RSA and subsequently all imported cars now have to undergo an NCTS inspection (not a full check). Furthermore, if the V5 has a CAT stamped on it then this will be transferred to the Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC) or Irish log book."

Hope that clears it up?

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.

Expert answer

Hi Leeianne,

There are a few things this could be. The simplest, and cheapest to fix, is a stone or something stuck in the brake calliper. It'd take a mechanic five minutes to sort that out for you. However, it could be that your brake pads are worn down to the metal as well, which is more serious. Either way, the sooner you get the wheel off for someone to look at it the better.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

The arguement for petrol is growing Brendan. While everyone is fixated on diesel the petrol engines are getting cleaner and will come back into fashion. When it comes to fuel economy the gap between petrol and diesel is getting closer and in a lot of cases there is little difference between the road tax.

The 1.4-litre petrol engine in the Passat is more than good enough. So if you want a Passat then you could go for it. There could and perhaps will be less value in the petrol model later on, but if you keep it long enough suddenly this won't become that much of an issue and since you go low mileage then you could keep it for 5 or more years.