What car would you recommend to replace my Passat?
I'm in the market for a new car. I drive a Passat at the moment and can't imagine I will have any problem selling it on as it's a diesel with a service record. Some one told me that SEAT has a new car coming out similar to the Passat or Skoda Superb. Can you tell me if they are any good?
Derek O'Mahony (Galway)May 2010 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Firstly, trading in your car won't be a problem at all if you are bringing the car in against a new model, but you might not get as much for your car as you would have first expected. Selling it privately can be a little trickier these days too as buyers are harder to find because of the lack of available finance, quite simply.
Now, in terms of the car, the SEAT that you are talking about is probably the Exeo, which hasn't been on the market too long. It is a nice car, basically a rebadged previous-generation Audi A4. You have a choice of 1.6- and 2.0-litre petrol or a 2.0-litre diesel. Prices start at €26,690. Go to www.seat.ie for the latest line-up and pricing.
Servicing before the NCT?
My NCT is coming up soon? Is it best to get the car serviced before the NCT or to go ahead with the test, then have identified faults repaired and return to the NCT centre? Which is most cost effective?
Hi Stephen. We would always echo the words of the manufacturers when it comes to servicing intervals. They are there for a reason so it is usually best to stick with them.
However, from personal experience - albeit with a much older car - the NCT can sometimes uncover things that you didn't know was a problem. If it isn't too long to the NCT, I personally would wait until the NCT and then get a retest if it fails because 9 times out of 10 this works out as a cheaper option rather than getting a service then having to go back to a dealer and get more work done at a later stage if the NCT uncovers anything. At least by having the NCT first you can get the car serviced and also get any faults identified by the test repaired in one go.
However, if your NCT is a long time away and your car is well overdue a service, I would get the service done first as you could end up causing your car some problems which could cost you a lot more to put right.
Stephen Duffy (Abbeyleix)May 2010 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
My NCT is coming up soon? Is it best to get the car serviced before the NCT or to go ahead with the test, then have identified faults repaired and return to the NCT centre? Which is most cost effective?
Hi Stephen. We would always echo the words of the manufacturers when it comes to servicing intervals. They are there for a reason so it is usually best to stick with them.
However, from personal experience - albeit with a much older car - the NCT can sometimes uncover things that you didn't know was a problem. If it isn't too long to the NCT, I personally would wait until the NCT and then get a retest if it fails because 9 times out of 10 this works out as a cheaper option rather than getting a service then having to go back to a dealer and get more work done at a later stage if the NCT uncovers anything. At least by having the NCT first you can get the car serviced and also get any faults identified by the test repaired in one go.
However, if your NCT is a long time away and your car is well overdue a service, I would get the service done first as you could end up causing your car some problems which could cost you a lot more to put right.
Am I being ripped off for a timing belt change?
Hi. I brought my car to a mechanic recently for a service as its NCT is up soon. He told me as I've over 60,000 miles on the clock my timing belt needs to be replaced, but between labour and parts it'll cost around €400. Is this true? He doesn't seem like the world's most dishonest guy in fairness, but I don't want to have to shell out another €400 unless it's completely necessary.
Brion Lynch (Dingle)Apr 2010 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Brion. It would be useful to know what car you are talking about and how old it is so we can let you know if the price and timing belt change interval sound right.
Besides that, bear in mind that the NCT will not be affected by the timing belt.
Obviously if it's due replacement we'd recommend you do so as soon as is possible.
Will home servicing affect warranty?
Will home servicing affect my car's warranty?
Paul Hegarty (Dublin)Apr 2010 Filed under: warranty
Expert answer
We checked with Mark from www.micksgarage.ie and he told us, "One of the guys here has worked as a service advisor and warranty manager in the past and can confirm that if you buy genuine service parts and service the car yourself, the warranty is unaffected. Also, for those looking to undertake the jobs themselves, the Haynes website has some useful videos on oil changes, filter changes and spark plugs etc."