Is it worth getting built-in satnav?

HELPDESK: Answering all your motoring queries

From MW: A friend has a 2005 automatic VW Golf (1.9 diesel). She is tall and finds the Golf very low. Basically, the main requirements are an automatic that’s higher off the ground. She doesn’t do that much mileage so petrol/diesel is irrelevant. A low tax band would help also as she is presently paying around €500. I suggested the Nissan Qashqai but she finds it too big. She also doesn’t like the look of the Juke. Any suggestions?

If the Qashqai is too big and the Golf is too low then there’s a limited number of options out there. My instinct would be to suggest that she tests a Skoda and a Kia, though I would also add the Hyundai iX35 to the inspection list, even though I suspect she would also find it too big.

The Skoda to test is the Yeti, which is offered with a 1.2-litre petrol and automatic dual-clutch (DSG) transmission. If she needs more power there is a 2-litre 170bhp diesel version with DSG due in Ireland this autumn for €31,495. However, the smaller petrol version starts at €24,610.

Alternatively there is the Kia Soul, which is a very smart looking crossover that’s on the market with a 1.6-litre diesel and automatic transmission (resulting in 155g/km of emissions and an annual motor tax of €302), for €21,495. I realise it still might seem as big as a Qashqai but it’s slightly taller off the ground.

From A O’L: I’ve been offered a new car with satnav built in but I already own a TomTom. The salesman tells me that the in-car system is superior to the TomTom and will add value to the car when I go to sell it. Is it worth getting or should I just order one without?

In their favour, in-car systems are designed to last for the lifetime of the car and the integrated approach is sometimes more intuitive to use than the portable handheld devices. That’s probably about all there is in favour of the in-car system. The difference in price can be significant and the abundance of the portable devices means that few of the future buyers of your car will be without their own device. I can’t see it really adding to the value, never mind the fact that the maps will have to be updated to make it relevant before you sell it on. There is a lot to be said for taking the advice of salesmen when choosing colours and various features on a new car but given it’s such a significant investment I’d always prefer to order my own car rather than take one that the salesman is eager to off-load. I’d also remind you that if you can wait until January then it will carry a 12-month registration and that will be worth more when going back to market in a few years than an in-built system.

In-car technology is developing very quickly as car firms see it as a quick way to differentiate from the competition. In the near future we can expect smartphone users to be able to link up their smartphone interface with a main screen in the car and operate all their apps and the like through it. When that comes along, the idea of a rather static in-built satnav system will not be a big lure for future buyers. My advice would be to use the money you save on the satnav system to opt for other comfort features. Bluetooth and USB/iPhone connections are arguably far more important these days than in-car satnav.